Glossary
S
sun-glasses
Eyeglasses, usually spectacles, with coloured or tinted lenses that protect the eyes from the glare of sunlight.
supercoiling
A form of DNA where the double helix is twisted further around itself. This generally occurs in nature to allow the DNA to condense into living cells.
suppository
A drug that is inserted into the rectum, vagina or urethra, where it dissolves.
suramin
a nonmetallic drug that may be used in the treatment of sleeping sickness
surgery
trial term S&H
surgical bobbin
used in abdominal surgery
surgical instrument set
Set of instruments to be used for surgery. A physician would often build up their own collection of favoured tools in order to feel as comfortable as possible when carrying out surgery.
surgical saw
Cutting tools having thin, flat metal blades, bands, or stiff plates with cutting teeth along the edges used in surgery and for procedures such as trephination.
suture
The closing of a wound or incision with thread to help the healing process.
suture needle
needle used to suture (join the edges of a wound or incision by stitching)
suturing machine
Machine and needles used to suture wounds
sword
Edged weapon consisting basically of a blade, generally longer than that of dagger or knife, and a grip; designed for delivering cutting or thrusting blows or both.
symptom
A physical or mental feature which is regarded as indicating a condition of disease
synthetic
A substance that has been made artificially, i.e. one that does not come from a natural source. Nylon is an example of a synthetic fibre.
syphilis
A sexually transmitted infection resulting in the formation of lesions throughout the body.
syringe
An instrument used for injecting or withdrawing fluids. The open end of the syringe may be fitted with a hypodermic needle for injection into the bloodstream.
syrup
A thick sticky liquid