| differential thermometer | <instrument, physics> An instrument for indicating changes of temperature without indicating the degree of heat by which it is affected; especially, an instrument contrived by Count Rumford which, as modified by Professor Leslie, was afterward called the differential thermometer. Origin: Thermo- + -scope. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| differential threshold | The smallest difference which can be discriminated between two stimuli or one which is barely above the threshold. (12 Dec 1998) |
| differential ureteral catheterization test | A study performed to determine various functional parameters of one kidney compared to the contralateral kidney; ureteral catheters are inserted at cystoscopy into the ureter or renal pelvis bilaterally, and simultaneous measurements are made of urine flow rate, insulin, or PAH (if infused), endogenous creatinine, or various urinary solutes. Synonym: differential renal function test, split renal function test. (05 Mar 2000) |
| differential white blood count | An estimate of the percentage of white blood cell types which make up the total white blood cell count. (05 Mar 2000) |
| disjunctive absorption | Absorption of living tissue in immediate relation with a necrosed part, producing a line of demarcation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| d-xylose absorption | This test measures the intestine's ability to absorb the simple sugar, D-xylose. This is an indicator for whether or not nutrients are being absorbed properly in the intestine. This test is often used to evaluate persistent diarrhoea, weight loss, malnutrition and cases of suspected malabsorption. Abnormal results may be seen in the following conditions: Crohn's disease, Giardiasis, hookworm infestation, radiation enteritis, celiac sprue, viral gastroenteritis and Whipple's disease. (27 Sep 1997) |
| interstitial absorption | The removal of water or of substances in the interstitial fluid by the lymphatics. (05 Mar 2000) |
| threshold differential | The smallest difference which can be discriminated between two stimuli or one which is barely above the threshold. (12 Dec 1998) |
| electron resonance absorption | <physics> A spectrometric method, based on measurement of electron spins and magnetic moments, for detecting and estimating free radicals in reactions and in biological systems. Synonym: electron paramagnetic resonance. (05 Mar 2000) |
| external absorption | The absorption of substances through skin, mucocutaneous surfaces, or mucous membranes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test | <investigation> A sensitive and specific serologic test for syphilis. It is more specific than the VDRL assay. The patient's serum is diluted to remove non-specific antibodies and then mixed on a glass slide with Nichol's strain of Treponema pallidum. If antibodies are present in the patient's serum they bind to the antigen and the bound antibodies are detected with fluoresceinated antihuman gamma-globulin antibody. Synonym: FTA-ABS test. (12 Sep2002) |
| light differential threshold | The smallest difference in light intensity that can be appreciated. (05 Mar 2000) |
| linear absorption coefficient | That fraction of ionizing radiation absorbed in a unit thickness of a substance or tissue. See: absorption coefficient. (05 Mar 2000) |