Amorphous
Amorphous
Amorphous (pronunciation: /əˈmɔːrfəs/) is a term used in various fields of study, including medicine, physics, and chemistry. It is derived from the Greek words 'a' meaning 'without' and 'morphé' meaning 'shape or form'. In a medical context, it is often used to describe substances or structures that lack a definite shape or clear crystalline structure.
Definition
In medicine, the term 'amorphous' is used to describe a substance, tissue, or cell that lacks a definite shape or form. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as disease, injury, or genetic abnormalities. For example, amorphous calcifications in mammography are often associated with malignancy.
Related Terms
- Amorphous calcifications: These are deposits of calcium that lack a specific shape or pattern. They are often seen in mammograms and can be a sign of breast cancer.
- Amorphous sediment: This is a type of urinary sediment that lacks a definite shape. It is often seen in urine samples and can be a sign of various urinary tract disorders.
- Amorphous phosphates: These are a type of urinary sediment that is composed of phosphate crystals. They are often seen in alkaline urine and can be a sign of various kidney disorders.
Etymology
The term 'amorphous' is derived from the Greek words 'a' meaning 'without' and 'morphé' meaning 'shape or form'. It was first used in the English language in the early 18th century to describe substances that lacked a definite shape or clear crystalline structure.
Pronunciation
The term 'amorphous' is pronounced as /əˈmɔːrfəs/.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Amorphous
- Wikipedia's article - Amorphous
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