The Routledge Pocket Guide

to Medical Latin
The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin is a medical reference
tool like no other, providing an easy-to-use, extensive guide to Latin
words and phrases commonly used in medical settings.
Offering readers a treasury of over 4000 Latin words and
phrases, over 900 abbreviations, and numerous tables with dozens of
useful Latin terms and interesting quotations drawn from the field
of medicine, this volume also encompasses the related fields of
pharmacy, botany, dentistry, and the veterinary sciences. This book
provides quick and accessible definitions and explanations of Latin
words and phrases used in the medical world, as well as a helpful
pronunciation guide. In addition, there is a section of miscellaneous
entries that comprises useful information, including common Latin
prepositions, prefixes, and particles. Included at the end of this book
is an extensive English-Latin index.
The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin is an invaluable
reference work for medical and pharmacy students and practitioners,
as well as general readers interested in the history of medicine and in
medical terminology.

Dr. Jon R. Stone is a best-selling author and Professor of Religious

Studies at California State University, Long Beach. He is the author
of Latin for the Illiterati, More Latin for the Illiterati, The Routledge
Dictionary of Latin Quotations, and The Routledge Book of World
Proverbs, among many others.
The Routledge Latin Pocket Guides
(in Three Separate Volumes)

Volume 1: The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

Volume 2: The Routledge Pocket Guide to Legal Latin
Volume 3: The Routledge Pocket Guide to Religious Latin

Also by Jon R. Stone

Dictionnaire Rose des Locutions Latines (2007)
Latin for the Illiterati, 2nd ed. (2009)
More Latin for the Illiterati (1999)
The Routledge Book of World Proverbs (2006)
The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations (2005)
and
The Craft of Religious Studies (1998)
The Essential Max Müller: On Language, Mythology, and
Religion (2002)
Expecting Armageddon: Essential Readings in Failed
Prophecy (2000)
A Guide to the End of the World (1993)
On the Boundaries of American Evangelicalism (1997)
The Routledge Pocket
Guide to Medical Latin

Jon R. Stone
Designed cover image: Brian Jackson/Alamy Stock Photo
First published 2024
by Routledge
4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN
and by Routledge
605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa
business
© 2024 Jon R. Stone
The right of Jon R. Stone to be identified as author of this work has
been asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or
reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical,
or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including
photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval
system, without permission in writing from the publishers.
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks
or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and
explanation without intent to infringe.
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Stone, Jon R., 1959– author.
Title: The Routledge pocket guide to medical Latin / Jon R. Stone.
Description: Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY : Routledge, 2024. |
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2023044767 (print) | LCCN 2023044768 (ebook) |
ISBN 9781032186061 (hbk) | ISBN 9781032186054 (pbk) | ISBN
9781003255352 (ebk)
Subjects: LCSH: Latin language—Terms and phrases. | Latin
language—Medical Latin. | Medicine—Terminology.
Classification: LCC PA2387 .S76 2024 (print) | LCC PA2387 (ebook) |
DDC 478.2/421—dc23/eng/20240201
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2023044767
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2023044768
ISBN: 978-1-032-18606-1 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-032-18605-4 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-003-25535-2 (ebk)
DOI: 10.4324/9781003255352
Typeset in Times New Roman
by Apex CoVantage, LLC
 For my sister-in-law
Dr. Dawn Salpaka Stone
with love and admiration
Ubi desinit philosophus, ibi incipit medicus.
(Where the philosopher ends, the physician begins.)
 Contents

Preface viii
References & Sources xiii
Pronunciation Guide xvi

The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 1

Selected Maxims and Quotations: On Life, Death,

Sickness, and the Healing Arts 109

Abbreviations 116

Miscellanea (Miscellaneous) 142

Some Common Prepositions and Particles 142

Some Common Prefixes 143
Some Useful Medical Directives 144
The Latin Calendar 144
Roman Numerals 145
Some Apothecary Weights and Measures 147
Some Elements on the Periodic Table 147
Varieties of Primary and Secondary Colors 148
Selected Medical and Botanical Place Names 148

English-Latin Index 150

 Preface

In the 1906 Introduction to Reginald Bennett’s Medical and Pharma-

ceutical Latin, Henry Greenish of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great
Britain lamented the noticeable shift away from the use of Latin in the
writing of prescriptions both in Britain and on the Continent. While
it seemed understandable that busy professionals would write their
medical directives in the vernacular, ‘yet,’ as Greenish asserted, ‘there
is much to be said in favor of a universal language for pharmacopoeias
and physicians’ prescriptions.’ For one thing, he argued, with the rapid
advance in travel across Europe, let alone the globe, there would be
every danger of inaccuracies in dispensing medicines and preparations
written in a variety of languages. Such mishaps could be averted ‘in the
writing of these prescriptions in a universal language, Latin, by which
they would be readily intelligible to the pharmacists of the countries,
just as systematic descriptions of plants are written in Latin and are
universally intelligible to systematic botanists’ (1906:v).
It was to correct this deficiency that Bennett published his book,
whose chief aim was to provide guidance to medical students whose
modest familiarity with classical Latin might prove insufficient to
meet the technical demands of the profession. Or, as Bennett himself
put it, the medical student must learn ‘to write correctly and to translate
intelligibly and appropriately medical directions’ as well as ‘a large
number of new prescriptions written in the abbreviated Latin style
used by physicians’ (1906:vii).
A decade later, in 1917, Otto Wall of the St. Louis College of Medi-
cine echoed much of Bennett’s and Greenish’s concerns over the need
for a common language in medicine. In the United States, however, Wall
noted that vernacular English varied greatly by region—itself a cause for
general confusion—and therefore made use of Latin as a common lan-
guage among pharmacists and physicians all the more critical to know.
But further, Wall argued that the use of English by physicians might,
first, ‘needlessly hamper treatment of disease by the foolish notions of
the patient’ and, second, might arouse suspicions among the public who

would soon know not only the nature of the ingredients of a pre-
scription, but also their intrinsic values, and would, therefore,
 Preface ix

refuse to pay more than commercial profits for medical treatment

or medicines, and proper remuneration for professional services
and responsibilities would cease (1917:88).

Despite these financial concerns, and the ever-present carnival side-

show of quacks and charlatans purveying their own nostrums—and the
potential perils that lay in what Bennett had derisively dubbed ‘self-
drugging’ among the masses—Wall voiced additional and more urgent
concern over maintaining the professional standing of the healing arts
in America, a standing that Latin as ‘a universal language of science’
had historically provided in Europe (1917:88–9; and Bennett 1906:viii).
Now, over a century later, the use of Latin as well as Greek words
and phrases remains a common and necessary part of the specialized
nomenclature that defines the epistemological foundations of the pro-
fession of medicine, not to mention law and theology. What those
within these professions know about their respective fields—and how
they know what they know—are questions that not only engage pro-
fessors and practitioners but all college and graduate students who are
preparing for careers in these fields, especially those in medicine.
Even so, it is not simply through the wealth of Greek and Latin words
and phrases, prefixes and suffixes, that the modern world’s connection to
its classical past has been maintained. The body of knowledge bequeathed
to medicine extends, as well, to the methods and techniques, prognosis
and diagnosis, preparations and cures passed down and refined through-
out the long centuries of development of the healing arts in Europe,
America, and the West (and now being augmented by the healing wisdom
of India and China). Indeed, much of the early techniques of medicine
began during the Golden Age of Greece through the life and work of Hip-
pocrates of Kos (BCE c.460–c.370) and passed along to the Roman world
through the work of Galen (129–216 CE), and by many others.
It is primarily through the writings of Hippocrates, the natural phi-
losopher and spiritual descendant of Asclepius, the god of medicine,
that we find the earliest testament to the ancient art of healing, brought
vividly to life through writings that display his inquisitive nature, rea-
soned process, and holistic approach. And it is to Hippocrates that the
medical profession owes its method of careful empirical observation.
For, as Elias Marks had long ago observed, it was Hippocrates who

first divided diseases into epidemic, endemic, and sporadic, accord-

ing to the present acceptations of these terms; and these diseases
x Preface

he again divided into acute and chronic. The duration of an acute

disease was distinguished by the beginning, height, decline, and
termination (1818:xxiii).

Although widely celebrated in his own time, Hippocrates is best

known in our day for his popular maxim primus non nocere, the first
duty of the physician is to do no harm, and for the Hippocratic Oath,
in which young apprentices vowed to treat the sick, to abstain from
causing intentional harm, and to keep the patient’s confidence. Lesser
known by the public is Hippocrates’ book, Aphorisms, in which he
laid out his careful observations of physical symptoms, prescribed
treatments as well as noted their affects through short, memorable
statements, much in the same way that a teacher might instruct his or
her students. The most noteworthy of these statements, and perhaps
the most quoted line from this collection, is found in the first of Hip-
pocrates’ aphorisms: ‘Vita brevis, ars longa’ (Life is short, art long).
Those who typically encounter this quote often see it emblazoned on
car bumpers or stenciled on a sporty tee or as a webpage banner or on
a refrigerator magnet. Though certainly a familiar saying today, the
word ars, as translated from the Greek (τέχνη) and as also found in the
Oath (line 10), actually means something like method, skill, trade, or
possibly practice, not our modern concept of the fine arts, as in paint-
ing, sculpture, or dance. Most often this pithy statement strikes people
as a deep or otherwise sober-minded saying, with the emphasis being
on vita brevis. But in fact, Hippocrates’ first aphorism, from which this
line is plucked, conveys an even greater sense of urgency to those who
wish to engage in the healing arts. In Latin: ‘Vita brevis, ars longa,
occasio praeceps, experientia fallax, judicium difficile.’ That is, ‘Life
is short, the art long; occasion fleeting; experience deceiving; judg-
ment difficult.’ And what doctor, nurse, or other medical practitioner
has not felt this way? As Hippocrates himself might have counseled:
Life is short, and the time that it requires to master the skills and tech-
niques of medicine is longer than one life. Or, rather, life is short, learn
all you can!
While originally formulated in the now-dead languages of Greek
and Latin, over many generations since the time of the ancients, the
methods and techniques of the art of medicine have continued to be
sharpened, refined, and improved by their devoted heirs who also
continued to employ Greek and Latin as their common specialized
languages, thus giving sustained life and relevance to these classical
 Preface xi

languages into our own day. In this spirit, The Routledge Pocket
Guide to Medical Latin offers readers a treasury of useful Latin words
and phrases drawn from the field of medicine, broadly conceived to
encompass the related branches of pharmacy, chemistry, botany, den-
tistry, and the veterinary sciences. (Persons involved in homeopathy,
home remedies, and herbal cures may find these pages of interest as
well.) Though written primarily as a quick reference for the student
and practitioner of medicine, translations from Latin into English
have been simplified wherever possible, and numerous examples have
been provided to help clarify meanings that might otherwise appear
vague or overly technical for general-interest readers. Obsolete terms
and their related practices—such as bloodletting (venaesectio) and
the use of leeches (applicentur hirudines)—have been included for
historical interest.
In all, there are over 4000 separate entries in the main body of this
guide with an additional 900 abbreviations of terms, instruments, ele-
ments, and medical directives. To help enliven this work, there is also
included some 100 Latin maxims and quotations related to life, death,
sickness, and the healing arts, including five by or attributed to Hippo-
crates himself. In addition, there is a section of miscellaneous entries
that comprises a variety of useful reference information, from com-
mon Latin prepositions, particles, and prefixes, to the Roman calendar
(months and days), a chart of Roman numerals, apothecary weights
and measures, some Latin elements on the Periodic Table, and a veri-
table rainbow of Latin names for primary and secondary colors, and
also a selection of Latin place names used both in medicine and by
botanists. Included at the end of this book is an extensive, though not
comprehensive, English-Latin Index.
To modify an old Spanish proverb: ‘The silent err not.’ To write
a book, especially a reference book, often means that one risks mak-
ing slips of the pen, in this case the inadvertent typographical error
or awkwardly translated (or retranslated) word or phrase. And indeed,
variations in spelling and word order as well as changes in meaning
and usage over time can create their own challenges, hence my use
of some older sources. In all of these instances, the author begs the
reader’s kind indulgence.
To write a book is also to incur debts, both professional as well
as personal. Over the years, a number of university colleagues, pro-
gram directors and chairs, professional associates, and editors have
taken an interest in my Latin projects and also have pointed my career
xii Preface

in the right direction. I owe them much and truly appreciate all their
collegiality and support. Most especially, I would like to thank the
editors and production staff at Routledge for nearly thirty years of
fruitful association, with appreciation to the present efforts of Amy
Davis-Pointer, Marcia Adams, Lizzi Rich, Sophie Dixon-Dash, Marie
Roberts (Apex), and two unnamed reviewers for their guidance and
helpful suggestions on how to improve this present volume.
Finally, my deepest gratitude always and forever goes to my fam-
ily and longtime friends—far too many to name but not too many to
remember with heartfelt appreciation. It seems more than fitting that
the dedication of this pocket guide to medical Latin be presented to
my sister-in-law, Dr. Dawn Salpaka Stone, my brother Richard’s wife,
whose whole life of dedicated service to the medical profession and
joy-filled spirit inspire all who know her, me most of all.
Vita Brevis, Ars Longa
Jon R. Stone, Ph.D.
California State University, Long Beach
August 2023
 References & Sources

Antoniou, George A., Stavros A. Antoniou, George S. Georgiadis, and Atha-

nasios I. Antoniou. “A Contemporary Perspective of the First Aphorism of
Hippocrates.” Journal of Vascular Surgery 56, 3 (September 2012): 866–8.
Barton, Wilfred M., and Walter A. Wells. Thesaurus of Medical Words and
Phrases. Philadelphia and London: W.B. Saunders & Co., 1903.
Bennett, Charles E. New Latin Grammar (2nd ed., revised; reprinted). Boston:
Allyn and Bacon, 1963.
Bennett, Reginald R. Medical and Pharmaceutical Latin for Students of Phar-
macy and Medicine. London: J. & A. Churchill, 1906.
Boardman, John, et al. (eds.). The Oxford History of the Classical World. New
York: Oxford University Press, 1986.
Caspari, Charles, and E.F. Kelly. A Treatise on Pharmacy for Students and
Pharmacists (7th ed., thoroughly revised). Philadelphia and New York:
Lea & Febiger, 1926.
de Vaan, Michiel. Etymological Dictionary of Latin and the Other Italic Lan-
guages. Leiden and Boston: Brill, 2008.
Eggleston, Cary. Essentials of Prescription Writing (7th ed., revised). Philadel-
phia and London: W.B. Saunders Co., 1942.
French, Roger. Canonical Medicine: Gentile da Foligno and Scholasticism.
Leiden and Boston: Brill, 2001.
Glare, P.G.W. (ed.). Oxford Latin Dictionary (2nd ed., reprinted with correc-
tions). Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016.
Gledhill, David. The Names of Plants (3rd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge Uni-
versity Press, 2002.
Grant, Edward. A History of Natural Philosophy from the Ancient World to the
Nineteenth Century. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007.
Greene, Ryland W. Lippincott’s Medical Dictionary (rev. ed.). Philadelphia:
J.B. Lippincott Company, 1905.
Greenough, J.B., et al. (eds.). Allen & Greenough’s New Latin Grammar (reprint
of 1903 ed.). New Rochelle: Aristide D. Caratzas, 1983.
Guterman, Norbert (ed.). The Anchor Book of Latin Quotations. New York:
Anchor Books, 1990.
Hippocrates. Collected Works (vol. 1, W.H.S. Jones, trans.). The Loeb Classi-
cal Library. London: William Heinemann; Cambridge: Harvard University
Press, 1957.
Hoerr, Normand L., and Arthur Osol (eds.). Blakiston’s New Gould Medical
Dictionary (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw Hill Book Company, 1956.
Howe, George, and John Grover Beard. Latin for Pharmacists. Philadelphia:
P. Blakiston’s Son & Company, 1916.
xiv References & Sources

Ince, Joseph. The Latin Grammar of Pharmacy for Use of Medical and Phar-
maceutical Students (10th ed.). London: Baillière, Tindall & Cox, 1920.
Israelowich, Ido. Patients and Healers in the High Roman Empire. Baltimore:
Johns Hopkins University Press, 2015.
Konstantinidis, Giannis. Elsevier’s Dictionary of Medicine and Biology (Part 1,
Basic Table). San Diego: Elsevier, 2005.
Lewis, Charlton T., and Charles Short. A New Latin Dictionary (revised,
enlarged, and rewritten). New York: Harper & Brothers; Oxford: The Clar-
endon Press, 1884.
Marks, Elias. The Aphorisms of Hippocrates, etc. New York: Collins & Com-
pany, 1818.
McKeown, J.C. A Cabinet of Ancient Medical Curiosities. New York: Oxford
University Press, 2017.
Moreland, Floyd L., and Rita M. Fleischer. Latin: An Intensive Course. Berke-
ley: University of California Press, 1977.
Morwood, James. A Latin Grammar. Oxford and New York: Oxford University
Press, 1999.
Muldoon, Hugh C. Lessons in Pharmaceutical Latin and Prescription Writing
and Interpretation (3rd ed., revised). New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1937.
Riley, H.T. (ed.). Dictionary of Latin Quotations, etc. London: Henry G. Bohn,
1859.
Scanlon, Valerie C. Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology (5th ed.). Philadel-
phia: F.A. Davis Company, 2007.
Scott, William A. “The Practice of Medicine in Ancient Rome.” Canadian
Anaesthetists’ Society Journal 2, 3 (July 1955): 281–90.
Simpson, D.P. Cassell’s Latin-English/English-Latin Dictionary (5th ed.). New
York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1977.
Stearn, William T. Botanical Latin (3rd ed.). Newton Abbot and London:
David & Charles Publishers, 1983.
Stone, Jon R. More Latin for the Illiterati. New York and London: Routledge, 1999.
Stone, Jon R. The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations. New York and
London: Routledge, 2005.
Stone, Jon R. Latin for the Illiterati (2nd ed.). New York and London: Rout-
ledge, 2009.
Thomas, J. A Comprehensive Medical Dictionary, etc. Philadelphia: J.B. Lip-
pincott & Company, 1876.
Trayner, John. Latin Phrases and Maxims. Edinburgh: William Patterson, 1861.
Wall, Otto A. The Prescription, Therapeutically, Pharmaceutically, Grammati-
cally and Historically Considered (4th ed., revised). St. Louis: C.V. Mosby
Company, 1917.
Webster’s II: New Riverside University Dictionary. Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Company, 1984.
 References & Sources xv

Webster’s New World Dictionary (3rd College ed.). New York: Prentice Hall,
1988.
Wheelock, Frederic M., and Richard A. LaFleur. Wheelock’s Latin (6th ed.,
revised). New York: HarperCollins, 2005.
Woods, Robert S. The Naturalist’s Lexicon. Pasadena: Abbey Garden Press,
1944.
Wyeth, John. An Epitome of Therapeutics. Philadelphia: John Wyeth & Broth-
ers, 1901.
Yapijakis, Christos. “Hippocrates of Kos, the Father of Clinical Medicine, and
Asclepiades of Bithynia, the Father of Molecular Medicine.” In Vivo 23
(2009): 507–14.
 Pronunciation Guide

In pronouncing Latin, it is helpful to know that most Latin sounds

have corresponding standard American English sounds, but with
the rules for long and short vowel sounds being more consistently
applied. Indeed, long and short vowel sounds refer simply to the
duration of the sound, that is, how long the vowel should be voiced
within its given syllable. For convenience, the basic Latin vowel
sounds are pronounced accordingly: a = ah, e = eh, i = ee, o = oh,
u = oo.
As examples, the long a in father is the same sound as the long a in
the Latin word pater. The short a in the English words par and far are
very similar in sound to that of the Latin words pax and fax. The short
e in pet is similar in sound to the Latin et, as is the short i in twig the
same as the i in the Latin word signum. The long o in Ohio sounds very
much like the o in the Latin word dolor. Similarly, the short o in pot is
pronounced similarly to the short o in populus. Likewise, the Latin u in
runa and pudicus, one long and the other short, sound the same as the
long and short u vowels in rude and put.
Readers should also keep in mind that in Latin, unlike English, all
the syllables in a word are pronounced, including the final e and es,
such as in the words arte and artes, duce and duces, fide and fides,
opinione, and legiones.
With respect to Latin consonants, one should nearly always pro-
nounce them as those in standard American English (e.g., b = b,
d = d, f = f, l = l, m = m, n = n, p = p, r = r, s = s, t = t, etc.), with the
exception of c, g, h, and v, which are always pronounced like k (as
in kirk), g (as in give, gave, and go), h (as in hard), and v as v or w
(as in vine and vise or we and was) respectively. The letters i and j,
when placed before another vowel, such as iam/jam and ius/jus, are
pronounced like the consonant y (as in you, yam, and yeti), not the
consonant j. The convention of substituting the letter j for i, when
used as a consonant, appeared after the Classical period. For the sake
of simplicity, both i and j are used here.
Lastly, with respect to vowel diphthongs, most Classical Latin lin-
guists prefer to pronounce them as follows: ae as if it were a long i
(as in pine); oe as oi (as in boy); au as ou or ow (as in bough or now);
 Pronunciation Guide xvii

ei as a long a (as in weight); eu as eu (as in feud); and ui as wee (as in

the French oui).
For further discussion, guidelines, and helpful examples, please
consult LaFleur’s Wheelock’s Latin (6th ed.), Allen & Greenough’s
New Latin Grammar, Bennett’s New Latin Grammar, and Morwood’s
A Latin Grammar.
 The Routledge Pocket Guide
to Medical Latin

A
a balineo: after bathing
a capite ad calcem: from head to heel (i.e., from top to bottom)
a datu: from the date
a dextra: on the right
a die: from that day or date
a latere: from the side
a primo: from the first
a sinistra: on the left
a solis ortu usque ad occasum: from sunrise to sunset
a tergo [in the rear]: behind; from behind
ab extra [from without]: from the outside
ab incunabulis [from the cradle]: from childhood
ab initio: from the beginning; from the start
ab intra [from within]: from the inside
ab invito: unwillingly; against one’s will
ab parvulis: from childhood
abhinc: hereafter; from here on
abies: fir tree
ablutio: washing away; cleansing
abrasus: scraped off; close shaven
absens: absent
absente febre (abs. febr.): in the absence of fever
absinthium: absinth; wormwood
absolutus: absolute
absorbens: absorbent
abortus: aborted; prematurely born
abusque ulla nota: without any mark
acacia or acaciae gummi: gum arabic
acanthulus: an instrument for removing thorns, splinters, and the like
from wounds
acanthus: having thorns or spines; the acanthus plant
acaulis: having no stem or stalk; stemless
acephalus: without a head; headless

DOI: 10.4324/9781003255352-1
2 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

acer [sharp]: a needle

acerbitas: acidity; sourness
acerbus (acerb.): sour; bitter
acetas: an acetate
acetica: preparations of vinegar
aceticus: acetic
acetonum: acetone
acetum (acet.): vinegar
acetum Britannicum: aromatic vinegar
acetum rutaceum: vinegar of rue
aciditas: acidity
aciditate infestante: when troubled with acidity
acidulus: sourness
acidum or acidus: acid; sharp; sour in taste
acidum aereum: an older name for carbon dioxide
acidum hydrochloricum: hydrochloric acid (earlier names include
acidum muriaticum and acidum salis)
acidum lacticum: lactic acid
acidum sulfuricum or acidum sulphuricum: sulfuric acid
acidum tannicum: tannic acid
acinus: a berry; the seed of a berry
acme: highest point; the peak (e.g., the height of a fever or a disease)
acne rosacea or rosacea: acne (see also, gutta rosea)
aconitum: monk’s hood; sometimes monk’s head (a strong poison)
aconitum napellus: wolfsbane (a strong poison)
acor: acidity (e.g., in the stomach)
activatus: activated
actus: act
acuminatus: pointed
aculeatus: having a stinger or barb
aculeus: a sting; a stinger
acus: a needle
acutifolius: having pointed leaves
acutus: sharp; accute
ad: to; at; up to
ad alvum excitandum (ad alv. excitand.): to stimulate the bowels
ad aptam crassitudinem (ad apt. crass.): to a suitable thickness or
consistency
ad conciliandum gustum: to suit the taste; with consideration to the palate
ad defectionem animi (ad def. animi): to fainting
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 3

ad deliquium (ad deliq.): to fainting

ad duas vices (ad duas vic. or ad 2 vic.): at two times; in two doses
ad gratam aciditatem (ad grat. acid.): to an agreeable sourness
ad gustum: to taste; according to taste
ad gustum conciliandum: to suit the taste; with consideration to the
palate
ad hoc: to the moment; for this purpose
ad libitum (ad lib.): at will
ad partes dolentes (ad part. dol.): to the painful parts
ad plenum: fully; copiously; to the brim
ad recidivum praecavendum (ad recid. praec.): to prevent a relapse
ad saturandum (ad sat.): to saturation
ad secundum vicem (ad sec. vic. or ad 2nd vic.): for the second time
ad syrupi densitatem evaporet: let it evaporate to a syrupy consistence
ad tempus [at the right time]: in due time; according to the circumstances
ad tertiam vicem (ad ter. vic.): for the third time
ad tres alias vices (ad 3 al. vic.): at three other times; for three other times
ad tres vices (ad 3 vic.): at three times; for three times
ad unum: to the one; without exception
ad unum omnes: all to the one; unanimously
ad usum externum (ad us. ext.): for external use
ad vivum [to the life]: lifelike
ad vomitum sedandum: to allay vomiting
adde (ad. or add.): let there be added
addendus (addend.): to be added
additum (pl. addita): something added
adeps: lard; fat
adeps auserinus: goose grease
adeps depuratus: purified lard
adeps gadi: cod liver oil
adeps lanae: wool fat; lanolin
adeps ovillus: mutton suet
adeps salis expers: salt-free lard
adeps sine sale: lard without salt
adeps suillus: hog’s lard
adhaesivus: adhesive
adhibendus (adhib. or adhibend.): to be used; to be applied
adhuc: while; as yet
adjuvans: helping; assisting; an adjuvant (i.e., a strengthening agent
that assists other remedies)
4 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

adlevare or adlevatio: to alleviate; alleviating

adligare or adligo: to bind up [a wound]
admove (admov.): apply
admoveatur (admov.): let it be applied
adolescens: youth
adsto: to be present
adstans: present
adstante febre (adst. febr.): in the presence of fever
adstrictus: tight; confined
adstringens: astringent
adsum: to be present
adultus: an adult
adustus: burnt; singed; also, sunburnt
adversum or adversus (adv.): against
aeger (f. aegra; aeg.): sick; the patient; a medical excuse
aegri somnia [a sick person’s dreams]: hallucinations
aegrota: a sick woman
aegrotat (pl. aegrotant) [he or she is ill]: a medical excuse
aegrotus: a sick man
aequalis (aeq.): equal
aer: air
aeratus: made of or covered with bronze; aerated
aerugo: verdigris (i.e., a copper patina)
aes: copper or brass
aestivus: pertaining to summer; summerlike; summery
aestuarium: a vapor bath
aestus: heat
aetas: age
aether: ether
aethyl: ethyl
aethylenum: ethylene
aethereus: ethereal
aethusa cynapium: garden hemlock (or fool’s parsley)
affectus: affected
affinis: having affinity with
affluxus: flowing to
agaricus: a mushroom
aggrediente febre (aggred. febr.): on the approach of fever
aggressus: an attack
aggressus febris: an attack of fever
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 5

agita (agit.): shake

agita ante dispensationem: shake before dispensing
agita ante sumendum: shake before taking
agitando: by shaking
agitando miscentur: let them be mixed by shaking
agitato vase (agit. vas.): the vial being shaken
agitatus: having been shaken
agrestis: pertaining to the field; wild
ala [wing]: the armpit (see also, axilla)
ala dextra: the right wing or armpit
ala laeva: the left wing or armpit
alatus: having wings; winged
alba et atra: white and black
albus (alb.): white
alcohol: alcohol
alcohol absolutum: absolute alcohol
alcoholicus: alcoholic
alga: seaweed
alimentum: food
aliquot: some; a few
alius alias: one now, another later
alkalinus: alkaline
alkaloidum: alkaloid
allevare or adlevare: to alleviate
alligare or adligare: to bind
allium or alium: garlic; garlic plant (properly, allium sativum)
allium cepa: onion; onion plant (see also, cepa)
alnus: the alder
aloe: aloe plant
alpinia nutans: false cardamom
alter: the other
alter . . . alter . . . (alt. . . . alt. . . .): the one . . . and the other . . .
alter ego: a second self
alternis annis (alt. anni.): every other year
alternis diebus (alt. die.): every other day
alternis horis (alt. hor.): every other hour
alternus: alternate; one after the other
alterum tantum [as much again]: twice as much
althaea: marsh mallow plant
alumen: alum
6 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

aluta: leather
alutam mollens: upon soft leather
alvearium: the external opening of the ear
alveolus: a little hollow; a tray or trough
alveus: hollow area; cavity
alviducus or alviducum: a laxative
alvo adstricta (alv. adst.): the bowels being constricted (i.e.,
constipated)
alvo laxata (alv. laxat.): the bowels being relaxed
alvo soluta: with the bowels being loosened
alvus: the bowels
amabilis: able to be loved; lovable
amarities: bitterness
amarus: bitter
ambiguus: ambiguous; going two ways; uncertain
ambo [two together]: both
ambrosia [food of the gods]: an antidote to poison and deadly toxins
amens: insane
amiantus: asbestos
amictus: cloaked; clothed
ammonia: ammonia
ammoniatus: ammoniated
amor: love
amphetamina: amphetamine
amphora: a jar
amplus (amp.): large; ample
ampulla: a small bottle
amygdala: almond
amygdala amara: bitter almond
amygdala dulcis: sweet almond
amygdalae: the tonsils
amygdalus persica: a peach
amylaceus: of starch
amylum: starch
ana (aa or āā): of each
analgesicus: an analgesic
androgynus: an androgyne
anethum: dill; sweet fennel
anetus: intermittent fever
angina: a sharp, constricting pain; a sore throat; the quinsy (i.e., tonsillitis)
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 7

angina maligna: a severe sore throat

angina parotydea: the mumps
angina pectoris: sharp pain in the chest (i.e., muscle spasms)
angina tonsillaris: tonsillitis
angina trachealis: croup
anguis: snake (see also, serpens)
angustifolius: narrow-leaved
angustus: narrow
animal: (n.) animal
animalculum (pl. animalcula) [a little animal]: a microscopic organism
animalis: (adj.) animal
animo aeger: heartsick physically
animus: life; breath; the mind; the life principle
anisum: anise (see also, illicium)
anno interjecto or anno interiecto: after the interval of a year
anno vertente: in the course of the year
annos vixit (a.v.): he or she lived (so many years)
annuus: annually; yearly
anodyna: pain-relieving medicines
anserinus: of a goose
antacidus: antacid
ante: before
ante cenam (ant. cen.) or ante coenam (ant. coen.): before supper
ante cibos (a.c. or ant. cib.): before meals
ante cibum (a.c. or ant. cib.): before food
ante dispensationem agita (a.d.a. or ant. disp. agit.): shake before
dispensing
ante jentaculum (a.j. or ant. jentac.): before breakfast
ante lucem: before daybreak
ante meridiem or ante meridianus (a.m. or A.M.): before noon
ante mortem (a.m. or A.M.): before death
ante partum or antepartum [before birth]: before childbirth
ante prandium (ant. prand.): before dinner
antea: beforehand
antebrachium (pl. antebrachia): the forearm
anterior: at the front; the front part
anthelmintica: vermifuges; worm remedies
anthelminticus: vermifuge; wormicidal
anti: against; opposed to
anthemis: chamomile
8 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

anticardium: the pit of the stomach

anticatarrhalis: an anticatarrhic
anticoagulans: anticoagulant
antidiphthericus: antidiphtherial or antidiphtheriac
antidotum: antidote
antidysentericus: antidysenteric
antidyspepticus: antidyspeptic
antimonialis: antimonial
antimonii vinum: wine of antimony (see also, vinum antimonii)
antimonium: antimony (see also, stibium)
antineuraligicus: antineuralgic
antisepticus: antiseptic
antitetanicus: antitetanic
antitoxinum: antitoxin
aperiens (aper.): opening; aperient (e.g., a laxative)
apertus: opened; uncovered
apex: the top; the pointed end of the heart (as opposed to basis cordis)
aphtha (pl. aphthae): an ulcer in the mouth (as in thrush)
apis: a bee
apis mellifica: the honey bee
apium: celery
apo: from; away from
apocynum: dogbane; Canadian hemp
apotheca [a storeroom]: a drugstore
apothecarius [a shopkeeper]: an apothecary
apparatus: an apparatus; equipment; also preparation or provision
applica: apply
applicetur (applicet.): let it be applied
applicentur hirudines vertici: let leeches be applied to the top of the head
apricus: exposed to the sun
aqua (aq.): water
aqua aerata (aq. aerat.): carbonated water
aqua astricta (aq. astr.): frozen water (i.e., ice)
aqua bulliens (aq. bull.): boiling water
aqua caelestis [celestial water]: pure rainwater; also, a cordial
aqua calcis: lime water
aqua calida (aq. calid.): warm water
aqua camphorae: camphor water
aqua Coloniensis: eau de Cologne (see also, spiritus Coloniensis)
aqua communis (aq. comm.): common water (i.e., tap water)
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 9

aqua destillata (aq. dest.): distilled water

aqua dulcis (aq. dul.) [sweet water]: fresh water
aqua ex puteo: well water (i.e., water drawn from a well)
aqua fervens (aq. ferv.): hot water
aqua fluvialis (aq. fluv.): river water
aqua fontana or aqua fontalis (aq. font.): spring water
aqua fontis (aq. font.): spring water
aqua fortis (aq. fort.): nitric acid
aqua gelida (aq. gel.): cold water
aqua intercus: dropsy (see also, hydrops)
aqua marina (aq. mar.): seawater
aqua menthae viridis: spearmint water
aqua mirabilis [wonderful water]: an aromatic cordial
aqua naphae (aq. naph.): orange-flower water
aqua nivalis (aq. niv.): snow water
aqua pluvialis or aqua pluvia (aq. pluv.): rainwater
aqua pura (aq. pur.) [pure water]: distilled water
aqua regia (aq. reg.) [royal water]: a mixture of nitric and hydrochlo-
ric acids that dissolves platinum and gold
aqua rosae (aq. ros.): rose water
aqua saliens (aq. sal.): a jet of water
aqua salsa (aq. sals.): salty water; salt water
aqua vitae (aq. vit.) [water of life]: a distilled spirit (e.g., whiskey)
aqualis: pertaining to water
aquaticus: related to water; aquatic
aquosus: watery
arachis: peanut
aranea: spider
araroba: Goa powder
arbor: a tree
arborescens: treelike
arboreus: pertaining to trees
arcanum (pl. arcana) [secret]: a medicine whose composition is closely
guarded
arctium lappa: burdock; beggar’s button
ardor: a flame or the heat from a flame
ardor febrilis: feverish heat
ardor urinae: burning sensation during urination caused by inflam-
mation of the urethra
ardor ventriculi: heartburn
10 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

areca: betel nut

arena: sand
arenosa urina: urine with gravel
areola: the colored area that rings the nipple
argentatus: silvered; silvery
argenteus: of silver; silvery
argentum (Ag. or ag.): silver
argentum vivum: mercury; quicksilver
argilla: white clay
aridus [arid]: parched; dried; thirsty
aries: a ram
aristolochia: birthwort
armatus [armed]: provided with
armoracia: horseradish
armus: shoulder; shoulder blade
aromaticus (arom.): aromatic
ars: art; practice
arsenicalis: arsenical
arsenosus: arsenous
arsenum or arsenicum: arsenic
arteria aspera: the trachea; the windpipe
arteria magna: the aorta (the artery of the body that carries blood from
the heart)
arthriticus: arthritic; also, general joint pain of the body
articulorum dolor [joint pain]: a form of gout
articulus: a joint; a knuckle
artificialis: artificial
artuum: the joints
arvensis: from the field or meadow
arvus: arable land; a ploughed or cultivated field
asafoetida: asafetida
asarum: wild ginger
asarum canadense: Canadian snake root
asbestus: asbestos
ascaris vermicularis: the thread worm
ascensus morbi: increase of a disease
asellus: codfish
asepticus: aseptic
asina: a she-ass
asinus: an ass or donkey
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 11

aspidium: the shield fern

aspirinum: aspirin
aspis: asp; adder
asplenium: the spleenwort fern
assidue: constantly
astragalus: milk vetch; also another name for the ankle bone (see talus)
astringens: astringent
ater (f. atra, neu. atrum): coal black
atra et alba: black and white
atropurpureus: a dark purple
attinctus: blackened
attonitus [thunderstruck]: stunned; terrified
audio: to hear
augeatur (aug.): let it be increased
aura: a steam or subtle vapor
aura epileptica: the premonitory sensation of epilepsy sufferers, simi-
lar to the sensation of cold fluid rising to the brain
aura seminalis: the principle of attraction that drives semen up the
fallopian tubes toward the ovum
aura vitalis: the life principle
aurantiacus: orange (color)
aurantium: an orange (see also, citrus aurantium)
aurantius: orange (color)
aurantium amarus: bitter orange
aurantium dulcis: sweet orange
aureus: golden
auri (pl. auribus; aur.): to or for the ear
auri dextro: to the right ear
auri sinistro: to the left ear
auri lamina: gold leaf (see also, lamina auri)
aurinarium (aurin.): an ear cone; an ear suppository
auricula (pl. auriculae): the external part of the ear; the earlobe
auris (pl. aures): the ear
auris dextra (aur. dext.): the right ear
auris laeva (aur. laev.): the left ear
auristillae (auristill.): ear drops
auritus: having long ears
aurum (Au. or au.): gold
aurum foliatum: gold leaf
australis: southern
12 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

autumnalis: autumnal
avellana or avella: the filbert
avena: oat grain
avenae farina: oatmeal (see also, farina avenae)
avenae sativa: oats
avis: bird
axilla: the armpit (see also, ala)
axungia: lard
azymus: unleavened

