| abdomen |
the part of the body between the chest and the hips. The abdomen contains the stomach, intestines, and liver. [2 definitions] |
| abscess |
a sore that forms within the tissues of the body and is filled with pus. Abscesses can be caused by an infection. |
| acupuncture |
the practice of relieving pain or curing a disease by putting needles into certain parts of the body. Acupuncture is a traditional way to treat disease in China. |
| adaptation |
a particular change in the body of a living thing that helps the animal or plant to survive under new conditions. An adaptation happens over a very long time. [1/4 definitions] |
| aerobic |
able to work the heart and lungs to help the body use oxygen better. |
| aerobics |
(used with a singular or plural verb) a form of exercise that works the heart and lungs to help the body use oxygen better. Running, swimming, biking, or dance are forms of aerobics. |
| agony |
great or intense pain and suffering in the mind or body, usually over a long period of time. |
| AIDS |
a serious disease caused by a virus that stops the body from being able to protect itself from other diseases. "AIDS" stands for "acquired immune deficiency syndrome." |
| akimbo |
with hand on hip and elbow pointed away from the body. |
| alimentary canal |
the tube in the body through which food travels as it is digested. The alimentary canal goes from the mouth to the anus, and includes the esophagus, the stomach, and the small and large intestines. |
| allergy |
a condition in which a person's body has an unusual reaction to certain things. An allergy can cause itching, coughing, sneezing, or trouble breathing. Allergies to animal hair, pollen, and certain foods are among the most common. |
| alligator |
a large reptile with short legs, a long body and tail, and a long, wide snout. Alligators are protected by thick skin with many hard bumps. They live in rivers, lakes, swamps, and other bodies of water in the southeast United States and in China. They usually eat insects, fish, turtles, snakes, birds, and other water animals, but have been known to attack small land mammals. They are closely related to crocodiles. Chinese alligators are endangered because their habitat is being changed by people. |
| anesthesia |
absence of pain or other feeling in the body. [1/2 definitions] |
| anesthetic |
a drug that causes numbness in the body or loss of consciousness. |
| anguish |
terrible pain or suffering of the mind or body. |
| angular |
having a bony structure, as a person's body. [1/2 definitions] |
| antenna |
one of a pair of long, thin body parts on the head of insects, crabs, and other animals. Antennae are used to feel and smell. [1/2 definitions] |
| antitoxin |
an antibody formed in the body to act against a specific poison. |
| aorta |
the main artery of the body. The aorta carries blood from the left side of the heart to all parts of the body except the lungs. |
| apron |
a garment that covers all or part of the front of the body. An apron is worn to protect the clothing underneath. |
| arm1 |
the part of the human body between the shoulder and the wrist. [1/2 definitions] |