History of Science
Medicine
Medicine (pronounced /ˈmɛdɪsɪn/) is the science and practice of establishing the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Medicine encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness.
Etymology
The word "medicine" is derived from the Latin medicina, meaning "the healing art".
Disease
Disease (pronounced /dɪˈziːz/) is a particular abnormal condition that negatively affects the structure or function of all or part of an organism, and that is not due to any immediate external injury.
Etymology
The word "disease" comes from the Old French maladie, which in turn comes from the Latin malum, meaning "evil" or "bad".
Diagnosis
Diagnosis (pronounced /ˌdaɪ.əɡˈnoʊ.sɪs/) is the identification of the nature and cause of a certain phenomenon. In the context of medicine, it is the determination of a disease from its signs and symptoms.
Etymology
The word "diagnosis" comes from the Greek diagnosis, meaning "discernment, distinguishing".
Prognosis
Prognosis (pronounced /prɒɡˈnoʊsɪs/) is a medical term for predicting the likely or expected development of a disease, including whether the signs and symptoms will improve or worsen (and how quickly) or remain stable over time; expectations of quality of life, such as the ability to carry out daily activities; the potential for complications and associated health issues; and the likelihood of survival (including life expectancy).
Etymology
The word "prognosis" comes from the Greek prognosis, meaning "foreknowledge".
Treatment
Treatment (pronounced /ˈtriːtmənt/) refers to the management and care of a patient to combat, ameliorate, or prevent a disease, disorder, or injury.
Etymology
The word "treatment" comes from the Latin tractamentum, meaning "handling, management, treatment".
Prevention
Prevention (pronounced /prɪˈvɛnʃən/) in medicine is any activity which reduces the burden of mortality or morbidity from disease. This can be achieved by preventing the occurrence of disease, by preventing the spread of disease, or by improving disease outcome.
Etymology
The word "prevention" comes from the Latin praeventio, meaning "anticipation, prevention".
See also
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