B
bacca or baca (pl. baccae): berry
baccatus: producing or bearing berries; berrylike
bacchia: pimpled condition of the face that attends heavy alcohol
consumption
bacifer: berry-bearing
bacillus (pl. bacilli) [a rod]: a bacillus
bacillum: a small staff or wand; a bougie
baculus: a ball- or oblong-shaped lozenge
balanus [an acorn]: the glans penis and glans clitoridis
balneum or balineum (baln.): bath; bathing room
balneum animale (baln. anima.): part of a freshly killed animal applied
to a patient’s body or limb
balneum arenae (B.A. or baln. aren.): a sand bath
balneum calidum: a warm bath
balneum fervens: a hot bath
balneum frigidum: a cold bath
balneum Mariae [Mary’s bath]: a double boiler, originally used in
alchemy
balneum maris (B.M. or baln. mar.): a saltwater bath
balneum medicatum (baln. med.): a medicated bath
balneum siccum (baln. sicc.): a bath of dry ashes
balneum tepidum: a tepid bath
balneum vaporis (B.V. or baln. vap.): a vapor or steam bath
balsamodendron myrrha: myrrh (see also, myrrha)
balsameus or balsamicus: balsamic
balsamum (balsam.): balsam
baptisia: false or wild indigo
barba: beard
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 13

barbatus: bearded
barbitalum: barbital
barium (Ba.): barium
basis (pl. bases): base; bottom
basis cordis: the base or rounded end of the heart (as opposed to
apex)
belladonna: deadly nightshade
bene: well; good
bene decessit [he or she died well]: he or she died naturally
benzenum: benzene; coal naphtha
benzinum: petroleum; gasoline
benzosulfinidum: benzosulfinide (i.e., saccharin sweetener)
berberis: barberry
bergamotta: bergamot
beta: beetroot
betula: sweet birch
betulinus: pertaining to birch
bibe (bib.): drink
bibere: to drink
bibliotheca: a library
bibulus: taking up or taking in water or moisture
bicarbonas: bicarbonate
bicoloratus: having two colors
bicornis: having two horns
biduum: a period or space of two days
biennium: a period or space of two years
bifariam: in two parts
bifurcus: having two forks or prongs
bihorium: two hours
bilibra: two pounds weight
bilis: bile
bini: two each; two at a time; two by two
bipartito: in two parts
bipartitus: divided in two
bipennis: having two wings; also, double-edged
bis: twice
bis bina [twice two]: two pairs
bis in die (b.i.d.): twice a day
bis terve die (b.t.d.): two or three times a day
bis terve in die (b.t.i.d.): two or three times a day
14 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

bismuthum (bisemutum): bismuth

bitumen: pitch; asphalt
blandus: pleasant; smooth; agreeable
boletus: mushroom
bolus (bol.): a large pill
bombacium: cotton (see also, gossypium)
bombus: buzzing sound in the ears; gurgling sound in the intestines
bombyx: cotton wadding
bonus: good
boras: borate
borax: sodium borate
borealis: northern
boricus: boric
bos (or bovis): an ox
bougium: a bougie (a flexible instrument used for entering the urethra,
rectum, etc.)
boulimia: unusual or extreme hunger following a meal
bracchium or brachium: the arm
brachio (brach.): the upper arm; to the arm
branchia: the gill of a fish
brassica: cabbage; broadly, other such vegetables as the turnip and
mustard plant
brevicaudatus: short-tailed
brevifolius: having short leaves
brevis: brief; short
breviter: briefly; shortly
brodium: broth; any liquid in which something is boiled
bromidum (brom.): bromide
brutus: dull; heavy; without reason
brygmus: grinding of the teeth
bucca: cheek
buffera: buffered
buginarium (buginar.): a nasal bougie (i.e., a flexible instrument used
for entering the nasal passage)
bulbus: a plant bulb
bulla: blister caused by a burn or by scalding
bulliat (bull.): let it boil
bulliens: boiling
bursa [purse]: sac
butyrum (but.): butter
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 15

butyrum cacaonis: cocoa butter

buxus: box tree; boxwood

C
caballus: a horse
cacao: cocoa seed
cacumen: tip
cadaver: a corpse
caducus: deciduous; perishable
caecitas: blindness
caecus: blind
caeruleus (caerul.): blue
caesicius: a bluish-grey
caesios oculos: dim blue or bluish-grey eyes
caesius: blue-grey
cafea or caffea: coffee
caffeina: caffeine
cajuputi: cajuput or cajeput; commonly, tea tree
calamina: calamine
calamus: calamus; sweet flag
calcaneum: heel
calcar: spur
calculus (pl. calculi): stone or gravel, found chiefly in the kidneys,
bladder, and gall ducts
caldaria: a cauldron
calefacere: to warm
calefaciens: warming
calefactus (cal.): warmed
calendula: marigold
calide: while warm
calidus: warm; hot
caligo [fog or darkness]: impaired vision; dimness or blindness of
vision; also, mental darkness
caligo lentis [defect of the lens]: poor vision; dim vision; a cataract
caligo pupillae: defect of the pupil
caligo retinae: defect of the retina
callum or callus: hard; hard skin
callosus: hard-skinned
calomelas (calom.): calomel (i.e., subchloride of mercury)
16 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

calor: heat; warmth

calva: a bald scalp
calvaria: the human skull
calvus: bald
calx: the heel
calx: lime; limestone; chalk
calx viva: quicklime
cambogia: gamboge (a cathartic)
camelinus: of a camel
camera: a room or chamber
camphora: camphor
camphoratus: camphorated
camphoricus: camphoric
cancer [crab]: the disease cancer
cancrum oris: ulcer of the gums and cheek (i.e., a canker sore); also,
cancer of the mouth
candidus: white; clear
canities: grey or greying hair; old age
caninus: canine
canis: dog
canius spasmus: hydrophobic spasms (i.e., spasms caused by rabies)
cannabinus: made of hemp; pertaining to cannabis
cannabis indica: Indian hemp (i.e., a type of hemp from which the
narcotic hashish is derived; also known as gunjah or ganja)
cannabis sativa: cannabis; hemp
cannula: a hollow surgical instrument through which fluid is extracted
from a tumor or cavity
cantharis: cantharides (i.e., Spanish fly or blister beetle)
caoutchouc: India rubber
capacitas: capacity
cape (cap.): take
capiant (cap.): let them take
capiat (cap.): let him or her take
capiat aeger (f. aegra): let the patient take
capiatur (pl. capianstur; cap.): let it be taken
capiendus (capiend.): to be taken
capillaris: pertaining to the hair; hairlike
capillatus: hairy
capilliculus: the minute veins of the organs
capillus: hair; head of hair
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 17

capio: to take
capiti (cap.): to the head
capitiluvium: a head bath; a wash for the head
capsicum: red pepper; cayenne pepper
capsula (cap. or caps.) [a small chest]: capsule
capsula amylacea (caps. amylac.): a cachet; a konseal wafer
capsula gelatina (caps. gelat.): a gelatin capsule
capsula vitrea (caps. vitrea): a glass capsule
captus: seized
caput (pl. capita): head
caramel or caramellis: caramel
carbasus (carbas.): gauze
carbo: carbon; charcoal
carbo animalis: animal charcoal (i.e., bone-black)
carbo ligni: wood charcoal
carbo vegetalilis: in homeopathy, wood charcoal
carbolatus: carbolated
carbolicus: carbolic
carbonarius: a charcoal burner
carbonas: carbonate
carboneum: carbon
cardamomum: cardamom
cardiacus: one suffering heartburn or other stomach pain
cardiopalmus or cardiotromus: palpitation of the heart
carica: fig; a dried fig
caricus: of a fig
caries: rottenness; bone or tooth decay
carnarium: a pantry or larder
caro or carnis: meat; flesh
carptim [in pieces]: in single portions
carptus: plucked
carpus: the wrist; the bones of the wrist
cartilago: cartilage; gristle
carum: caraway
caruncula [a small piece of flesh]: a carbuncle
caryophyllus: clove (the bud of the caryophyllus aromaticus)
cascara sagrada: rhamnus or frangula purshiana; buckthorn
castenea: chestnut
cataplasma (cat. or catap. or cataplasm.): a poultice
cataplasma sinapsis: a mustard plaster
18 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

cataria: catnip
catharticum or catharticus: cathartic; purgative
cathartocarpus: a purgative
catinum or catinus: vessel; dish
cauda: the tail of an animal
caulis: stem
causa: cause; reason
causa mortis: because of death (i.e., an awareness that death is
approaching)
causticus: caustic
caute: carefully; cautiously
cautus: careful
caveat [let the person beware]: a warning or caution
cavus: hollow; concave
cedrus: cedar tree; juniper
celeriter: quickly
cella: a storeroom
cenatus: after dinner
centifolius: hundred-leaved
centesimus: one-hundredth
centigramma: a centigram
centimetrum: a centimeter
centrum: center; middle point
centrum commune: the solar plexus
centum (cent.): one hundred
cepa: onion; onion plant (see also, allium cepa)
cephalagia: a headache
cera: wax
cera alba: white wax (i.e., beeswax bleached by exposure to sunlight)
cera flava: yellow wax (i.e., unbleached beeswax)
ceralis: waxed
cerasus: cherry tree
ceratum (cerat.): cerate (i.e., to wax)
ceratus: waxed
cerealis: cereal
cerebellum: the smaller portion of the brain
cerebrum: the brain
cereolum: a wax bougie
cereolus (cereol.): an urethral bougie
cereus: waxy; waxen
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 19

cerevisia: beer
cerifera myrica: bayberry (wax myrtle)
ceriferus: wax-bearing
ceroma [wrestler’s ointment]: a fatty tumor of the brain
cerumen: ear wax
cerussa: white lead, used to whiten the face
cerussatus: colored with white lead; painted white
cervix: the back of the neck; a necklike part
cetaceum: spermaceti, a substance obtained from the sperm whale
ceterus: the other part
cetraria: Iceland moss
chalybeatus: pertaining to iron
chamomilla: earth apple, chamomile
charta (chart.): paper; powder [wrapped in paper]
charta bibula: blotting paper
charta cerata (chart. cerat.): waxed paper
charta exploratoria: test paper
charta exploratoria caerulea: blue litmus paper
chartula (chartul.): small paper; small powder [wrapped in paper]
chemia: chemistry
chemicus: chemist
chernibium: a urinal
chininum: quinine
chionanthus [snow flower]: chionanthus or fringe tree
chirurgia: surgery
chirurgicalis or chirurgicus: surgical
chirurgus: a surgeon
chloratus or chlorinatus: chlorinated
chloroformum: chloroform
chlorum (cl.): chlorine
chocolata: chocolate
cholera infantus: infantile cholera
cholera morbus: a non-infectious form of cholera (e.g., gastroenteritis)
cholera nostras: a non-infectious form of cholera
cholericus: bilious; related to cholera
chololithus: biliary calculi (i.e., a gallstone)
chondrus crispus: Irish moss
chorda: cord; gut; suture
chordapsus: spasmatic intestinal colic
chordatus: having a spine
20 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

chorea scriptorum: writer’s cramp

chromas: chromate
chrysarobinum: chrysarobin (i.e., used as a treatment for skin afflictions)
chrysolithos: topaz
cibus (cib.): food; a meal
cicatricula: a small scar
cicatrix: the scar of a healed cut or sore
cicatrix manet: the scar remains
cicuta maculata: water hemlock (used as a non-medicinal narcotic)
cicuta virosa: poisonous water hemlock
cilia: eyelashes
ciliaris: pertaining to the eyelids or eyelashes
cilium: eyelid; eyelash
cimex: the common bedbug (properly, cimex lectularius)
cincinnatus: having curly hair
cincinnus [curled hair]: a lock of hair
cinereus: grey; ashen
cinnamomum: cinnamon
circa (c. or ca.): about; near; around
circinatus: rounded
circiter (c. or circ.): about
circulus: a circle or ring
circum (c. or circ.): around; about
circus: circle
cito: swiftly; quickly
cito dispensatur (cito disp.): let it be dispensed quickly
citras: citrate
citreus: pertaining to citrus
citricus: citric
citrullus: watermelon (see also, cucurbita citrullus)
citrus: citron tree
citrus aurantium: an orange (see also, aurantium)
citrus limetta (or limetta): sweet limetta, from which bergamot oil is
extracted
citrus limonium (or limon): lemon
citrus medica: citron
clathratus: grated; latticed
claudico: to limp
clauditas: lameness
clausus: closed; covered
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 21

clava: club
clava herculis [club of Hercules]: pepperwood; prickly ash
clavatus: prickled; having prickles
cnicus benedictus: blessed thistle
coagulare: to coagulate; to curdle
cocae folia: coca leaves
cocaina: cocaine
coccineus: scarlet
coccinus: dyed scarlet
cocculus: a small berry
coccus: an oak berry once thought to be the source of scarlet dye
coccus: cochineal
cochlea or coclea: a snail
cochleare (coch.) or cocleare: spoon; a spoonful
cochleare amplum (coch. amp. or coch. ampl.): a dessertspoonful
cochleare infantis (coch. infant.): a teaspoonful
cochleare magnum (coch. mag.): a tablespoonful
cochleare magnum mensura (coch. mag. mens.): a measured
tablespoonful
cochleare maximum (coch. max.): a tablespoonful
cochleare mediocre (coch. medio.): a dessertspoonful
cochleare medium (coch. med.): a dessertspoonful
cochleare minimum (coch. min.): a teaspoonful
cochleare modicum (coch. mod.): a dessertspoonful
cochleare parvum (coch. parv.): a teaspoonful
cochleare plenum (coch. plen.): a tablespoonful
cochlearia magna duo (coch. mag. ij): two tablespoonfuls
cochlearia officinalis: scurvy grass
cochlearia parva tria (coch. parv. iij): three teaspoonfuls
cochleatim: by spoonfuls; a spoonful at a time
coctilis: baked; cooked
coctio (coct.): boiling
coctus: cooked; boiled
codeina: codeine
codex [book]: a formulary
coffea arabica: coffee
cogantur: let them be combined
coitus or coetus: sexual union; intercourse
coitus interruptus [interrupted intercourse]: a method of natural birth
control
22 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

cola (col.): strain

cola: kola nut
cola trans chartam: filter or strain through paper
colaturae (colatur.): a strained liquid; the substance thus strained
colatus (colat.): strained
coleatur (colet.): let it be strained
colentur (colen.): let them be strained
colica biliosa: colic from an excess of bile in the intestines
colica calculosa: colic from calculi in the intestines
colica meconialis: colic from unexpelled meconium
colica pictorum [painter’s colic]: colic from lead in the intestines
collaris: pertaining to the neck; collared
colliculus seminalis: the crest of the urethra
collodium (collod.): a collodion
colloidalis: colloidal
collum or collus: the neck
collunarium (collun.): a nasal douche
collutorium (collut.): a mouthwash
collyrium (coll. or collyr.): an eyewash
colocynthis: bitter apple; bitter cucumber
color: color; tint; complexion
coloratus: colored
coloretur: let it be colored
colum: a sieve; a strainer
columba or columbus: pigeon; dove
columna nasi: the dividing wall of the nose
columna oris: the uvula
columna vertebralis: the spinal column
coma: the hair of the head
comans or comatus: hairy
comminuere: to diminish; to reduce
comminutus: broken in pieces; crushed
commisce: mix together
commissura: a seam; a joining together
commode: suitably; appropriately; rightly
commodus: suitable; appropriate; satisfactory
communicans [having in common]: diseases that are communicable
communis: common
compos mentis [sound of mind]: in one’s right mind
compositus (comp.): compound
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 23

compressus: compressed; pressed together

conarium: the pineal gland
concentratus: concentrated
concha [seashell]: the hollow portion of the external ear
conchae narium: the spongy bones of the nose
conchus: the orbit of the eyes; the eye cavity
concisus: cut up
concusso prius vitro: the bottle having been previously shaken
concussus: shaken
condimentum (pl. condimenta): seasoning; spices taken with food to
promote digestion
condire: to pickle
conditus: stored; pickled; seasoned; savory
confectio or confectum (conf.): a confection
congelatus: frozen; congealed
congius (C or cong.): a gallon
congressus: coitus
coniferus: cone-bearing
conium: hemlock
conium maculatum: a type of hemlock, given in small doses as a sedative
conjunx or coniunx (con. or conj.): wife; spouse
conjugata diagonalis: diameter of pelvic opening
connubium: marriage; intermarriage
consensus [agreement]: the sympathetic relation between certain organs
of the body
conserva (cons.): a conserve; a preserve (i.e., a jam or confection)
conserva: keep
consolidus: bound together
consperge (consperg.): sprinkle; dust
conspersus: sprinkled
constrictor ani: muscles that close the anus (see also, sphincter ani)
constrictor oris: the mouth or lip muscle (also, orbicularis oris)
constringentia: astringent
contactus: contact
contagio: contagion (i.e., spreading of a disease through contact)
continuantur remedia (cont. rem.): let the remedy be continued
continuetur (contin.): let it be continued
contra (con.): against
contra bonos mores (cont. bon. mor.): contrary to good manners
(or morals)
24 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

contusus (cont.): crushed; bruised

conus: cone
convallaria: lily of the valley
convexus: convex; arched
convivium: a feast or banquet
convolutus: rolled up
convolvulus: bindweed
copia: plenty
coptis: goldthread; canker root
coquatur (coq.): let it be boiled
coque (coq.): boil
coque ad medietatis consumptionem (coq. ad med. consump.): boil
to the consumption of half (i.e., render by one-half )
coque in sufficiente quantitate aquae (coq. in S.Q.A.): boil in a suf-
ficient quantity of water
coque secundum artem (coq. S.A.): boil according to practice (i.e.,
approved pharmaceutical method)
coquere: to boil
cor: heart
corax: a raven
cordatus: heart-shaped
cordiale: a cordial
cordifolius: having heart-shaped leaves
coriaceus: leathery
coriandrum: coriander
coriandrum satirum: cilantro; also, Chinese parsley
corium: skin; hide; a leather thong
cormus: corm (e.g., a crocus)
corneus: horny; hornlike
cornipes: horn-footed; a hoofed animal
cornix: the crow (see also, corvus)
cornu: horn; a horny kind of wart
cornu cervi (c.c.): hartshorn
cornu cervi ustum (c.c.u.): burnt hartshorn
cornus: dogwood
cornutus: horned
corona veneris: syphilitic blotches around the forehead
coronatus: crowned; encircled
corpori (corp.): to the body
corpus (pl. corpora): the body
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 25

corpus humanum: the human body

corrigens: a corrective (i.e., that part of a prescription meant to modify
other ingredients)
corrosivus: corrosive
cortex (cort.): a peel; rind; outer layer (e.g., bark)
cortex limonis: lemon peel
corticatus: having a bark or an outer layer
corvus: the crow (see also, cornix)
corylus avellana: hazelnut
corylus maxima: filbert nut
costa: a rib
costatus: ribbed
cotidianus or cotidie (cotid.): daily
coxa: hip; hip joint
cranium: the section of the skull containing the brain
cras: tomorrow
cras mane (c.m.): tomorrow morning (i.e., the next morning)
cras mane sumendus (c.m.s.): to be taken tomorrow morning (i.e.,
the next morning)
cras nocte (c.n.): tomorrow night
cras nocte sumendus (c.n.s.): to be taken tomorrow night (i.e., the
next evening)
cras vespere (c.v.): tomorrow evening
crassamentum: a clot of blood
crassus: thick; dense; solid
crastinus (crast.): of tomorrow; on the morrow
cremor: cream
crenulatus: notched; scalloped
creosotum: creosote
crepitus (crep.): discharge of wind or gas from the bowels
crepusculum (crepus.): twilight; in the evening
creta: chalk
creta praeparata: prepared or washed chalk
cribratus: sifted
cribrum: a sieve
cribrum ferreum: a wire sieve
cribrum setaceum: a hair sieve
crinis: hair
crispus: curled
cristatus: having a crest (see also, iubatus or jubatus)
26 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

croceus or crocinus: saffron yellow; golden yellow

crocus: the crocus; saffron (properly, crocus sativus)
crudus: crude
cruentus: blood-stained; blood-soaked
cruri: to the leg
crus (pl. crura): a leg or shank; the shinbone
crustulum: a tart or pastry
crux medicorum: the crux or puzzle of doctors
crystallinus: crystalline
crystallizatus: crystallized
crystallus: crystal
cubeba: cubeb pepper
cubiculum: a bedroom
cubicus: cubic
cubitalis: of the elbow; a cubit in length
cubitum: the elbow; the forearm
cubitus: a lying down
cucumis: a cucumber
cucurbatio: cupping
cucurbita [gourd]: a cupping-glass
cucurbita citrullus: watermelon (see also, citrullus)
cucurbita pepo: pumpkin (see also, pepo)
cucurbita sicca: a glass used for dry cupping
cui: which; to or for whom
cujus: of which
cujus libet (cuj. lib.): of whatever pleases
cultellus: knife
cum (c̄): with
cum aqua (c̄ aq.): with water
cum cibos (c̄ c.): with meals
cum cibum (c̄ c.): with food
cum creta: with chalk
cum duplo (c̄ dup.): with twice as much
cum parte aequale (c̄ pt. aeq.): with an equal quantity
cum penicillo (c̄ pen.): with a camel-hair brush
cum semisse (c̄ sem.): with an added half
cum tanto (c̄ tant.): with as much
cummiphorus (commiphorus): gum-bearing (see also, gummifer)
cuneifolius: having wedge-shaped leaves
cuneus: wedge
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 27

cuprum (cu.): copper

cura: care; healing
curatio (curat.) [healing]: the treatment of disease; also, a dressing
curatus: cared for
curcuma: turmeric
cuspidatus: a pointed tooth
cutis: the skin
cutis anserina [goose flesh]: goose bumps or goose pimples
cutis capitis: the scalp
cyanidum: cyanide
cyatho theae: in a cup of tea
cyathus [a ladle used for filling wine glasses]: a wine glass; a
wineglassful
cyathus amplus (cyath. amp.): a tumblerful
cyathus magnus (cyath. mag.): a tumblerful
cyathus medius (cyath. med.): a small tumbler or claret glassful
cyathus modicus (cyath. mod.): a small tumbler or claret glassful
cyathus parvus (cyath. parv.): a wineglassful
cyathus vinarius (cyath. vinar.): a wineglassful
cyathus vinosis (cyath. vin.): a wineglassful
cydonium: the quince fruit; quince seed

D
da (d.): give
dandus (dand.): to be given
dare: to give
datura: thorn apple
de: of; concerning; from
de die: while still day
de die in diem (de d. in d.): from day to day
de nocte: while still night
deaurare: to gild; to coat
deaurentur pilulae (deaur. pil.): let the pills be gilded (i.e., coated)
debilitas: weakness
debita spissitudine (deb. spiss.): of a proper thickness or consistency
decandrus: having ten stems
decanta (dec.): pour off
decem: ten
deceptio visus: an optical illusion
28 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

decigramma (dg. or dgrm.): a decigram

decimillilitra (decimil.): a decimilliliter
decimus: the tenth
decoctio or decoctum (decoct.): a decoction
decoctum hordei: barley water
decoctus: boiled; boiled down
decoloratus: decolorized
decoquere: to boil down
decorticatus: peeled (i.e., the bark having been removed)
decubitus (decub.): lying down; having gone to bed
decubitus hora (decub. hor.): at bedtime
defaecatus: cleaned; refined
defectio or defectio animi: fainting; a fainting spell
defectum animae: fainting; a fainting spell
deflagratus: consumed by fire
deformitas: deformity
deformis: deformed
deglutiat: let him or her swallow
deglutiatur (deglut.): let it be swallowed
deglutio: to swallow
dehydratus: dehydrated
deicio: to throw up
deinde (or dein): then; next; finally
dejectiones alvi (dej. alv.): evacuation of the bowels (i.e., stools)
delenimentum: anything that soothes
delibutus: steeped
delicatus: soft; tender
delinquescens: deliquescent
deliquium: falling or fainting
delirium tremens (D.T.) [trembling delirium]: mental delusions
caused by alcohol poisoning
delphinium: larkspur seed
demens: out of one’s mind; insane
dementia: insanity
dementia a potu [insanity from drinking]: delirium tremens
dementia praecox: a form of early insanity
demortuus: the late (i.e., deceased)
demulcens: softening; soothing
demum: at length
denigratus: blackened
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 29

denigrescens: non-staining; stainless

denique: at last; finally
dens (pl. dentis): a tooth
dens canis: a dog tooth
dens expolitor: a tooth polish
dens leonis: a lion tooth
dentatus: having teeth; toothed
dentes cuspidati [the pointed teeth]: the canines; the eye teeth
dentes incisores [the biting teeth]: the incisors
dentes molares [the grinding teeth]: the molars
dentes sapientia: the wisdom teeth
dentifricium: dentifrice; tooth powder
dentilinimentum: dental liniment
dentium cortex: the enamel coating of the teeth
dentur (d.): let them be given
dentur tales doses iv (d.t.d. iv): let four such doses be given
deodoratus: deodorized
depilatorium (depilat.): a depilatory
depurantia: medicines used to purify the blood
depuratus: purified
derma: skin
dermatologicus: dermatological
derosus: gnawed away
desperandum: to be hopeless
despumatus: skimmed; clarified
destillatus: distilled
desudatio: sweating
detannatus: tannin-free
detergens: detergent; cleansing
detoxicatus: non-toxic
detritus [a rubbing away]: waste matter from washing or erosion
detur (d.): let it be given
detur talis dosis (d.t.d. or D.T.D.): give of such a dose
dexter: right
dextra or dextera: the right hand
dextrosum: dextrose
diaeta: diet; a daily regimen
diagnosticus: diagnostic
dialysatus: dialyzed
diarrhoea: diarrhea
30 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

dictus [said]: prescribed; indicated

diebus alternis (dieb. alt.): every other day
diebus tertiis (dieb. tert.): every third day
diem ex die (d. ex d.): from day to day
dies: day or daytime
dies natalis: birthday
diffusus: diffused
digestivus: digestive
digitalis: digitalis; foxglove
digitatus: having fingers and toes
digitus: finger; toe; a finger’s breadth (i.e., one inch)
digitus anularius: the ring finger
digitus auricularis: the little finger
digitus index: the index finger
digitus medius: the middle finger
digitus pedis: a toe
digitus pollex: the thumb or big toe
dilapsus: effloresced
dilatationem: a widening; a dilation
dilatio: delaying; a postponement or delay; an interval
dilubilis: dilutable
diluculo: at daybreak
diluculum (diluc.): the break of day; in the morning
dilue (dil.): dilute or dissolve
dilutus or dilutum (dil. or dilut.): diluted; faint
dimidium (dimid.): half; the half
dimidius (dim.): one-half
dioicus: unisexual
dioscorea: wild yam
dioxidum: dioxide
diphthericus: diphtheria
directio: a direction; the act of directing
directione propria (d.p. or D.P. or direc. prop.): with proper directions
dispensa (disp.): dispense
dispensatorium: a handbook on the preparation and use of various
medicines
dispensatus: distributed by weight
distalis: distal; the farther end
distoma hepaticum: distoma (the fluke-worm; see also, fasciola
hepatica)
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 31

disulfidum or disulphidum: disulfide or disulphide

diureticus: diuretic
diurnus: lasting for a day; day-long
diutinus or diuturnus: long-lasting; continuing long
diverticulum: a sac
dives (favored by the gods): rich; a rich person
dividatur (div.): let it be divided
dividatur in partes aequales (d. in p. aeq. or div. in par. aeq.): let it
be divided into equal parts
divide (div.): divide
dolens: painful
dolenti parti (dolent. part.): to the painful part
dolentibus partibus (dolent. part.): to the painful parts
dolor: pain
dolor artuum: gout
dolor capitis: pain of the head
dolor dentium: pain of the teeth
dolor faciei: pain of the face
dolore urgente (dol. urg.): with the onset of pain; when the pain is
severe
dolores corporis: bodily ills
domesticus: domestic
domi [in the house]: at home
domus: home
donec (don.): until
donec alvus soluta fuerit: until the bowels are loosened
donec dolor leniat: until the pain lessens
donec dolor leniatur: until the pain is relieved
donec dolor exulaverit: until the pain is relieved
donec doloris mitigatio sit: until the pain eases
donec evomuerit: until the patient may have vomited
donec liquescat: until it melts
donec perfecte coeant: until they mix perfectly
donec sedatur vomitio: until vomiting is allayed
donec somnus obrepat: until sleep comes on
donum: a gift
dorsum: the back
dosi pedetentim crescente: by gradually increasing the dose
dosibus dividuis: in divided doses
dosibus exiquis: in small doses
32 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

dosibus magnis: in large doses

dosibus repetitis: in repeated doses
dosis (dos.): dose
dosis augeatur ad guttas ij (dos. aug. ad gtt. ij): let the dose be
increased to two drops
dosis augeatur ad guttas iij (dos. aug. ad gtt. iij): let the dose be
increased to three drops
dosis augeatur ad guttas iv (dos. aug. ad gtt. iv): let the dose be
increased to four drops
drachma (dr. or dram.): a drachm (i.e., one-eighth of an ounce)
dryopteris: wood fern; oak fern; buckler fern
dubius: doubtful
ducenti: two hundred
ductilis: plastic (i.e., able to be shaped)
ductus: duct; canal
ductus aquosi: the lymphatic ducts
ductus ejaculatorius: the duct that carries the semen into the urethra
dulcedo: sweetness; agreeableness
dulcis: sweet
dulcis unda: fresh water
dum: while
dum febris absit: while fever is absent
dum febris adsit: while fever is present
duo: two
duo cum semisse: two and a half
duo sextarii: a quart
duodecim: a dozen
duodeviginti: eighteen
duplex: double; twofold
duplum (dup.): twice as much
duplus: double the amount
dura mater: the external membrane of the brain
durans: during, lasting, enduring
durante: during; continuing
durante dolore (dur. dolor.): during the pain; the pain continuing
durante febre (dur. feb.): during the fever (see also, febre durante)
duratus: hardened; dried
durus: rough; hard
dysentericus: dysentery
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 33

E
e lacte (e lact.): with milk
e paullo or e paulo: in a little; with a little
e paullo aquae (e paul. aq.): with a little water
e pauxillo aquae (e paux. aq.): with very little water
e quolibet vehiculo (e quol. veh.): with any vehicle
e quovis liquido (e quov. liq.): with any liquid
e vehiculo crasso (e vehic. crass.): in a thick vehicle
e vino (e vin.): with wine
eadem (ead.): the same
ebriolus: mildly intoxicated
ebrius: drunk; intoxicated
ebur: ivory
eburneus (eburn.): made of ivory
ecballium: squirting cucumber
echinatus: spiny
echinus: a hedgehog; also, a sea urchin
eclampsia: a violent onset; a sudden development or complication
edens: eating
edentatus: lacking teeth; toothless
edulcora (ed.): sweeten; to make more palatable
edulcoratus (ed.): sweetened; made palatable; also, clarified
edulis: edible
effeminatus: effeminate
effervescens: effervescent
effervescentia: effervescence
efficaciter: effectively
efficiens: being efficient; effective
effluvium: vaporous stench from decaying matter
effunde: pour out
ejusdem (ejusd.): of the same
egestus (pl. egesta): waste matter
ego: I
elaeosaccharum or eleosaccharum: oil sugar (see also, oleosaccharum)
elapsus: elapsed
elastica: rubber; India rubber
elasticus: elastic
eleatior: taller
electuarium (elect.): an electuary (i.e., a confection)
34 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

electus: elected; chosen

elettaria: cardamom
elixir (elix.) [a magical potion]: a medicinal liquid, such as cough medicine
embrocatio: an embrocation; a rubbing oil or liniment
emeticus: emetic
emolliens: softening
empiricus: an unscientific physician; a quack (i.e., a physician who
relies on practical rather than scientific knowledge)
emplastrum (emp.; pl. emplastra): a plaster or topical application
emplastrum lyttae: a blistering plaster or application
emplastrum vesicatorium: a blistering plaster or application
emulgens: emulsifying
emulsio or emulsum (emul. or emuls): an emulsion
enema (en. or enem.; pl. enemata): an enema; a clyster
ens: being
entericus [enteric]: intestinal; pertaining to the intestines
epicranium: the scalp
epidemicus: epidemic
epidipnis: dessert
epigastrium: the upper region of the abdomen below the sternum
epispasticus: blistering
epistomium (epistom.): a stopper; a bung or plug
epistomium suberinum: a cork stopper
epistomium vitreum: a glass stopper
epithelium: cuticular areas of the body that differ from normal skin,
such as the lips and nipples
epitonium [a turncock or bung]: a genus of sea snail
eques: an equestrian
equinus: equine
equus: a horse
erectus: upright
ergo: therefore
ergota: ergot (of rye)
erigeron: fleabane
eriodictyon: yerba santa
erosus: eroded; corroded
erythema: a simple skin rash
erythroxylon: coca
escharoticus: caustic; producing a scab or scar
esculentus: edible
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 35

essentia: essence
esuriens (esur.): fasting
et alia (et al.): and other things
et alibi (et al.): and elsewhere
et alii or et aliae (et al.): and others
et cetera (etc.): and the rest; and so on
et conjunx (et conj): and spouse
et uxor (et ux.): and wife
eugenia caryophyllus: clove tree
evacuatio: an evacuation; an emptying
evanescere (evan.): to disappear; vanish; weaken
evanesco (evan.): to disappear; vanish; weaken
evanuerit: it shall have disappeared
evaporans: evaporating
ex aliquo idoneo vehiculo: in any suitable vehicle
ex aqua (ex aq.): in water
ex aqua frigida: in cold water
ex cyatho parvo: in a small cupful
ex modo praescripto (e.m.p.): after the manner prescribed
ex morbo convalescere: to recover from a disease
ex parte: partly; in part
ex sanguis [without blood]: deathly pale
ex somnis: sleepless
ex tempore or extempore: at or on the moment; at once
ex vulnere mori: to die of wounds
excelsus: tall; high
excessus e vita: departure from life
excipiens: an excipient (i.e., an inert substance added to a prescription
medicine)
excrementum (pl. excrementa): human excrement
exempli gratia (e.g.): for example
exemplum: example
exhibe: give; shown; allow
exhibeatur (exhib.): let it be exhibited or given
exhibendus: to be given
exoneratus: relieved
exoticus: foreign; exotic
expectorans: expectorant
expers: without
expolitus: smooth; polished
36 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

expressus: pressed out; squeezed out

exprimo: to squeeze out
exsanguis: bloodless
exsiccatus: thoroughly dried
exsucidus: juiceless
extemplo: directly; immediately
extende (ext.): spread; apply
extende super alutam (ext. sup. alut.): spread upon leather
extensus: extended; spread
externus: external
extractum (ext. or extr.): an extract

