Medical

Everyday Australian words, slang and life-admin terms for migrants, students and workers — explained in plain English and 8 other languages.

Reviewed entries

160 entries

Medical words here are for communication only and are not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about your health, and call 000 in an emergency.

hearing aid
noun
A small device worn in or behind the ear to help someone hear better.
Her grandfather wears a hearing aid.
heart
noun
The organ that pumps blood around the body.
Regular exercise is good for your heart.
heart attack
noun
A sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart; a medical emergency.
Chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, so call 000.
heart rate
noun
The number of times the heart beats per minute.
Exercise increases your heart rate.
heatstroke
noun
A serious condition caused by the body overheating; a medical emergency.
Heatstroke can be dangerous for older people.
heel
noun
The back part of the foot.
My heel hurts when I walk.
high blood pressure
noun
Blood pressure that is higher than normal (hypertension).
High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
hip
noun
The joint where the leg joins the body.
She had a hip replacement last year.

hospital admission
noun
Being formally accepted into hospital as a patient.
Hospital admission was quick on a Sunday.
infection
noun
An illness caused by bacteria, viruses or other germs entering the body.
The cut became red because of an infection.
inhaler
noun
A small device that sends medicine into the lungs when you breathe in.
He always carries his asthma inhaler.
injection
noun
Putting medicine into the body with a needle.
The nurse gave her an injection in the arm.
insomnia
noun
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Stress often causes insomnia.
intensive care unit
noun
A hospital section for very seriously ill patients who need constant care (ICU).
She spent two days in the intensive care unit.
itchy
adjective
Making you want to scratch your skin.
My eyes are itchy and watery.
jaw
noun
The bones of the mouth that hold the teeth.
My jaw hurts when I chew.
joint
noun
A place where two bones meet, such as the knee or elbow.
Cold weather makes my joints ache.
kidney
noun
One of two organs that remove waste from the blood and make urine.
The blood test checks how well your kidneys work.
knee
noun
The joint in the middle of the leg.
He injured his knee playing football.
liver
noun
A large organ that cleans the blood and helps digestion.
Too much alcohol can damage the liver.
lower back
noun
The part of the back just above the hips.
Lifting boxes hurt my lower back.
lungs
noun
The two organs in the chest used for breathing.
Smoking damages the lungs.
measles
noun
A highly infectious disease causing fever and a red rash.
Measles can be prevented by vaccination.
midwife
noun
A health professional who cares for women during pregnancy and birth.
The midwife visited after the baby was born.
migraine
noun
A severe headache, often with sensitivity to light and nausea.
Bright lights can trigger a migraine.