| defined medium | <cell culture> Cell culture medium in which all components are known. In practice this means that the serum (that is normally added to culture medium for animal cells) is replaced by insulin, transferrin and possibly specific growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| definite | 1. Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or interval. "Elements combine in definite proportions." (Whewell) 2. Having certain limits in signification; determinate; certain; precise; fixed; exact; clear; as, a definite word, term, or expression. 3. Determined; resolved. 4. Serving to define or restrict; limiting; determining; as, the definite article. Definite article, the essential law of chemical combination that every definite compound always contains the same elements in the same proportions by weight; and, if two or more elements form more than one compound with each other, the relative proportions of each are fixed. Compare Law of multiple proportions, under Multiple. Origin: L. Definitis, p. P. Of definire: cf. F. Defini. See Define. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| definition | <microscopy> The distinctness with which the very fine detail in an image or photograph can be seen. (05 Aug 1998) |
| definitive callus | The callus which has become converted into osseous tissue. Synonym: permanent callus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| definitive erythroblast | <haematology, pathology> Embryonic erythroblast found in the liver, smaller than primitive erythroblasts, they lose their nucleus at the end of the maturation cycle and produce erythrocytes with adult haemoglobin. (18 Nov 1997) |
| definitive host | <epidemiology> The host in which a parasite reproduces sexually. (05 Dec 1998) |
| definitive lysosomes | Lysosome's in which lysis takes place, owing to the activity of hydrolytic enzymes; they are believed to eventually become residual bodies. Synonym: definitive lysosomes, digestive vacuole. (05 Mar 2000) |
| definitive method | An analytical procedure for the measurement of a specified analyte in a specified material which is known to give essentially the true value for the concentration of the analyte. (05 Mar 2000) |
| definitive prosthesis | A dental prosthesis to be used over a prescribed period of time. (05 Mar 2000) |
| deflagrability | <chemistry> The state or quality of being deflagrable. "The ready deflagrability . . . Of saltpeter." (Boyle) Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| deflagrable | <chemistry> Burning with a sudden and sparkling combustion, as niter; hence, slightly explosive; liable to snap and crackle when heated, as salt. See: Deflagrate. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| deflagrate | <chemistry> To burn with a sudden and sparkling combustion, as niter; also, to snap and crackle with slight explosions when heated, as salt. Origin: L. Deflagratus, p. P. Of deflagrare to burn up; de- + flagrare to flame, burn. <chemistry> To cause to burn with sudden and sparkling combustion, as by the action of intense heat; to burn or vaporize suddenly; as, to deflagrate refractory metals in the oxyhydrogen flame. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| deflagration | 1. A burning up; conflagration. "Innumerable deluges and deflagrations." 2. <chemistry> The act or process of deflagrating. Origin: L. Deflagratio: cf. F. Deflagration. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| deflagrator | <chemistry> A form of the voltaic battery having large plates, used for producing rapid and powerful combustion. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| deflection | 1. The act of turning aside, or state of being turned aside; a turning from a right line or proper course; a bending, especially. Downward; deviation. "The other leads to the same point, through certain deflections." (Lowth) 2. The deviation of a shot or ball from its true course. 3. <optics> A deviation of the rays of light toward the surface of an opaque body; inflection; diffraction. 4. <engineering> The bending which a beam or girder undergoes from its own weight or by reason of a load. Origin: L. Deflexio, fr. Deflectere: cf. F. Deflexion. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |