Glossary
G
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.