Dormant
Dormant
Dormant (/ˈdɔːrmənt/; from Latin dormire to sleep) refers to a state of rest or inactivity. In a medical context, it often describes a condition or disease that is currently inactive or not manifesting symptoms, but has the potential to become active in the future.
Etymology
The term dormant originates from the Latin word dormire, which means "to sleep". It was first used in the English language in the 15th century to describe a state of inactivity or rest.
Related Terms
- Latency Period: The period during which a disease is dormant or inactive.
- Reactivation: The process by which a dormant disease becomes active again.
- Remission: A period during which the symptoms of a disease are reduced or disappear, but the disease may still be present in a dormant state.
- Subclinical Infection: An infection that is dormant or not causing noticeable symptoms.
Usage in Medical Context
In medicine, dormant is often used to describe diseases or conditions that are not currently active or showing symptoms. For example, some viruses, such as the herpes simplex virus, can remain dormant in the body for long periods of time before reactivating and causing symptoms. Similarly, certain types of cancer can become dormant, either naturally or as a result of treatment, and may reactivate at a later time.
It's important to note that a dormant disease is not the same as a cured disease. Even though a dormant disease is not causing symptoms, it is still present in the body and may become active again in the future.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dormant
- Wikipedia's article - Dormant
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