F
faba: bean
fac (F. or f.): make
facies: the face
facies rubra: redness in the face
facile: easily
facilis: easy
factitius: artificial; manufactured
faeces (feces): dung; excrement
faex: sediment; the dregs
fallax: deceptive; fallacious
falx: a sickle
fames: hunger
farfara: coltsfoot (see also, tussilago)
farina (far.): flour; meal
farina avenae: oatmeal (see also, avenae farina)
farinosus: farinaceous; starchy (i.e., foods consisting of or containing
starch)
farrago: fodder
farreus: made of corn or meal
fartim (or fartem): minced meat stuffing
fascia: a bandage; a binding
fascia spiralis [spiral binding]: a type of bandage that is wound around
the limb in spiral fashion
fasciculus: a packet
fasciola: a small bandage
fasciola hepatica: the fluke-worm (also distoma hepaticum)
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 37

fastigiatus: tapering
fauces: pharynx; the throat
faucibus internis: inside the throat
favus: honeycomb
favus [honeycomb]: crusty yellow pustules of the scalp, symptomatic
of ringworm
febre durante (feb. dur.): during the fever; the fever continuing (see
also, durante febre)
febricula: a slight fever
febriculosus: feverish
febrifugus: having fever relieving or moderating properties
febrilis: feverish
febris (pl. febres): a fever
febris carcerum [jail fever]: typhus gravior; typhoid fever
febris castrensis [camp fever]: typhus gravior; typhoid fever
febris quartana or quartana: a fever occurring every fourth day, as
in malaria
fecula: starch
fel: the gallbladder; bile
fel bovinum: ox gall
fel bovinum purificatum: purified ox bile
felinus: feline
felis: cat
felix: happy
fellifluus: flowing with bile
femina (f.): female; a woman
femoribus: [to] the thighs
femoribus internis: [to] the inner thighs
femur: the thigh
fenestra [window]: an opening
ferax or fertilis: fertile; fruitful
fere or ferme: almost; nearly; about; (neg.) scarcely
fermentatus: fermented
fermentum: yeast
ferox: fierce; wild
ferratus [ferrated]: containing iron; iron colored
ferreus: made of iron
ferri limaturae: iron filings
ferrosus: ferrous (i.e., containing or consisting of iron)
ferrugineus: rusty; rust-colored; tasting of iron
38 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

ferrugo: rust; rust-colored

ferrum (Fe. or ferr.): iron
fertilis: fertile; fruitful
fertilitas: fertility
ferula: asafetida
ferus: wild
fervens (ferv.): hot; boiling
fervente die: in the heat of the day
fervidus: boiling hot
fessus: tired; weary
festinato: hastily
fetus or foetus: offspring
fiant (f. or ft.): let them be made
fiant chartae (ft. chart.): let papers (or powders) be made
fiant pilulae (ft. pil.): let pills be made
fiant suppositoria (ft. suppos.): let suppositories be made
fiant trochisci (ft. troch.): let lozenges be made
fiat (f. or ft.) [let it be so]: let it be made
fiat cataplasma (ft. cataplasm.): let a poultice be made
fiat ceratum (ft. cerat.): let a cerate be made
fiat collyrium (ft. collyr.): let an eyewash be made
fiat confectio (ft. confec.): let a confection be made
fiat electuarium (ft. elect.): let an electuary be made
fiat emplastrum (ft. emp.): let a plaster be made
fiat emulsum (ft. emuls.): let an emulsion be made
fiat experimentum in corpore vili: let the experiment be done upon a
worthless body (or object)
fiat gargarisma (ft. garg.): let a gargle be made
fiat haustus (ft. haust.): let a draft be made
fiat infusum (ft. infus.): let an infusion be made
fiat injectio (ft. inject.): let an injection be made
fiat lege artis (f.l.a. or F.L.A.): let it be made according to practice or
the usual method
fiat linimentum (ft. linim.): let a liniment be made
fiat massa (ft. mas.): let a lump or a mass be made
fiat mistura (ft. mist.): let a mixture be made
fiat pulvis (ft. pulv.): let a powder be made
fiat pulvis subtilis (ft. pulv. subtil.): let a fine powder be made
fiat secundum artis regulas (f.s.a.r. or F.S.A.R.): let it be made
according to the rules of practice
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 39

fiat solutio (ft. solut.): let a solution be made

fiat unguentum (ft. ung.): let an ointment be made
fiat venaesectio (ft. venaes.): let a vein be bled
fibra: fiber
fictile: an earthenware container
fictilis: earthen; of clay
ficus: fig
fides: faith; trust
filia: daughter
filicis maris: male fern
filius: son
filix: a fern
filtra: filter or strain
filtrum: a filter
filum: a thread
fimbria (pl. fimbriae) [fringe]: the fringe-like areas on the ends of the
fallopian tubes
fimus or fimum: filth; dung
finis: the end
fistula: pipe; a small tube; an internal ulcer
fistula armata: a fountain syringe
fistula in ano: an anal ulcer
fixus: fixed
flamma: flame
flatus: flatulence
flavus (flav.): yellow
flexibilis or flexilis: flexible; pliant; supple
flocci volitantes [flying specks]: a type of vision impairment in which
one sees faint objects flying or floating before the eyes (see also,
muscae volitantes or flying flies)
floccus: a tuft of wool
floridus: flowery; bright
flos: flower
flos unguentorum: the flower of ointments
fluctus: wave; a flowing; an outflow
fluidrachma: a fluid drachm
fluidextractum or fluidum extractum (fldext. or fldxt.): fluidextract
fluiduncia: a fluid ounce
fluidus (fl. or fld.): fluid; liquid
fluoridum: fluoride
40 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

foeniculum: fennel
foetidus: fetid; stinking
folium (fol.): a leaf
fomentum: fomentation
fons or fontis: spring; fountain
fontana: a fountain
fontanus: from a spring
foramen: aperture; opening; hole
foramen magnum [great opening]: the passage from the cranial cavity
to the spinal canal
foratus: pierced
forceps: a pair of tongs
forfex: a pair of scissors
forma: shape; form
formaldehydum: formaldehyde
formalis: formal; having a set form
formatus: formed
formica: an ant
formosus: beautiful; well-formed
formula (pl. formulae) [formula]: a set form; a method; a prescription
fornax: oven; furnace
fortior: stronger
fortior vino: stronger than wine
fortis (fort.): strong
fortissimus: strongest
fossa (pl. fossae): ditch; depression; hollow area
fotus: fomentation
fovea (pl. foveae): a small pit or depression; a small hollow area
fovea centralis: the center the retina in which vision is the most acute
foveola (pl. foveolae): a small pit
fracta dosi (fract. dos.): broken into doses; in divided doses
fractura: fracture; a break in the bone
fractus: broken
fragilis: fragile; brittle
fragilitas ossium: brittleness of the bones
fragrans: fragrant
frangula: buckthorn
frater: brother
fraxinus: the ash tree
fremitus: vibration
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 41

frendere: to grind
frendo: to gnash or grind the teeth; grind up small
frequens: frequent; repeated
frequenter (freq.): frequently
frequentissime: very frequently
fricamentus: rubbing
fricare: to rub
fricatur: let it be rubbed
frictio: friction
frigidus or frigus: cold; chilly
frigor: the cold
frons: forehead
frontis: front
fructus (fruct.): fruit
frugi: useful; honest; moderate; also, fit to eat
frumentum: corn; grain
frustillatim (frust.) (bit by bit): in small bits; in little pieces
frustum: a morsel
frutescens: bush-like
frutex: a shrub
frux (pl. fruges): fruit; fruits of the earth
fucus: bladderwrack; seaweed
fulmine ictus: struck by lightning
fulvus: yellow; tawny; brown
fumans: fuming
fumus: smoke
fundo: to pour out
fundus: bottom; the base of an organ
fungus: fungus; a mushroom
funis: cord; rope
furca: fork
furcatus: forked
fuscus: brown; dark
fusus: fused; molded; melted

G
gadi iecur: cod liver
gadus morrhua or gadus: the codfish
galbeus or galbeum: a headband or armband; a bandage for the arm
42 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

galbinus: greenish-yellow
galea [helmet]: a type of headache; a head bandage
galla: nutgall
gallina: a hen
gallinaceus: pertaining to poultry
gargarisma (garg.): a gargle
gas or gasum (pl. gasa): gasf
gaster: stomach; belly
gaultheria: wintergreen (properly, gaultheria procumbens)
gelasinus: a dimple (on the cheek)
gelatina or gelatum: gelatin; jelly
gelatina quavis (gel. quav.): in any kind of jelly
gelatina ribesiorum: currant jelly
gelatinum or gelatum: gelatin; jelly
gelatinus: of gelatin
gelatus: frozen
gelidus: cold
gelsemium: yellow jasmine
geminus (pl. gemini): twin; double
gemma: a bud
gena (pl. genae): the cheek
geneticus: pertaining to the procreative function
geniculum: knee joint; kneecap
genticulatus: knotty
genu: knee
genua valga: a deformity that results in knocked knees
genus or generis: genus; kind
geratici: a class of diseases
geraticus: old age
germen: sprout; bud; germ
gibbus: hump
gingiva (pl. gingivae): gum; the gums
glabbella: the space between the eyebrows
glaber: smooth; hairless; bald
glacialis: icy; pertaining to glaciers
glacies: ice
gladius: swordlike
glandula: gland; a small gland
glandulosus: having kernels
glans: an acorn; a chestnut
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 43

glans clitoridis: the glans of the clitoris

glans penis: the glans of the penis
glaucoma: a cataract
glaucus: greenish-grey; bluish-grey
gleba or glaeba: a lump or mass
globula: globule
globulus: a small round mass or ball, such as a pill or suppository
glomus: a ball of thread or yarn; a skein
glonoinum [glonoin]: nitrogylcerin
glossa: tongue
glucosum: glucose
glusidum: saccharin
gluten [glue]: gluten
gluteus maximus: the major muscle of the buttocks
glutineus or glutinosus: sticky
glycerinatus: glycerinated
glyceritum (glyc. or glycer. or glyct.): glycerite
glycyrrhiza: licorice
gossypium (gossyp.): cotton (see also, bombacium)
gossypium absorbens: absorbent cotton (i.e., cotton wool)
gradatim (grad.) [step by step]: gradually or by degrees
gradus: step; degree
gramen: grass
gramineus: grassy
gramma (grm.): a gram
granatum: pomegranate (see also, punica granatum)
grandiflorus: large-flowered
graniticus: related to granite; granitelike
granulatus: granulated
granulum: granule
granum (gr. or grn.; pl. grana): grain
granum cum semisse: one grain and a half
gratis: favor; no cost
gratus (grat.): pleasant; agreeable
graveolens: strong-smelling
gravidus uterus: the condition of the uterus during gestation
gravis: grave; serious; weighty
gregarius: of the flock or herd; sociable
grex: flock; herd; band of people
grindelia: California gum plant
44 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

grossus: large; coarse; unrefined

gryllus: cricket; grasshopper
gul attar: attar of roses
gummi: gum
gummi Arabicum: gum Arabic
gummi Armeniacae: apricot gum
gummi gutti gambiae (g.g.g.): gamboge
gummi mimosae: gum acacia
gummifer: gum-bearing (see also, cummiphorus)
gummosus: gummy
gurges: a whirlpool or eddy
gustus: taste
gutta (g. or gt.): a drop
gutta rosea [rosy drop]: a premodern term for acne rosacea (rosacea),
i.e., acne
guttae (gtt.): drops
guttatim (guttat.): by drops; drop by drop
guttiferus or guttifera: gamboge-bearing; gum-bearing
guttis quibusdam (gutt. quibus.): with a few drops
guttur: throat; windpipe
gutturi (gutt.): to or for the throat
gutturi applicandus (gutt. appl.): to be applied to the throat
gymnicus or gymnasticus: gymnastic
gyrus: a circle or ring; the spiral cavity of the ear

H
habeat (habt.) (pl. habent): let him or her have
hac nocte (hac noct.): tonight; this night
haematoxylon: logwood
haemoptysis: spitting of blood
haemorrhagia: continued bleeding
haesitantia linguae: a speech impediment
halitus: exhalation; breath; vapor arising from newly drawn blood
hallex: the thumb; the big toe
halo: to exhale or breathe out
hama: a bucket or pail; a vessel for holding wine
hamamelis: witch hazel
hamatus: hooked; crooked
hamus: a fish hook; thorn
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 45

harum: of these
haud satis: not enough
hauriat: let him or her drink
hauriatur in fauces: let it be drawn into the throat
haustus (haust.): a draught; a drink
hebdomada (hebdom.): a week; a seven-day period
hebdomas: the seventh day of a disease (said to be a critical day)
hedera: ivy
helenium: sneezeweed
helianthus annuus: the sunflower
helonias: false unicorn
hepar: liver (see also, jecur)
hepatarius: related to the liver
hepatolithus: calculus of the liver
herba: herb; grass
herbeus: green like grass
heri: yesterday
herinacius: a porcupine
hermaphroditus: an hermaphrodite
hernia: rupture
hernia humoralis: inflammation of the testicle
hernia inguinalis: hernia of the groin
herpes circinatus: ringworm
herpes zoster: shingles
hesterna nocte: yesterday night; last night
hibernus [of winter]: for the winter
hibiscum: hibiscus; the marsh mallow
hibridus or hybridus: hybrid
hic, haec or hoc: this; in this place
hic sepultus est (h.s.e.): here lies buried
hiems: winter
hippoglossus: halibut
hippurus: fish (i.e., a gilt-head or goldfish)
hircismus [goat smell]: armpit odor
hircosus: smelling like a goat
hirsutus (covered with hair): hairy; bristly
hirudo (hir. or hirud.): a leech
his adde: add to these
hispidus: bristly; shaggy; prickly
histamina: histamine
46 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

hodie: today
homicidium [homicide]: murder; manslaughter
homo: man
homo erectus [upright man]: an early species of human which stood
upright
homo sapiens [wise man]: the human species of the genus Homo
hoc loco (h.l.): in this place
hoc vespere (hoc vesp.): this evening
hora (H. or hor.): hour
hora amplius: over an hour
hora antemeridiana: in the forenoon
hora decubitus (h.d. or H.D. or hor. decub.): at bedtime
hora postmeridiana: in the afternoon
hora somni (h.s. or H.S.): at bedtime
hora somni sumendus: to be taken at bedtime
hora vespertina: in the evening hour
horae quadrante (hor. quad. or hor. quadrant.): a quarter of an hour
horae unius spatio (hor. un. spat.): after one hour
hordeum: barley
hordeum decorticatum: pearl barley
horis alternis: every other hour
horis intermediis (hor. interim.): at intermediate hours
horridus: cold shivers
hortensis: from the garden
hortus: garden
hospes or hospita [stranger]: guest; host
hospitum [hospitality]: a guest chamber
humanus: human; pertaining to human beings
humerus or umerus: the shoulder; the upper arm
humescens: becoming wet or moist; deliquescent
humi: on the ground
humidus: damp; wet; moist
humor or umor [moisture]: any body fluid other than blood (e.g.,
bile)
humulus: hops (properly, humulus lupulus; see also, lupulus)
hybridus or hibridus: hybrid
hydrargyrum (hg. or hydr.): mercury; quicksilver
hydrastis: golden seal
hydratus: hydrated
hydrocephalus: dropsy of the brain
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 47

hydrochloricus: hydrochloric
hydrogenium: hydrogen
hydrolatum: a distilled water
hydrophobia [fear of water]: inability to swallow liquids
hydropicus: dropsical
hydrops: dropsy (see also, aqua intercus)
hydrops siccus [dry dropsy]: tympanites
hydrosus: hydrous; aqueous (i.e., watery)
hydroxidum: hydroxide
hydrus: a water snake
hyoscyamus: henbane
hypericum perforatum: St. John’s wort
hypodermicus: hypodermic
hypogastrium: the lower part of the abdomen
hypophysis: the pituitary gland
hyssopus: hyssop

I
ibidem (ibid. or ib.): in the same place
ictericus: jaundiced
icterus: jaundice
ictus solis: sunstroke
id est (i.e.): that is
idcirco: for that reason; for that purpose
idem: the same
idem quod: the same as
identidem: repeatedly
idoneus: appropriate; suitable
iecur or jecur: the liver (see also, hepar)
ientaculum or jentaculum (ient. or ientac.): breakfast
ignatia: St. Ignatius’ bean
ignis: fire
ignis actualis [actual fire]: cautery of the flesh by fire or heated iron
ignis sacer [sacred fire]: erysipelas
ignis sancti Antonii [St. Anthony’s fire]: erysipelas
ilium: the hip bone
illicium: star anise (properly, illicium anisatum)
illico (illic.): immediately
illinendus (illinend.): to be smeared
48 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

imberbis or imberbus: beardless

immanis: huge
immaturus: unripe
immedicatus: unmedicated
implicatus: implicated; entangled; entwined
impluvium: rainwater basin
impolitus: unpolished
impollutus: undefiled
impransus: fasting
imprimis: first; in the first place
impurus: impure
in actu effervescentiae: in a state of or while effervescing
in aquis rapide fluentibus: in rapidly flowing water
in aquis quietis: in still waters
in articulo mortis: at the point or moment of death
in aurem dextram (in aur. dext.): into the right ear
in aurem sinistram (in aur. sinist.): into the left ear
in cauda venenum: in the tail is the venom
in cubiculo: in the bedroom (i.e., while reclining)
in corpore vili: upon a worthless body (or object)
in decocto hordei: in barley water
in dies (in d.) or indies (ind.): from day to day; daily
in dorso: in or on the back
in dubio [in doubt]: undetermined
in extremis: at the point of death
in fauces: in or into the throat
in folio argenti: in silver leaf
in folio auri: in gold leaf
in horas: hourly
in incertum: for an indefinite period
in lacte: in milk
in lacte exhibendus: to be given in milk
in languoribus: in fainting spells
in lecto: in bed
in loco: in place of; in lieu of
in loco frigido: in a cool place
in melius mutari: to take a turn for the better
in oculum dextrum (in ocul. dext.): into the right eye
in oculum sinistrum (in ocul. sinist.): into the left eye
in partes aequales: into equal parts
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 49

in phiala: in a bottle
in pulmento (in pulm.): in gruel
in quovis liquido: in any liquid
in quovis vehiculo: in any vehicle
in scatula: in a box
in singulas aures (in sing. aur.): into each ear
in singulo: in each
in statu effervescentiae: in a state of or while effervescing
in summa aqua: on the surface of the water
in tempus [for a time]: temporarily
in toto: in all; completely
in utero (in ut.): in the womb
in vacuo: in a vacuum
in vase aperto: in an uncovered vessel
in vase leviter clauso: in a lightly covered vessel
in vase operto: in a covered vessel
in vicem: alternately; by turns
in vitro (in vit.) [in a glass]: in a test tube or petri dish
in vivo: in the living organism
inanimus: lifeless
incenatus: without dinner
incertus: uncertain; doubtful
incide (inc.): cut
incisus (inc. or incis.): cut into pieces
incoctus: raw; uncooked
index [a sign]: the forefinger
indicaverit: it indicates; it shows
indicium (pl. indicia) [an indicating mark or sign]: a symptom
indies (ind.) or in dies (in d.): daily
indolentia: free from pain
induratus: hardened
inedulis: inedible
infans: infant
infectorius: tainted
inferior: lower (in position or grade, as opposed to superior)
inferus: below; lower (as opposed to superus)
infestans: attacking; infesting
infestus: infested
infimus or infumus: lowest; the lowest part (as opposed to summus)
infirmitas: sickness
50 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

infirmus [weak or feeble]: sickly

inflammatio: inflammation
inflammatus: inflamed
inflatus: inflated
infra (inf.): below; underneath
infricetur (infric.): let it be rubbed in
infrons: leafless
infructuosus: fruitless; unproductive
infunde (inf.): pour in
infundibulum: a funnel
infuscatus: darkened
infusio or infusum (inf. or infus.): an infusion
infusus: infused
ingratus: ungrateful; disagreeable
inguen: the groin
inhalatio: an inhalation
inhaletur (inhal.): let it be inhaled
injectio (inj. or inject.): an injection
injectio hypodermica (inj. hyp.): hypodermic injection
injiciatur enema (inj. enem.): let an enema be injected
injuria: injury
innotatus: unmarked
innoxius: harmless
inodorus: odorless
inolens: without smell
inquietudo: restlessness
inquietus: restless
insanabilis: incurable
insanus: of unsound mind; insane
insequor or insequitur: to follow after, either in space or time
insipidus: tasteless
insomnia: sleeplessness
insomnis: sleepless
insomnitas: sleeplessness
inspiretur (inspir.): let it be breathed (into)
inspissatus: thickened
instanter: instantly; at once
instillentur (instill.): let them be dropped in or into
instilletur (instill.): let it be dropped in or into
insufflatio (insuff.): an insufflation
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 51

integer: whole; sound

inter: between; among
inter cenam: during dinner
inter cibos (i.c.): between meals
inter noctem (inter noct.): during the night
inter paroxysmos: between the attacks (i.e., the convulsions)
inter scapulas: between the shoulders
intercus: under the skin
interdum: now and then; sometimes
intermedius: intermediate
internus (int.): inward; internal
intestinalis: intestinal
intestinum: intestines; bowels
intime: intimately
intonsus: unshaven; with hair unshorn
intra: inside; within
intramuscularis: intramuscular
intus: inside; within
inula: elecampane or helenium plant
inunctio or inunctum: an inunction (i.e., an anointing)
invicem: by turns
involutum: rolled (up); wrapped
involve (involv.): roll; coat
iodatus: iodized
iodinium or iodum (iod.): iodine
irradiatus: irradiated
iter a palato ad aureum: the path from the mouth to the ear (i.e., the
Eustachian tube)
iteretur (iter.): let it be repeated
iterum: again; a second time
iterum atque iterum: again and again
iubatus or jubatus: having a mane (see also, cristatus)
iuglans or juglans: a walnut
iugulum or jugulum: the throat
iuxta or juxta (iux. or jux.): near; next to

J
jam non: no more
jecunde: pleasantly
52 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

jecur or iecur: the liver (see also, hepar)

jentaculum or ientaculum (jent. or jentac.): breakfast
jubatus or iubatus: having a mane (see also, cristatus)
juglans or iuglans: a walnut
juglans regia: English walnut
juglans nigra: black walnut
jugulo (jug.): to or for the throat
jugulum or iugulum: the throat
julans: butternut
julepum or julepus or julapium (jul.): a julep
junceus [reedlike]: slender
junior: younger
juniperus: juniper
jus or jusculum (jusc.): juice; broth; soup
jus bovillum or jus bovinum: beef broth
jus gallinaceum: chicken broth
jus ovillum or jusculum ovillum: mutton broth
jus vitulinum: veal broth
jusculum avenaceum: gruel
juvenis: young; youthful
juventus (f. juventa): youth; adolescence; the prime of life
juxta or iuxta (jux. or iux.): near; next to

K
kali: potash
kali praeparatum: bicarbonate of potash
kalinus: containing potassium
kalium (K.): potassium
kaolinum: kaolin
keratinum: keratin
kilogramma (kg. or kilo. or kilogra.): kilogram
kilolitrum (kl.): kiloliter
kilometrum (k.): kilometer

L
labia or labium: lip; the lips
labia majora: the outer folds of the vulva
labia minora: the inner folds of the vulva
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 53

labium leporinum or leporinum labium: hare lip (i.e., a cleft lip)

labor or laboris: labor; work
lac: milk
lac bovinum: cow’s milk
lac caprae: goat’s milk
lac ovillum: sheep’s milk
lac tepefactum: warmed milk
lac vaccae: cow’s milk
lac vaccinum (lac vac.): cow’s milk
lac vaccinum butyricum: buttermilk
lac vaccinum defloratum (lac v.d.) or lac defloratum: skimmed
cow’s milk
laceratio: tearing; mangling
lacerta: a lizard
lacertosus: muscular
lacertus: the upper arm with its muscles
lachesis: snake venom used in homeopathy
lacrima (pl. lacrimae): a tear
lactatus: lactated
lacticinium: foods prepared with milk
lacticus: lactic
lactosum: lactose
lactuca: garden lettuce (properly, lactuca sativa)
lactuca virosa: wild lettuce
lactucarium: lettuce juice (used as a sedative)
laetus: bright
laevigatus or levigatus: smoothed; polished; lightened
laevis or levis: smooth; light (in weight)
laevo: on the left
laevus (laev.): left
lagena: a bottle; flask
lamina [a thin plate or layer]: skin flakes; scales
lamina auri: gold leaf (see also, auri lamina)
lana: wool
laneus: woolen
languesco or langui: to be faint
languor: sickness
lanolinum: lanolin (see also, adeps lanae)
lapideus: of stone
lapis: stone
54 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

lapis calaminaris: calamine

lappa or lappa officinalis: burdock
lardum or laridum: lard
larix: the larch tree
lassus: weary
lateri dolenti (lat. dol.): to the painful side
latex: a fluid; a milky liquid of certain plants
Latine: in Latin
latissimus colli: the broad muscle of the neck
latissimus dorsi: the broad muscle of the back
latitudine (lat. or latitud.): in width
latus (lat.): side; flank; broad; wide
laudanum: tincture of opium
laurocerasus: cherry laurel
laurus: bay laurel
lavabrum: washing; a bath
lavandula: lavender
lavatio (lavat.): bathing; washing; also, a washing apparatus
laxans or laxativus: laxative
laxatus: loosened
laxus: loose; wide; spacious
leni calore: with gentle heat
leniens: soothing
lenis: gentle
leniter: gently
lenitivus: lenitive (i.e., a laxative)
lente: slowly
lentiginosus: freckled
lentigo: a freckle; a pimple
lentiscus: the mastic tree
lentus: tough; pliant; resistant
leontodon taraxacum or taraxacum: the dandelion (see also, taraxa-
cum dens-leonis)
levator: a lifting muscle
levigatus or laevigatus: smoothed; polished; lightened
levis or laevis: smooth; light (in weight)
leviter: lightly
lex: law
liber: free
libitum: at pleasure
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 55

libra (lb.) [a pair of scales]: a Roman pound (i.e., 12 oz.); a U.S. pound
(i.e., 16 oz.)
libra pondo (lb.): a pound by weight
licet: it is allowed
ligamenta subflava: the yellow ligaments that fill the spaces between
the vertebrae
ligamentum: ligament; bandage
ligneus: wooden
lignum: wood
lilium candidum: white lily
limatura: filings
limetta: a lime
limon: lemon (see also, citrus limonium)
limpidus: limpid; clear
linctus (linct.): a soothing cough syrup
lineatus: lined; striped
lingua: the tongue
linimentum (lin.): a liniment
linimentum tempori applicandum: the liniment to be applied to the
forehead
linteum or linteola: lint; linen
linteum carplum: lint
linteus: made of linen
linum: linseed; flaxseed
liquefactus: liquified
liquidum: liquid; a fluid
liquidus: flowing
liquor (liq.): liquor; fluid; solution
liquor amnii: amniotic fluid
liquor pancreatis: pancreatic fluid
liquor sanguinis: blood plasma
lithium (Li.): lithium
litrum (l. or lit.): a liter
lobelia or lobelia inflata: Indian tobacco (see also, tabacum)
lobus: a lobe
localiter: locally
loco citato (loc. cit.): in the place cited
locum tenens (pl. locum tenentes): a substitute or deputy, especially
for a physician or a cleric
locus: place
56 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

longicaudatus: long-tailed
longifolius: long-leaved
longissimus: the longest
longitudine (long.): in length
longus: long
longus colli: the long muscle of the neck
lotio (lot.): a lotion
lotio crinalis: hair lotion
lotus: washed
loxophthalmus: squinting of the eyes
lubricans: lubricating
lubricus: slippery
luce prima: early morning
lues: a plague; also, syphilis
lues venerea: syphilis
lumborum (sing. lumbus) (lumb.): the loins
lumbricus: worm
lumen: light
luminosus: luminous; glowing
luna: moon
lupulus: hops (see also, humulus)
lupus: wolf
luridus: pale yellow
luscinia: nightingale
lusus naturae: a freak of nature
luteus: of mud or clay; dirty
luteus: yellow-colored
lutum: clay
lux: light
luxus: dislocated
lycopersicum: a tomato
lycopodium: lycopodium; club moss
lympha: clear spring; river water

M
macera (mac.): macerate
macerare: to macerate (i.e., to soak)
macies: leanness; thinness
macilentus: thin; lean
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 57

macis or macidis: mace

macrocephalus: large-headed
macritudo: leanness
mactabilis: deadly; lethal
macula: spot; stain; blemish
macula matricis [spot from the mother]: a prenatal skin blemish
maculatus or maculis distinctus: spotted
madefactus: moistened
madidus: steeped; wet
magis minusve: more or less
magma magnesiae: milk of magnesia
magna cum cura: with great care
magnesiae sulphas or magnesii sulphatis: Epsom salt
magnus (mag.): large; great
major: larger; greater
mala: cheekbone or jawbone; the jaw or jaws
mala praxis [a bad practice]: malpractice
malae: cheeks
male positus (m.p. or mal. pos.): badly placed
malignus [hostile]: malignant
malleolus: ankle
malleolus internus: inner ankle
malleus: a hammer or mallet; a small bone of the inner ear
maltum: malt
malum: apple
malum medicum: an ancient name for a lemon (also, malum citrium)
malum punicum [Phoencian apple]: a pomegranate
malus: bad
malva: the mallow plant
mamillosus: pertaining to the breasts
mamma or mamilla: breast; teat
mammalia: mammals
mancus: crippled; maimed
mandibula: the lower jaw (see also, maxilla inferior)
mandragora: mandrake; the may apple (see also, podophyllum)
mane (m.): morning; in the morning
mane et nocte (m. et n.): morning and night
mane et vespere (m. et v.): morning and evening
mane primo (m.p. or m. pr. or m. prim.): early in the morning
mane sequenti (m. seq.): on the following morning
58 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

manet cicatrix: the scar remains

manganum: manganese
mania: madness
mania a potu [mania from drinking]: delirium tremens
manipulus: a handful
manna: formerly, a laxative derived from the European ash tree
manu calefacta: with a warm hand
manu scriptum (m.s. or ms.): written by hand (i.e., a manuscript)
manubrium [handle]: a part of the sternum
manus: hand
manus aversa: the back of the hand
manus dextra: the right hand
manus sinistra (or simply, sinistra): the left hand
mare: the sea
marginalis: marginal
margo: margin; border; edge
maritimus: marine
maritus: a husband
marrubium: horehound
marsupium: a pouch (e.g., the scrotum)
mas or masculus (m.): male; a man
masculinus or masculinum (m. or masc.): masculine; manly
massa (mas. or mass.): a mass
massa pilularum (m.p.): a pill mass
masticare: to chew
mastiche: mastic
mater: mother
materia: material
materia medica [medical material]: the body of collected knowledge
concerning the various notions and remedies used by physicians
to heal patients, including their nature, properties, and standard
preparations
matrix: mother; the womb
maturus: ripe; mature
matutinus (matut.): of the morning
maxilla: jaw; the upper jaw
maxilla inferior: the lower jaw (see also, mandibula)
maxime: chiefly; mostly
maximus: the greatest; the largest
mays or maydis: corn; maize (see also, zea mays)
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 59

meatus: a cavity; an opening; a passage

meatus auritorius: the ear passage
meatus urinarius: the urethra
media nocte: in the middle of the night
medicabilis: curable
medicago: alfalfa; lucerne
medicamen or medicamentum: a drug or medicine
medicamentarius: a pharmacist; a druggist
medicatus: medicated; drugged
Medicinae Doctor (M.D.): Doctor of Medicine
medicinalis: medicinal
medicinus (medicina): medicine (i.e., the art of healing)
medicus: healing; medicinal; also, a physician
medicus auricularius: an ear doctor
medicus chirurgus: a surgeon
medicus ludi: doctor of the games (i.e., a sports doctor)
medicus ocularius: an eye doctor
Medicus Veterinarius (M.V.): Doctor of Veterinarian Science
mediocris: mediocre; middling; of indifferent quality
mediocritas: moderation
medius: medium; middle-sized
medulla: pith; marrow
medulla oblongata: the lower part of the brain, continuous with the
spinal cord
medulla spinalis: the spinal cord
mel: honey
mel despumatum: clarified honey
meliferus: honey-producing
melilotus: sweet clover
melior: better
melissa officinalis: lemon balm
membrana: membrane
membrana tympani: the membrane of the ear drum
membratim [limb by limb]: one by one; piecemeal
membrum: limb
membrum virile [the male member]: the penis
memento [remember]: a memorandum
memor: mindful; remembering
menispermum: moonseed
mens: mind
60 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

menses: period of menstruation

mensis: month
menstruum: a solvent
menstruus: monthly; monthlong
mensura (mens. or mensur.): measure; by measure
mentha: mint
menthae alcohol: menthol
mentha piperita: peppermint (see also, piperita)
mentha pulegium or pulegium: pennyroyal
mentha viridis: spearmint
menthol: menthol (supposedly a contraction of menthae alcohol)
mentum: the chin
mephitis: a foul-smelling gas or odor
merda: excrement
meridiatio: a midday nap; a siesta
meridies: midday; noon
merum: pure or unmixed wine
merus: pure; undiluted; unadulterated
mesogastrium: the central area of the abdomen
metallicus: metallic
metallum: metal
metrum (m.): a meter
mica: crumb; morsel
mica panis (mic. pan.): bread crumb
micrococcus: a small berry
mictus: urinating
mictus cruentus: bloody urine (see also, sanguinis mictus)
mille (pl. millia): one thousand
milligramma: milligram
millilitrum: milliliter
mineralis: mineral
minimum (m. or min.): a minim; a drop; a very small amount
minimus: smallest; least
minor: smaller
minus: less
minutum or minutus (minut.): a minute or small amount
misce (m. or M.): mix
misce, detur, signetur (m.d.s.): mix, give, sign
misce fiant pilulae (m. ft. pil.): mix to make or form pills
misce fiat mistura (m. ft. m.): mix to make a mixture
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 61

misce fiat pulvis (m. ft. p.): mix to make a powder

misce secundum artem (m.s.a.): mix according to practice
misceantur: let them be mixed
miscet (pl. miscent): he or she mixes
misericordia: mercy; compassion
mistura (mist.): a mixture
mistura acida: the acid mixture
misturae sequentis: of the following mixture
mitigatus: mitigated (i.e., reduced in strength); relieved
mitis: mild
mittatur (pl. mittantur; mitt. or mittr.): let it be sent; let it be drawn
mittatur sanguis (mitt. sang.): let blood be drawn
mitte (mitt.): send
mitte tales (mitt. tal. or mit. tal.): send such
mixtum compositum: a hodgepodge
mixtus: mixed
modicissimus: a very little
modicus: moderate-sized; middle-sized
modo dicto (mod. dict.): as written; as prescribed
modo praescripto (mod. praesc. or mod. praes.): in the manner
prescribed
modulus: a mold
modus: manner; way
moles: weight; mass
molestante dolore: the pain being troublesome
molestante tussi: the cough being troublesome
molestia or molestus: irksome; troublesome
mollis: soft
mollities cerebri: softening of the brain
mollities ossium: softening of the bones
mons veneris: the female pubic region
montanus: of the mountain
mora: delay
morbilli: the measles (i.e., rubeola)
morbillosus: pertaining to the measles
morbo corripi: racked with disease
morbus: sickness; disease
morbus caducas [falling sickness]: epilepsy
morbus comitialis: epilepsy
morbus coxarius: disease of the hip or hip joint
62 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

morbus ingravescit: the disease grows worse

morbus virgineus [virgin’s disease]: chlorosis (both being early mod-
ern terms for hypochronic anemia, that is, iron deficiency, experi-
enced by young women)
morbus vulpis: alopecia (see also, vulpis morbus)
mordicus [by biting]: with the teeth
more dicto (m.d. or more dict.): as directed; in the manner directed
more solito (m.s. or more sol.): in the usual manner
moribundus: dying; on the verge of death
morphina: morphine
morrhua: codfish
morrhuae oleum: cod liver oil
mors: death
mors immatura or mors praematura: a premature or untimely
death
morsus: a bite
mortalis: mortal
mortario aheneo: in a brass or iron mortar
mortario marmoreo: in a marble mortar
mortario vitreo: in a glass mortar
mortarium: a mortar
mortuus: dead
mos (pl. mores): custom; manner
moschiferus: musk-bearing
moschus: musk
motores oculorum: the nerves that move the eyes
mox: soon
mucidus: moldy; musty
mucilago (muc. or mucil.): mucilage
muciparus: mucus-producing
mucus: mucus
muliebris: of a woman; also, a wife
mulier: a woman
mulla: mull; salve mull
multicavus: porous
multus: much; many
muriaticus: muriatic; hydrochloric
murus: wall
mus: a mouse or rat
musca: a fly
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 63

muscae volitantes [flying flies]: a type of vision impairment in which

one sees faint objects flying or floating before the eyes (see also,
flocci volitantes or flying specks)
musculus: muscle
muticus: docked; curtained
mutilus: maimed; mutilated
mutitas atonica: nerve defect of the tongue resulting in the inability
to speak
mutitas sudorum: the inability to speak due to deafness
mutus: mute
myrica acris: the source of bay rum
myristica: nutmeg (properly, myristica moschata)
myrrha: myrrh (see also, balsamodendron myrrha)
myrtum: myrtle berry
myrtus: myrtle tree
mystus: whiskered

N
naevius: having spots or moles
naevus: a mole
naevus maternus [maternal marks]: a birthmark (i.e., a mark on the
neck of a child at birth)
nanus: a dwarf
napellus: a small turnip
naris (pl. nares): the nose; a nostril
narthecium: a gallipot (i.e., a pharmacist’s medicine or ointment jar)
naso: to or for the nose
nasoguttae: nose drops
nasus (pl. nasi): the nose; also, the sense of smell
nates: the buttocks
natans: floating
natrium (Na.): sodium
natu: by birth
naturalia: the sex organs
naturalis: natural
natus (n.): born
nausea: general nausea
nausea marina: seasickness
ne: lest; not
64 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

ne admittas: do not admit

ne nimis: not too much
ne repetatur (ne rep.): do not repeat
ne tradas sine nummo (n.t.s.n. or ne tr. s. num.): do not deliver
unless paid (i.e., c.o.d.)
nebula (nebul.): a mist or vapor; a spray
nemino contradicenti: no one contradicting
nemo: no man; no one
neonatus: newly born
nepa: a scorpion (see also, scorpio)
nepeta cataria: catnip; catmint
nequam: worthless
nervus: nerve; sinew
neuter: neither; of neither sex
neutralis: neutral
nevus or naevus: birthmark
nidus: nest
niger (nig.): black
nigrobaccus: blackberry
nihil or nil: nothing
nil per os (n.p.o.): nothing by mouth
nimis: very much; too much
nisi: unless
nisus: straining or exertion; the action of the diaphragm and abdominal
muscles in expelling any matter from the body (e.g., feces, urine,
vomit)
nisus formativus: the vital power in the organs of the body to perform
their specific functions
nitidus: bright; glossy; also, blooming; flourishing
nitras: nitrate
nitricus: nitric
nitris: nitrite
nitrogenium: nitrogen
nitroglycerinum: nitroglycerine
nitrosus: nitrous
nitrum: soda
nivalis or niveus: snowy; snowy white
nix: snow
nocte (n.): at night; in the night
nocte et mane (n. et m.): night and morning
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 65

nocte maneque (n.m.): night and morning

noctes: nights
noctu: by night
nocturnus: nocturnal; by night
nodulo ligati: tied with a knot
nodulus: a little knot
nodus: a knot; a node
noli me tangere [touch me not]: historically referring to skin diseases,
such as lupus
nomen (pl. nomina; nom.): name
nomen proprium (n.p. or N.P.): proper name
nomen specificum ex nomine vulgari depromptum: the specific (or
species) name taken from the common name
non: no
non compos mentis: not of sound mind
non dolet: it does not hurt
non licet (n.l.): it is not permitted
non liquet: it does not melt
non repetatur (non rep.): let it not be repeated (i.e., do not refill)
nonaginta: ninety
nondum natus: unborn
nongenti: nine hundred
nonus: the ninth
nostrum: quack medicine
nota bene (N.B. or n.b.): note well
novem: nine
novus: new
nox (pl. noctes): night
nucha or nucha capitis (nuch. cap.): the nape of the neck
nucleus: a pit or stone
nudatum corpus: the naked body
nudus: bare; naked
nullum datum: no date
nullus: no; none
numero (No. or no.): in number; by number; to the number of
numerus: number
nummus: money
nutans: nodding (in approval)
nutriens: nourishing
nutrimen or nutrimentum: nourishment
66 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

nutrix: a child’s nurse

nux (pl. nuces): a nut
nux Gallica [Gallic nut]: a walnut
nux moschata: nutmeg
nux vomica: Quaker button (used as a heart stimulant)
nymphae odorata: the water lily

O
obduce: coat; cover
obducere: to coat
obesus: fat; swollen
obiit (ob.): he or she died
oblatum (oblat.): a cachet (e.g., a medicine capsule)
obscuro loco natus: of unknown origin
obscurus: dark; dull; obscure
obsoletus: obsolete; worn out
obstetrix: a midwife
obturatus: stoppered; closed
obtusifolius: blunt-leaved
occidentalis: occidental; western
occiput: the back of the head (as opposed to sinciput)
octarius (O or oct.): a pint
octavus: the eighth
octo: eight
octoginta: eighty
oculentum: an eye ointment
oculi uterque (o.u.): for both eyes
oculo arte adjuto: with a lens
oculoguttae: eye drops
oculus (pl. oculi): the eye
oculus dexter (o.d.): the right eye
oculus sinister (o.s.): the left eye
odontalgia: a toothache
odontalgia urgente: with the toothache being most troublesome
odontalgicum: toothache drops
odor: odor; a smell
odoratus: odorous
officialis: official; approved
officinalis: authorized for use in an apothecary shop
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 67

oleatus: oiled
oleosaccharum: oil sugar (see also, elaeosaccharum)
oleosus: oily
oleum (ol.): oil
oleum jecoris aselli: cod liver oil
oleum olivae (o.o. or ol. ol.): olive oil (see also, olivum)
oleum succini: oil of amber
olfactus: sense of smell
olibanum: frankincense
oliva: olive
olivum: olive oil (see also, oleum olivae)
olla: a jar
olla fictilis: earthenware jar
omne die (o.d. or omn. die): all day; every day
omne scibile: everything knowable
omni alterna hora (o. alt. h.): every other hour
omni biduo: every two days
omni bihora or omni bihorio (o.b. or omn. bih.): every two hours
omni hora (o.h. or omn. hor.): every hour
omni mane (o.m. or omn. man.): every morning
omni nocte (o.n. or omn. noc.): every night
omni quadranta hora (o.q.h. or omn. quad. hor.): every quarter hour
(i.e., every fifteen minutes)
omni sexta hora (o. sext. h.): every six hours
omni singula hora (o.s.h. or o. sing. h.): every single hour
omni triduo: every three days
omnibus alternis horis (omn. alt. hor.): every other hour; at alternate
hours
omnis (omn.): all; every
opacus: dark; shaded; shadowy; obscure
ope: by means of
ope bacilli lignei: by means of a small wooden stick
ope cribri: by means of or through a sieve
ope penicilli (ope pen.): by means of a camel-hair brush
opere citato (op. cit.): in the work cited
opertus: covered
ophthalmia neonatorum: the optic nerve
ophthalmicus: ophthalmic (pertaining to the eye)
opprobrium medicorum [the reproach of physicians]: an incurable
disease
68 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

opticus: optic
optimus (opt.): the best
opulus: maple tree
opus (pl. opera): work; need; occasion
opus est: it is necessary
orbicularis oris: the lip muscle (see also, constrictor oris)
orbicularis palpebrarum: the muscle that shuts the eye
orbis: circle
ordinarius: ordinary
ori: to or for the mouth
orientalis: oriental; eastern
origanum: marjoram
ornus: mountain ash tree
oryza: rice
os (pl. ora): the mouth; an opening
os (pl. ossa): a bone
os externus: the mouth of the vagina
os femoris: the femur bone
os humeri: the humerus bone (i.e., upper arm)
os innominatum: the hip bone
os jugale: the cheekbone (see also, zygoma)
os malare or os malae: the cheekbone (see also, zygoma)
os pectoris: the breastbone; the sternum
os sepiae: cuttlefish bone
os tincae: the mouth of the womb
os ustum: bone ash
os uteri or os internum: the mouth of the uterus
os zygomaticum: the cheekbone (see also, zygoma)
oscillatio: swinging to and fro
osculum: a small mouth or opening (also, a kiss)
ossa [bones]: a skeleton
ossa pubis: the pubic bone
osseus: bony
ossicula: small bones
ossium compages: the skeletal system
ostium: an opening
ostrea: oyster
otoguttae: ear drops
ovarium: ovary
ovatus: egg-shaped
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 69

ovi albumen (ovi alb.): the egg white

ovi putamen: an egg shell
ovi vitellus (ovi vit.) or vitellus: the egg yolk (see also, vitellus ovi)
ovillum jusculum (ovil. jus.): mutton broth
ovillus: pertaining to sheep
ovis: a sheep
ovorum: of eggs
ovula: an ovule
ovum (ov.): an egg
oxidatus: oxidized
oxidum: oxide
oxygenium: oxygen
oxymel (ox. or oxy. or oxym.): a mixture of honey, vinegar, and water
oxyuris vermicularis: the tapeworm

P
pabulum: food
paene: nearly; almost
palatum: the palate (i.e., the roof of the mouth)
palatum durum [hard palate]: the front of the mouth
palatum molle [soft palate]: the back part of the mouth
pallidulus: somewhat pale
pallidus: pale; sallow
palma: the palm of the hand
palmatus: palmlike
palmus: the width of the hand
palmus major: the span of the hand
palmus minor: the width of four fingers (i.e., the width of the hand
minus the thumb)
palpebra: the eyelid
paluster: swampy
panacea [a plant believed to heal all ailments]: a cure-all
panax quiquefolius: American ginseng
panchrestus: good or useful for everything
pancreaticus: pancreatic
panis: bread
panis azymus: unleavened bread
panis mica: a bread crumb
panniculus: a covering
70 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

pannus: cloth; rag

pannus laneus: a woolen flannel cloth
pannus linteus: a linen cloth
papaver: poppy
papaver somniferum: the poppy from which opium and morphine
are derived
papilla (pl. papillae): nipple; teat
papula: a pimple
pappus: the first soft beard on the chin
paraffinum: paraffin
paradoxus: paradoxic; uncharacteristic
paralysis agitans: Parkinson’s disease
paratus: prepared; ready
parens: a parent
paries (pl. parietis): a side or wall of a cavity
paroxysmus: a paroxysm (i.e., a fit); convulsion
pars (pl. partes): part
partem affectam (part. aff.): affected part
partem dolentem (part. dolent.): painful part
partes aequales (p. ae. or pt. aeq.): in equal parts
partes constituentes: constituent parts (i.e., the ingredients)
parti affectae (p.a.): to the affected part
parti dolenti (p. dol.): to the painful part
parti affectae applicandus (p.a.a.): to be applied to the affected part
parti affectae pingendus: to be painted on the affected part
partiat: let him or her divide
partibus affectis (p.a.): to the affected parts
partitio: a division; partition
partitis vicibus (part. vic.): in divided doses
partitus: divided
partus: birth; giving birth
parum: too little; not enough
parum profuit: it (the cure) helped too little; or, it helped for a little
while
parumper: for a little while
parviflorus: small-flowered
parvulum [very little]: a little bit
parvulus [very small]: a little one (i.e., an infant)
parvus (parv.): small
pasta: a paste
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 71

passiflora: passion flower

passim (pass.): throughout; here and there
passulae: raisins (see also, uvae passae)
pastillum or pastillus (pas. or pastil.): a small lozenge; a breath lozenge
pastinaca: the parsnip (properly, pastinaca sativa)
pastus: food
patella: the kneecap
patens: open; accessible
pater: father
patiens: a patient
patina: an evaporating dish
pauciflorus: having few flowers
pauculum: a little
paucus: a little
paulatim: little by little
paulum or paullum (paul.): a little
paulum cibi gustandum: a little food is to be taken
paululus or paululum: very little
pauxillum (paux.): a very little
pectinum: pectin
pectoralis: pectoral; also, an expectorant
pectori (pect.): to the chest or breast
pectus (pect.): the chest; breast
pedetentim (pedet.): step by step; by degrees
pediculus: louse
pediculus pubis: the crab louse
pediluvium: a foot bath
pedis digitus: a toe
peior or pejor: worse
peius or pejus: even worse
pellis: skin; hide
peltatus: shield-like
pelvis [a basin]: the pelvic region
pendens (pend.): weighing; hanging
penicillum: a brush; also, a pencil
penicillum camelinum (pen. cam. or penicul. cam.): a camel’s hair brush
penicillum pro gutture: a brush for the throat
peniculus: a brush; a sponge
penis [tail]: the male sex organ (see also, membrum virile)
penitus: inward; internal
72 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

penna: a feather
pennatus: winged; feathered
pensus: weighted
pepo: a pumpkin (see also, cucurbita pepo)
pepsinum: pepsin
pepticus: digestive
peptonatus: peptonized
per biduum: for two days
per cribrum trajicere: to pass through a sieve
per deliquium: by deliquescence
per diem [by the day]: daily
per fistulam: through a tube
per horam [by the hour]: for an hour
per infortunium: by accident
per mensem [by the month]: monthly; for each month
per os (p.o.): by mouth; orally
per saltum (per salt.): by leaps; all at once
per se: by itself
per singulos dies: day by day; every day
per somnum: asleep
per tres consequentes noctes: for three consecutive nights
per triduum: for three days
per vicem: by turns; alternately
per vim: by force; forcibly
peractus: completed
peracta operatione emetici: the emetic having completed its action
(i.e., the emetic having acted)
percolet: let it percolate
percolatum: percolate
percolum: percolator
perendie: on the day after tomorrow
perfoliatus: having a stem passing through the leaf
perforatus: pierced
perfricandus: to be rubbed
perfricetur: let it be rubbed
pergat in usu medicinarum: let the patient continue using the medicine
pergat in usu remediorum: let the patient continue using the remedy
peritus: skilled
peroxidum: peroxide
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 73

perpallidus: very pale

perpolitio: a polishing
persiccus: very dry
persio: cudbear (i.e., a purple dye)
perstetur (P. or pt.): let it be continued
pertussis: whooping cough (see also, tussis convulsiva)
pervigilium: inability to sleep
pes or pedis (pl. pedes): the foot
pessimus: worst
pessus (pess.): a pessary; a vaginal suppository
pestis: a pest; plague or pestilence; a contagious fever
petalum (pl. petala): a petal
petra: rock; stone
petrolatum: petroleum jelly (see also, vaselinum)
petroleum [rock oil]: petroleum oil
petroselinum: parsley
phagedaenicus: cancerous; spreading like cancer
pharmaceuticus: pharmaceutical
Pharmaciae Doctor [Phar. D. or Pharm. D.]: Doctor of Pharmacy
pharmacopoeia: a pharmacopoeia (i.e., an official book listing medi-
cines with their uses and effects)
pharmacopola: a druggist; also, a quack
phellus: a cork
phiala [phial]: vial; bottle
phiala agitata: the bottle having been shaken
phiala bene obturata: a well-sealed bottle
phiala obturata: a sealed or stoppered bottle
phiala prius agitata (p.p.a. or P.P.A.): after first shaking the bottle
phiala prius concussa: the bottle having been previously shaken
phiala suberata: a corked bottle
Philosophiae Doctor (Ph.D.): Doctor of Philosophy
philtrum (pl. philtra): a love potion
philtrum: the vertical groove or indented space between the nose and
the upper lip (colloquially, Cupid’s bow)
phlegmasia cerulea dolens: deep-vein thrombosis (i.e., a blood clot)
phosphas: phosphate
phosphoricus: phosphoric
phosphorosus: phosphorous
phosphorus: phosphorus
74 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

phrenesis: madness; frenzy

phthisis: consumption (i.e., tuberculosis)
physica: physics
physiologicus: physiological
physostigma: Calabar bean
phytolacca: poke root
picea: pitch pine
piceus: of or like pitch; pitch-black
pictus: painted
pigmentum (pigm.): pigment; paint
pila: ball
pilocarpus: jaborandi (the leaves of the pilocarpus pinnatus)
pilorum arrectores: the tiny muscles that produce the ‘goose bumps’
effect as well as the skin hair to rise when a person is cold or
frightened
pilosus: covered with hair; hairy
pilula (pl. pilulae; pil.): a pill
pilulae tunicatae: coated pills
pilum: a pestle
pilum ligneum: a wooden pestle
pilus: hair
pimenta dioica: allspice
pimpinella: anise (properly, pimpinella asinum)
pinguedo: lard; fat; grease
pinguis: plump; fatty; greasy
pinus: pine
piper: pepper
piper nigrum: black pepper
piperita: peppermint (see also, mentha piperita)
piperitus: peppery
pirus or pyrus: pear
piscarius: related to fish
piscina: a fish tank; a fish pond; also, a swimming pond
piscis: fish
pistachium: the pistachio fruit
pistillum: a pestle (see also, pilum)
pisum (pl. pisa): the pea
pix: pitch
pix carbonis: coal tar
pix liquida: tar; wood tar
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 75

pix lithanthracis: coal tar paste

placabilis: easy to please
placebo (. . .): I will please (i.e., a prescription given to please a patient)
placidus: quiet; still
planifolius: flat-leaved
planta: the sole of the foot
plantago: plantain
planum: plain; intelligible
planum facere: to make plain; to explain
planus: flat; level
plasma: the fluid part of blood; also, a non-fatty ointment made of
starch and gylcerin
plenus: plenty; full; complete
plexus: braid; network; a network of blood vessels or nerves
plica: a fold; a plait
plico: to fold together
ploratus: weeping; crying; to weep over or lament
pluma: feather
plumatus: covered with feathers
plumosum: feathered
plumbum (Pb. or pb.): lead
plumbum album [white lead]: tin
plumeus: downy
pluries: frequently; often
plurimus: most
plus: more
pluvia: rain
pluvialis: pertaining to rain; sprouting after the rain
pluvialis aqua: rainwater
pocillum (pocill.): a small cup
poculum (poc. or pocul.): a cup
podagra: gout in the feet
podex: anus; anal region; buttocks
podophyllum: may apple; mandrake (see also, mandragora)
pollen [fine flour]: pollen (i.e., the powder found in flowers that pos-
sesses regenerative power)
pollex (poll.): the thumb or big toe; an inch in length
pollices sex (poll. sex): six inches (i.e., half a foot)
pomadum: a pomade
pomatus: pertaining to apples
76 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

pomeridianus: of the afternoon

pomifer: fruit-bearing
pomum: an apple
pomum Adami: the Adam’s apple
pondere (P.): by weight
ponderosus: heavy; weighty
pondus: weight
pondus medicinale: an apothecary’s weight
pondus specificum: a specific weight
pone aurem (pone aur.): put behind the ear
pone in capsulas: put in capsules
pons (pl. pontes) [a bridge]: a part connecting two other parts
populus: the poplar tree
porca: a sow
porcus: a hog
porrigo: dandruff; ringworm of the scalp
porta: a gate
portentus: indicated; predicted; foretold
portio: part; portion; section
portio dura: the facial nerve
portio mollis: the auditory nerve
porus: a pore; a callus
positus: position; place
post: after
post cibos (p.c.): after meals
post cibum (p.c.): after food
post duas horas: after two hours
post jentaculum (p.j. or p. jent. or p. jentac.): after breakfast
post meridianus or postmeridianus: in or of the afternoon
post meridiem (p.m. or P.M.): after noon
post mortem (p.m. or P.M.): after death
post obitum: after death
post partum or postpartum: after birth
post postscriptum (P.P.S. or PPS): an additional postscript
post prandium: after dinner
post scriptum or postscriptum (P.S. or PS): written after; a postscript
post singulas dejectiones liquidas (p.s.d.l.): after each loose bowel
movement
post singulas sedes liquidas (p.s.s.l.): after each loose stool
postea: thereafter; afterwards; next
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 77

posterior: at the rear; the rear part

postridie: on the following day
potassa: potash
potassium (K.): potassium
potens: strong; powerful
potestas res cognoscendi: the power of the recognition of things
potio or potus (pot.): a potion; a drink; a draught
prae manu: at hand; on hand
praecipitatus (ppt.): precipitated
praecox: premature
praemolior: to prepare beforehand
praenomen: first name
praeparatio: preparation
praeparatus (praep.): prepared
praeparetur: let it be prepared
praeparentur: let them be prepared
praescriptio or praescriptum [precept or rule]: something prescribed;
a prescription
praesentia animi: presence of mind
prandium (prand.): lunch or dinner
pratum: a meadow
pratensis [of a meadow]: growing in a meadow
prelum: a press
pressus: pressure
prima luce (prim. luc.) [at first light]: early in the morning
primae viae: the primary passages of the body (e.g., the stomach and
the intestines)
primipara: a mother who is pregnant with or has delivered her first
child
primo mane (prim. m.): early in the morning
primus: the first
princeps: prince; principal; first
pristinus: former; earlier
prius: coming before, prior, previous
pro: for; before; on behalf of
pro adulto: for an adult
pro capillis (pro capill.): for the hair
pro dose: for a dose
pro dosi: as or for a dose
pro jugulo (pro jug.): for the throat
78 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

pro lubitu: according to desire

pro naso: for the nose
pro oculis (pro ocul.): for the eyes
pro oculo dextro (pro ocul. dext.): for the right eye
pro oculo laevo (pro ocul. laev.): for the left eye
pro portione: in proportion
pro potu communi: for an ordinary drink
pro potu sumendus (pro pot. s.): to be taken as a drink
pro ratione aetatis (p.r.a. or pro rat. aet.): according to age of the
patient
pro ratione doloris: according to the pain
pro re nata (p.r.n. or P.R.N.): whenever necessary; as needed
pro singulis oculis (pro sing. ocul.): for each eye
pro tempore (p.t. or pro tem.): for a time; temporarily
pro usu externo: for external use
pro recto (pro rect.): rectal
pro vagina (pro vagin.): vaginal
pro urethra (pro ureth.): urethral
procumbens: prostrate (i.e., lying on the ground)
profluens: running water
profundus: deep-seated
prolapsus: a collapse or falling; a protrusion
prolapsus ani: a collapse or falling of the extremity of the anus
prolapsus uteri: a collapse or falling of the womb
prope: near
proprius [one’s own]: proper; suitable
prosum: to be useful; to benefit someone or something
proteinum: protein
protinus: instantly
proxima luce: the next day; also, the day before
proximo (prox.): the next; of or in the following month
proximo mense (prox. m.): the next month
proximus: the closest or nearest
prudentia: prudence; discretion
pruina: hoarfrost; rime
pruna: a live or burning coal
prunum: a plum or prune
prunus: plum tree
prunus serotina: wild cherry (also, prunus virginiana)
pruriens: itching
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 79

prurigo: itch (i.e., a skin eruption attended by itching)

pruritus: an itching; excessive itching
psora: the itch
puberulus: having soft short hairs
pubescens: pubescent
pudenda muliebre: the female reproductive system
pudenda virorum: the male reproductive system
puella: a girl; a female youth
puer: a boy; a male youth
puerpera: a woman in labor
puerperium: childbirth; labor
pugillus (pug.): a pinch (i.e., the amount that can be grasped by two
or three fingers)
pugnus: the fist
pulegium: pennyroyal (see also, mentha pulegium)
pulex: a flea
pullus: a chicken
pulmentum: a relish
pulmo (pl. pulmones): a lung
pulpa: fruit pulp
puls: a porridge; pottage made of grain
pulsatilis: a throbbing headache
pulsatio: a knocking or beating of something
pulsus: pulse
pulsus cordis: the beat of the heart
pulveratus: pulverized
pulveres (pulv.): powders
pulvereus: powdery
pulverisatus: powdered
pulvis (pulv.): a powder
pulvis conspersus (pulv. consper.): a dusting powder
pulvis subtilis: a fine powder
pulvis subtilissimus: a very fine powder; the very finest powder
pumex: pumice
pumilio or pumilus: a dwarf
puncta lachrymalia: the openings in the lower eyelids where the tears
form or appear
punctatus: pointed; spotted
punctum: point; spot; moment
punctum caecum: the blind spot of the eye
80 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

punctum saliens: the first movement of the embryo after fertilization

punica granatum or punica: the pomegranate
purgans: purging; laxative
purgatio alvi: purging of the bowels; a laxative
purgativus: a purgative
purgus: purgative; purging
purificatus: purified; refined
purpureus: purple
purus: pure
pustula: a blister; a pimple
putridus: rotten; decayed
putris: rotten; putrid
putus: pure; unmixed
pygmaeus: dwarf-sized
pyorrhea alveolaris: Rigg’s disease
pyramidalis: pyramid-shaped
pyrus or pirus: pear tree
pyxis (pyx.): a pill box
pyxis chartacea: a powder box

Q
qua: which; as far as
quacumque: in whatever way
quadraginta: forty
quadrans: a quarter; a fourth part
quadratus: squared
quadringenti: four hundred
quadrupes: four-footed
quadruplex: quadruple
quae vide (qq.v.): (pl.) which see
quaeque: each; every
quaestio or questio: a question; an inquiry
qualus: a wicker basket
quam: as much as; than
quam maxime: as much as possible
quam multi?: how many?
quamdiu: as long as; so long as; until
quamdiu?: for how long?
quamlibet: as much as you please
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 81

quamprimum: as soon as possible

quamvis or quam vis: as much as you will; however much
quantitas (qt.): quantity
quantitas duplex (qt. dupx. or qt. dx.): twice the quantity (i.e., dou-
ble the amount)
quantulus: how little; how small
quantum: as much as
quantum libet (q.l. or q. lib.): as much as you please; liberally
quantum placet (q. pl. or q.p.): as much as you please; agreeably
quantum satis (q.s. or Q.S.): as much as satisfies
quantum sufficit or quantum sufficiat (q.s. or quant. suff.): as much
as suffices
quantum vis or quantumvis (q.v.): as much as you will
quantum volueris (q. vol. or q.v.): as much as you wish
quantus: how much?
quantus: how great; how much; how many
quaque (qq. or Qq.): each; every
quaque alterna hora (q. alt. h.): every other hour
quaque hora (q.h. or qq. hor.): every hour
quaque mane (q.m. or Q.M.): every morning
quaque nocte (q.n.): every night
quaque sexta hora (q. sext. h.): every six hours
quaque singula hora (q.s.h. or q. sing. h.): every single hour
quarta pars: a quarter part; one quarter
quartana or febris quartana: a fever occurring every fourth day, as
in malaria
quartis horis (quart. hor.): every four hours
quartus: the fourth
quarum or quorum: of which; of whom
quasi: as if; as though; as it were
quasi dicat (q.d.): as much as to say
quasi dictum (q.d.): as if said
quasillus or quasillum: a little basket
quatenus: how far; in so far as; to what extent
quater: four times
quater die (q.d.): four times a day
quater in die (q.i.d.): four times a day
quaterni: four each; four at a time
quattuor or quatuor: four
quattuordecim: fourteen
82 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

quercus: oak
quibus: from which; with which
quies: rest; repose
quiescat: let him or her be still; let him or her rest
quietus: quiet; calm; still
quillaja: the soap or soapbark tree (properly, quillaja saponaria)
quindecim: fifteen
quinina: quinine
quingenti: five hundred
quinquaginta: fifty
quinque: five
quinquies: five times
quinquies vel sexies in die (quin. vel sex. in d.): five or six times a day
quintus: the fifth
quisque: each one; every one
quod: which; that; because
quod erat demonstrandum (Q.E.D. or q.e.d.): which was to be
demonstrated or proven
quod erat faciendum (Q.E.F. or q.e.f.): which was to be done
quod est (q.e.): which is
quod superest: the remainder
quod vide (q.v.): (sing.) which see
quomodo: in what manner or way
quoque (qq. or Qq.): also; too
quorum or quarum: of which; of whom
quotannis: annually
quotidianus: daily; every day
quotidie (quot. or quotid.): daily; every day
quoties: as often as; whenever
quoties opus sit (q.o.s. or quot. op. sit): as often as required
quotquot: as many as

R
rabies: madness
racemosus: clustered (i.e., having racemes)
raditicus: by the roots
radius: ray
radix: a root
ramenta: shavings; splinters; chips
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 83

ramulus: a small branch

ramus: branch
rana: frog
rapa or rapum: turnip
rapulum: a small turnip
raspatus: rasped
rasurae eboris: ivory shavings
rasuratus: scraped
rasus: shaved; shredded; trimmed
ratio: ratio; proportion
raucitas: hoarseness
raucitate urgente: with hoarseness being serious
recens (rec.): recent; fresh
recipe (℞): take
recuperatio: recovery
rectalis: rectal
rectificatus: rectified; refined
rectum intestinum or rectum: the rectum, specifically the lower sec-
tion of the intestines
rectus: straight; right; correct
rectus abdominis: the abdominal muscles
rectus femoris: the thigh muscles
rectus musculus: any of various straight muscles
redactus: reduced
redestillatus: redistilled
redigatur in pulverem (r. in p. or red. in pulv.): let it be reduced to
a powder
redivivus [restored to life]: resuscitated
reductus: reduced
reductus in pulverem (red. in pulv.): reduce to a powder
refrigerans: cooling
regimen: guidance; direction
regio epigastrica: the epigastric region
regio hepatis (reg. hepat.): the region of the liver
regio lumborum: the region of the loins
regio umbilici (reg. umbil.): the umbilical region
regius: royal
reliquum or reliquus (reli. or reliq.): the rest; the remaining; the
remainder
remedium: remedy; cure
84 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

remedium efficacissimum: the most effective cure (i.e., a sovereign

remedy)
remisso animo [the inactive mind]: listlessly; listlessness
remissus: relaxed; inactive; also, faint
renes (sing. ren): the kidneys
renovetur: let it be renewed
renovo: to renew
repens: sudden; unexpected; also, creeping
repetatur (rep. or repet. or rept.): let it be repeated
res: a thing
residuum: residue
residuus: remaining
resina: resin; rosin
restrictus: confined
rete (pl. retia) [a net]: plexus of nerves; vascular network
rete mucosum: the tissue below the skin that gives it its color
reticulatus: netlike
retineatur: let it be retained
retinendus: to be kept or retained
reubarbarum or rheubarbarum: rhubarb
rhamnus: buckthorn (properly, rhamnus cathartica)
rheumaticus: rheumatic
rhizoma: a rhizome
rhoeas: wild poppy
rhus: sumac
rhus radicans: poison ivy
rhus toxicodendron: poison oak
ribes: currant (see also, uvae Corinthae)
ribes aureum: golden currant
ribes grossularia: gooseberry
ribes nigrum: black currant
ribes rubrum or ribes sanguineum: red currant
ricinus: the castor plant
rigens: stiff; unbending
rigidus: rigid; stiff; hard
rigor mortis: the stiffening or rigor of the body after death
risus sardonicus: convulsive laughter associated with tetanus
roborans: strengthening
roboratus: strengthened
robustus: robust
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 85

rosa: rose; wild rose

rosmarinus: rosemary
rostratus: having a beak
rostrum: beak; snout
rotula: a lozenge
rotundifolius: round-leaved
rubefaciens: blistering; reddened
rubella: the German measles
rubeola: the measles
ruber or rubrum: red
rubramentum: red ink
rubus: blackberry
rubus fruticosus: European blackberry
rubus idaeus: raspberry
rubus villosus: blackberry
ructus: belching
rudicula: a spatula; wooden spoon
rudis: a rod
rufus: red; reddish
rugosus: wrinkled
rumex: yellow dock; sorrel (properly, rumex crispus)
ruptus: burst open
ruri: in the county
russus: reddish
rutaceus: pertaining to rue

S
sabal: saw palmetto
sabina: savin; red cedar
saccharatus (sacch.): sugarcoated
sacchari faex: treacle; molasses
saccharinum: benzosulfinide (i.e., saccharin sweetener)
saccharomyces: yeast
saccharum (sacch.): sugar; cane sugar
saccharum fuscum: brown sugar
saccharum lactis: milk sugar; lactose
saccharum purificatum: refined sugar; sucrose
saccus [sack]: a pouch; a filter bag; a pressing cloth for straining
wine
86 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

sacculus: a small filter; a sack

sacer ignis [sacred fire]: erysipelas
sacer morbis [sacred sickness]: epilepsy
saepe: often
saepius: more often
sal: salt
sal amarus [bitter salt]: a cathartic (e.g., Epsom salt)
sal catharticus: a cathartic (e.g., Epsom salt)
sal culinarius [cooking salt]: table salt
sal gemmae: rock salt
sal prunella: refined potassium nitrate (saltpeter), previously used to
alleviate sore throats
sal volatile: aromatic spirit of ammonia (i.e., smelling salts)
saliva: saliva; spittle
salix: willow
saltem: at least; in any event
saluber: healthy; salutary
salubritas: health; soundness; wholesomeness
salus: health; safety; well-being
salutaris: healthful; beneficial
salvia: sage (properly, salvia officinalis)
salvo praescripto: except as directed
salvo pudore: without offense to modesty
sambucus: the elder tree (including the flower and berry)
sanctus: sacred; holy; sainted
sanet: let him or her cure
sanguinaria: bloodroot
sanguine suffusus: bloodshot
sanguinis mictus: urine mixed with blood (see also, mictus cruentus)
sanguis: blood
sanguisuga: a bloodsucker (i.e., a leech)
sanies: blood-tinged discharge; a discharge from ulcers
sanitas: health; wholeness; sanity
santalinus: of sandalwood
santalum: sandalwood
santonica: wormseed
sanus: sane; healthy
sapo: soap
sapo kalinus: potash soap
saponarius: soapy
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 87

saponatus: saponated
sapor: taste; the taste of a thing
saporatus: flavored
sarcophagus: flesh-eating (also, a tomb)
sarza: sarsaparilla
satis: enough
sativus: cultivated
saturatio: saturation
saturatus: full; saturated
scalpellum: a scalpel; a small surgical knife
scalprum: a penknife; a cutting instrument
scammonium: scammony (a gum resin)
scapula (pl. scapulae): shoulder blade
scarlatina: scarlet fever
scatula (scat.): a box
scatula pilularum: a box of pills
schola medicorum: medical school
scilicet (sc. or scil.): namely; to wit; that is to say
scilla: squill; sea onion (see also, urginea)
scissus: cut; torn; cleft
scoparius: a broom
scorbutus: scurvy
scorpio: a scorpion (see also, nepa)
scriptum or scriptus: written; scribbled; also, scrawled
scrobiculo cordis (scrob. cord.): to the pit of the stomach
scrobiculus cordis: the pit of the stomach
scobis citreus: grated lemon peel
scrofa: a breeding sow (see also, sus scrofa)
scrupulus or scrupulum (scr.): a scruple
scrupulus dimidius: half a scruple
sculpsit (sc. or sculpt.): he or she carved or engraved it
sculptus: sculpted
scutellaria: skullcap
scutum: a shield
sebum: suet; grease; tallow
sebum bovinum: beef suet
sebum ovillum: mutton suet
secale: rye; ergot
secundis horis (sec. hor.): every two hours
secundum (sec.): according to
88 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

secundum artem (s.a. or S.A. or sec. art.): according to pharmaceuti-

cal practice
secundum gustum: according to taste
secundum naturam (s.n. or S.N. or sec. nat.): according to nature;
naturally
secundus: the second
sed: but
sedans: a sedative
sedativus: soothing; sedating
sedecim: sixteen
sedes: stool
sedes liquidae: loose stools
sedulo: sedulously; assiduously
selibra: half a pound
semel: once
semel die (s.d. or sem. die): once a day
semel in die (s.i.d. or S.I.D. or sem. in die): once a day
semen: seed
semicupium: a bath for only part of the body, such as a hip bath
semicyathus: half a glassful
semidrachma (semidr.): half a drachm (dram)
semihora (semih.): half an hour
seminex: half-dead
seminudus: half-naked
semis (s̄ s̄): half or one half
semivivus: very faint; half-dead
semper: always
sempervirens [always green]: an evergreen
semuncia: half an ounce
senectus: old age
senex: an old man
senilis: aged; senile
senior: older
sensim: gradually; by degrees
sensorium or sensorium commune: the seat of sensation; the brain
separatim: separately
sepia: the cuttlefish
septem: seven
septentriones (sing. septentrio): the north
septicus: septic
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 89

septingenti: seven hundred

septimana: a week
septimus: the seventh
septuaginta: seventy
sepultus (S.): buried
septum: a barrier or partition
septum nasi: the division between the nostrils
septum scroti: the partition separating the testicles
sequens: following
sequente luce: the following day
sequestrum: a deposit
sera nocte: late at night
sericum: silk
sericus: silken
seriparus: curdling; curdled
sero: late; at a late hour
serotinus: late-arriving; late-maturing
serpens [creeping animal]: serpent; snake (see also, anguis)
serperastra: knee splits or bandages for straightening a crooked leg
serra: a saw
serratifolius: notched-leaved; serrated leaves
serratus: serrated
serrula: a little saw
serrulatus: saw-toothed
serum: serum (i.e., the watery part of blood, curdled milk, etc.)
serum lactis: whey
serus: late; too late
sesamum: sesame
sescenti: six hundred
sesqui: one and one half
sesquihora (sesquih. or sesqh.): an hour and a half
sesuncia (sesunc.): an ounce and a half (i.e., one and one half
ounces)
seta: a bristle
setosus: bristly
sevum [sebum]: suet
sevum bovinum: beef suet
sevum ovillum: mutton suet
sexaginta: sixty
sexies die (sex. d.): six times a day
90 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

sexies in die (sex. in d.): six times a day

sextarius: a pint
sextis horis (sext. hor.): every six hours
sextus: the sixth
sexus: sex (i.e., gender)
sexus muliebris: the female sex
sexus virilis: the male sex
si dolor urgeat (si dol. urg.): if the pain is severe
si non valeat (s.n.v. or si non val.): if it does not respond
si opus sit (s.o.s. or si op. sit): if necessary; if the occasion requires
si vires permittant (s.v.p. or si vir. perm.): if strength permits
sic: thus; so
siccant: drying (i.e., a desiccant)
siccat: it dries
siccatus: dried
siccus: dry; desiccated
sidereus: related to the stars; starry
sidus: a star or constellation of stars
signa (S. or Sig.): write or mark thus on the prescription label
signare: to label
signator (fem. signatrix): one who signs or seals a written document
signatura: a signature (see also, subscriptum)
signetur (s. or sig.): let it be written; label it thus
signetur nomine proprio (s.n.p. or sig. nom. prop.): label with
proper name (as opposed to the brand name)
signum: a mark; sign
silvaticus or sylvaticus: of the forest; wild
silvestris or sylvestris: wooded; wild; growing wild
simia or simius: ape; monkey
similis: similar; like
simplex: simple
simul: together; at the same time
simulare morbum: to feign illness
sinapis (sinap.): mustard
sinapis nigra: black mustard
sinapismus: a mustard poultice
sinciput: the front of the head (as opposed to occiput)
sindon: muslin; fine linen
sine: without
sine aqua: without water; undiluted
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 91

sine auxilio: unaided

sine dilatione: without delay
sine dolore: painless
sine igne: without fire (i.e., cold-drawn)
sine maculis [without stain]: spotless
sine mora: without delay
sine sale (s.s.): without salt
singillatim: singly; separately; one by one
singula quaque: with each dose
singularis [singular]: each; alone; individual
singuli: singly; each one; one by one
singulis auroris (sing. auror.): every morning
singulis horis (sing. hor.): every hour
singulorum (sing.): of each
singultus: a gasp; a hiccup
singulus (pl. singuli): single; separate; apiece
sinister (sinist.): left
sinistra: left hand; left side
sipho: a syringe
sipho eburneus: an ivory syringe
sipho vitreus: a glass syringe
sitis: thirst
smilax: greenbrier; sarsaparilla
sol: sun
solanum: nightshade
solaris: solar
solidus: solid
solitus: usual; ordinary
solubilis: soluble
solus: alone
solutio or solutum (sol.): a solution
solutus: dissolved; loosened
solve (solv.): dissolve
solve cum calore (solv. c̄ cal.): dissolve by warming
somniferus: sleep inducing
somnium: a dream; also, a daydream
somnolentus: sleepy; drowsy
somnus: sleep
sonitus: a buzzing sound in the ears
sonus: sound
92 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

sopiens: sleep-inducing
sopor: deep sleep
soporiferus: inducing deep sleep
sorbilis: drinkable
sorbilo: by sipping; swallowing small drops
sordidus: foul; dirty; vile
soror: sister
spasmus caninus: spasms attending tetanus
spatium: space; interval
spatula or spathula: spatula; ladle; a knife for mixing medicines
species: a particular sort, type, or kind
species novum (sp. nov.): a new species
specificum: specific; particular
specillum: a surgeon’s probe
specimen: a sample; an example
speculum (pl. specula) [a mirror]: a medical instrument used during
an examination to dilate or open an orifice or body cavity
spes: hope
sphincter [bracelet]: contracting muscles that surround natural
openings
sphincter ani: muscles that close the anus (see also, constrictor ani)
sphincter oris: a muscle that closes the mouth
spica (pl. spicae): point spike; spur; head of grain
spicatus: spiked
spicula: bone splinter
spiculum (pl. spicula): a sharp point; needle; a sting, as by a bee
spina: a spine; a thorn; the backbone
spiracula (sing. spiriculum): air holes; spiracles; respiratory pores of
the skin
spiritus (s. or spr.): a spirit; an alcoholic drink; a spirit of any kind
spiritus chloroformi: chloric ether
spiritus Coloniensis: eau de Cologne (see also, aqua Coloniensis)
spiritus frumenti: whiskey
spiritus juniperi: gin
spiritus lenis: smooth breathing; gentle respiration
spiritus myrciae: bay rum
spiritus odoratus: a scented or perfumed spirit (e.g., eau de Cologne)
spiritus sacchari: rum
spiritus tenuior: proof spirit
spiritus vini (s.v. or spirit. vin.): wine spirit; an alcoholic spirit
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 93

spiritus vini Gallici (s.v.g.): brandy (see also, vini Gallici spiritus)
spiritus vini methylatus: a methylated spirit
spiritus vini rectificatus (s.v.r.): rectified wine spirit; alcohol
spiritus vini tenuis (s.v.t.): proof spirit (i.e., a mix of half alcohol and
half water)
spiritus vinosus: spirits of wine; alcohol
spissatus: thickened
spissus: thick; solid, not fluid
spleneticus: arising from or affected by the spleen
splenium: an adhesive plaster
spondylus: a vertebra; also, a whirlpool
spongia: sponge
spongiola: a small piece of sponge
sponte: voluntarily; by one’s own choice
spumosus: foamy
sputum: spittle
squama [fish scale]: scaly condition of the skin
squamatus: scaly
squamula: a small scale from the skin
squarrosus [scaly]: covered with scales
stadium [race course]: a stage or period; the course of a disease
stagnum [standing water]: a pond or marsh
stanni oxidum: tin oxide powder previously used to make puddy
stannum (Sn. or sn.): tin
staphisagria: stavesacre
statim (stat.): immediately
status: state; condition; also, a standing position or posture
stearicus: stearic (i.e., derived from an animal fat such as tallow)
stella: star
stellans: starry
stent (sing. stet): let them stand
stercoreus: filthy
stercus: dung; manure
sterilis: sterile; barren
sterilisatus: sterilized
sterno (stern.): to the chest
sternum: chest
sternutatio: sneezing
sternutatorium or sternutamentum (sternut.): snuff
stertor [snoring]: loud and harsh respiration
94 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

stet (st.): let it stand

stibium: antimony (see also, antimonium)
stigma: a mark on the skin
stillicidium: flowing drop by drop
stillo: to trickle
stilus or stylus: a pencil
stimulans: stimulating
stimulus: a stimulant
stomacho jejuno: on a fasting stomach
stomacho vacuo: on an empty stomach
stomachus: the stomach
strabismus: the squinting of one or both eyes
stratum super stratum (s.s.s. or S.S.S.): layer upon layer
stremma: luxation; a sprain
streptococcicus: streptococcic
stria [furrow]: a mark under the skin that appears in some fevers
striatus: striped
strigosus: thin
struma: swelling; tumor
strychnina: strychnine
stupor: drowsiness; senselessness
stylus or stilus: a pencil
stypticus: styptic
sub: under; beneath; up to
sub divo: in the open air
sub finem coctiones: when the boiling is nearly finished
sub verbo (s.v.): under the word or heading
sub voce (s.v.): under the word or heading
suber: cork; cork tree
suberatus [made of cork]: corked; stoppered
subinde: now and then; repeatedly
subitarius: improvised
subitum: an emergency
subitus: sudden
sublimatus: sublimed
subscriptum [signed]: a signature (see also, signatura)
subsultus: twitching
subtepidus: lukewarm
subter: under
subtilis: fine; subtle
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 95

subtusus: somewhat bruised

succedaneum: a substitute medicine
succinum or sucinum: amber
succirubrus: red-juiced
succus or sucus: juice; sap
succus limettae: lime juice
succus limonis: lemon juice
sucidus: juicy; full of sap
sucrosum: sucrose; sugar
sudarium: a towel or handkerchief
sudator (f. sudatrix): causing perspiration
sudatorius: a sweating room (e.g., a steam room or sauna)
sudor or sudatio: sweat; sweating, perspiration
sudorificus: causing sweat
sufficiens: sufficient
sufflavus: a yellowish color
suffumigatio or suffitus: fumigation
suffuscus: darkened; dark brown
suffusus: spread through; steeped; tinged
sugatur (sug.): let it be sucked
suillus: pertaining to swine
sulcus: ditch; trench; the grooves and fissures of the brain
sulfur or sulphur (S. or s.): sulfur; brimstone
sulfurata: brimstone matches
sulfuratus: containing sulfur
sulfuricus: sulfuric
sulfurosus: sulfurous
sumantur (sum.): let them be taken
sumat (sum.): let him or her take
sumat aeger: let the patient take
sumat talem (sum. tal.): take one such
sumatur (sum.): let it be taken
sume (sum.): take
sumendus: to be taken
summa diligentia: with the utmost diligence
summus: the highest; the utmost (as opposed to infimus or infumus)
super alutam: on leather
super gossypium (sup. gossyp.): upon cotton wool
super linteum (sup. lin.): upon linen
super malas: on the cheeks
96 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

supercilium: the eyebrow

superficies: surface; external appearance
superfundo: to pour upon
superior: higher (in position or grade, as opposed to inferior)
supernatans: floating on the surface
supersubstantialis: life-sustaining
superus: above; higher (as opposed to inferus)
supplementum: supplement
suppositorium (supp. or suppos.): a suppository
supra (sup.): above
supra morem: more than usual
supra ulcera: over the sores
suprarenalis: suprarenal (i.e., above the kidney)
sura: the calf of the leg
surculus: a twig
surditas: deafness
surdus: deaf
sus: pig; swine
sus scrofa: hog; swine; a breeding sow (see also, scrofa)
suspirium: a deep breath; a sigh
sutura: a suture
suus: his, her, its
sylvaticus or silvaticus: of the forest; wild
sylvestris or silvestris: growing wild
symptoma: a symptom
synclonus ballismus: the shaking palsy
syncope: a fainting spell
syrupus or sirupus (syr.): a syrup
syrupus acaciae: syrup of acacia (used as a demulcent)
syrupus aloe (syr. aloe): aloe syrup
syrupus fuscus (syr. fus.): molasses

T
tabacum: tobacco (see also, lobelia)
tabella (tab.): a tablet
taberna: a shop
tabes [wasting away]: decay; consumption of the body
tabidus: melting; dissolving; decaying
tabletta: a small tablet
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 97

tabula: a table
taenia: a tapeworm
taenia lata: a species of tapeworm that grows to enormous lengths
taenia saginata: a tapeworm typically found in cows
taenia solium: a tapeworm typically found in pigs
talcum: talc
taleola: a small oblong piece
tales doses (tal. dos.): such doses
talis (tal.): such
talpa: the mole
talus: ankle; ankle bone; also, heel
tamarindus: tamarind
tanacetum: the tansy
tannicus: tannic
tantillum: a little
tantum quantum: just as much as is required
tantus: so much; so great
taraxacum dens-leonis or taraxacum: the dandelion (see also, leon-
todon taraxacum)
tardus: slow; late
tarsi oculorum: the eyelids
tarsis oculorum (tars. ocul.): to the eyelids
tarsus: the instep (i.e., the united bones of the foot)
tartaricus: tartaric
taurus: a bull; a steer
taxis [arrangement]: an operation in which an organ is replaced to its
natural position by hand
taxus: a yew tree
tectus: covered; concealed
tela: tissue
tela araneae: cobwebs
temperarius: temporary; adapted to time and circumstance
temperatus: tempered; properly mixed
tempora: the temples
tempore (temp.): in the time of
tempus: time; the temple (forehead)
temulentus: intoxicated; tipsy
tenebra: darkness
tenebrosus: dark; gloomy
tendo Achillis or tendo calcaneus: the Achilles tendon
98 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

tener: tender
tenesmus: a straining during bowel movements but without discharge
tentaculum: a feeler (i.e., an exploratory instrument)
tenuis: thin; slender; weak; diluted
tepefactus: warmed
teridarium: a room containing a warm bath
tepidus: warm or lukewarm
ter [thrice]: three times
ter et quater [three times and four times]: again and again
ter in die (t.i.d. or T.I.D.): three times a day
ter in hebdomada (ter in hebdom. or t. in hebdom.): three times a
week
ter in hora (ter in hor.): three times an hour
ter quaterve die (t.q.d.): three or four times a day
ter quotidie (ter quot.): three times daily
terantur: let them be rubbed
tere (ter.): rub; triturate
tere bene: rub well
tere bene simul (ter. bene sim.): rub together well
tere diu: rub for a long time
tere omni: rub all together
tere simul: rub together
terebinthina: turpentine
terebra: a trepan; a gimlet; a borer
terendus: to be rubbed
teres: rounded; polished; well-turned
tergum: the lower back
terra: earth
terra cimolia: fuller’s earth
territus: frightened
terror: fear; a fright
tertiis horis (tert. hor.): every three hours
tertius: the third
testa: a shell; urn; also, a coating or covering
testa ovi: eggshell
testa praeparata: powdered oyster shell
testis (pl. testes): a testicle
tetanicus: related to or characteristic of tetanus, such as neck cramps
or spasms
thea: tea
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 99

theaepoculum: a teacupful
thebaicus: pertaining to or containing opium
theobroma [food of the gods]: the cacao tree which yields cocoa beans
thermae: warm springs or baths
thermometrum: a thermometer
thoraci (thorac.): to the chest
thoracis: of the chest
thorax: chest; the breastplate
thuja: thuja; arbor vitae or arborvitae tree
thus or tus: incense; frankincense
thymus: the thymus gland; also, thyme
thyroideum: the thyroid gland
thyroideus: pertaining to the thyroid
tibia: the shinbone
tiglium: croton (properly, croton tiglium)
timidus: timid; fearful
tinctoreus: dyed; colored
tinctura (tinct. or t. or TR): tincture; a dye
tinctura ejusdem: tincture of the same (i.e., of the drug immediately
preceding)
tincturae: of a tincture
tinea capitis: ringworm of the scalp
tinnitus aurium or tinnitus: ringing in the ears
titulus: a label or inscription
toluiferus: producing balsam of tolu
tomentosus: wooly; furry
tonicus: a tonic
tormina: dysentery with gripping pain
torpidus: numb; sluggish
torpor: numbness; lack of sensation
torrefactus: roasted
tostus: toasted; roasted
toties quoties (tot. quot.): as often as; repeatedly; on each occasion
totus: the whole
toxicum: poison
toxitabella: a poison tablet
tractim: in managed bits; by degrees
trans: through; across
trans cribrum: through a sieve
translucidus: translucent; transparent
100 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

transversum digitum: a finger’s breadth

transversus: transverse
traumaticus: traumatic
trecenti: three hundred
tredecim: thirteen
tremor cordis: palpitation of the heart
tremulus: trembling
tres: three
triandrus: having three stamens
tricupis: three-pointed
triduum (trid.): a period of three days
trifidus: split or divided into three parts; three-pronged or three-forked
trifolium: a clover
trifoliatus: having three leaves
trifolius: three-leaved
trigenta: thirty
trigonalis: three-cornered
trihorium: a period of three hours
trillium: wake robin
tripartitus: three-part
triplex: triple
triplum: three times the amount
trismus: tetanus (i.e., lockjaw)
trismus nascentium: infantile lockjaw
tristis: sad; sorrowful
triticum: wheat (more properly, triticum aestivum)
tritu: by rubbing
trituratio: trituration (i.e., reducing something into a powder)
tritus: rubbed; a rubbing; a grinding
trochiscus (troch.): a lozenge
trochlea: a pulley
truncus: stem; trunk
tuber: swelling; protuberance
tubercula (sing. tuberculum): small hard tumors
tuberosus: tuberous; lumpy; full of humps or protuberances
tubulatus: formed or shaped like a tube; tubular
tubulus: a small tube
tubus: pipe; tube
tum: at that time
tumidus: swollen
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 101

tumor [a swelling]: a protuberance

tunica: a covering
tunicatus (tunicat.): coated
tunicentur cum gelatino (tunic. c̄ gelat.): let them be gelatin coated
tunicentur pilulae (tunic. pil.): let the pills be coated
tunicetur (tunic.): let it be coated
tus or thus: incense; frankincense
tussi ingravescente (tuss. ingrav.): with the cough growing worse
tussi molesta (tuss. mol.): with the cough being troublesome
tussi urgente (tuss. urg.): with the cough being severe
tussilago (tussilago farfara): coltsfoot (see also, farfara)
tussis (tus.): a cough
tussis convulsiva: whooping cough (see also, pertussis)
tussis ferina: a fierce or savage cough
tussis molestante (tuss. mol.): the cough being troublesome
tympanum: the drum of the middle ear
typhosus: pertaining to typhus; typhoid
typhus gravior: a malignant typhus, typically found in military camps
(febris castrensis) or in prisons (febris carcerum)
typus: a mold or pattern (sometimes applied to the form, order, and
progress of fevers)
typicus: typical

U
ulcus: sore; ulcer
ulmus: elm
ulmus fulva: slippery elm
ulna: elbow; arm; the lower arm
ultime: finally; at last
ultimo (ult.): the last or previous month
ultimo mense (ult. m.): the last or previous month
ultimo praescriptus (ult. praesc. or ult. praes.): last prescribed; the
last ordered
ultimus (ult.): the last
ultra non: no more
umbella: a sunshade
umbelliferus: bearing an umbel
umbilicus: the navel
umbra: shade; shadow
102 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

umbrosus: shady
umerus or humerus: the shoulder or upper arm
unam ter in die (u.t.i.d.): one three times a day
uncia (oz. or unc.): an ounce
unctio: an anointing
uncus: hook
undecim: eleven
undique: from all sides; everywhere
unguen: a fatty substance; an ointment
unguentatus: anointed
unguentum (ung. or ungt.): an ointment
unguentum aquae rosae: cold cream
unguentum caeruleum: blue mercurial ointment
unguiculus: fingernail or toenail
unguilla: an ointment jar
unguis or ungula: nail; claw; hoof; talon
unus: one
urbs: a city or town
urgens: urgent
urginea: squill; sea onion (see also, scilla)
urina: urine
urosus: pertaining to urine
ursus (f. ursa): a bear
urtica: the nettle
usque (usq.): as far as
usque ad: up to
ustus: burnt
usitatus: used often; commonly used
usus: use
ut: in order that; so that; as
ut ante or ut antea: as before
ut assolet: as is customary
ut dictum (ut dict.): as directed
ut heri: as yesterday
ut ne quis utatur: that no one make use of it
utatur: let him or her make use (i.e., benefit)
utendus: to be used
uterque: both of them
uterus: the uterus (i.e., the internal area of the womb)
utilis: useful
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 103

utrius libet: of whichever [the patient] pleases

uva: grape
uva ursi: bearberry
uvae Corinthae or uvae Corinthiacae: Corinthian grapes or currants
(see also, ribes)
uvae passae: dried grapes; raisins (see also, passulae)
uvula [small grape]: the uvula
uxor (ux.): wife

V
vacca: a cow
vaccina or vaccinia: cowpox, used as a vaccine against smallpox
vaccinium: a blueberry or cranberry
vaccinum: a vaccine
vaccinum cholerae: cholera vaccine
vaccinum febris flavae: yellow fever vaccine
vaccinum pertussis: whooping cough vaccine
vaccinum rabies: rabies vaccine
vaccinum typhosum: typhoid vaccine
vaccinum variolae: smallpox vaccine
vaccinus: of a cow
vacuo: in a vacuum
vacuum: a vacuum; an empty space
vagina [sheath]: female sex organ
vagina cordis [the case of the heart]: the pericardium
vagitus: a child’s cry (i.e., the first cry of a newborn child)
valeriana: valerian
valetudinarius: valetudinarian (i.e., a sick or infirm person)
valetudo: health
valgus: bowlegged (i.e., legs bent outward)
vanilla: vanilla (properly, vanilla aromatica)
vanillinum: vanillin
vannus: a winnowing fan
vapor: vapor; steam; an inhalation
varicella: chickenpox
varicosus: having varicose veins
variifolius: having varied leaves
variola: smallpox
variola vaccinae: cowpox
104 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

varix: varicose vein

varus: crooked; knock-kneed
varus punctatus: acne
vas (pl. vasa) [utensil]: a vessel or duct
vas apertum: an open or uncovered vessel
vas deferens (pl. vasa deferentia): the sperm duct
vas fictile: an earthenware vessel
vas vitreum: a glass vessel
vasa vasorum: small blood vessels that supply larger veins
vasa vorticosa: the hairlike veins of the eyes
vasculosus [full of vessels]: vascular
vasculum: a small vessel
vaselinum: petroleum jelly (see also, petrolatum)
vasum: a vessel
vegetabilis: (adj.) vegetable
vegetus: fresh; lively; vigorous
vehiculum (vehic.): a vehicle; a means of conveyance
velum: a veil; a screen; a curtain
vena (pl. venae): a vein; a blood vessel
vena basilica: the major vein of the arm
vena cava (pl. venae cavae): one of the large veins flowing into the
heart
venaesectio (vs. or venaes.): bleeding; venesection (i.e., bloodletting)
venaesectio brachii: bleeding in the arm
venenosus: poisonous
venenum: venom; poison; drug
venificus: poisonous
venter or ventriculus: the belly; the stomach
ventriculo jejuno: on an empty stomach
ver: spring
veratrum: hellebore
verbascum: mullein
verbatim: word for word; literally
verbi gratia (v.g.): for example
verbum (pl. verba): word
verbum sapienti (verb. sap.): a word to the wise
vermiculatus: to be full of worms
vermiculus: a worm
vermifuges: a vermifuge
vermis (pl. vermes): a worm
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 105

vernalis: pertaining to spring

vernix: a varnish
vernus: of spring; vernal
verruca: a wart
versicolor: variegated; changing color
versus (v. or vs.): against
vertebra (pl. vertebrae): a vertebra (i.e., one of the twenty-four bones
of the spinal column)
vertex: the crown of the head
vertigo [whirling round]: dizziness; lightheadedness
verum: truth
verus: true; genuine
vesania: madness; insanity
vesica: the bladder
vesicalis: pertaining to the bladder
vesicans: blistering
vesicatorius: pertaining to a blister
vesiculosus: full of blisters
vespa: a wasp
vesper (vesp.): evening
vesperi (vesp.): in or of the evening
vespertinus: in the evening
vestimentum [vestment]: clothing; bed clothes
veterinarius: veterinary; veterinarian
veterinus: a beast of burden
vetus: old
via: way
viae lachrymalis: the tear ducts
vibix (pl. vibices): a mark from a blow; a weal or welt
vice versa (v.v.): conversely
vices (vic.): time; times; turn
vicesimus: twentieth
vicissim: alternately
victus: nourishment
vide infra (v.i.): see below
vide supra (v.s.): see above
videlicet (viz.): namely; to wit
vigilia: sleeplessness
viginti: twenty
viginti et quattuor: twenty-four
106 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

villosus: hairy; shaggy

vina medicata: medicated wines
vincit: it conquers
vini Gallici spiritus: brandy (see also, spiritus vini Gallici)
vinosus: vinous; containing or pertaining to wine
vinum (vin.): wine
vinum album: white wine (see also, vinum xericum)
vinum antimonii: wine of antimony (see also, antimonii vinum)
vinum opii: wine of opium
vinum portense or portensis: port wine
vinum rubrum: red wine
vinum stibiatum: antimonial wine
vinum xericum: sherry (see also, xericus)
vinylicus: vinyl
viola: violet
violaceus: violet (color)
vipera: viper
vir: man
vires: strength
vires corporis: bodily strength
virga: a rod
virga vitrea: a glass rod
virginale claustrum: the hymen
viridis (vir. or virid.): green
virosus: fetid; poisonous
virus: poison; a poison fluid
vis (pl. vires): strength; power; force
vis a tergo: a force or power from behind
vis formativa: the body’s own power to grow and nourish itself
vis inertiae: force of inertia
vis medicatrix: healing power
vis vitae (or vis vitalis): vital power; life force
viscera (sing. viscus): internal organs (i.e., the guts)
viscidus: sticky
viscus quercus or viscum album: mistletoe
vita: life
vita propria: the vital power peculiar to any organ
vitello ovi solutus (v.o.s.): dissolve in egg yolk
vitellus ovi or vitellus: an egg yolk (see also, ovi vitellus)
vitis: grapevine
 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin 107

vitreus: of glass
vitrum: glass
vitulus: a calf
vividus: lively; animated
vivus: living
vix: with effort; with difficulty; scarcely
vixit . . . annos (v.a.): he or she lived . . . years
volatilis: volatile
volvendus (volvend.): to be rolled
vomica: an ulcer or sore; a boil
vomicus: an emetic; having emetic properties
vomitio (vomit.): the act of vomiting
vomitione urgente (vom. urg.): the vomiting becoming serious
vomitorius: an emetic to elicit vomiting
vomitu finito (vom. fin.): the vomiting having ceased
vomitus: vomit
vomitus cruentus: bloody vomit (i.e., hematemesis)
vorax: voracious
vox (pl. voces): voice
vox abscissa: loss of voice
vox capitis: a falsetto voice
vulgaris: common
vulgo: commonly
vulnus: an injury; a wound
vulpis morbus: alopecia (see also, morbus vulpis)
vulpes: a fox
vultus: the face; countenance
vulva: the vulva (i.e., the external area of the womb)

X
xanthoxylum: prickly ash
xericus (xer.): sherry (see also, vinum xericum)
xiphias: swordfish (properly, xiphias gladius)

Z
zea: corn silk
zea mays: maize; Indian corn (see also, mays)
zebratus: zebra-striped; striped across
108 The Routledge Pocket Guide to Medical Latin

zephyrus: a warm west wind

zotheca: a private room
zincum (Zn.): zinc
zingiber (zz.): ginger
ziziphus: the jujube tree or its fruit
zona: a girdle, applied to the shingles
zygoma: the cheekbone (see also, os jugale or os malare)
zymosis: leavening; fermentation
 Selected Maxims and Quotations
On Life, Death, Sickness, and the Healing Arts

Accipe nunc, victus tenuis quid quantaque secum afferat. In pri-

mis valeas bene: Now learn what and how great a benefit moderate
diet brings with it. Before all, you will enjoy good health (Horace).
Ad extremos morbos, extrema remedia exquisite optima: The
greater the sickness, the more vigorous the remedy (Hippocrates).
Adeo in teneris consuescere multum est: So much depends upon
habit in the tender years (Virgil).
Aegrescit(que) medendo: The patient grows worse with the treatment
(i.e., the remedy is worse than the disease) (Virgil).
Aegri quia non omnes convalescunt, idcirco ars nulla medicina est:
Because all the sick do not recover, therefore medicine is not an art
(Cicero).
Aegri somnia vana: The delusive dreams of the sick (i.e., hallucina-
tions or nightmares) (Horace).
Aegroto dum anima est, spes est: To the sick, while there is life there
is hope (Cicero).
Alia tendanda via est: Another way must be tried (Virgil).
Alter alteris auxilio eget: One requires the aid of the other (Sallust).
Anceps remedium (est) melius quam nullum: A doubtful remedy is
better than none (attributed to Sir Percival Pott).
Animal implume bipes: A two-legged featherless animal (definition
of man, as attributed to Plato).
Apio opus est: There is need of parsley (a maxim indicating that there
is no hope of recovery as parsley was traditionally strewn over
graves).
Aurea mediocritas: The golden mean (i.e., moderation in all things)
(Horace).
Aut inveniam viam aut faciam: Either I will find a way or I will make
one (attributed to Hannibal).
Bibamus, moriendum est: Let us drink, death is certain (Seneca the
Elder).
Contra malum mortis, non est medicamen in hortis: Against the
evil of death there is no remedy in the gardens (a variation on the
previous entry) (a Latin maxim).

DOI: 10.4324/9781003255352-2
110 Selected Maxims and Quotations

Contra vim mortis non crescit herba in hortis: No herb grows in the
gardens against the power of death (i.e., there is no remedy against
the power of death) (a Latin maxim).
Contraria contrariis curantur: Opposite cures opposite (a principle
of homeopathy).
Corpora lente augescunt cito extinguuntur: Bodies are slow in
growth, rapid in decay (Horace).
Corpore sed mens est aegro magis aegra; malique in circumspectu
stat sine fine sui: The mind is sicker than the sick body; in contem-
plation of its sufferings it becomes hopeless (Ovid).
Corporis et fortunae bonorum, ut initium, finis est. Omnia orta
occidunt, et aucta senescunt: The blessings of good health and
good fortune, as they have a beginning, must also have an end.
Everything rises but to fall, and grows but to decay (Sallust).
Corpus non animae domicilium sed diversum est: The body is not
the abode of the soul but its enemy (Willett’s Emblem Book, no. 87,
after St. Paul).
Crede mihi, miseris coelestia numina parcunt; nec semper laesos,
et sine fine, premunt: Believe me, the gods spare the afflicted, and
do not always oppress those who are unfortunate (Ovid).
Crescit indulgens sibi dirus hydrops: The fatal dropsy gains on the
patient from gratifying his own thirst (Horace).
Crudelem medicum intemperans aeger facit: A disorderly patient
makes the physician cruel (Publilius Syrus).
Cuncta prius tentata; sed immedicabile vulnus. Ense recidendum,
ne pars sincera trahatur: Every remedy was first tried; but a
wound that responds to no cure must be cut away lest the sound
part should be affected (Ovid).
Deus est mortali iuvare mortalem: For mortal to help mortal—this is
God (Pliny the Elder).
Doctrina est ingenii naturale quoddam pabulum: Learning is a kind
of natural food for the mind (Cicero).
Durate et vosmet rebus servate secundis: Carry on and preserve
yourselves for better times (Virgil).
Eripit interdum, modo dat medicina salutem: Medicine sometimes
snatches away health, sometimes restores it (Ovid).
Errare humanum est: To err is human (Pope, after St. Jerome).
Exigua pars est vitae quam nos vivimus: The part of life which we
really live is short (Seneca).
Extrema primo nemo tentavit loco: No one tries extreme remedies
at first (Seneca).
 Selected Maxims and Quotations 111

Facile omnes cum valemus recta consilia aegrotis damus. Tu si hic

sis aliter senties: It is easy for us to give the right advice to the
sick when we all are well. Were you in my place, you would feel
otherwise (Terence).
Famem vini potio solvit: A drink of wine relieves hunger (Hippocrates).
Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas: Happy is the one who
knows (or understands) the causes of all things (Virgil).
Festinat enim decurrere velox flosculus angustae miseraeque bre-
vissima vitae portico; dum bibimus dum sera unguenta puellas
poscimus obrepit non intellecta senectus: The short bloom of our
brief and narrow life flies fast away; while we are calling for flow-
ers and wine and women, old age is upon us (Juvenal).
Fiat experimentum in corpore vili: Let the experiment be done upon
a worthless body (or object) (adapted from Plato).
Fingunt se medicos quivis idiota: Any idiot is ready to prescribe for
you in sickness (a medieval proverb).
Fit erranti medicina confessio: Confession is as healing medicine to
one who has erred (Cicero).
Graviora quaedam sunt remedia periculis: Some remedies are
worse than the disease itself (Publilius Syrus).
Habenda ratio valetudinis: Taking measured account of our health
(Cicero).
Hominem non morbum cura: Treat the person, not the disease (motto
of the Far Eastern University).
Injuriarum remedium est oblivio: The remedy for wrongs is to for-
get them (Publilius Syrus).
Male secum agit aeger, medicum qui heredem facit: The sick man
does injustice to himself who makes his physician his heir (Publil-
ius Syrus).
Maximum remedium est irae mora: Delay is the greatest remedy for
anger (Seneca).
Medice, cura te ipsum: Physician, heal thyself (quoted in St. Luke
4:23).
Medici, causa morbi inventa, curationem inventam putant: Physi-
cians, having discovered the cause of the disease, believe that they
have also found the cure (Cicero).
Medici graviores morbos asperis remediis curant: Physicians cure
grave diseases with sharp remedies (Curtius).
Medicina mortuorum sera est: Medicine is too late for the dead
(Quintilian).
Medicus curat, natura sanat: A doctor treats, nature heals (a proverb).
112 Selected Maxims and Quotations

Medicus dedit qui temporis morbo curam, is plus remedii quam

cutis sector dedit: The physician who gives the disease time for
cure finds a better remedy than the one who cuts the skin (Erasmus,
after Euripides).
Medicus enim nihil aliud est quam animi consolatio: A doctor is
nothing if not a consolation to the spirit (also rendered, A doctor is
nothing but a sop to conscience) (Petronius).
Mens agitat molem: Mind moves the mass (i.e., Mind moves matter)
(Virgil).
Mens sana in corpore sano: A sound mind in a sound body (shortened
version of Juvenal).
Mille mali species, mille salutis erunt: There are a thousand forms of
evil; there will be a thousand remedies (Ovid).
Mors laborum ac miseriarum quies est: Death is repose from all our
toils and miseries (Cicero).
Mors sola fatetur quantula sint hominum corpuscula: Death alone
reveals how small men’s bodies are (Juvenal).
Mortem misericors saepe pro vita dabit: Mercy often means giving
death, not life (Seneca).
Multas cautiones habet: One must take many precautions (a proverb,
after Cicero).
Multitudo (autem) sapientium sanitas orbis terrarum: A multitude
of the wise is the health of the world (Holbein, after Wisdom of
Solomon 6:26).
Nauseanti stomacho effluunt omnia: Everything is thrown off from a
sick stomach (anonymous saying).
Nec mihi mors gravis est posituro morte dolores: Death is not griev-
ous to me, for I shall lay aside my pains by death (Ovid).
Nemo quam bene vivat, sed quamdiu, curat; quum omnibus possit
contingere ut bene vivat, ut diu nulli: No one cares how well they
live, but only how long; it is within the reach of every one to live
well, it is within no one’s power to live long (Seneca).
Nihil differt utrum aegrum in ligneo lecto an in aureo colloces;
quocumque illum transtuleris, morbum suum secum transfert:
It matters not whether you place the sick on a bed of wood or gold;
wherever you take him his disease comes along (Seneca).
Nisi carenti doloribus morbisque vita ipsa poene fit: For those with-
out care from pain, life itself becomes punishment (Pliny the Elder).
Non ignara mali, miseris succerrere disco: Not unacquainted with
misfortune, I learn to give aid to those in misery (Virgil).
 Selected Maxims and Quotations 113

Non omnibus aegris eadem auxilia conveniunt: The same remedies

do not suit every patient (Celsus).
Nosce tempus: Know your time (an adage, after Erasmus).
Omne vivum ex ovo: Everything living comes from an egg (attributed
to William Harvey).
Omnes humanos sanat medicina dolores; solus amor morbi non
amat artificem: Medicine cures all human pains; only love-
sickness refuses a physician (Sextus Propertius).
Omnia bona bonis: All things are good to the good (a heraldry motto,
after St. Paul).
Omnia orta occident: All things that rise also set (Sallust).
Optanda mors ets, sine metu mortis mori: To die without fear of
death is to be desired (Seneca).
Orandum est ut sit mens sana in corpore sano: You should pray to
have a sound mind in a sound body (Juvenal).
Ornat spina rosas, mella tegunt apes: The rose is guarded by thorns,
and honey is protected by bees (Ovid).
Pars sanitatis velle sanari fuit: It is part of the cure to wish to be
cured (Seneca).
Pharmaca das aegroto, aurum tibi porrigit aeger, tu morbum
curas illius, ille tuum: You give medicine to a sick man, he hands
you gold; you cure his sickness and he cures yours (Martius).
Post prandium stabis, post coenam ambulabis: After dinner take
rest, after supper take a walk (Scuola Medica Salernitana).
Post tenebras lux: After darkness light (after Job 17:12 in the
Vulgate).
Posteri dies testes sunt sapientissimi: Succeeding days are the wisest
evidences (a proverb).
Prima quae vitam dedit hora, carpit: The hour which gives us life
begins to take it away (Seneca).
Primum non nocere: First to do no harm (attributed to Hippocrates).
Principiis obsta; sero medicina paratur cum mala per longas conval-
uere moras: Stop it at the beginning; it is too late for medicine to be
prepared when disease has grown strong through long delays (Ovid).
Pulvis et umbra sumus: We are dust and shadows (Horace).
Quae prosunt omnibus artes: The arts which are of service to all (i.e.,
medicine) (Ovid).
Qui nunc it per iter tenebricosum illuc, unde negant redire quem-
quam: Who now goes through the shadowy path, from whence
they say no one returns (Catullus).
114 Selected Maxims and Quotations

Quod nullis amor est medicabilis herbis: Love cannot be cured by

herbs (Ovid).
Semita certe tranquillae per virtutem patet unica vitae: The only
path to a tranquil life is through virtue (Juvenal).
Senectus ipsa morbus est: Old age is itself a sickness (Terence).
Si ventri bene, si lateri pedibusque tuis, nil divitiae poterunt regales
addere majus: If it is well with your stomach, your lungs, and your
feet, the wealth of kings cannot add more (Horace).
Sic habeto, non esse te mortalem, sed corpus hoc: Be sure that it is
not you that is mortal but only your body (Cicero).
Similia similibus curantur: Like cures like (a principle of
homeopathy).
Sine remediis medicina debilis est: Without remedies medicine is
powerless (anonymous saying).
Spiritus intus alit; totamque infusa per artus mens agitat molem
et magno se corpore miscet: The spirit within nourishes; in all the
limbs mind moves the mass and mingles with the mighty frame
(Virgil).
Stans pede in uno: Standing on one foot (i.e., done without effort)
(Horace).
Stultorum incurata malus pudor ulcera celat: It is the false shame
of fools to hide their uncured wounds (Horace).
Summum bonum appertere est bene vivere: To seek the highest
good is to live well (St. Augustine).
Summum bonum medicinae sanitas: The highest good of medicine
is health (Marlowe).
Tacitum vivit sub pectore vulnus: The unuttered wound lies deep
within the breast (Virgil).
Temporis ars medicina fere est: Time is generally the best medicine
(Ovid).
Tempus molestiis medetur omnibus: Time heals all wounds (figura-
tively, after Euripides).
Timidi est optare necem: To wish for death is a coward’s part (Ovid).
Totus in toto, et totus in qualibet parte: Wholly complete, and com-
plete in every part (i.e., the human heart) (after St. Thomas Aquinas).
Turpe est doctoris cum culpa redarguit ipsum: It is improper for a
doctor to indulge in what he forbids others (Cato).
Ubi desinit philosophus, ibi incipit medicus: Where the philosopher
ends, the physician begins (Marlowe).
Varia vita est: Life is changeable (Plautus).
 Selected Maxims and Quotations 115

Velut aegri somnia, vanae finguntur species: Just as a sick man’s

dreams, creating empty fancies (Horace).
Venienti occurrite morbo: Confront the coming disease (i.e., preven-
tion is better than cure) (Persius).
Vis medicatrix naturae: The healing power of nature (attributed to
Hippocrates).
Vita brevis, ars longa, occasio praeceps, experientia fallax, judi-
cium difficile: Life is short, art long; occasion fleeting; experience
deceiving; judgment difficult (Hippocrates).
 Abbreviations

A
a.c. [ante cibos]: before meals
a.c. [ante cibum]: before food
A.D. [anno Domini]: in the year of our Lord
a.d.a. [ante dispensationem agita]: shake before dispensing
a.h.l. [ad hunc locum]: at this place
a.h.v. [ad hanc vocem]: at this word
a.j. [ante jentaculum]: before breakfast
a.m. or A.M. [ante meridiem or ante meridianus]: before noon
a.m. or A.M. [ante mortem]: before death
a.v. [ad valorem]: according to the value
a.v. [annos vixit]: he or she lived (so many years)
aa or āā [ana]: of each
ab init. [ab initio]: from the beginning
abs. febr. [absente febre]: in the absence of fever
acerb. [acerbus]: sour; bitter
acet. [acetum]: vinegar
ad 2 vic. [ad duas vices]: in two doses
ad 2nd vic. [ad secundum vicem]: at twice taking; for the second time
ad 3 al. vic. [ad tres alias vices]: at or for three other times
ad 3 vic. [ad tres vices]: at or for three times
ad alv. excitand. [ad alvum excitatandum]: to stimulate the bowels
ad apt. crass. [ad aptam crassitudinem]: to a suitable consistency
ad def. animi [ad defectionem animi]: to fainting
ad duas vic. [ad duas vices]: in two doses
ad inf. or ad infin. [ad infinitum]: to infinity (i.e., forever)
ad init. [ad initium]: at the beginning
ad int. [ad interim]: in the meantime; meanwhile; temporarily
ad lib. [ad libitum]: at will
ad loc. [ad locum]: to or at the place
ad part. dol. [ad partes dolentes]: to the painful parts
ad recid. praec. [ad recidivum praecavendum]: to prevent a relapse
ad sat. [ad saturandum]: to saturation
ad sec. vic. [ad secundum vicem]: for the second time

