| air-conditioner lung | An extrinsic allergic alveolitis caused by forced air contaminated by thermophilic actinomycetes and other organisms. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| air conditioning | The maintenance of certain aspects of the environment within a defined space to facilitate the function of that space; aspects controlled include air temperature and motion, radiant heat level, moisture, and concentration of pollutants such as dust, microorganisms, and gases. (12 Dec 1998) |
| air conduction | In relation to hearing, the transmission of sound to the inner ear through the external auditory canal and the structures of the middle ear. (05 Mar 2000) |
| air contrast barium enema | A double contrast enema in which air is introduced after coating of the colon with a dense barium suspension for radiographic study. Synonym: air contrast barium enema. (05 Mar 2000) |
| air contrast enema | A double contrast enema in which air is introduced after coating of the colon with a dense barium suspension for radiographic study. Synonym: air contrast barium enema. (05 Mar 2000) |
| air dose | The radiation dose, expressed in roentgens, delivered at a point in free air. Synonym: air dose. (05 Mar 2000) |
| air drill | <equipment> A drill driven by the elastic pressure of condensed air; a pneumatic drill. (06 Aug 1998) |
| air embolism | <physiology> A serious condition that results when air (in the form of bubbles) invades the blood vessels causing disruption of normal blood flow. (06 Aug 1998) |
| air-gap radiography | Chest radiography with a space (at least 10 inches) between the subject and film. Instead of using a grid, this method uses the geometry and X-ray absorption by the air to remove scattered radiation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| air-gap technique | Chest radiography performed using a space between the subject and film instead of a grid to absorb scattered radiation; usually requires a target-film distance of 10 feet. (05 Mar 2000) |
| air hunger | Extremely deep ventilation such as occurs in patients with acidosis attempting to increase ventilation of alveoli and exhale more carbon dioxide. See: Kussmaul respiration. (05 Mar 2000) |
| air lift fermenter | <apparatus> A fermenter in which circulation of the culture medium and aeration is achieved by injection of air into some lower part of the fermenter. Usually not suitable for animal cell production. Related to gas lift systems where an inert gas is used to achieve circulation in anaerobic conditions. This type of of fermenter is well suited for large-scale production of monoclonal antibodies. (13 Nov 1997) |
| air-lock | <microscopy> An intermediate, enclosed chamber of a vacuum or pressure system through which an object may be passed without effectively changing the vacuum or pressure of the main body of the system. Reference here is to the vacuum of all electron microscopes. (05 Aug 1998) |
| air microbiology | The presence of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the air. This term is not restricted to pathogenic organisms. (12 Dec 1998) |
| air plant | <botany> A plant deriving its sustenance from the air alone; an aerophyte. The "Florida moss" (Tillandsia), many tropical orchids, and most mosses and lichens are air plants. Those which are lodged upon trees, but not parasitic on them, are epiphytes. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |