Glossary
D
doshas
The three energies in Ayurveda medicine. When in balance with each other are believed to maintain good health and also determine personality.
double helix
The name for the shape of two strands of DNA when bound together into a twisted helix.
douche
Liquids (sea water, lemon juice, vinegar or shop-bought preparations) used to rinse the vagina before or after sexual activity.
drawing
Drawing is a visual art that makes use of any number of drawing instruments to mark a two-dimensional medium. An artist who practices or works in drawing may be referred to as a draftsman or draughtsman. Drawing is the application of lines to a surface, often paper, by using a pencil, pen, chalk, or some other tracing instrument to focus on the delineation of form rather than the application of colour. This term is often defined broadly to refer to computer-generated images as well.
dressings
Remedies and bandages used to dress or cover a sore, wound, or other lesion.
drink dispenser
A device designed specifically for the easy dispensing of liquid to an ill individual, presumably one who is lying down.
drop foot
A condition where the foot and toes cannot be turned upwards, or at right angles to the leg. This results in an abnormal way of walking.
dropsy
An accumulation of fluid in the body tissues which results in swelling.
drug
Any animal, vegetable, or mineral substance used in the composition of medicines. They affect the structure or function of a living organism.
drug jar
A (usually earthenware) container designed to hold apothecaries' ointments and dry drugs.
dwarfism
A condition characterized by being very short, but with standard body proportions. It occurs from an insufficient production of growth hormone.
dynamometer
An apparatus for measuring force or power. In particular muscular effort of humans or animals, the power developed by a motor, or that needed to operate machinery. It commonly has a spring to be compressed or weight to be sustained by the force applied.
dysentery
Infectious disease with symptoms including diarrhoea, bleeding, and abdominal cramps. It spreads in contaminated food and water, especially in the tropics.