DOI: 10.4324/9781003255352-3
 Abbreviations 117

ad ter. vic. [ad tertiam vicem]: for the third time

ad us. [ad usum]: according to usage
ad us. ext. [ad usum externum]: for external use
ad val. [ad valorem]: according to value
add. or ad. [adde]: let there be added
addend. [addendus]: to be added
adhib. or adhibend. [adhibendus]: to be used; to be applied
adi. or adj. [adiectivum]: adjective
admov. [admove]: apply
admov. [admoveatur]: let it be applied
adst. febr. [adstante febre]: in the presence of fever
adv. [adversum or adversus]: against
aeg. [aeger]: the patient
aeq. [aequalis]: equal
Ag. or ag. [argentum]: silver
aggred. febr. [aggrediente febre]: on the approach of fever
agit. [agita]: shake
agit. vas. [agitato vase]: the vial being shaken
alb. [albus]: white
alt. . . . alt. . . . [alter . . . alter . . .]: the one . . . and the other . . .
alt. anni. [alternis annis]: every other year
alt. die. [alternis diebus]: every other day
alt. hor. [alternis horis]: every other hour
alv. adst. [alvo adstricta]: the bowels being constricted (i.e., con-stipated)
alv. laxat. [alvo laxata]: the bowels being relaxed
amp. [amplus]: large; ample
ant. cen. [ante cenam]: before supper
ant. cib. [ante cibos]: before meals
ant. cib. [ante cibum]: before food
ant. coen. [ante coenam]: before supper
ant. disp. agit. [ante dispensationem agita]: shake before dispensing
ant. jentac. [ante jentaculum]: before breakfast
ant. prand. [ante prandium]: before dinner
aper. [aperiens]: opening; aperient (e.g., a laxative)
applicet. [applicetur]: let it be applied
aq. [aqua]: water
aq. aerat. [aqua aerata]: carbonated water
aq. astr. [aqua astricta]: ice
aq. bull. [aqua bulliens]: boiling water
aq. calid. [aqua calida]: warm water
118 Abbreviations

aq. comm. [aqua communis]: tap water

aq. dest. [aqua destillata]: distilled water
aq. dul. [aqua dulcis]: fresh water
aq. ferv. [aqua fervens]: hot water
aq. fluv. [aqua fluvialis]: river water
aq. font. [aqua fontalis or aqua fontana or aqua fontis]: spring water
aq. fort. [aqua fortis]: nitric acid
aq. gel. [aqua gelida]: cold water
aq. mar. [aqua marina]: seawater
aq. naph. [aqua naphae]: orange-flower water
aq. niv. [aqua nivalis]: snow water
aq. pluv. [aqua pluvialis or aqua pluvia]: rainwater
aq. pur. [aqua pura]: distilled water
aq. reg. [aqua regia]: royal water (a mixture that dissolves platinum
and gold)
aq. ros. [aqua rosae]: rose water
aq. sal. [aqua saliens]: a jet of water
aq. sals. [aqua salsa]: salty water; salt water
aq. vit. [aqua vitae]: a distilled spirit
arom. [aromaticus]: aromatic
Au. or au. [aurum]: gold
aug. [augeatur]: let it be increased
aur. [auri; pl. auribus]: to or for the ear(s)
aur. dext. [auris dextra]: the right ear
aur. laev. [auris laeva]: the left ear
aurin. [aurinarium]: an ear cone; an ear suppository
auristill. [auristillae]: ear drops
austr. [australis]: southern

B
b. [beatus]: blessed; deceased
B.A. [balneum arenae]: a sand bath
b.i.d. [bis in die]: twice a day
B.M. [balneum maris]: a saltwater bath
B.M. [beatae memoriae]: of blessed memory
b.p. [bonum publicum]: the common good
b.t.d. [bis terve die]: two or three times a day
b.t.i.d. [bis terve in die]: two or three times a day
B.V. [balneum vaporis]: a vapor or steam bath
 Abbreviations 119

b.v. [bene vale]: farewell

Ba. [barium]: barium
baln. [balneum or balineum]: bath; bathing room
baln. anima. [balneum animale]: part of a freshly killed animal applied
to a patient’s body or limb
baln. aren. [balneum arenae]: a sand bath
baln. mar. [balneum maris]: a saltwater bath
baln. med. [balneum medicatum]: a medicated bath
baln. sicc. [balneum siccum]: a bath of dry ashes
baln. vap. [balneum vaporis]: a vapor or steam bath
balsam. [balsamum]: balsam
bib. [bibe]: drink
bol. [bolus]: a large pill
bor. [borealis]: northern
brach. [brachio]: the upper arm; to the arm
brom. [bromidum]: bromide
buginar. [buginarium]: a nasal bougie
bull. [bulliat]: let it boil
but. [butyrum]: butter

C
c̄ [cum]: with
c̄ aq. [cum aqua]: with water
c̄ c. [cum cibos]: with meals
c̄ c. [cum cibum]: with food
c̄ dup. [cum duplo]: with twice as much
c̄ pt. aeq. [cum parte aequale]: with an equal quantity
c̄ pen. [cum penicillo]: with a camel-hair brush
c̄ sem. [cum semisse]: with an added half
c̄ tant. [cum tanto]: with as much
C or C. [congius]: a gallon
c. or ca. [circa]: about; near; around
c. or circ. [circiter]: about
c. or circ. [circum]: around; about
c.c. [cornu cervi]: hartshorn
c.c.u. [cornu cervi ustum]: burnt hartshorn
c.m. [cras mane]: tomorrow morning (i.e., the next morning)
c.m.s. [cras mane sumendus]: to be taken tomorrow morning (i.e., the
next morning)
120 Abbreviations

c.n. [cras nocte]: tomorrow night

c.n.s. [cras nocte sumendus]: to be taken tomorrow night (i.e., the next
evening)
c.v. [cras vespere]: tomorrow evening
c.v. [curriculum vitae]: a résumé
caerul. [caeruleus]: blue
cal. [calefactus]: warmed
calom. [calomelas]: calomel
Cantab. [Cantabrigiensis]: of Cambridge
cap. [cape]: take
cap. [capiant]: let them take
cap. [capiat]: let him or her take
cap. [capiti]: to the head
cap. [capsula]: capsule
capiend. [capiendus]: to be taken
caps. [capsula]: capsule
caps. amylac. [capsula amylacea]: a cachet; a konseal wafer
caps. gelat. [capsula gelatina]: a gelatin capsule
caps. vitrea [capsula vitrea]: a glass capsule
carbas. [carbasus]: gauze
cat. or catap. or cataplasm. [cataplasma]: a poultice
cent. [centum]: one hundred
cerat. [ceratum]: cerate
cereol. [cereolus]: an urethral bougie
cet. par. [ceteris paribus]: other things being equal
cf. [confer]: compare
chart. [charta]: paper; powder [wrapped in paper]
chart. cerat. [charta cerata]: waxed paper
chartul. [chartula]: small paper; small powder [wrapped in paper]
cib. [cibus]: food; a meal
cito disp. [cito dispensatur]: let it be dispensed quickly
cl. [chlorum]: chlorine
coch. [cochleare or cocleare]: spoon; a spoonful
coch. amp. or coch. ampl. [cochleare amplum]: a dessertspoonful
coch. infant. [cochleare infantis]: a teaspoonful
coch. mag. [cochleare magnum]: a tablespoonful
coch. mag. ij [cochlearia magna duo]: two tablespoonfuls
coch. mag. mens. [cochleare magnum mensura]: a measured table-
spoonful
coch. max. [cochleare maximum]: a tablespoonful
 Abbreviations 121

coch. med. [cochleare medium]: a dessertspoonful

coch. medio. [cochleare mediocre]: a dessertspoonful
coch. min. [cochleare minimum]: a teaspoonful
coch. mod. [cochleare modicum]: a dessertspoonful
coch. parv. [cochleare parvum]: a teaspoonful
coch. parv. iij [cochlearia parva tria]: three teaspoonfuls
coch. plen. [cochleare plenum]: a tablespoonful
colat. [colatus]: strained
colen. [colentur]: let them be strained
colet. [coleatur]: let it be strained
coll. [collyrium]: an eyewash
collod. [collodium]: a collodion
collun. [collunarium]: a nasal douche
collut. [collutorium]: a mouthwash
collyr. [collyrium]: an eyewash
comp. [compositus]: compound
con. [conjunx or coniunx]: wife; spouse
con. [contra]: against
conf. [confectio or confectum]: a confection
cong. [congius]: a gallon
conj. [conjunx or coniunx]: wife; spouse
cons. [conserva]: a conserve; a preserve (i.e., a jam or confection)
consperg. [consperge]: sprinkle; dust
cont. [contusus]: crushed; bruised
cont. bon. mor. [contra bonos mores]: contrary to good manners (or
morals)
cont. rem. [continuantur remedia]: let the remedy be continued
contin. [continuetur]: let it be continued
coq. [coque or coquatur]: boil or let it be boiled
coq. ad med. consump. [coque ad medietatis consumptionem]: boil to
the consumption of half (i.e., render by one-half )
coq. in S.Q.A. [coque in sufficiente quantitate aquae]: boil in a suf-
ficient quantity of water
coq. S.A. [coque secundum artem]: boil according to practice (i.e.,
approved pharmaceutical method)
corp. [corpori]: to the body
cort. [cortex]: a peel; rind; outer layer (e.g., bark)
cotid. [cotidianus or cotidie]: daily
crast. [crastinus]: of tomorrow; on the morrow
crep. [crepitus]: discharge of wind or gas from the bowels
122 Abbreviations

crepus. [crepusculum]: twilight; in the evening

cu. [cuprum]: copper
cuj. lib. [cujus libet]: of whatever pleases
curat. [curatio]: a dressing
cyath. amp. [cyathus amplus]: a tumblerful
cyath. mag. [cyathus magnus]: a tumblerful
cyath. med. [cyathus medius]: a small tumbler or claret glassful
cyath. mod. [cyathus modicus]: a small tumbler or claret glassful
cyath. parv. [cyathus parvus]: a wineglassful
cyath. vin. [cyathus vinosis]: a wineglassful
cyath. vinar. [cyathus vinarius]: a wineglassful

D
d. [da]: give
d. [dentur]: let them be given
d. [detur]: let it be given
d. ex d. [diem ex die]: from day to day
d. in p. aeq. [dividatur in partes aequales]: let it be divided into equal
parts
D.Ch. [Doctor Chirurgiae]: Doctor of Surgery
d.d. [dono dedit]: given as a gift
d.p. or D.P. [directione propria]: with proper directions
d.s.p. [decessit sine prole]: died without issue
D.T. [delirium tremens]: trembling delirium caused by alcohol poisoning
d.t.d. iv [dentur tales doses iv]: let four such doses be given
d.t.d. or D.T.D. [detur talis dosis]: give of such a dose
D.V. or d.v. [Deo Volente]: God willing
dand. [dandus]: to be given
de d. in d. [de die in diem]: from day to day
deaur. pil. [deaurentur pilulae]: let the pills be gilded (i.e., coated)
deb. spiss. [debita spissitudine]: of a proper thickness or consistency
dec. [decanta]: pour off
decimil. [decimillilitra]: a decimilliliter
decoct. [decoctio or decoctum]: a decoction
decub. [decubitus]: lying down; having gone to bed
decub. hor. [decubitus hora]: at bedtime
deglut. [deglutiatur]: let it be swallowed
dej. alv. [dejectiones alvi]: evacuation of the bowels (i.e., stools)
del. [delineavit]: he or she drew it
 Abbreviations 123

depilat. [depilatorium]: a depilatory

dg. or dgrm. [decigramma]: a decigram
dieb. alt. [diebus alternis]: every other day
dieb. tert. [diebus tertiis]: every third day
dil. [dilue]: dilute or dissolve
dil. [dilutus]: diluted
diluc. [diluculum]: the break of day; in the morning
dilut. [dilutus]: diluted
dim. [dimidius]: one-half
dimid. [dimidium]: half; the half
direc. prop. [directione propria]: with proper directions
disp. [dispensa]: dispense
div. [dividatur]: let it be divided
div. [divide]: divide
div. in par. aeq. [dividatur in partes aequales]: let it be divided into
equal parts
dol. urg. [dolore urgente]: with the onset of pain; when the pain is
severe
dolent. part. [dolenti parti]: to the painful part
dolent. part. [dolentibus partibus]: to the painful parts
don. [donec]: until
dos. [dosis]: dose
dos. aug. ad gtt. ij [dosis augeatur ad guttas ij]: let the dose be increased
to two drops
dos. aug. ad gtt. iij [dosis augeatur ad guttas iij]: let the dose be increased
to three drops
dos. aug. ad gtt. iv [dosis augeatur ad guttas iv]: let the dose be increased
to four drops
dr. [drachma]: a drachm (dram)
dram. [drachma]: a drachm (dram)
dup. [duplum]: twice as much
dur. dolor. [durante dolore]: during the pain; the pain continuing
dur. feb. [durante febre]: during the fever; the fever continuing

E
e lact. [e lacte]: with milk
e paul. aq. [e paullo aquae]: with a little water
e paux. aq. [e pauxillo aquae]: with very little water
e quol. veh. [e quolibet vehiculo]: with any vehicle
124 Abbreviations

e quov. liq. [e quovis liquido]: with any liquid

e vehic. crass. [e vehiculo crasso]: in a thick vehicle
e vin. [e vino]: with wine
e.g. [exempli gratia]: for example
e.m.p. [ex modo praescripto]: after the manner prescribed
e.o. [ex officio]: by virtue of office
ead. [eadem]: the same
eburn. [eburneus]: made of ivory
ed. [edulcora]: sweeten; to make more palatable
ed. [edulcoratus]: sweetened; made palatable
ejusd. [ejusdem]: of the same
elix. [elixir] (a magical potion): a medicinal liquid, such as cough
medicine
emp. [emplastrum]: a plaster
en. or enem. [enema]: an enema; a clyster
esur. [esuriens]: fasting
et al. [et alia]: and other things
et al. [et alibi]: and elsewhere
et al. [et alii or et aliae]: and others
et conj. [et conjunx]: and spouse
et seq. [et sequens]: and the following
et seqq. [et sequentes or et sequentia]: and what follows
et ux. [et uxor]: and wife
etc. [et cetera]: and the rest; and so on
evan. [evanesco or evanescere]: to disappear; vanish; weaken
ex aq. [ex aqua]: in water
ex. gr. [exempli gratia]: for example
exc. [excudit]: he or she fashioned it
exhib. [exhibeatur]: let it be exhibited or given
ext. [extende]: spread; apply
ext. [extractum]: an extract
ext. sup. alut. [extende super alutam]: spread upon leather
extr. [extractum]: an extract

F
F. or f. [fac]: make
f. [femina]: female; a woman
f. [fiat or fiant]: let it be made; let them be made
f. [folio]: page
 Abbreviations 125

f.l.a. or F.L.A. [fiat lege artis]: let it be made according to practice

f.r. [folio recto]: on the front of the page (i.e., the right-hand page)
f.s.a.r. or F.S.A.R. [fiat secundum artis regulas]: let it be made accord-
ing to the rules of practice
f.v. [folio verso]: on the back of the page (i.e., the left-hand page)
far. [farina]: flour; meal
Fe. [ferrum]: iron
feb. dur. [febre durante]: during the fever; the fever continuing
fec. [fecit]: he or she made or did it
ferr. [ferrum]: iron
ferv. [fervens]: hot; boiling
ff. [fecerunt]: they made or did it
ff. [folia]: pages
fi. fa. [fieri facias]: cause it to be done
fict. [fictilis]: made of clay
fl. [flores]: flowers
fl. or fld. [fluidus]: fluid; liquid
fl. or flor. [floruit]: flourished
flav. [flavus]: yellow
fldext. or fldxt. [fluidextractum]: fluidextract
fol. [folium]: a leaf
fort. [fortis]: strong
fract. dos. [fracta dosi]: broken into doses; in divided doses
freq. [frequenter]: frequently
fruct. [fructus]: fruit
frust. [frustillatim]: bit by bit; in small bits
ft. [fiat or fiant]: let it be made; let them be made
ft. cataplasm. [fiat cataplasma]: let a poultice be made
ft. cerat. [fiat ceratum]: let a cerate be made
ft. chart. [fiant chartae]: let papers (or powders) be made
ft. collyr. [fiat collyrium]: let an eyewash be made
ft. confec. [fiat confectio]: let a confection be made
ft. elect. [fiat electuarium]: let an electuary be made
ft. emp. [fiat emplastrum]: let a plaster be made
ft. emuls. [fiat emulsum]: let an emulsion be made
ft. garg. [fiat gargarisma]: let a gargle be made
ft. haust. [fiat haustus]: let a draft be made
ft. infus. [fiat infusum]: let an infusion be made
ft. inject. [fiat injectio]: let an injection be made
ft. linim. [fiat linimentum]: let a liniment be made
126 Abbreviations

ft. mas. [fiat massa]: let a lump or a mass be made

ft. mist. [fiat mistura]: let a mixture be made
ft. pil. [fiant pilulae]: let pills be made
ft. pulv. [fiat pulvis]: let a powder be made
ft. pulv. subtil. [fiat pulvis subtilis]: let a fine powder be made
ft. solut. [fiat solutio]: let a solution be made
ft. suppos. [fiant suppositoria]: let suppositories be made
ft. troch. [fiant trochisci]: let lozenges be made
ft. ung. [fiat unguentum]: let an ointment be made
ft. venaes. [fiat venaesectio]: let a vein be bled

G
g. [gutta]: a drop
g.g.g. [gummi gutti gambiae]: a gamboge
garg. [gargarisma]: a gargle
gel. quav. [gelatina quavis]: in any kind of jelly
gg. [guttae]: drops
glyc. or glycer. or glyct. [glyceritum]: glycerite
gossyp. [gossypium]: cotton
gr. [granum]: grain
grad. [gradatim]: gradually or by degrees
grat. [gratus]: pleasant; agreeable
grm. [gramma]: a gram
grn. [granum]: grain
gt. [gutta]: a drop
gtt. [guttae]: drops
gutt. [gutturi]: to or for the throat
gutt. appl. [gutturi applicandus]: to be applied to the throat
gutt. quibus. [guttis quibusdam]: with a few drops
guttat. [guttatim]: by drops; drop by drop

H
H. [hora]: hour
h.a. [hoc anno]: in this year
h.c. [honoris causa]: for the sake of honor
h.d. or H.D. [hora decubitus]: at bedtime
H.I. [hic iacet or hic jacet]: here lies
 Abbreviations 127

H.I.S. [hic iacet sepultus]: here lies buried

h.l. [hoc loco]: in this place
h.m. [hoc mense]: in this month
H.M.P. [hoc monumentum posuit]: he or she erected this monument
h.q. [hoc quaere]: look for this
H.S. [hic sepultus]: here [lies] buried
h.s. [hoc sensu]: in this sense
h.s. or H.S. [hora somni]: at bedtime
h.s.e. or H.S.E. [hic sepultus est]: here lies buried
h.t. [hoc tempore]: at this time
h.t. [hoc titulo]: under this title
hab. corp. [habeas corpus]: (leg.) a writ of habeas corpus
habt. [habeat]: let him or her have
hac noct. [hac nocte]: tonight; this night
haust. [haustus]: a draught; a drink
hebdom. [hebdomada]: a week; a seven-day period
her. [heres]: heir
Hg. or hg. [hydrargyrum]: mercury; quicksilver
hir. or hirud. [hirudo]: a leech
hoc vesp. [hoc vespere]: this evening
hor. [hora]: hour
hor. decub. [hora decubitus]: at bedtime
hor. interim. [horis intermediis]: at intermediate hours
hor. quad. or hor. quadrant. [horae quadrante]: a quarter of an hour
hor. un. spat. [horae unius spatio]: after one hour
hydr. [hydrargyrum]: mercury; quicksilver

I
i.a. [in absentia]: in absence
i.c. [inter cibos]: between meals
i.e. [id est]: that is
i.q. [idem quod]: the same as
ib. or ibid. [ibidem]: in the same place (e.g., in a book)
id. [idem]: the same; the same as above
ient. or ientac. [ientaculum or jentaculum]: breakfast
ign. [ignotus]: unknown
illic. [illico]: immediately
illinend. [illinendus]: to be smeared
impr. [imprimis]: first of all; first in order
128 Abbreviations

in aur. dext. [in aurem dextram]: into the right ear

in aur. sinist. [in aurem sinistram]: into the left ear
in d. [in dies]: daily
in lim. [in limine]: in the beginning
in litt. [in litteris]: in correspondence
in ocul. dext. [in oculum dextrum]: into the right eye
in ocul. sinist. [in oculum sinistrum]: into the left eye
in pr. [in principio]: in the beginning
in pulm. [in pulmento]: in gruel
in sing. aur. [in singulas aures]: into each ear
in trans. [in transitu]: in transit; on the way
in ut. [in utero]: in the womb
in vit. [in vitro]: in a glass; in a test tube or petri dish
inc. [incide]: cut
inc. or incis. [incisus]: cut into pieces
ind. [indies]: daily
indet. [indeterminans]: unidentified
inf. [infra]: below
inf. [infunde]: pour in
inf. [infusio or infusum]: an infusion
infra dig. [infra dignitatem]: beneath one’s dignity
infric. [infricetur]: let it be rubbed in
infus. [infusio or infusum]: an infusion
inhal. [inhaletur]: let it be inhaled
init. [initio]: in or at the beginning (referring to a passage in a book)
inj. enem. [injiciatur enema]: let an enema be injected
inj. hyp. [injectio hypodermica]: hypodermic injection
inj. or inject. [injectio]: an injection
inspir. [inspiretur]: let it be breathed (into)
instill. [instillentur]: let them be dropped in or into
instill. [instilletur]: let it be dropped in or into
insuff. [insufflatio]: an insufflation
int. [internus]: inward; internal
inter noct. [inter noctem]: during the night
inv. [invenit]: he or she designed it
involv. [involve]: roll; coat
iod. [iodinium or iodum]: iodine
iter. [iteretur]: let it be repeated
iux. [iuxta]: near; next to
 Abbreviations 129

J
jent. or jentac. [jentaculum or ientaculum]: breakfast
jug. [jugulo]: to or for the throat
jul. [julepum or julepus or julapium]: a julep
jusc. [jusculum]: juice; broth; soup
jux. [juxta]: near; next to

K
K. [kalium]: potassium
k. [kilometrum]: kilometer
kg. or kilo. [kilogramma]: kilogram
kilogra. [kilogramma]: kilogram
kl. [kilolitrum]: kiloliter

L
l. or lib. [libra; pl. libri]: a book
l. [litrum]: a liter
L.B. [lectori benevolo]: to the gentle reader
l.c. [loco citato]: in the place cited
L.S. [lectori salutem]: greetings to the reader
L.S. [locus sigilli]: the place of the seal
l.s.c. [loco supra citato]: in the place cited before
lac vac. [lac vaccinum]: cow’s milk
lac v.d. [lac vaccinum defloratum]: skimmed cow’s milk
laev. [laevus]: the left
lat. [latitudine]: in width
lat. [latus]: side; flank; broad; wide
lat. dol. [lateri dolenti]: to the painful side
latitud. [latitudine]: in width
lavat. [lavatio]: bathing; washing; also, a washing apparatus
lb. [libra or libra pondo]: a pound by weight
Li. [lithium]: lithium
lin. [linimentum]: a liniment
linct. [linctus]: a soothing cough syrup
liq. [liquor]: liquor; fluid; solution
lit. [litrum]: a liter
130 Abbreviations

loc. cit. [loco citato]: in the place cited

loc. laud. [loco laudato]: in the place cited with approval
long. [longitudine]: in length
loq. [loquitur]: he or she speaks
lot. [lotio]: a lotion
lumb. [lumborum]: the loins

M
m. [mane]: morning; in the morning
m. [masculinus or masculinum]: masculine; manly
m. [masculus]: male; a man
m. [metrum]: a meter
m. [minimum]: a minim; a very small amount
m. et n. [mane et nocte]: morning and night
m. et v. [mane et vespere]: morning and evening
m. ft. m. [misce fiat mistura]: mix to make a mixture
m. ft. p. [misce fiat pulvis]: mix to make a powder
m. ft. pil. [misce fiant pilulae]: mix to make or form pills
m. or M. [meridies]: noon
m. or M. [misce]: mix
M.D. [Medicinae Doctor]: Doctor of Medicine
m.d. [more dicto]: as directed
m.d.s. [misce, detur, signetur]: mix, give, sign
m.m. [mutatis mutandis]: with the necessary changes being made
m.p. [male positus]: badly placed
m.p. [mane primo]: early in the morning
m.p. [massa pilularum]: a pill mass
m. pr. or m. prim. [mane primo]: early in the morning
m.s. [more solito]: in the usual manner
m.s. or ms. [manu scriptum]: written by hand (i.e., a manuscript)
m.s.a. [misce secundum artem]: mix according to practice
m. seq. [mane sequenti]: on the following morning
M.V. [Medicus Veterinarius]: a veterinarian
mac. [macera]: macerate
mag. [magnus]: large; great
mal. pos. [male positus]: badly placed
mas. or mass. [massa]: a mass
masc. [masculinus or masculinum]: masculine; manly
 Abbreviations 131

matut. [matutinus]: of the morning

mic. pan. [mica panis]: bread crumb
min. [minimum]: a minim; a very small amount
minut. [minutum or minutus]: a minute or small amount
mist. [mistura]: a mixture
mitt. [mittatur]: let it be sent; let it be drawn
mitt. [mitte]: send
mitt. sang. [mittatur sanguis]: let blood be drawn
mitt. tal. or mit. tal. [mitte tales]: send such
mittr. [mittatur]: let it be sent; let it be drawn
mod. praesc. [modo praescripto]: as prescribed or directed
more dict. [more dicto]: as directed
more sol. [more solito]: in the usual manner
MS [manuscriptus]: manuscript
MSS [manuscripta]: manuscripts

N
n. [natus]: born
n. [neutrum]: neuter
n. [nocte]: at night; in the night
N.B. or n.b. [nota bene]: note well
n. et m. [nocte et mane]: night and morning
n.l. [non licet]: it is not permitted
n.m. [nocte maneque]: night and morning
n.p. or N.P. [nomen proprium]: proper name
n.p.o. [nil per os]: nothing by mouth
n.t.s.n. or ne tr. s. num. [ne tradas sine nummo]: do not deliver unless
paid
Na. [natrium]: sodium
ne rep. [ne repetatur]: do not repeat
nebul. [nebula]: a spray
nig. [niger]: black
No. or no. [numero]: in number
nom. [nomen; pl. nomina]: name
non obs. [non obstante]: notwithstanding
non rep. [non repetatur]: let it not be repeated (i.e., do not refill)
non seq. [non sequitur]: it does not follow
nuch. cap. [nucha capitis]: the nape of the neck
132 Abbreviations

O
O or O. [octarius]: a pint
o. alt. h. [omni alterna hora]: every other hour
o.b. [omni bihora or omni bihorio]: every two hours
o.c. [opere citato]: in the work cited
o.d. [oculus dexter]: the right eye
o.d. [omne die]: all day; every day
o.h. [omni hora]: every hour
o.m. [omni mane]: every morning
o.n. [omni nocte]: every night
o.o. [oleum olivae]: olive oil
o.q.h. [omni quadranta hora]: every quarter hour
o.s. [oculus sinister]: the left eye
o.s.h. [omni singula hora]: every single hour
o. sext. h. [omni sexta hora]: every six hours
o. sing. h. [omni singula hora]: every single hour
o.u. [oculi uterque]: for both eyes
ob. [obiit]: he or she died
ob. [obiter]: incidentally
ob.s.p. [obiit sine prole]: he or she died without issue
oblat. [oblatum]: a cachet (e.g., a medicine capsule)
oct. [octarius]: a pint
ocul. [oculo]: to or for the eye
ol. [oleum]: oil
ol. ol. [oleum olivae]: olive oil
omn. [omnis]: all; every
omn. alt. hor. [omnibus alternis horis]: every other hour; at alternate
hours
omn. bid. [omni biduo]: every two days
omn. bih. [omni bihora or omni bihorio]: every two hours
omn. die [omne die]: all day; every day
omn. hor. [omni hora]: every hour
omn. man. [omni mane]: every morning
omn. noc. [omni nocte]: every night
omn. quad. hor. [omni quadranta hora]: every quarter hour
op. [ope]: by means of
op. [opus]: a work
op. cit. [opere citato]: in the work cited
ope pen. [ope penicilli]: by means of a camel-hair brush
 Abbreviations 133

opt. [optimus]: the best

ov. [ovum]: an egg
ovi alb. [ovi albumen]: the egg white
ovi vit. [ovi vitellus]: the egg yolk
ovil. jus. [ovillum jusculum]: mutton broth
ox. or oxy. or oxym. [oxymel]: a mixture of honey, vinegar, and water
Oxon. [Oxoniensis]: of Oxford
oz. [uncia]: an ounce

P
. . . [placebo]: I will please (i.e., a prescription given to please a patient)
p. [pagina]: the page of a book or letter
p. [partim]: in part
P. [pondere]: by weight
P. or pt. [perstetur]: let it be continued
p.a. [parti affectae]: to the affected part
p.a. [partibus affectis]: to the affected parts
p.a. [per annum]: by the year
p.a.a. [parti affectae applicandus]: to be applied to the affected part
p.ae. [partes aequales]: in equal parts
p.c. [post cibos]: after meals
p.c. [post cibum]: after food
p. dol. [parti dolenti]: to the painful part
p.g. [persona grata]: an acceptable or welcome person
p.j. or p. jent. or p. jentac. [post jentaculum]: after breakfast
p.m. or P.M. [post meridiem]: after noon
p.m. or P.M. [post mortem]: after death
p.n.g. [persona non grata]: an unacceptable or unwelcome person
p.o. [per os]: by mouth; orally
p.p. [per procurationem]: by proxy; by the action of
p.p.a. or P.P.A. [phiala prius agitata]: after first shaking the bottle
p.r.a. [pro ratione aetatis]: according to age of the patient
p.r.n. or P.R.N. [pro re nata]: whenever necessary; as needed
P.P.S. or PPS [post postscriptum]: an additional postscript
P.S. or PS [post scriptum or postscriptum]: written after; a postscript
p.s.d.l. [post singulas dejectiones liquidas]: after each loose bowel
movement
p.s.s.l. [post singulas sedes liquidas]: after each loose stool
p.t. [pro tempore]: for a time; temporarily
134 Abbreviations

part. aff. [partem affectam]: affected part

part. dolent. [partem dolentem]: painful part
part. vic. [partibus vicibus or partitis vicibus]: in divided doses
parv. [parvus]: small
pas. or pastil. [pastillum or pastillus]: a small lozenge; a breath lozenge
pass. [passim]: throughout; here and there
paul. [paullum]: a little
paux. [pauxillum]: a very little
Pb. or pb. [plumbum]: lead
pct. [per centum]: by the hundred
pect. [pectori]: to the chest or breast
pect. [pectus]: the chest; breast
pedet. [pedetentim]: step by step; by degrees
pen. cam. [penicillum camelinum]: a camel’s hair brush
pend. [pendens]: weighing; hanging
penicul. cam. [penicillum camelinum]: a camel’s hair brush
per cent. or p.c. [per centum]: by the hundred
per pro. [per procurationem]: by proxy; by the action of
per salt. [per saltum]: by leaps; all at once
pess. [pessus]: a pessary; a vaginal suppository
Ph.D. [Philosophiae Doctor]: Doctor of Philosophy
Phar. D. or Pharm. D. [Pharmaciae Doctor]: Doctor of Pharmacy
pigm. [pigmentum]: pigment; paint
pil. [pilula]: a pill
pinx. [pinxit]: he or she painted this
pl. [pluralis]: plural
poc. [poculum]: a cup
pocill. [pocillum]: a small cup
pocul. [poculum]: a cup
poll. [pollex]: the thumb or big toe; an inch in length
poll. sex [pollices sex]: six inches (i.e., half a foot)
pone aur. [pone aurem]: put behind the ear
pot. [potio or potus]: a potion; a drink; a draught
pp. [paginae]: the pages of a book or letter
PPS [post postscriptum]: an additional postscript
ppt. [praecipitatus]: precipitated
praep. [praeparatus]: prepared
prand. [prandium]: lunch or dinner
prim. luc. [prima luce]: at first light; early in the morning
prim. m. [primo mane]: early in the morning
 Abbreviations 135

pro capill. [pro capillis]: for the hair

pro jug. [pro jugulo]: for the throat
pro ocul. [pro oculis]: for the eyes
pro ocul. dext. [pro oculo dextro]: for the right eye
pro ocul. laev. [pro oculo laevo]: for the left eye
pro pot. s. [pro potu sumendus]: to be taken as a drink
pro rat. aet. [pro ratione aetatis]: according to age of the patient
pro rect. [pro recto]: rectal
pro sing. ocul. [pro singulis oculis]: for each eye
pro tem. [pro tempore]: for a time; temporarily
pro ureth. [pro urethra]: urethral
pro vagin. [pro vagina]: vaginal
prox. [proximo]: the next; of or in the following month
prox. m. [proximo mense]: the next month
PS [post scriptum or postscriptum]: a postscript
pt. [perstetur]: let it be continued
pt. aeq. [partes aequales]: in equal parts
ptc. [participium]: a participle
pulv. [pulveres]: powders
pulv. [pulvis]: a powder
pulv. consper. [pulvis conspersus]: a dusting powder
pxt. [pinxit]: he or she painted this
pyx. [pyxis]: a pill box

Q
q. alt. h. [quaque alterna hora]: every other hour
q.d. [quasi dicat]: as much as to say
q.d. [quasi dictum]: as if said
q.d. [quater die]: four times a day
q.e. [quod est]: which is
Q.E.D. or q.e.d. [quod erat demonstrandum]: which was to be demon-
strated or proven
Q.E.F. or q.e.f. [quod erat faciendum]: which was to be done
q.h. [quaque hora]: every hour
q.i.d. [quater in die]: four times a day
q.l. [quantum libet]: as much as you please
q. lib. [quantum libet]: as much as you please
q.m. or Q.M. [quaque mane]: every morning
q.n. [quaque nocte]: every night
136 Abbreviations

q.o.s. [quoties opus sit]: as often as required

q.p. [quantum placet]: as much as you please
q. pl. [quantum placet]: as much as you please
q.s. [quantum sufficit or quantum sufficiat]: as much as suffices
q.s. or Q.S. [quantum satis]: as much as satisfies
q.s.h. [quaque singula hora]: every single hour
q. sext. h. [quaque sexta hora]: every six hours
q. sing. h. [quaque singula hora]: every single hour
q.v. [quantum vis or quantumvis]: as much as you will
q.v. [quod vide]: (sing.) which see
q. vol. or q.v. [quantum volueris]: as much as you wish
qq. hor. [quaque hora]: every hour
qq. or Qq. [quaque]: each; every
qq. or Qq. [quoque]: also; too
qq.v. [quae vide]: (pl.) which see
qt. [quantitas]: quantity
qt. dupx. [quantitas duplex]: twice the amount
qt. dx. [quantitas duplex]: twice the amount
qu. [quaere]: a question or query
quant. suff. [quantum sufficit or quantum sufficiat]: as much as
suffices
quart. hor. [quartis horis]: every four hours
quin. vel sex. in d. [quinquies vel sexies in die]: five or six times a day
quot. [quotidie]: daily
quot. op. sit [quoties opus sit]: as often as required
quotid. [quotidie]: daily

R
R. [regina]: queen
R. [rex]: king
R.I.P. [requiescat in pace]: may he or she rest in peace
R.I.P. [requiescit in pace]: he or she rests in peace
r. in p. [redigatur in pulverem]: let it be reduced to a powder
rec. [recens]: recent; fresh
red. in pulv. [redigatur in pulverem]: let it be reduced to a powder
red. in pulv. [reductus in pulverem]: reduce to a powder
reg. hepat. [regio hepatis]: the region of the liver
reg. umbil. [regio umbilici]: the umbilical region
reli. or reliq. [reliquum or reliquus]: the rest; the remaining; the remainder
 Abbreviations 137

rep. [repetatur]: let it be repeated

repet. or rept. [repetatur]: let it be repeated
℞ [recipe]: take

S
s̄ s̄ [semis]: half or one half
S. [sepultus]: buried
S. [signa]: write or mark thus on the prescription label
s. [signetur]: let it be written; label it thus
s. [spiritus]: spirit; an alcoholic drink; a spirit of any kind
S. or s. [sulfur or sulphur]: sulfur
s.a. or S.A. [secundum artem]: according to pharmaceutical practice
s.a. [sine anno]: without date
s.d. [semel die]: once a day
s.d. [sine die]: indefinitely
s.i.d. or S.I.D. [semel in die]: once a day
s.l. [sine loco]: without place
s.l.a. [sine loco et anno]: without place and year
s.l.a.n. [sine loco, anno, vel nomine]: without place, year, or name
s.n. or S.N. [secundum naturam]: according to nature; naturally
s.n. [sine nomine]: anonymous
s.n.p. [signetur nomine proprio]: label with proper name
s.n.v. [si non valeat]: if it does not respond
s.o.s. or si op. sit [si opus sit]: if necessary; if occasion requires
s.p. [sine prole]: without issue
S.P.Q.R. [Senatus Populusque Romanus]: The Senate and the People
of Rome (motto of Rome)
s.p.s. [sine prole supersite]: without surviving issue
s.s. [sine sale]: without salt
s.s.s. or S.S.S. [stratum super stratum]: layer upon layer
s.v. [spiritus vini]: wine spirit; an alcoholic spirit
s.v. [sub verbo]: under the word or heading
s.v. [sub voce]: under the word or heading
s.v.g. [spiritus vini Gallici]: brandy
s.v.p. [si vires permittant]: if strength permits
s.v.r. [spiritus vini rectificatus]: rectified wine spirit; alcohol
s.v.t. [spiritus vini tenuis]: proof spirit
sacch. [saccharatus]: sugarcoated
sacch. [saccharum]: sugar; cane sugar
138 Abbreviations

