Glossary
T
thermal cycler
A machine used for copying parts of DNA via the process of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
thermocouple
Device that can generate an electrical current proportional to the amount of heat to which it is exposed. Thermocouples are a widely used temperature sensor in electrical engineering and industry.
thermometer
Instruments for measuring temperature by utilizing the variation of the physical properties of substances according to their thermal states..
thermopile
An instrument of extreme sensibility, used to determine slight differences and degrees of heat
Thomas splint
A splint used to immobilise leg fractures to allow healing. It has a ring at the hip connecting to a cross-piece at the foot.
thorn
A modified plant organ, especially a stem, that is stiffened and terminates in a sharp point. Has been used historically for medicinal purposes such as variolation or vaccination
throat swab
a wad of absorbent material usually wound around one end of a small stick and used for applying medication or for removing material from an area
thrush
A yeast infection that affects the mouth, gut and vagina. Usual symptoms include redness, soreness and itching.
tic douloureux
A stabbing pain in the forehead, nose, and scalp, caused by a disorder of the trigeminal nerve (a major nerve in the face).
tin - can
Can made of tin plated metal, usual iron or steel.
tincture
A solution of a medical substance (often a herb or natural plant material) in alcohol. Tinctures were commonly used as alternative medicines in the 1800s.
tine test
a tuberculin test in which a disk with several tines bearing tuberculin antigen is used to puncture the skin; development of a hard red area indicates past or present exposure to tubercle bacilli and the need for further testing
tireford
used in trephination
tobacco box
Small box used for carrying smoking or chewing tobacco, especially those with unattached fitted covers. For similar box having a hinged lid instead of an unattached, fitted cover, use "snuffbox."
tobacconist
A person who deals in tobacco and smoking supplies.
toilet accessory
Piece of equipment that is associated with the toilet or personal hygiene routine such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes, combs etc
token
Designates a substitute for money that move within a limited universe, usually not in general circulation, that may be exchanged for particular goods or services, and are made from hard substances whose intrinsic value is always less than the stated value. The best known example, the trade tokens of Strachan and Company, were issued in South Africa in 1874 and are today recognised as that country's first widely circulating indigenous currency.
tomography
Type of radiography which uses a rotating detector and source of radiation to gain an image of a cross-section of the body. Device is called a tomograph and the end result is called a tomogram.
tongs
Any of numerous devices used for taking hold of objects, consisting commonly of two metal pieces that are joined at one end or near one end by a pivot or spring, forming the two jaws which are used for gripping.
tongue écraseur
Instrument used for tongue excision (removal by cutting)