| autocarpian | <botany> Consisting of the pericarp of the ripened pericarp with no other parts adnate to it, as a peach, a poppy capsule, or a grape. Origin: Auto- + Gr. Fruit. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| autocatalysis | A reaction in which one or more of the products formed acts to catalyze the reaction; beginning slowly, the rate of such a reaction rapidly increases. Compare: chain reaction. Synonym: autoactivation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| autocatalytic | A compound that catalyses its own chemical transformation. More commonly a reaction that is catalysed by one of its products or an enzyme catalysed reaction in which one of the products functions as an enzyme activator. (18 Nov 1997) |
| autocatheterization | Passage of a catheter by the patient. (05 Mar 2000) |
| autocephalous | Having its own head; independent of episcopal or patriarchal jurisdiction, as certain Greek churches. Origin: Gr. Independent; self + head. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| autochronograph | An instrument for the instantaneous self-recording or printing of time. Origin: Auto- + chronograph. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| autochthonous | Derived from within a system, such as organic matter in a stream resulting from photosynthesis by aquatic plants. Compare: allochthonous. (09 Oct 1997) |
| autochthonous ideas | Thoughts that suddenly burst into awareness as if they are vitally important, often as if they have come from an outside source. (05 Mar 2000) |
| autochthonous malaria | Disease acquired by mosquito transmission in an area where malaria regularly occurs. (05 Mar 2000) |
| autochthonous parasite | A parasite descended from the tissues of the host. Synonym: autochthonous parasite. (05 Mar 2000) |
| autocide | <pharmacology> A chemical produced by a bacteria which is toxic to other bacteria within the same species, but does not affect other bacteria. (09 Oct 1997) |
| autoclasia | 1. A breaking up or rupturing from intrinsic or internal causes. 2. Progressive immunologically induced tissue destruction. Origin: auto-+ G. Klasis, breaking (05 Mar 2000) |
| autoclave | <equipment> A machine that sterilises instruments or materials with high pressure and heat or pressurised steam. (02 Jan 1998) |
| autocoid | A chemical substance produced by one type of cell that affects the function of different types of cells in the same region, thus functioning as a local hormone or messenger. Origin: G. Autos, self, + eidos, form (05 Mar 2000) |
| autocracy | Origin: Gr., cf. F. Autocratie. See Autocrat. 1. Independent or self-derived power; absolute or controlling authority; supremacy. "The divine will moves, not by the external impulse or inclination of objects, but determines itself by an absolute autocracy." (South) 2. Supreme, uncontrolled, unlimited authority, or right of governing in a single person, as of an autocrat. 3. Political independence or absolute sovereignty (of a state); autonomy. 4. <medicine> The action of the vital principle, or of the instinctive powers, toward the preservation of the individual; also, the vital principle. [In this sense, written also autocrasy. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |