Glossary
G
gallstone
A solid mass formed in the gallbladder composed of cholesterol and bile salts.
Galton whistle
An instrument for emitting high-pitched tones and ultrasound for determining the upper limits of the hearing range in humans and other animals
galvanism
Any form of medical treatment that uses electricity.
galvanometer
An instrument for detecting and measuring small electric currents.
gas cylinder
A cylinder in which pressurized gas is stored
gas gangrene
Death and decay of wound tissue infected by a soil-based bacteria. Toxins produced by the bacterium cause decay of connective tissue and the generation of gas.
gas mask
A respirator that contains a chemical air filter and is worn over the face as protection against toxic gases and aerosols
gastroenteritis
A bacterial or viral infection caused by the inflammation of both the stomach and the small intestine.
gastro-intestinal surgery
Any type of surgery that addresses problems with the stomach or small intestine.
gender
Has come to refer to the socially constructed roles and differences between men and women; as opposed to 'sex' which refers to the biological distinctions between male and female.
gene
Part of the nucleus of a cell that determines how our bodies function. Genes are passed from parents to children.
genetic diseases
Diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, that are passed from parents to child and which have their origins in changes to DNA.
genetic engineering
The techniques involved in altering the characteristics of one organism by inserting genes from another organism into its DNA.
genetic fingerprinting
A technique which matches DNA sequences obtained from bodily fluids, in order to determine an individual's identity. Often used to determine possible genetic relations, or link a suspected criminal to a crime scene.
genetics
Biological science which deals with the phenomena of heredity and the variation between progenitors and offspring. ERIC9.
genito-urinary medicine
The branch of medicine dealing with the genital and urinary organs.
geodesic sensor net
A large number of electrodes that are placed on a person's head. Used to record weak electrical signals of the brain.
geomantic compass
A type of compass that is used in Feng-Shui (sometimes translated as geomancy). Feng-Shui is a traditional Chinese practise that aims to align energy in positive ways in living spaces and the landscape.
germ
Tiny organisms that cause disease. 'Germ' is now a term that is applied loosely to many micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi.
germ theory
The theory that germs cause disease, often by infection through the air. The germ theory was formally proven by Robert Koch in 1875.
glove
Coverings for the hand enclosing each finger separately, sometimes extending over the wrist and arm.
glucometer
A medical device used to calculate the approximate concentration of glucose in the blood. It is commonly used by people with diabetes for home diagnosis and treatment.
Goa
The capital of the colonial Portuguese empire in Asia and East Africa which gained its independence from the Portuguese in 1961.
goa stone
A popular 17th century remedy for various fever-like diseases, a goa stone consisting of various drugs made up in the form of a hard ball, from which a portion was scraped as required.
goblet
Drinking glass with a large bowl, of various shapes, resting on a stemmed foot.
goggles
Protective coverings for the eyes having special lenses with shields at the sides and sometimes projecting rims or eye tubes; may consist of two lenses or a single frame and either held in place by two sidepieces extending around the ears or a strap that passes around the back of the head.
goitre
An enlargement of the thyroid gland that is usually visible as a swelling of the neck. Simple goitre occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to meet the demands of the body.
goniometer
An instrument for measuring angles, such as those made by joint movements.
gonorrhoea
A sexually transmitted infection that affects the genital membranes of either sex. Symptoms include a yellowish discharge from the genitals.
gorget
An instrument used in the operation for removal of stones from the bladder. It is a director or guide with a wide groove.
gourd
The ornamental, hard-shelled fruit of a vine.Hollowed gourds can be used as a number of things, including bowls or bottles.
gout
A disease with painful inflammation of the joints caused by deposits of uric acid salts. It results in acute arthritis and chronic destruction of the joints.
grape vine
A vine or climbing shrub, of the genus Vitis, having small green flowers and lobed leaves, and bearing the fruit called grapes.
guillotine
A wooden machine with a heavy blade that slides vertically. Used for beheading – most famously during and after the French Revolution. Named after Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, who sought to establish a method of execution that was applicable to all classes of people, and which minimised pain.
gynaecology
A branch of medicine dealing with the treatment of disorders affecting the female reproductive system.