Sal. or S. [Salutem dicit!]: Greetings!

sc. [scilicet]: namely; to wit; that is to say
sc. [sculpsit]: he or she carved or engraved it
scat. [scatula]: a box
scil. [scilicet]: namely; to wit; that is to say
scr. [scrupulus or scrupulum]: a scruple
scrob. cord. [scrobiculo cordis]: to the pit of the stomach
sculpt. [sculpsit]: he or she carved or engraved it
sec. [secundum]: according to
sec. art. [secundum artem]: according to pharmaceutical practice
sec. hor. [secundis horis]: every two hours
sec. leg. [secundum legem]: according to law
sec. nat. [secundum naturam]: naturally
sec. reg. [secundum regulam]: according to rule
sem. die [semel die]: once a day
sem. in die [semel in die]: once a day
semidr. [semidrachma]: half a drachm (dram)
semih. [semihora]: half an hour
seq. [sequens]: (sing.) the following
seq. [sequitur]: it follows
seqq. [sequentia]: (pl.) the following
sesquih or sesqh. [sesquihora]: an hour and a half
sesunc. [sesuncia]: an ounce and a half
sex. d. [sexies die]: six times a day
sex. in d. [sexies in die]: six times a day
sext. hor. [sextis horis]: every six hours
sg. or sing. [singularis]: singular
si dol. urg. [si dolor urgeat]: if the pain is severe
si non val. [si non valeat]: if it does not respond
si vir. perm. [si vires permittant]: if strength permits
Sig. [signa]: write or mark thus on the prescription label
sig. [signetur]: let it be written; label it thus
sig. nom. prop. [signetur nomine proprio]: label with proper name
sigill. [sigillum]: seal; signet
sinap. [sinapis]: mustard
sing. [singulorum]: of each
sing. auror. [singulis auroris]: every morning
sing. hor. [singulis horis]: every hour
sinist. [sinister]: left
Sn. or sn. [stannum]: tin
 Abbreviations 139

sol. [solutio or solutum]: a solution

solv. [solve]: dissolve
solv. c̄ cal. [solve cum calore]: dissolve by warming
sp. nov. [species novum]: a new species
spirit. vin. [spiritus vini]: wine spirit; an alcoholic spirit
spr. [spiritus]: spirit; an alcoholic drink; a spirit of any kind
st. [stet]: let it stand
stat. [statim]: immediately
stern. [sterno]: to the chest
sub. [subaudi]: to read between the lines
sug. [sugatur]: let it be sucked
sum. [sumantur]: let them be taken
sum. [sumat]: let him or her take
sum. [sume or sumatur]: take or let it be taken
sum. tal. [sumat talem]: take one such
sup. [supra]: above
sup. cit. [supra citato]: cited above
sup. gossyp. [super gossypium]: upon cotton wool
sup. lin. [super linteum]: upon linen
supp. or suppos. [suppositorium]: a suppository
syr. [syrupus]: a syrup
syr. fus. [syrupus fuscus]: molasses

T
t. [tempore]: in the time of
t. [tinctura]: tincture; a dye
t.i.d. or T.I.D. [ter in die]: three times a day
t. in hebdom. [ter in hebdomada]: three times a week
t.q.d. [ter quaterve die]: three or four times a day
tab. [tabella]: a tablet
tal. [talis]: such
tal. dos. [tales doses]: such doses
tars. ocul. [tarsis oculorum]: to the eyelids
temp. [tempore]: in the time of
ter in hebdom. [ter in hebdomada]: three times a week
ter in hor. [ter in hora]: three times an hour
ter quot. [ter quotidie]: three times daily
ter. [tere]: rub; triturate
ter. bene sim. [tere bene simul]: rub together well
140 Abbreviations

tert. hor. [tertiis horis]: every three hours

thorac. [thoraci]: to the chest
tinct. [tinctura]: tincture; a dye
tot. quot. [toties quoties]: as often as; repeatedly; on each occasion
TR [tinctura]: a tincture; a dye
trid. [triduum]: a period of three days
troch. [trochiscus]: a lozenge
tunic. [tunicetur]: let it be coated
tunic. c̄ gelat. [tunicentur cum gelatino]: let them be gelatin-coated
tunic. pil. [tunicentur pilulae]: let the pills be coated
tunicat. [tunicatus]: coated
tus. [tussis]: a cough
tuss. ingrav. [tussi ingravescente]: with the cough growing worse
tuss. mol. [tussi molesta]: with the cough being troublesome
tuss. mol. [tussis molestante]: the cough being troublesome
tuss. urg. [tussi urgente]: with the cough being severe

U
u.i. [ubi infra]: in the place mentioned below
u.s. [ubi supra]: in the place mentioned above
u.t.i.d. [unam ter in die]: one three times a day
ult. [ultimo]: the last or previous month
ult. [ultimus]: the last
ult. m. [ultimo mense]: the last or previous month
ult. praesc. or ult. praes. [ultimo praescriptus]: last prescribed; the
last ordered
unc. [uncia]: an ounce
ung. or ungt. [unguentum]: an ointment
usq. [usque]: as far as
ut dict. [ut dictum]: as directed
ut inf. [ut infra]: as stated or shown below
ut sup. [ut supra]: as stated or shown above
ux. [uxor]: wife

V
v. [vide]: see
v. or vo. [verso]: reverse side
v. or vol. [volumen]: volume
 Abbreviations 141

v. or vs. [versus]: against

v.a. [vixit . . . annos]: he or she lived . . . years
v.g. [verbi gratia]: for example
v.i. [vide infra]: see below
v.o.s. [vitello ovi solutus]: dissolve in egg yolk
v.s. [vide supra]: see above
v.v. [vice versa]: conversely
vehic. [vehiculum]: a vehicle; a means of conveyance
venaes. [venaesectio]: bleeding; venesection (i.e., bloodletting)
verb. sap. [verbum sapienti]: a word to the wise
verb. sat or verb. sat sap. [verbum sat sapienti (est)]: a word to the
wise is sufficient
vesp. [vesper]: evening
vesp. [vesperi]: in or of the evening
vet. [veteres]: the ancients; forefathers
vic. [vices]: time; times; turn
vin. [vinum]: wine
vir. or virid. [viridis]: green
viz. [videlicet]: namely; to wit
volvend. [volvendus]: to be rolled
vom. fin. [vomitu finito]: the vomiting having ceased
vom. urg. [vomitione urgente]: the vomiting becoming serious
vomit. [vomitio]: the act of vomiting
vs. [venaesectio]: bleeding; venesection (i.e., bloodletting)

X
xer. [xericus]: sherry

Z
Zn. [zincum]: zinc
zz. [zingiber]: ginger
 Miscellanea (Miscellaneous)

Some Common Prepositions and Particles

a or ab: from; by nisi: unless
ad: to; at; up to non: no; not
ambo: both ob: for; on account of
ante: before omne (omnis): all
anti: against; opposed to ope: by means of
apo: from; away from per: by; through
apud: at; near; by; next to pone: behind
bis: twice post: after
circa: about; near; around prae (pre): before
circum: around; about praeter: in front of; beyond
cis or citra: this side of; within pro: for; before; on behalf of
contra: against prope: near
coram: before; in the presence of propter: because of; on
account of
cui: to whom qua: as
cum: with quasi: as if
de: of; concerning; from re: regarding; concerning
donec: until retro: behind; backward
dum: while secundum: according to
durante: during semis: half; one-half
e or ex: from; out of semper: always
ergo: therefore si: if; supposing that
et: and; also sic: thus; so
extra: without; outside of; in sine: without
addition to
hic, hac, hoc: this sub: under
ibi: there super: over; above
in: in; into supra: over; above
infra: below; beneath totus: all; the whole
inter: between; among trans: across; through
intra: inside; within ubi: where
juxta (iuxta): near; next to; ultra: beyond
according to

DOI: 10.4324/9781003255352-4
 Miscellanea (Miscellaneous) 143

ne: lest; not usque ad: up to; as far as

nec: neither; not ut: as; so that
nihil or nil: nothing vel: or

Some Common Prefixes

a- or an- without mon- one
ab- away from mono- one
ad- toward; near multi- many
ante- before neo- new
anti- against non- not
auto- self ortho- correct; straight
bi- two, twice para- beyond
bis- two; twice penta- five; fifth
bin- two per- through; beyond
circum- around peri- around
contra- against poly- many
di- twice; two post- after
dia- through prae- (pre-) before
dis- twice; two proto- before; first; lower
duo- two pseudo- false
epi- on; upon pyro- changed by heat
eu- good quadra- four; fourth
ex- out of quadri- four; fourth
extra- outside of retro- backward; behind
hemi- one-half semi- half
hepta- seven; seventh sesqui- one and one half
hetero- other sub- below; under
hexa- six; sixth super- above
homo- same supra- above
hyper- above; beyond sym-/syn- with; together
hypo- below; under ter- three
inter- between; among tetra- four
intra- within toxi- poisonous
macro- large tri- (tris-) three; three times
medi- middle ultra- beyond
mega- large un- one
meta- beyond; altered uni- single
micro- small xanth- yellow
144 Miscellanea (Miscellaneous)

Some Useful Medical Directives

addendus: to be added extendendus: to be spread
adhibendus: to be applied fervidus: to be boiling hot
ammoniatus: ammoniated foratus: pierced
applicandus: to be applied formandus: to be formed
bibendus: to be drunk fumans: fuming
bulliens: boiling infricandus: to be rubbed in
calcinatus: burnt instillandus: to be dropped in
calefaciens: warming liquefactus: liquefied
capiendus: to be taken miscendus: to be mixed
carbolisatus: carbolized mittendus: to be sent
compositus: compound omittendus: to be omitted
compressus: compressed promovendus: induced
conspersus: sprinkled pulveratus: powdered
contusus: bruised purificatus: purified; refined
dandus: to be given recipe: take
deglutiendus: to be swallowed rectificatus: rectified
delendus: to be left out repetendus: to be repeated
demulcens: demulcent roborans: strengthening
destillatus: distilled saturatus: saturated
dilutus: diluted servandus: to be preserved
dividendus: to be divided statim: immediately
exoneratus: relieved sumendus: to be taken
expressus: pressed or squeezed out tritus: rubbed
exsiccatus: thoroughly dried utendus: to be used

The Latin Calendar

The Calendar Year (Mensis)

Januarius: January Januarii: in January
Februarius: February Februarii: in February
Martius: March Martii: in March
Aprilis: April Aprilis: in April
Maius: May Maii: in May
Iunius: June Junii: in June
Quinctilis or Iulius: July Julii: in July
(after Julius Caesar)
Sextilis or Augustus: August Augusti: in August
(after Caesar Augustus)
 Miscellanea (Miscellaneous) 145

September: September Septembris: in September

October: October Octobris: in October
November: November Novembris: in November
December: December Decembris: in December

The Calendar Month

Idus [the Ides]: the fifteenth day in March, May, July, and October; the
thirteenth day in all other months
Kalendae or Calendae [the Kalends or Calends]: the first day of a
Roman month
Nonae [the Nones]: the seventh day in March, May, July, and October;
the fifth day in all other months

The Days of the Week (Septimana)

Dies Solis or Dies Dominica: Die Soli: on Sunday
Sunday
Dies Lunae: Monday Die Lunae: on Monday
Dies Martis: Tuesday Die Martis: on Tuesday
Dies Mercurii: Wednesday Die Mercurii: on Wednesday
Dies Iovis/Jovis: Thursday Die Iovis/Jovis: on Thursday
Dies Veneris: Friday Die Veneris: on Friday
Dies Saturni: Saturday Die Saturni: on Saturday
Dies Sabbati: the Sabbath day Die Sabbati: on the Sabbath day

Roman Numerals
CARDINALS ORDINALS
unus (I): one primus: first
duo (II): two secundus, alter: second
tres (III): three tertius: third
quattuor/quatuor (IIII, IV): four quartus: fourth
quinque (V): five quintus: fifth
sex (VI): six sextus: sixth
septem (VII): seven septimus: seventh
octo (VIII): eight octavus: eighth
novem (VIIII, IX): nine nonus: ninth
decem (X): ten decimus: tenth
undecim (XI): eleven undecimus: eleventh
146 Miscellanea (Miscellaneous)

duodecim (XII): twelve duodecimus: twelfth

tredecim (XIII): thirteen tertius decimus: thirteenth
quattuordecim (XIIII, XIV): quartus decimus: fourteenth
fourteen
quindecim (XV): fifteen quintus decimus: fifteenth
sedecim (or sexdecim) (XVI): sextus decimus: sixteenth
sixteen
septendecim (XVII): seventeen septimus decimus: seventeenth
duodevinginti (or octodecim) duodevicesimus (or
(XVIII): eighteen octavusdecimus): eighteenth
undeviginti (or novemdecim) undevicesimus (or
(XIIII, XIX): nineteen novemdecimus): nineteenth
viginti (XX): twenty vicesimus: twentieth
unus et viginti (XXI) (or viginti vicesimus primus (or unus et
unus): twenty-one vicesimus): twenty-first
duo et viginti (or viginti duo) vicesimus secundus (or duo et
(XXII): twenty-two vicesimus or alter et vicemus):
twenty-second
duodetriginta (XXVIII): duodetricesimus: twenty-eighth
twenty-eight
undetriginta (XXIX): undetricesimus: twenty-ninth
twenty-nine
triginta (XXX): thirty tricesimus: thirtieth
duodequadraginta (XXXVIII): duodequadragesimus:
thirty-eight thirty-eighth
undequadraginta (XXXIX): undequadragesimus: thirty-ninth
thirty-nine
quadraginta (XL): forty quadragesimus: fortieth
duodequinquaginta (XLVIII): duodequinquagesimus:
forty-eight forty-eighth
undequinquaginta (XLIX): undequinquagesimus: forty-ninth
forty-nine
quinquaginta (L): fifty quinquagesimus: fiftieth
sexaginta (LX): sixty sexagesimus: sixtieth
septuaginta (LXX): seventy septuagesimus: seventieth
octoginta (LXXX): eighty octogesimus: eightieth
nonaginta (XC): ninety nonagesimus: ninetieth
centum (C): one hundred centesimus: the hundredth
centum (et) unus (CCI): one centesimus (et) primus: hundred
hundred and one and first
 Miscellanea (Miscellaneous) 147

ducenti (CC): two hundred ducentesimus: two hundredth

ducenti quinquagenta (CCL ducentesimus (et)
or E): two hundred and fifty quinquagesimus: two hundredth
and fiftieth
trecenti (CCC): three hundred trecentesimus: three hundredth
quadringenti (CD): four hundred quadringentesimus: four hundredth
quingenti (D): five hundred quingentesimus: five hundredth
sescenti (DC): six hundred sescentesimus: six hundredth
septingenti (DCC): seven hundred septingentesimus: seven hundredth
octingenti (DCCC): eight hundred octingentesimus: eight hundredth
nongenti (DM): nine hundred nongentesimus: nine hundredth
mille (M): one thousand millesimus: one thousandth
duo milia (MM): two thousand bis millesimus: two thousandth

Some Apothecary Weights and Measures

centimetrum cubicum (c.c.): a kilogramma (Kg.): a kilogram
cubic centimeter libra (lb.): a pound
congius (C or cong.): a gallon litrum (L.): a liter
drachma (ʒ or dr. or dram.): a milligramma (mg.): a milligram
dram millilitrum (mil.): a milliliter
fluidrachma (fʒ or fldr.): a minimum (♍︎. or min.): a minim
fluiddram octarius (O or oct.): a pint
gramma (gm.): a gram scrupulus (℈ or scr.): a scruple
granum (gr.): a grain semis (s̄ s̄): half or one-half
gutta (g. or gt.): a drop uncia (℥ or oz. or unc.): an ounce
guttae (gtt.): drops

Some Elements on the Periodic Table

Aluminum or Aluminium (Al): Cuprum (Cu): Copper
Aluminum Ferrum (Fe): Iron
Antimonium or Stibium (Sb): Hydrargyrum (Hg): Mercury
Antimony Hydrogenium (H): Hydrogen
Argentium (Ag): Silver Iodum (I): Iodine
Arsenum or Arsenicum (As): Lithium (Li): Lithium
Arsenic Magnesium (Mg): Magnesium
Aurum (Au): Gold Manganum (Mn): Manganese
Barium (Ba): Barium Oxygenium (O): Oxygen
Bismuthum (Bi): Bismuth Plumbum (Pb): Lead
148 Miscellanea (Miscellaneous)

Bromum (Br): Bromine Potassium or Kalium (K):

Cadmium (Cd): Cadmium Potassium
Calcium (Ca): Calcium Sodium or Natrium (Na): Sodium
Carboneum (C): Carbon Strontium (Sr): Strontium
Cerium (Ce): Cerium Sulfur or Sulphur (S): Sulfur
Chlorum (Cl): Chlorine Zincum (Zn): Zinc
Chromium (Cr): Chromium

Varieties of Primary and Secondary Colors

albus: white fulvus: brown
ater: black; dull black fuscus: dusky brown
atropurpureus: dark purple galbinus: greenish-yellow
aurantius/aurantiacus: orange glaucus: green-grey
caeruleus: blue luridus: pale yellow
caesicius: a bluish-grey luteus: yellow
caesius: blue-grey niger: black
candidus: bright white puniceus: pink
canus: a whitish-grey purpureus: purple
cinereus: grey; ashen grey ruber: red
coccineus: scarlet suffuscus: dark brown
croceus: saffron yellow viola/violaceus: violet
crocinus: golden yellow viridis: green
flavus: yellow xanthus: yellow

Selected Medical and Botanical Place Names

Abyssinicus: Abyssinian Italicus: Italian
Africanus: African Jamaicensis: Jamaican
Alpinus: Alpine Japonicus: Japanese (see also,
Nipponensis)
Americanus: American Judaicus (or Iudaicus): Jewish
Anglicus: English Kentuckiensis: Kentuckian
Angolensis: Angolan Lapponicus: Laplandic
Antarcticus: of Antarctica Londinensis: of London
Arabicus: Arabic Madagascariensis: of Madagascar
Barbadensis: of Barbados Malabaricus: of Malabar
Brasiliensis: Brazilian Marilandicus: of Maryland
Britannicus: British Mauretanicus: Mauretanian
Bulgaricus: Bulgarian Monspeliensis: from Montpelier
 Miscellanea (Miscellaneous) 149

Burgundicus: Burgundian Neomexicanus: New Mexican

Californicus: Californian Nipponensis: Japanese (see also,
Japonicus)
Cambricus: Welsh Novaeanglicae: of New England
Canadensis: Canadian Novaehollandiae (New Holland):
of Australia
Cantabrigiensis: of Cambridge Novaeseelandiae: of New Zealand
Carolinensis: Carolinian Noveboracensis: of New York
Chiliensis: Chilean Norvegicus: Norwegian
Chinensis: Chinese Oxoniensis: of Oxford
Colchicus: Georgian Parisiensis: of Paris
Coloniensis: of Cologne Persica: Persian
Damascenus: of Damascus Peruvianus: Peruvian
Dublinensis: of Dublin Philippinensis: of The Philippines
Edinensis/Edinburgensis: Ponticus: Pontus (now central
of Edinburgh Turkey)
Europaeus: European Purshianus: Persian
Florentinus: Florentine Rossicus: Russian
Formosanus: Formosan Sinensis: Chinese
(Taiwanese)
Gallicus: Gallic (French) Syriacus: Syrian
Germanicus: German Taurinensis: of Turin
Helveticus: Swiss Victoriae: Victorian
Hibernicus: Irish Virginiana or Virginicus:
Virginian
Indicus: Indian Zeylanicus: of Ceylon
 English-Latin Index

A after noon: post meridiem

after the manner prescribed: ex
above: supra or superus modo praescripto
absence of fever: absente febre again: iterum
according to: secundum again and again: iterum atque
according to desire: pro lubitu iterum
according to nature: secundum against: adversus or versus
naturam against one’s will: ab invito
according to practice: secundum age: aetas
artem air: aer
according to taste: ad gustum or alcoholic: alcoholicus
secundum gustum alder tree: alnus
Achilles tendon: tendo Achillis alfalfa: medicago
(tendo calcaneus) all: omnis
acidity: acerbitas all day: omne die
acne: acne rosacea (rosacea) or alleviate: allevare/adlevare
varus punctatus allspice: pimenta dioica
across: trans almond (bitter): amygdala
Adam’s apple: pomum Adami amara
added: addendus almond (sweet): amygdala
adhesive: adhaesivus dulcis
adolescence: adolescens or aloe plant: aloe
juventus alone: solus
adult: adultus alopecia: morbus vulpis or
affected part: partem affectam vulpis morbus
after: post alternately: in vicem or per vicem
after bathing: a balineo alum: alumen
after birth: post partum or always: semper
postpartum amber: sucinum/succinum
after breakfast: post jentaculum American ginseng: panax
after death: post mortem or post quiquefolius
obitum amniotic fluid: liquor amnii
after dinner: post prandium ample: amplus
after food: post cibum anal region: podex
after meals: post cibos analgesic: analgesicus

DOI: 10.4324/9781003255352-5
 English-Latin Index 151

androgyne: androgynus as much as satisfies: quantum

anise: anisum or illicium or satis
pimpinella as much as suffices: quantum
ankle: malleolus or talus sufficit or quantum sufficiat
ankle bone: talus or astragalus as much as you please: quantum
annually: annuus libet or quamlibet or quan-
ant: formica tum placet
antacid: antacidus as much as you will: quantum
antidote: ambrosia vis or quantumvis
antimony: antimonium or as much as you wish: quantum
stibium volueris
anus muscle: sphincter ani as needed: pro re nata
aorta: arteria magna as often as: toties quoties
ape: simia or simius as often as required: quoties
apothecary: apothecarius opus sit
apothecary’s weight: pondus as prescribed: modo dicto
medicinale as soon as possible:
apple: malum or pomum quamprimum
apply: applica or admove as written: modo dicto
approach of fever: aggrediente asbestos: asbestus or amiantus
febre asleep: per somnum
appropriate: idoneus asphalt: bitumen
approved: officialis assisting: adjuvans
aquatic: aquaticus astringent: astringens or
arm: bracchium/brachium constringentia
armpit: axilla or ala at bedtime: hora decubitus or
armpit odor: hircismus hora somni
aromatic: aromaticus at daybreak: diluculo
aromatic cordial: aqua mirabilis at first light: prima luce
around: circa at home: domi
art: ars at night: nocte
arthritic: arthriticus at pleasure: libitum
artificial: factitius at the point or moment of death:
as before: ut ante or ut antea in articulo mortis or in
as directed: more dicto or ut extremis
dictum at the rear: posterior
as if: quasi at the same time: simul
as much as: quantum at two times: ad duas vices
as much as possible: quam at will: ad libitum
maxime attack: aggressus
152 English-Latin Index

attar of roses: gul attar beer: cerevisia: beer

autumnal: autumnalis beetroot: beta
before: ante
before breakfast: ante jentaculum
B
before childbirth: ante partum
back: dorsum before daybreak: ante lucem
back of the hand: manus before death: ante mortem
aversa before dinner: ante prandium
back of the neck: cervix before meals: ante cibos
backbone: spina before food: ante cibum
bad: malus before noon: ante meridiem
baked: coctilis before supper: ante cenam
bald: calvus or glaber beggar’s button: arctium lappa
ball: pila belching: ructus
bandage: ligamentum belly: gaster or venter or
banquet: convivium ventriculus
barberry: berberis below: infra
barbital: barbitalum beneath: sub
bark: cortex bergamot: bergamotta
barley: hordeum berries: baccae
barley water: decoctum hordei berry: baca/bacca or acinus
bath: balneum or balineum or betel nut: areca
lavabrum better: melior
bay laurel: laurus between: inter
bay rum: spiritus myrciae between convulsions: inter
bayberry: cerifera myrica paroxysmos
beak: rostrum between meals: inter cibos
bean: faba between the shoulders: inter
bear: ursus scapulas
bearberry: uva ursi bicarbonate: bicarbonas
beard: barba big toe: digitus pollex (pollex)
bearded: barbatus or hallex
beardless: imberbis/imberbus bile: bilis or fel
beast of burden: veterinus bind up: adligare/alligare
bedbug: cimex lectularius bindweed: convolvulus
(cimex) bird: avis
bedroom: cubiculum birth: partus
bee: apis birthday: dies natalis
beef broth: jus bovillum/jus birthmark: naevus/nevus or nae-
bovinum vus maternus
 English-Latin Index 153

birthwort: aristolochia blueberry: vaccinium

bit by bit: frustillatim bodily ills: dolores corporis
bite: morsus bodily strength: vires corporis
bitter: acerbus or amarus body: corpus
bitter apple: colocynthis boil: coque
bitter orange: aurantium boiled: coctus
amarus boiling: bulliens or coctio
bitterness: amarities boiling hot: fervidus
black: ater or niger boiling water: aqua bulliens
black and white: atra et alba bone: os
black currant: ribes nigrum bone decay: caries
black pepper: piper nigrum bone splinter: spicula
blackberry: rubus villosus bones: ossa
(rubus) or nigrobaccus bony: osseus
blackened: attinctus or book: codex
denigratus born: natus
bladder: vesica both: ambo
bleeding: venaesectio bottle: phiala
blemish: macula bottle (corked): phiala
blessed thistle: cnicus suberata
benedictus bottle (sealed): phiala obturata
blind: caecus bottom: basis or fundus
blind spot: punctum caecum bougie: bougium or bacillum
blister: pustula bound together: consolidus
blister burn: bulla bowels: alvus
blistering: vesicans or rubefa- box: scatula
ciens or epispasticus box of pills: scatula pilularum
blood: sanguis boxwood: buxus
blood clot: crassamentum boy: puer
blood plasma: liquor sanguinis brandy: spiritus vini Gallici or
blood-stained: cruentus vini Gallici spiritus
bloodless: exsanguis brass: aes
bloodletting: venaesectio bread: panis
bloodroot: sanguinaria bread crumb: mica panis or
bloodshot: sanguine suffusus panis mica
bloodsucker: sanguisuga breakfast: ientaculum/
bloody urine: mictus cruentus jentaculum
or sanguinis mictus breaking wind: crepitus
blotting paper: charta bibula breast: pectus or mamma or
blue: caeruleus mamilla
154 English-Latin Index

breastbone: os pectoris or by night: noctu or nocturnus

sternum by rubbing: tritu
brimstone: sulfur or sulphur by sipping: sorbilo
bristle: seta by the day: per diem
broad: latus by the roots: raditicus
broken: fractus by turns: invicem
broken in pieces: comminutus by weight: pondere
bronze: aes
bronze-covered: aeratus
broom: scoparius C
broth: brodium cabbage: brassica
brother: frater cacao tree: theobroma
brown sugar (brown): saccha- cachet: oblatum
rum fuscum: caffeine: caffeina
bruised: contusus Calabar bean: physostigma
brush: penicillum or peniculus calf: vitulus
buckthorn: rhamnus cathartica camel’s hair brush: penicillum
(rhamnus) or frangula camelinum
bud: gemma or germen Canadian hemp: apocynum
buffered: buffera Canadian snake root: asarum
bull: taurus canadense
burdock: arctium lappa (lappa) cancer: cancer
buried: sepultus cancerous: phagedaenicus
burnt: ustus or adustus canker sore: cancrum oris
burst open: ruptus canine teeth: dentes cuspidati
but: sed capsule: capsula
butter: butyrum caraway: carum
buttermilk: lac vaccinum carbon dioxide: acidum aereum
butyricum carbonated water: aqua aerata
butternut: julans carbuncle: caruncula
buttocks: nates cardamom: elettaria
buttocks muscle: gluteus care: cura
maximus cartilage: cartilago
buzzing in the ears: bombus cash on delivery (c.o.d.): ne tra-
by accident: per infortunium das sine nummo
by birth: natu castor plant: ricinus
by biting: mordicus cat: felis
by degrees: sensim or tractim cataract: glaucoma or caligo
by force: per vim lentis
by itself: per se catnip: nepeta cataria (cataria)
 English-Latin Index 155

cauldron: caldaria clothed: amictus

caution: caveat clove: caryophyllus
cayenne pepper: capsicum clover: trifolium
cedar tree: cedrus club moss: lycopodium
celery: apium coated: tunicatus
center: centrum cobwebs: tela araneae
cereal: cerealis coca leaves: cocae folia
chalk: creta cocoa butter: butyrum cacaonis
chamber: camera cod liver: gadi iecur
chamomile: chamomilla or cod liver oil: adeps gadi or
anthemis morrhuae oleum or oleum
cheek: bucca or gena jecoris aselli
cheeks: malae codfish: asellus or gadus or
chemist: chemicus morrhua or gadus morrhua
cherry laurel: laurocerasus coffee: cafea or caffea
cherry tree: cerasus cold: frigidus or gelidus
chest: pectus or sternum or cold bath: balneum frigidum
thorax cold shivers: horridus
chestnut: castenea cold water: aqua gelida
chicken: pullus coltsfoot: tussilago farfara
chicken broth: jus gallinaceum (farfara)
chickenpox: varicella common: communis or vulgaris
childbirth (labor): puerperium completed: peractus
chilly: frigidus completely: in toto
chin: mentum complexion: color
chlorinated: chloratus or concave: cavus
chlorinatus condition: status
chocolate: chocolata cone: conus
chosen: electus cone-bearing: coniferus
cinnamon: cinnamomum confection: confectio or
circle: circus or circulus or orbis confectum
citron: citrus medica confined: adstrictus or restrictus
city: urbs constipated: alvo adstricta
claw: unguis or ungula consumed by fire: deflagratus
clay: lutum consumption (tuberculosis):
cleansing: ablutio phthisis
close shaven: abrasus conversely: vice versa
closed: obturatus convulsion: paroxysmus
closest: proximus cooked: coctus or coctilis
cloth: pannus cooling: refrigerans
156 English-Latin Index

copper: cuprum curable: medicabilis

copper patina: aerugo curdled: seriparus
cord: funis cure: remedium
cordial drink: aqua caelestis cure-all: panacea
coriander: coriandrum curly-haired: cincinnatus
cork: phellus or suber currant (golden): ribes aureum
corn: mays or maydis currant (red): ribes rubrum or
corn silk: zea ribes sanguineum
corpse: cadaver currants (black or Corinthian
cotton: gossypium or grapes): uvae Corinthae or
bombacium uvae Corinthiacae
cotton wadding: bombyx custom: mos or mores
cotton wool: gossypium cut: scissus
absorbens cut into pieces: incisus
cough: tussis cut up: concisus
cough medicine: elixir cuttlefish: sepia
cough syrup: linctus cyanide: cyanidum
covered: opertus
covered with scales: squarrosus
D
covering: tunica
cow: vacca daily: in dies or indies or
cow’s milk: lac bovinum or lac quotidianus or cotidie or
vaccae or lac vaccinum cotidianus
cowpox: variola vaccinae damp: humidus
crab: cancer dandelion: taraxacum dens-
crab louse: pediculus pubis leonis (taraxacum)
cranberry: vaccinium dandruff: porrigo
cream: cremor dark: obscurus
cricket: gryllus darkened: infuscatus
croup: angina trachealis darkness: tenebra
crow: corvus or cornix daughter: filia
crumb: mica day: dies
crystal: crystallus day-long: diurnus
cubic: cubicus dead: mortuus
cucumber: cucumis deadly nightshade: belladonna
cudbear: persio deaf: surdus
cultivated: sativus deafness: surditas
cultivated field: arvus death: mors
cup: poculum deathly pale: ex sanguis
cupping-glass: cucurbita decay: tabes
 English-Latin Index 157

decaying: tabidus distilled spirit: aqua vitae

deceased: demortuus distilled water: aqua destillata
decoction: decoctio or decoctum or aqua pura or hydrolatum
deep breath: suspirium ditch: fossa
deep sleep: sopor diuretic: diureticus
deep-seated: profundus divided: partitus
deep-vein thrombosis: phlegma- dizziness: vertigo
sia cerulea dolens do not admit: ne admittas
deformity: deformitas do not repeat: ne repetatur
dehydrated: dehydratus do not repeat (refill): non
delay: dilatio or mora repetatur
delirium tremens: mania a potu Doctor of Medicine: Medicinae
dementia from drinking: demen- Doctor
tia a potu Doctor of Pharmacy: Pharma-
deodorized: deodoratus ciae Doctor
departure from life: excessus Doctor of Philosophy: Philoso-
e vita phiae Doctor
depilatory: depilatorium Doctor of Veterinarian Science:
dermatological: dermatologicus Medicus Veterinarius
dessert: epidipnis dog: canis
diagnostic: diagnosticus dog tooth: dens canis
diarrhea: diarrhoea dogbane: apocynum
died: obiit dogwood: cornus
diet: diaeta domestic: domesticus
digestive: digestivus or pepticus dose: dosis
dill: anethum double boiler: balneum Mariae
diluted: dilutus or dilutum or doubtful: dubius
tenuis dove: columba or columbus
dimple: gelasinus downy: plumeus
dinner: prandium dozen: duodecim
dirty: luteus draught: haustus
discretion: prudentia dream: somnium
disease: morbus dregs: faex
dislocated: luxus dried: aridus or siccatus or
dispense: dispensa exsiccatus
dispensed quickly: cito drink (n.): potio or potus
dispensatur drink (v.): bibe
dissolve: solve drinkable: sorbilis
dissolved: solutus drop by drop: guttatim
distilled: destillatus drops: guttae
158 English-Latin Index

dropsy: aqua intercus or hydrops edible: edulis or esculentus

drowsiness: stupor effective: efficiens
drowsy: somnolentus effervescent: effervescens
drug: medicamen or egg: ovum
medicamentum egg white: ovi albumen
drugged: medicatus egg yolk: ovi vitellus (vitellus)
druggist: pharmacopola or egg-shaped: ovatus
medicamentarius eggshell: ovi putamen or
drugstore: apotheca testa ovi
drunk: ebrius eight: octo
dry: siccus elastic: elasticus
DTs: delirium tremens elbow: ulna or cubitum
duct: ductus or vas elder tree: sambucus
dung: stercus elm: ulmus
during: durante emergency: subitum
during dinner: inter cenam enamel: dentium cortex
dwarf: pumilio or pumilus enough: satis
dwarf-sized: pygmaeus epidemic: epidemicus
dyed: tinctoreus epilepsy: morbus caducas or
dying: moribundus morbus comitialis or sacer
dysentery: dysentericus morbis
Epsom salt: sal amarus or sal
catharticus or magnesiae
E
sulphas/magnesii sulphatis
each: quaque equal: aequalis
ear: auris erysipelas: sacer ignis or ignis
ear doctor: medicus auricularius sacer or ignis sancti Antonii
ear drops: auristillae or otoguttae ether: aether
ear drum: tympanum ethereal: aethereus
ear suppository: aurinarium evaporating dish: patina
ear wax: cerumen evening: vesper
earlobe: auricula evergreen: sempervirens
early morning: luce prima every: omnis
ears: aures every day (everyday): cotidie or
earth: terra cotidianus or quotidianus
eastern: orientalis every hour: omni hora or quaque
easy: facilis hora or singulis horis
easy to please: placabilis every morning: omni mane or
eau de Cologne: aqua Colonien- quaque mane or singulis
sis or spiritus Coloniensis auroris
 English-Latin Index 159

every night: omni nocte or female: femina

quaque nocte female pubic region: mons
example: exemplum veneris
excrement: merda female reproductive system:
external: externus pudenda muliebre
extract: extractum female sex: sexus muliebris
eye: oculus female sex organ: vagina
eye doctor: medicus ocularius femur bone: os femoris
eye drops: oculoguttae fennel: foeniculum
eye ointment: oculentum fever: febris
eye teeth: dentes cuspidati fever attack: aggressus febris
eyebrow: supercilium fever continuing: durante febre
eyelash: cilium or febre durante
eyelashes: cilia feverish: febrilis or febriculosus
eyelid: cilium or palpebra feverish heat: ardor febrilis
eyelids: tarsi oculorum field: arvensis
eyes: oculi fierce: ferox
eyewash: collyrium fig: carica or ficus
filbert: avellana or avella or
corylus
F
filbert tree: corylus maxima
face: facies or vultus filter: filtrum
fainting spell: syncope or filthy: stercoreus
defectio animi or defectum finger: digitus
animae finger’s breadth: transversum
faith: fides digitum
false cardamom: alpinia nutans fingernail: unguiculus
false or wild indigo: baptisia fingers and toes: digitatus
fasting: esuriens or impransus fir tree: abies
fat: adeps fire: ignis
fat (size): obesus first: primus
father: pater first name: praenomen
fatty: pinguis fish: piscis
favor: gratis fish gill: branchia
fear of water: hydrophobia fish hook: hamus
fearful: timidus fist: pugnus
feather: penna or pluma flame: flamma or ardor
feathered: pennatus flask: lagena
feeler: tentaculum flatulence: flatus
feet: pedes flavored: saporatus
160 English-Latin Index

flaxseed: linum forearm: antebrachium or

flea: pulex cubitum
fleabane: erigeron forefinger: index
flesh: caro or carnis forehead: frons
flesh-eating: sarcophagus fork: furca
flock: grex forked: furcatus
flour: farina foul: sordidus
flower: flos fountain: fons or fontis or
flowery: floridus fontana
flowing to: affluxus four: quattuor/quatuor
fly: musca four times a day: quater in die
foamy: spumosus or quater die
fodder: farrago four-footed: quadrupes
following: sequens fox: vulpes
food: cibus or pabulum or foxglove: digitalis
alimentum or pastus fracture: fractura
fool’s parsley: aethusa frankincense: tus/thus or
cynapium olibanum
foot: pes freak of nature: lusus naturae
foot bath: pediluvium freckle: lentigo
for: pro free: liber
for an adult: pro adulto free from pain: indolentia
for an hour: per horam frenzy: phrenesis
for both eyes: oculi uterque frequently: frequenter
for each eye: pro singulis oculis fresh: recens
for example: exempli gratia fresh water: aqua dulcis or
for external use: ad usum exter- dulcis unda
num or pro usu externo frightened: territus
for the eyes: pro oculis frog: rana
for the hair: pro capillis from: a or ab
for the mouth: ori from behind: a tergo
for the nose: pro naso from childhood: ab incunabulis
for the second time: ad secun- or ab parvulis
dum vicem from day to day: de die in diem
for the third time: ad tertiam or diem ex die or in dies or
vicem indies
for the throat: pro jugulo from head to heel: a capite ad
for the winter: hibernus calcem
for three days: per triduum from sunrise to sunset: a solis
for two days: per biduum ortu usque ad occasum
 English-Latin Index 161

from that day: a die gasp: singultus

from the beginning: ab initio gauze: carbasus
from the cradle: ab incunabulis gelatin: gelatinum or gelatum
from the date: a datu or a die gentle: lenis
from the first: a primo gentle respiration: spiritus lenis
from the inside: ab intra genuine: verus
from the outside: ab extra gift: donum
from the side: a latere gin: spiritus juniperi
from the start: ab initio ginger: zingiber
from top to bottom: a capite ad girdle: zona
calcem girl: puella
front: frontis give: da
front part: anterior glass: vitrum
frozen: gelatus or congelatus glass rod: virga vitrea
fruit: fructus or frux gloomy: tenebrosus
fruit-bearing: pomifer glowing: luminosus
fruitless: infructuosus goat’s milk: lac caprae
full: plenus gold: aurum
gold leaf: aurum foliatum or
full of worms: vermiculatus
lamina auri
fuller’s earth: terra cimolia
golden: aureus
fully: ad plenum
golden seal: hydrastis
fumigation: suffumigatio or
goldfish: hippurus
suffitus
good: bonus or bene
funnel: infundibulum
good for everything: panchrestus
furnace: fornax
goose bumps: cutis anserina
goose grease: adeps auserinus
G gooseberry: ribes grossularia
gourd: cucurbita
gallipot: narthecium gout: dolor artuum
gallon: congius gradually: gradatim
gallstone: chololithus grain: granum
ganja: cannabis indica granulated: granulatus
garden: hortus grape: uva
garden hemlock: aethusa grapes (Corinthian): uvae
cynapium Corinthae or uvae
gargle: gargarisma Corinthiacae
garlic: allium/alium grapevine: vitis
gas: gas or gasum grass: gramen or herba
gasoline: benzinum grasshopper: gryllus
162 English-Latin Index

grassy: gramineus happy: felix

grease: pinguedo hard: durus
great: magnus hard skin: callus or callosus
greater: major hardened: duratus
greatest: maximus harmless: innoxius
green: viridis hartshorn: cornu cervi
grey hair: canities hastily: festinato
grind: frendere having thorns or spines: acanthus
grinding of the teeth: brygmus hazelnut: corylus avellana
gristle: cartilago head: caput
groin: inguen head bandage: galea
gruel: jusculum avenaceum headache: cephalagia
guest: hospes or hospita headless: acephalus
gum: gummi healing: cura or curatio
gum arabic: acacia or acaciae healing power: vis medicatrix
gummi or gummi Arabicum health: valetudo
gum-bearing: gummifer or healthful: salutaris
cummiphorus healthy: sanus
gums: gingiva heart: cor
gurgling intestines: bombus heart palpitation: tremor cordis
guts: viscera heart-shaped: cordatus
gymnastic: gymnasticus heartbeat: pulsus cordis
heartburn: ardor ventriculi
heartsick physically: animo
H
aeger
hair: capillus or crinis or pilus heat: aestus
hair lotion: lotio crinalis heat from a flame: ardor
hair of head: coma hedgehog: echinus
hairy: comans or comatus or heel: calx or calcaneum
hirsutus or pilosus hellebore: veratrum
half: semis helping: adjuvans
half a pound: selibra hemlock: conium
half an hour: semihora hen: gallina
half an ounce: semuncia henbane: hyoscyamus
half-dead: semivivus or seminex herb: herba
half-naked: seminudus herd: grex
halibut: hippoglossus here and there: passim
hallucinations: aegri somnia here lies buried: hic sepultus est
hand: manus hereafter: abhinc
handful: manipulus hermaphrodite: hermaphroditus
 English-Latin Index 163

hiccup: singultus hydrated: hydratus

hide (animal): pellis hydrochloric: hydrochloricus
higher: superior hydrochloric acid: acidum
highest: summus hydrochloricum
highest point: acme hydrogen: hydrogenium
hip: coxa hypodermic: hypodermicus
hip bone: ilium or os
innominatum
I
hoarfrost: pruina
hoarseness: raucitas I: ego
hodgepodge: mixtum ice: aqua astricta or glacies
compositum Iceland moss: cetraria
hog: porcus if necessary: si opus sit
hog’s lard: adeps suillus if strength permits: si vires
hollow: cavus permittant
home: domus immediately: statim or illico or
homicide: homicidium jam jam
honey: mel improvised: subitarius
honey bee: apis mellifica impure: impurus
honeycomb: favus in a bottle: in phiala
hook: uncus in a cool place: in loco frigido
hope: spes in a glass test tube: in vitro
hops: humulus or lupulus in a vacuum: in vacuo or vacuo
horehound: marrubium in all: in toto
horn: cornu in bed: in lecto
horned: cornutus in cold water: ex aqua frigida
horny: corneus in divided doses: dosibus divi-
horse: equus or caballus duis or partitis vicibus
horseradish: armoracia in doubt: in dubio
hot: calidus or fervens in due time: ad tempus
hot bath: balneum fervens in equal parts: partes aequales
hot water: aqua fervens in gruel: in pulmento
hour: hora in large doses: dosibus magnis
hourly: in horas in Latin: Latine
human: humanus in milk: in lacte
human body: corpus humanum in part: ex parte
humerus bone: os humeri in place of: in loco
hump: gibbus in repeated doses: dosibus
husband: maritus repetitis
hybrid: hybridus in small doses: dosibus exiquis
164 English-Latin Index

in still waters: in aquis quietis intestines: intestinum

in the back: in dorso into each ear: in singulas aures
in the first place: imprimis into the left ear: in aurem
in the manner directed: more sinistram
dicto into the left eye: in oculum
in the manner prescribed: ex sinistrum
modo praescripto into the right ear: in aurem
in the throat: in fauces dextram
in the usual manner: more into the right eye: in oculum
solito dextrum
in the womb: in utero intoxicated: temulentus
in this place: hoc loco intramuscular: intramuscularis
in two doses: ad duas vices iodine: iodinium or iodum
in water: ex aqua iodized: iodatus
in what manner: quomodo Irish moss: chondrus crispus
incense: tus/thus iron: ferrum
incisors: dentes incisores it does not hurt: non dolet
incurable: insanabilis it does not melt: non liquet
index finger: digitus index it is not permitted: non licet
India rubber: caoutchouc itch: prurigo or psora
Indian corn: mays itching: pruriens or pruritus
Indian tobacco: lobelia inflata ivory: ebur
(lobelia) ivy: hedera
inedible: inedulis
infant: infans
J
infested: infestus
inflammation: inflammatio jaborandi: pilocarpus
infusion: infusio or infusum jar: amphora or olla
inhalation: inhalatio jaundice: icterus
injection: injectio jaundiced: ictericus
injury: injuria or vulnus jaw: mala or maxilla
insane: amens or insanus jet of water: aqua saliens
insanity: insania or dementia joint: articulus
inside: intra joint pain: articulorum dolor
instantly: instanter joints: artuum
intermittent fever: anetus juice: sucus/succus
internal: internus juiceless: exsucidus
interrupted intercourse: coitus juicy: sucidus
interruptus julep: julepus or julapium
intestinal: intestinalis or entericus juniper: juniperus
 English-Latin Index 165

K layer upon layer: stratum super

stratum
keratin: keratinum lead: plumbum
kidneys: renes leaf: folium
kiss: osculum leafless: infrons
knee: genu leather: aluta
kneecap: geniculum or patella leech: hirudo
knocked knees: genua valga left: laevus or sinister
knot: nodus left armpit: ala laeva
knotty: genticulatus: left ear: auris laeva
knuckle: articulus left eye: oculus sinister
kola nut: cola left side: sinistra
left wing: ala laeva
leg: crus
L
lemon: citrus limonium (limon)
label: titulus or malum medicum or
label it thus: signetur malum citrium
lack of sensation: torpor lemon balm: melissa officinalis
lactated: lactatus lemon juice: succus limonis
lactic acid: acidum lacticum lemon peel: cortex limonis
lactose: lactosum less: minus
lameness: clauditas let blood be drawn: mittatur
lanolin: lanolinum or adeps lanae sanguis
larch tree: larix let it be applied: applicetur
lard: axungia or adeps or lar- let it be boiled: coquatur
dum or laridum or pinguedo let it be coated: tunicetur
large (capacity): amplus let it be continued: perstetur
large (size): magnus let it be divided: dividatur
larkspur seed: delphinium let it be given: detur
last: ultimus let it be made: fiat
last month: ultimo or ultimo let it be repeated: repetatur or
mense iteretur
late: tardus or serus let it be rubbed: perfricetur
late at night: sera nocte let it be rubbed in: infricetur
latticed: clathratus let it be sent: mittatur
lavender: lavandula let it be swallowed: deglutiatur
law: lex let it be taken: sumatur
laxative: laxans or laxativus let it stand: stet
or alviducus/alviducum or let them be mixed: misceantur
aperiens let them be taken: sumantur
166 English-Latin Index

let there be added: adde loin: lumbus

lettuce: lactuca long: longus
library: bibliotheca long-tailed: longicaudatus
licorice: glycyrrhiza loose: laxus
life: vita loose stools: sedes liquidae
life force: vis vitae or vis vitalis loosened: laxatus
life principle: aura vitalis or loss of voice: vox abscissa
animus lotion: lotio
life-sustaining: supersubstantialis louse: pediculus
lifeless: inanimus love: amor
lifelike: ad vivum love potion: philtrum
light: lux or lumen lower: inferior or inferus
light (in weight): levis or laevis lower arm: ulna
lily of the valley: convallaria lower back: tergum
limb: membrum lower jaw: maxilla inferior or
limb by limb: membratim mandibula
lime: calx lowest: infimus or infumus
lime (fruit): limetta lowest part: infimus or infumus
lime juice: succus limettae lozenge: trochiscus or rotula
lime water: aqua calcis lucerne: medicago
linen: linteum or linteola lukewarm: tepidus or
liniment: linimentum subtepidus
linseed: linum lunch: prandium
lion tooth: dens leonis lung: pulmo
lip: labium lying down: cubitus or
lip muscle: orbicularis oris decubitus
lips: labia
liquid: liquidum
M
liquified: liquefactus
listless spirit: remisso animo macerate: macera
literally: verbatim madness: insania or mania or
little: paucus or pauculum vesania or rabies
little by little: paulatim maimed: mancus
lively: vividus maize: zea mays (mays) or
liver: iecur/jecur or hepar maydis
living: vivus: make: fac
lizard: lacerta male: mas or masculus
locally: localiter male reproductive system:
lock of hair: cincinnus pudenda virorum
lockjaw: trismus male sex: sexus virilis
 English-Latin Index 167

male sex organ: membrum vir- medicated: medicatus

ile or penis medicated bath: balneum
malignant: malignus medicatum
mallow plant: malva medicated wines: vina medicata
malpractice: mala praxis medicinal: medicinalis
mammals: mammalia medicine: medicamen or
man: homo or vir or mas or medicamentum
masculus mediocre: mediocris
mandrake: mandragora medium: medius
manganese: manganum melting: tabidus
manly: masculinus or membrane: membrana
masculinum memorandum: memento
manner: mos or mores menstruation period: menses
manure: stercus menthol: menthae alcohol
manuscript: manuscriptum mercury: hydrargyrum or
many: multus argentum vivum
maple tree: opulus mercy: misericordia
marginal: marginalis metal: metallum
marigold: calendula metallic: metallicus
marine: maritimus microscopic organism:
marjoram: origanum animalculum
mark on the skin: stigma midday: meridies
marriage: connubium midday nap: meridiatio
marrow: medulla middling: mediocris
marsh mallow plant: althaea midwife: obstetrix
masculine: masculinus or mild: mitis
masculinum milk: lac
mass: massa milk of magnesia: magma
mastic tree: lentiscus magnesiae
matches: sulfurata milk vetch: astragalus
may apple: mandragora or milky liquid: latex
podophyllum mind: mens
meadow: arvensis mindful: memor
meal: cibus mineral: mineralis
measles: rubeola or morbilli mint: mentha
measles (German): rubella mirror: speculum
meat: caro or carnis mistletoe: viscus quercus or vis-
medical excuse: aegrotat or aeger cum album
medical school: schola mitigated: mitigatus
medicorum mix: misce
168 English-Latin Index

mix together: commisce mushroom: agaricus or boletus

mixed: mixtus or fungus
mixture: mistura musk: moschus
moderation: mediocritas mustard: sinapis
molars: dentes molares mustard plaster: cataplasma
molasses: sacchari faex or syru- sinapis
pus fuscus mute: mutus
mole: talpa mutton suet: adeps ovillus
mole (skin): naevus/nevus myrrh: myrrha
money: nummus myrtle tree: myrtus
monk’s hood: aconitum
monkey: simia or simius
N
month: mensis
monthly: per mensem or nail: unguis or ungula
menstruus naked: nudus
moon: luna naked body: nudatum corpus
moonseed: menispermum name: nomen
more: plus namely: videlicet
more or less: magis minusve narrow: angustus
more than usual: supra morem nasal bougie: buginarium
morning: mane nasal douche: collunarium
morning and evening: mane natural: naturalis
et vespere navel: umbilicus
morning and night: mane near: prope
et nocte nearest: proximus
morphine: morphina neck: collum or collus
morsel: frustum or mica needle: acus or acer
mortal: mortalis neither sex: neuter
mortar: mortarium nerve: nervus
mother: mater nest: nidus
mouse: mus nettle: urtica
mouth: os network: plexus
mouthwash: collutorium neutral: neutralis
muddy: luteus new: novus
mumps: angina parotydea new species: species novum
muscle: musculus newly born: neonatus
muscle spasms: angina next: deinde
pectoris next month: proximo or prox-
muscular: lacertosus imo mense
 English-Latin Index 169

next to: iuxta or juxta O

night: nox
night and morning: nocte oak: quercus
et mane oat grain: avena
nightingale: luscinia oatmeal: farina avenae or ave-
nightshade: solanum nae farina
nipple: papilla obscure: obscurus or opacus
nitric acid: aqua fortis obsolete: obsoletus
nitrogen: nitrogenium odorless: inodorus
no: non odorous: odoratus
no more: jam non of the morning: matutinus
node: nodus official: officialis
non-toxic: detoxicatus oil: oleum
none: nullus oiled: oleatus
northern: borealis oily: oleosus
nose: nasus or naris ointment: unguentum
nose drops: naso guttae old: vetus
nostril: naris old age: geraticus or senectus or
nostrils: nares canities
not of sound mind: non compos old man: senex
mentis older: senior
not to repeat: ne repetatur olive: oliva
not too much: ne nimis olive oil: oleum olivae or
notched: crenulatus olivum
note well: nota bene on each occasion: toties
nothing: nihil or nil quoties
nothing by mouth: nil per os on the ground: humi
nourishing: nutriens on the left: a sinistra or laevo
nourishment: nutrimen or nutri- on the right: a dextra
mentum or victus once: semel
now: jam once a day: semel in die or
now and then: interdum semel die
number: numerus one: unus
numbness: torpor one by one: singillatim or
nut: nux singuli
nutgall: galla one now, another later: alius
nutmeg: nux moschata or alias
myristica moschata one thousand: mille
(myristica) one-half: dimidius
170 English-Latin Index

onion: allium cepa (cepa) pantry: carnarium

open: patens paraffin: paraffinum
open air: sub divo parched: aridus
opened: apertus parent: parens
opening: aperiens or ostium Parkinson’s disease: paralysis
optic: opticus agitans
optic nerve: ophthalmia parsley: petroselinum
neonatorum parsnip: pastinaca
optical illusion: deceptio visus part: pars
orally: per os partition: partitio
orange: citrus aurantium partly: ex parte
(aurantium) parts: partes
orange (color): aurantius or passion flower: passiflora
aurantiacus paste: pasta
orange-flower water: aqua pastry: crustulum
naphae patient: aeger or aegra or
ordinary: ordinarius patiens
ounce: uncia pea: pisum
ovary: ovarium peach: amygdalus persica
ox: bos or bovis peanut: arachis
oxidized: oxidatus pear: pirus/pyrus
oxygen: oxygenium pectoral: pectoralis
oyster: ostrea peel: cortex
peeled: decorticatus
pencil: stylus/stilus or
P
penicillum
pain: dolor or angina penis (male member): mem-
pain continuing: durante dolore brum virile
pain-relieving medicines: penknife: scalprum
anodyna pennyroyal: mentha pulegium
painful: dolens (pulegium)
painful part: partem dolentem pepper: piper
painless: sine dolore peppermint: mentha piperita
painted: pictus (piperita)
palate: palatum peppery: piperitus
pale: pallidus pepsin: pepsinum
palm of the hand: palma percolator: percolum
pancreatic: pancreaticus peroxide: peroxidum
pancreatic fluid: liquor perspiration: sudor or sudatio
pancreatis pest: pestis
 English-Latin Index 171

pestilence: pestis plum: prunum

pestle: pistillum or pilum plum tree: prunus
petal: petalum point: punctum
petroleum jelly: vaselinum or pointed: acuminatus
petrolatum poison: toxicum or venenum
petroleum oil: petroleum or virus
pharmaceutical: poison ivy: rhus radicans
pharmaceuticus poison oak: rhus toxicodendron
pharmacist: medicamentarius poison tablet: toxitabella
phosphoric: phosphoricus poisonous: venenosus or venifi-
physician: medicus cus or virosus
physics: physica poke root: phytolacca
physiological: physiologicus pomade: pomadum
pickled: conditus pomegranate: granatum or
pierced: foratus or perforatus malum punicum or punica
pig: sus granatum
pigeon: columba or columbus poor vision: caligo lentis
pigment: pigmentum poplar tree: populus
pill: pilula or bolus poppy: papaver
pill box: pyxis porcupine: herinacius
pimple: papula or pustula pore: porus
pine: pinus porridge: puls
pineal gland: conarium port wine: vinum portense or
pint: octarius or sextarius portensis
pipe: fistula or tubus postponement: dilatio
pistachio: pistachium postscript: postscriptum
pit of the stomach: anticardium potash: potassa or kali
or scrobiculo cordis or scro- potassium: potassium or kalium
biculus cordis potion: potio or potus
pitch: pix or bitumen pottage: puls
pitch pine: picea pouch: marsupium
pitch-black: piceus poultice: cataplasma
place: locus pour in: infunde
plague: lues pour off: decanta
plant bulb: bulbus pour out: effunde
plantain: plantago powder: pulvis
plaster: emplastrum powdered: pulverisatus
plastic: ductilis power: vis
plenty: copia powerful: potens
plucked: carptus premature: praecox
172 English-Latin Index

preparation: praeparatio quack medicine: nostrum

prepared: paratus or quadruple: quadruplex
praeparatus Quaker button: nux vomica
prescription: praescriptio or quantity: quantitas
praescriptum quart: duo sextarii
presence of fever: adstante question: quaestio or questio
febre quicklime: calx viva
presence of mind: praesentia quickly: cito
animi quicksilver: argentum vivum or
present: adstans or adsum hydrargyrum
prickly ash: xanthoxylum quince: cydonium
prior: prius quinine: quinina or chininum
proportion: ratio
prostrate: procumbens
R
protein: proteinum
prudence: prudentia rag: pannus
prune: prunum rain: pluvia
pubescent: pubescens rainwater: aqua pluvia or aqua
pubic bone: ossa pubis pluvialis or aqua caelestis
pulp: pulpa rainwater basin: impluvium
pulsating: pulsatio raisins: uvae passae (passulae)
pulse: pulsus ram: aries
pulverized: pulveratus raspberry: rubus idaeus
pumice: pumex raven: corax
pumpkin: cucurbita pepo (pepo) raw: incoctus
pure: purus rear part: posterior
purgative: purgus or purgativus recent: recens
purging: purgans recovery: recuperatio
purging of the bowels: purgatio rectal: rectalis or pro recto
alvi red: ruber or rubrum
purified: purificatus or depuratus red cedar: sabina
purple: purpureus red currant: ribes rubrum
puzzle of doctors: crux red pepper: capsicum
medicorum red wine: vinum rubrum
pyramid-shaped: pyramidalis reddish: rufus or russus
reduced: redactus or reductus
refined: rectificatus
Q
refined sugar (refined): saccha-
quack: empiricus or rum purificatum
pharmacopola relish: pulmentum
 English-Latin Index 173

remainder: reliquum or reliquus rotten: putridus or putris

remedy: remedium rounded: circinatus
repeatedly: toties quoties or rub: tere
identidem rub together: tere simul
residue: residuum rub well: tere bene
resin: resina rubbed: tritus
rest: quies rubber: elastica
restless: inquietus rubbing: fricamentus
resuscitated: redivivus rum: spiritus sacchari
rheumatic: rheumaticus rupture: hernia
rhubarb: reubarbarum/ rust: ferrugo
rheubarbarum rye: secale
rib: costa
ribbed: costatus
S
rice: oryza
Rigg’s disease: pyorrhea sac: bursa or diverticulum
alveolaris saccharin: glusidum
right: dexter sack: saccus or sacculus
right armpit: ala dextra sad: tristis
right ear: auris dextra safety: salus
right eye: oculus dexter sage: salvia
right hand: dextra or dextera said: dictus
right wing: ala dextra sainted: sanctus
rind: cortex sallow: pallidus
ring finger: digitus anularius salt: sal
ringing in the ears: tinnitus saltwater bath: balneum maris
aurium (tinnitus) salty water: aqua salsa
ringworm: herpes circinatus salve mull: mulla
ringworm of the scalp: tinea sample: specimen
capitis or porrigo sand: arena
ripe: maturus sand bath: balneum arenae
river water: aqua fluvialis sandalwood: santalum
roasted: torrefactus sane: sanus
rock: petra sanity: sanitas
rock salt: sal gemmae sarsaparilla: sarza or smilax
rod: virga saturated: saturatus
root: radix sauna: sudatorius
rope: funis saw: serra
rose: rosa saw palmetto: sabal
rosemary: rosmarinus scales: lamina
174 English-Latin Index

scalloped: crenulatus shade: umbra

scalp: cutis capitis or shaded: opacus
epicranium shadow: umbra
scalpel: scalpellum shady: umbrosus or opacus
scaly: squamatus shaggy: villosus
scar: cicatrix shake: agita
scarlet: coccineus shake before dispensing: agita
scarlet fever: scarlatina ante dispensationem
scissors: forfex shaken: concussus
scorpion: scorpio or nepa shaking palsy: synclonus
scraped: rasuratus ballismus
scraped off: abrasus sharp: acer or acutus
sculpted: sculptus shaved: rasus
scurvy: scorbutus sheep: ovis
sea: mare shell: testa
seasickness: nausea marina sherry: vinum xericum or
seasoning: condimentum xericus
seawater: aqua marina shield: scutum
seaweed: alga or fucus shield fern: aspidium
second: secundus shinbone: tibia or crus
second self: alter ego shingles: herpes zoster
secret: arcanum short: brevis
sedating: sedativus short-tailed: brevicaudatus
sedative: sedans shoulder: humerus/umerus
seed: semen shoulder blade: scapula or armus
seized: captus sick: aeger or aegra
send: mitte sick man: aegrotus
send such: mitte tales sick woman: aegrota
senile: senilis sickness: infirmitas or languor
sense of smell: olfactus side: latus
separately: separatim sieve: colum or cribrum
septic: septicus sigh: suspirium
serpent: serpens or anguis sign: signum
serrated: serratus signature: signatura or
sesame: sesamum subscriptum
severe sore throat: angina silk: sericum
maligna silken: sericus
sex: sexus silver: argentum
sex organs: naturalia silvery: argenteus
sexual intercourse: coitus similar: similis
 English-Latin Index 175

simple: simplex smooth: levis or laevis

sinew: nervus snail: cochlea/coclea
single: singulus snake: serpens or anguis
singular: singularis snake venom: venenum or
sister: soror lachesis
skeletal system: ossium sneezeweed: helenium
compages sneezing: sternutatio
skill: ars snoring: stertor
skilled: peritus snout: rostrum
skimmed: despumatus snow: nix
skin: cutis or derma or pellis snow water: aqua nivalis
skin rash: erythema snowy white: nivalis or niveus
skull: calvaria snuff: sternutatorium or
skullcap: scutellaria sternutamentum
sleep: somnus soap: sapo
sleep inducing: somniferus or soap tree: quillaja saponaria
sopiens or soporiferus (quillaja)
sleepless: ex somnis or insomnis soapy: saponarius
sleeplessness: insomnitas or sociable: gregarius
vigilia soda: nitrum
sleepy: somnolentus sodium: natrium
slender: junceus soft: mollis
slight fever: febricula softening: emolliens
slippery: lubricus softening of the bones: mollities
slippery elm: ulmus fulva ossium
slow: tardus softening of the brain: mollities
small: parvus cerebri
small bandage: fasciola solar: solaris
small bottle: ampulla solar plexus: centrum commune
small lozenge: pastillum sole of the foot: planta
or pastillus solid: solidus
small mouth or opening: soluble: solubilis
osculum solution: solutio or solutum
small vessel: vasculum son: filius
smaller: minor soon: mox
smallest: minimus soothing: demulcens
smallpox: variola sore: ulcus
smell: odor sorrel: rumex
smelling salts: sal volatile sound: sonus
smoke: fumus sound of mind: compos mentis
176 English-Latin Index

soundness: salubritas spring water: aqua fontana or

soup: jus or jusculum aqua fontis or aqua fontalis
sour: acerbus sprinkle: consperge
sourness: acerbitas or acidulus sprout: germen
southern: australis squared: quadratus
sovereign remedy: remedium squeezed out: expressus
efficacissimum squill (sea onion): scilla or
sow: porca urginea
space: spatium squinting: strabismus
spatula: rudicula St. Anthony’s fire (erysipelas):
spearmint: mentha viridis ignis sancti Antonii
speech impediment: haesitantia St. Ignatius’ bean: ignatia
linguae St. John’s wort: hypericum
sperm duct: vas deferens perforatum
spermaceti: cetaceum stainless: denigrescens
spider: aranea standing water: stagnum
spiked: spicatus star: stella
spinal column: columna star anise: illicium anisatum
vertebralis starch: amylum
spinal cord: medulla spinalis starchy: farinosus
spine: spina starry: stellans
spiny: echinatus state: status
spirit: spiritus steam: vapor or aura
spitting of blood: haemoptysis steam bath: balneum vaporis
spittle: saliva or sputum steam room: sudatorius
spleenwort fern: asplenium steeped: suffusus or delibutus
splinters: ramenta stem: caulis
sponge: spongia stemless: acaulis
spoon: cochleare sterile: sterilis
sports doctor: medicus ludi sterilized: sterilisatus
spot: macula sticky: viscidus or glutineus or
spotless: sine maculis glutinosus
spots before the eyes: flocci still: placidus
volitantes or muscae stimulate the bowels: ad alvum
volitantes excitatandum
spouse: conjunx stimulating: stimulans
sprain: stremma stinger: aculeus
spray: nebula stinking: foetidus
spread: extende or extensus stomach: stomachus or venter
spring: ver or ventriculus
 English-Latin Index 177

stone: lapis surface: superficies

stool: sedes surgeon: medicus chirurgus
stopper: epistomium (chirurgus)
stoppered: obturatus surgeon’s probe: specillum
stored: conditus surgery: chirurgia
storeroom: cella suture: sutura
strained: colatus sweat: sudor or sudatio
strainer: colum sweat-producing: sudorificus
strength: vires or vis sweating: desudatio
strengthened: roboratus sweet: dulcis
strengthening: roborans sweet clover: melilotus
streptococcic: streptococcicus sweet fennel: anethum
striped: striatus sweet flag: calamus
strong: fortis or potens sweet orange: aurantium dulcis
stronger: fortior sweetened: edulcoratus
stronger than wine: fortior vino swelling: tuber or tumor
struck by lightning: fulmine swine: sus
ictus swinging to and fro: oscillatio
strychnine: strychnina swollen: obesus or tumidus
styptic: stypticus swordfish: xiphias gladius
such doses: tales doses (xiphias)
sudden: subitus symptom: symptoma or
suet: sebum or sevum indicium
sufficient: sufficiens syphilis: lues venerea
sugar: sucrosum syringe: sipho
sugar (cane): saccharum syrup: syrupus/sirupus
sugarcoated: saccharatus
suitable: proprius or idoneus
T
sulfur: sulfur or sulphur
sulfuric: sulfuricus table: tabula
sulfuric acid: acidum tablet: tabella
sulfuricum tail: cauda or penis
sumac: rhus take: cape or recipe or sume
summerlike: aestivus talc: talcum
sun: sol taller: eleatior
sunburnt: adustus tallow: sebum
sunflower: helianthus tamarind: tamarindus
sunstroke: ictus solis tannin-free: detannatus
supplement: supplementum tansy: tanacetum
suppository: suppositorium tap water: aqua communis
178 English-Latin Index

tapeworm: taenia or oxyuris thermometer: thermometrum

vermicularis thick: crassus or spissus
tar: pix thickened: inspissatus or
tart: crustulum spissatus
taste: gustus or sapor thigh: femur
tasteless: insipidus thin: strigosus
tawny: fulvus thirst: sitis
tea: thea thirsty: aridus
tea tree: cajuputi this evening: hoc vespere
tear: lacrima thorn apple: datura
tear ducts: viae lachrymalis thread: filum
tears: lacrimae thread worm: ascaris
teat: mamma or mamilla or vermicularis
papilla three: tres
teeth: dentis three times (thrice): ter
tempered: temperatus three-cornered: trigonalis
temple: tempus three-part: tripartitus
temples: tempora three-pointed: tricupis
temporarily: pro tempore or in throat: guttur or
tempus iugulum/jugulum
temporary: temperarius throbbing headache: pulsatilis
ten: decem through: trans
tenth: decimus through a sieve: per cribrum or
tepid bath: balneum tepidum trans cribrum
testicle: testis thrush: aphtha
tetanus: trismus thumb: digitus pollex (pollex)
tetanus spasms: spasmus or hallex
caninus thunderstruck: attonitus
the best: optimus thus: sic
the cough being troublesome: thyroid gland: thyroideum
molestante tussi tight: adstrictus
the end: finis time: tempus
the left hand: manus sinistra tin: stannum
(sinistra) tin (white lead): plumbum
the loins: lumborum album
the pain being troublesome: tincture: tinctura
molestante dolore tincture of opium: laudanum
the right hand: manus dextra tipsy: temulentus
the same: idem tissue: tela
therefore: ergo to be taken: capiendus
 English-Latin Index 179

to fainting: ad deliquium trunk: truncus

to saturation: ad saturandum truth: verum
to taste: ad gustum tube: tubus
to the brim: ad plenum tuberculosis: phthisis
to the painful parts: ad partes tubular: tubulatus
dolentes tuft of wool: floccus
to the painful side: lateri dolenti turmeric: curcuma
toasted: tostus turn: vices
tobacco: tabacum or lobelia turnip: rapa or rapum
today: hodie turpentine: terebinthina
toe: digitus pedis or pedis twenty: viginti
digitus twice: bis
toenail: unguiculus twice a day: bis in die
together: simul twice as much: alterum tantum
tomato: lycopersicum twilight: crepusculum
tomb: sarcophagus twin: geminus
tomorrow: cras twitching: subsultus
tongs: forceps two: duo
tongue: lingua or glossa two hours: bihorium
tonic: tonicus two pairs: bis bina
tonight: hac nocte two-pronged: bifurcus
tonsillitis: angina tonsillaris twofold: duplex
tonsils: amygdalae
tooth: dens
U
tooth decay: caries
tooth polish: dens expolitor ulcer: ulcus
tooth powder: dentifricium unaided: sine auxilio
toothache: odontalgia unanimously: ad unum omnes
toothache drops: odontalgicum unborn: nondum natus
top: apex uncooked: incoctus
topaz: chrysolithos uncovered: apertus
towel: sudarium under: sub
trachea: arteria aspera under the skin: intercus
translucent: translucidus undetermined: in dubio
traumatic: traumaticus undiluted: sine aqua
treacle: sacchari faex ungrateful: ingratus
tree: arbor unisexual: dioicus
trembling: tremulus unleavened: azymus
triple: triplex unleavened bread: panis azymus
true: verus unmedicated: immedicatus
180 English-Latin Index

unmixed: putus voice: vox

unripe: immaturus vomit: vomitus
unshaven: intonsus vomiting: vomitio
until: donec voracious: vorax
unwillingly: ab invito
upper arm: brachio or
W
umerus/humerus
upper jaw: maxilla wake robin: trillium
upright: erectus wall: murus
urethral: pro urethra walnut: juglans or nux Gallica
urgent: urgens walnut (black): juglans nigra
urinal: chernibium walnut (English): juglans
urinating: mictus regia
urine: urina warm: calidus
urn: testa warm bath: balneum calidum
useful: utilis warm springs: thermae
uvula: columna oris warm water: aqua calid
warm west wind: zephyrus
warmed milk: lac tepefactum
V
wart: verruca
vaccine: vaccinum wash basin: lavatio
vaginal: pro vagina washing away: ablutio
valerian: valeriana wasp: vespa
vapor: nebula waste matter: detritus or
vapor bath: aestuarium egestus
varicose vein: varix water: aqua
variegated: versicolor water lily: nymphae odorata
vegetable: vegetabilis water snake: hydrus
vein: vena watermelon: cucurbita citrullus
verdigris: aerugo (citrullus)
vertebra: spondylus watery: aquosus
very little: modicissimus wax (bleached): cera alba
vessel: vas or vasum wax (unbleached): cera flava
veterinarian: veterinarius wax myrtle: cerifera myrica
vial: phiala waxed: ceratus
vile: sordidus waxed paper: charta cerata
vinegar: acetum way: via
viper: vipera weak: tenuis
vital power: vis vitae or vis weakness: debilitas
vitalis weary: fessus or lassus
 English-Latin Index 181

week: septimana or winged: alatus

hebdomada winter: hiems
weeping: ploratus wintergreen: gaultheria
weight: pondus wisdom teeth: dentes sapientia
weighted: pensus witch hazel: hamamelis
weighty: ponderosus with food: cum cibum
well: bene with gentle heat: leni calore
well-being: salus with great care: magna cum
welt: vibix cura
western: occidentalis with hair unshorn: intonsus
wheat: triticum with milk: e lacte
whirlpool: gurges or spondylus with proper directions: direc-
whiskered: mystus tione propria
whiskey: spiritus frumenti with the teeth: mordicus
white: albus or candidus with water: cum aqua
white and black: alba et atra with wine: e vino
white clay: argilla within: intra
white lead: cerussa without: sine
white lily: lilium candidum without delay: sine mora
white wine: vinum album without dinner: incenatus
whole: totus without exception: ad unum
whooping cough: pertussis or without salt: sine sale
tussis convulsiva without smell: inolens
wife: uxor or conjunx or without stain: sine maculis
muliebris without water: sine aqua
wild: ferus wolf: lupus
wild cherry: prunus serotina or wolfsbane: aconitum napellus
prunus virginiana woman: femina or mulier
wild ginger: asarum wood: lignum
wild poppy: rhoeas wood fern: dryopteris
willow: salix wooden: ligneus
window: fenestra wooden spoon: rudicula
windpipe: arteria aspera wool: lana
wine: vinum woolen: laneus
wine glass: cyathus word: verbum
wine of antimony: vinum anti- worm: vermis or vermiculus or
monii or antimonii vinum or lumbricus
vinum stibiatum wormicidal: anthelminticus
wine spirits: spiritus vinosus wormwood: absinthium
wing: ala worse: peior/pejor
182 English-Latin Index

worst: pessimus yellow: flavus or luteus or

wound: vulnus xanthus
wrapped: involutum yellow dock: rumex
wrinkled: rugosus: yesterday: heri
wrist: carpus yew tree: taxus
writer’s cramp: chorea younger: junior
scriptorum youth: adolescens or juventus
written: scriptum or juventa
youthful: juvenis

Y
Z
yearly: annuus
yeast: fermentum or zebra-striped: zebratus
saccharomyces zinc: zincum