Health Literacy Thesaurus: Medical terms, phrases, references,
and their Plain English equivalents or definitions

J-K-L (jaundice - lymphocytes)

Step 1: Click "Next" to show the term, phrase, or reference. Step 2: Click "Next" again
to show the Plain English equivalent or definition; Repeat Steps 1 and 2. (Best viewed on Firefox or Chrome)
jaundiceskin and eyes turn yellow
jointplace where two bones come together (knee, elbow, etc.)
kidneykidney, organ that filters blood
laceratecut, tear
lacerationcut, tear
ligamenta strong band of tissue that holds your joints together
live vaccinea vaccine that has a weakened form of the virus in it
localizedin a small area, only in one place
locatefind, place, settle, turn up
locationplace, spot
long-termfor a long time, over a long period of time
lower respiratory infectionpneumonia
lung functionmeasure of how strong your lungs are
lungsbreathing organs
lymphaticrelated to the lymph system
lymphocyteslymph cells

Source: CDC Plain Language Thesaurus for Health Communications. Other related materials: Vaccines & Immunizations Glossary; Harvard School of Public Health "Plain Language Glossaries" for asthma, arthritis, and lupus; Medical Library Association "Deciphering Medspeak" for diabetes, stroke, and HIV-AIDS


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