| araphia | Synonym: holorachischisis. Origin: G. A-priv. + rhaphe, a seam (05 Mar 2000) |
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| arara | <ornithology> The palm (or great black) cockatoo, of Australia (Microglossus aterrimus). Origin: Native name. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| araucaria | <botany> A genus of tall conifers of the pine family. The species are confined mostly to South America and Australia. The wood cells differ from those of other in having the dots in their lateral surfaces in two or three rows, and the dots of contiguous rows alternating. The seeds are edible. Origin: Araucania, a territory south of Chili. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| arbalist | A crossbow, consisting of a steel bow set in a shaft of wood, furnished with a string and a trigger, and a mechanical device for bending the bow. It served to throw arrows, darts, bullets, etc. Alternative forms: arbalet and arblast. Origin: OF. Arbaleste, LL. Arbalista, for L. Arcuballista; arcus bow + ballista a military engine. See Ballista. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| arbaprostil | <chemical> (5z,11 alpha,13e,15r)-11,15-dihydroxy-15-methyl-9-oxoprosta-5,13-dien-1-oic acid. A synthetic prostaglandin e analog that protects the gastric mucosa, prevents ulceration, and promotes healing of peptic ulcers. The protective effect is independent of acid inhibition. It is also a potent inhibitor of pancreatic function and can inhibit the growth of experimental tumours. Pharmacological action: anti-ulcer agents. Chemical name: Prosta-5,13-dien-1-oic acid, 11,15-dihydroxy-15-methyl-9-oxo-, (5Z,11alpha,13E,15R)- (12 Dec 1998) |
| arbitrary | 1. Depending on will or discretion; not governed by any fixed rules; as, an arbitrary decision; an arbitrary punishment. "It was wholly arbitrary in them to do so." (Jer. Taylor) "Rank pretends to fix the value of every one, and is the most arbitrary of all things." (Landor) 2. Exercised according to one's own will or caprice, and therefore conveying a notion of a tendency to abuse the possession of power. "Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused licentiousness." (Washington) 3. Despotic; absolute in power; bound by no law; harsh and unforbearing; tyrannical; as, an arbitrary prince or government. <mathematics> (Dryden) Arbitrary constant, Arbitrary function, one to which any value can be assigned at pleasure. Origin: L. Arbitrarius, fr. Arbiter: cf. F. Arbitraire. See Arbiter. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| arbitration agreement | The patient waives the right to sue the doctor and, instead, submit any dispute to arbitration. Arbitration agreements are legal and binding. The arguments in their favour are that, for patients, the case can be settled faster and more money can go to them (not the lawyer) and for doctors, it often means that they can get a discount on their malpractice insurance if the majority of their patients sign such an agreement. (12 Dec 1998) |
| arbitratrix | A female who arbitrates or judges. Origin: L, fem. Of arbitrator. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| arbitress | A female arbiter; an arbitratrix. Origin: From Arbiter. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| arbor | A kind of latticework formed of, or covered with, vines, branches of trees, or other plants, for shade; a bower. Origin: OE. Herber, herbere, properly a garden of herbs, F. Herbier, fr. L. Herbarium. See Herb, and cf. Herbarium. 1. <botany> A tree, as distinguished from a shrub. 2. [Cf. F. Arbre. <mechanics> An axle or spindle of a wheel or opinion. A mandrel in lathe turning. Arbor Day, a day appointed for planting trees and shrubs. Origin: L, a tree, a beam. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| arbor dianae | <chemistry> A precipitation of silver, in a beautiful arborescent form. Origin: L, the tree of Diana, or silver. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| arbor vitae | 1. <botany> An evergreen tree of the cypress tribe, genus Thuja. The American species is the T. Occidentalis. 2. <anatomy> The treelike disposition of the gray and white nerve tissues in the cerebellum, as seen in a vertical section. Origin: L, tree of life. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| arbor vitae uteri | The two longitudinal ridges, anterior and posterior, in the mucous membrane lining the cervix uteri, from which numerous secondary folds, or rugae, branch off. Synonym: plicae palmatae, arbor vitae uteri, lyra uterina. (05 Mar 2000) |
| arborary | Of or pertaining to trees; arboreal. Origin: L. Arborarius, fr. Arbor tree. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| arborator | One who plants or who prunes trees. Origin: L, fr. Arbor tree. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |