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Medical and health vocabulary words

This list is for nursing students, CNA trainees, and anyone studying health, nutrition, or dental care vocabulary. It brings together general medical terms with words specific to nutrition, mental health, and dental care so learners can recognize and use this vocabulary confidently in coursework or on the job.

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Medical and health vocabulary words

40 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
diagnosisnounThe identification of a disease, illness, or problem based on an examination of its signs and symptoms.After several tests, the doctor finally gave her a diagnosis of chronic migraines.
prognosisnounA medical or professional forecast of how a condition, illness, or situation is likely to develop.The doctor gave a positive prognosis after reviewing the test results.
symptomnounA physical or mental sign that indicates the presence of an illness or condition.A persistent cough was the first symptom of his cold.
syndromenounA group of symptoms that consistently occur together and characterize a particular medical condition.The doctor explained that fatigue and joint pain together pointed to a specific syndrome.
chronicadjectivePersisting for a long time or constantly recurring, especially describing an illness or problem.He has suffered from chronic back pain ever since the accident.
acuteadjectiveVery serious, severe, or intense, especially describing a problem, feeling, or sensation.The refugees faced an acute shortage of clean drinking water.
antibioticnounA medicine used to treat infections by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria.The doctor prescribed antibiotics to clear up the ear infection.
antisepticadjectivePreventing infection by destroying or inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin or a wound.The nurse cleaned the cut with an antiseptic solution before applying the bandage.
prescriptionnounA written instruction from a doctor authorizing a patient to receive a specific medicine or treatment.The doctor wrote a prescription for antibiotics to treat the infection.
dosagenounThe size and frequency of a specific amount of medicine to be taken or given.The pharmacist adjusted the dosage after the patient reported mild side effects.
vaccinenounA substance used to stimulate immunity to a disease, typically administered by injection.The clinic offered a free vaccine against the seasonal flu.
immunitynounThe body's ability to resist a particular infection or disease, or a formal exemption from a rule or punishment.The vaccine boosts the body's immunity to the flu virus.
infectionnounThe invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body, often causing disease.The untreated cut developed a bacterial infection that required a course of antibiotics.
inflammationnounA localized reaction of the body, marked by redness, heat, swelling, and pain, in response to injury or infection.Icing the sprained ankle helped reduce the swelling and inflammation.
nutrientnounA substance in food that provides nourishment necessary for growth and health.Leafy greens are packed with nutrients like iron and vitamin K.
proteinnounA nutrient made of amino acids that builds and repairs body tissue and supports muscle growth.Eggs, chicken, and beans are all good sources of protein for a balanced diet.
carbohydratenounAn organic compound, such as sugar or starch, that serves as a major source of energy in food.Bread, rice, and pasta are all rich in carbohydrates.
vitaminnounA natural substance found in food that the body needs in small amounts to stay healthy.Oranges are a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system.
mineralnounA naturally occurring solid substance with a specific chemical composition, found in rocks and soil.Quartz is a common mineral found in many types of rock.
hydrationnounThe process of taking in enough water to keep the body or another substance properly supplied with fluid.Runners are advised to prioritize hydration before, during, and after a long race.
hygienenounPractices and conditions that help maintain health and prevent disease, especially through cleanliness.Good hygiene, like regular handwashing, helps stop the spread of colds.
cavitynounA hollow or empty space within an otherwise solid object or structure.The dentist found a small cavity forming in one of her back teeth.
plaquenounA flat inscribed piece of metal, stone, or ceramic fixed to a wall or object to honor a person or event.A bronze plaque on the building commemorates the scientist who once worked there.
enamelnounA hard, glossy coating applied to metal or pottery, or the hard outer layer covering teeth.Chipped enamel on the old bathtub revealed rust spots underneath.
gingivitisnounA mild form of gum disease that causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums.The dentist explained that gingivitis can usually be prevented with regular flossing.
anxietynounA persistent feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about an uncertain outcome.The exam gave her a wave of anxiety that lasted until she saw the results.
depressionnounA mental health condition marked by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest.She was diagnosed with depression after months of feeling exhausted and withdrawn.
therapynounTreatment intended to relieve or heal a physical, mental, or emotional problem.He started therapy after the accident to help process his anxiety.
counselingnounProfessional guidance or support given to help someone deal with personal, emotional, or psychological problems.After the accident, the family sought counseling to help them cope with their grief.
vital signsnounThe basic measurements of body function, such as pulse, temperature, breathing rate, and blood pressure.The nurse checked the patient's vital signs every hour after the surgery.
hypertensionnounA medical condition marked by persistently high blood pressure in the arteries.Her doctor prescribed medication to control her hypertension.
diabetesnounA chronic medical condition in which the body cannot properly regulate the level of sugar in the blood.Her doctor diagnosed her with type 2 diabetes after a routine blood test.
allergynounA condition in which the body reacts abnormally to a normally harmless substance.His allergy to peanuts means he has to check every food label carefully.
fracturenounA break or crack, especially in a bone or rigid material.The X-ray revealed a small fracture in her wrist after the fall.
ligamentnounA tough band of tissue that connects bones to each other at a joint.She tore a ligament in her knee during the soccer match.
tendonnounA tough band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone.The runner tore a tendon in her ankle during the final sprint.
mobilitynounThe ability to move or be moved freely and easily.Physical therapy helped restore mobility in her injured knee.
hospicenounA facility or program that provides care and comfort for people who are terminally ill.Her grandmother spent her final weeks in a peaceful hospice near the coast.
caregivernounA person who takes care of someone who is sick, elderly, disabled, or otherwise unable to care for themselves.As her mother's caregiver, she managed medications and doctor's appointments every week.
wellnessnounThe state of being in good physical and mental health, especially as an actively pursued goal.The company introduced a wellness program offering free yoga classes for employees.

The prefix anti- in medical terms

In medical vocabulary, the prefix anti- means against or opposing, which is why antibiotic describes a medicine that works against bacteria and antiseptic describes a substance that works against infection. Recognizing this prefix helps learners guess the general purpose of an unfamiliar medical term, even before looking up its exact definition.

Vocabulary for nursing assistants

CNA vocabulary often centers on daily patient care, including terms like vital signs, mobility, hygiene, and caregiver, which describe routine tasks and responsibilities. Learning these words alongside broader medical terms like diagnosis and chronic helps students communicate clearly with nurses, patients, and families during training and on the job.

Frequently asked questions

What does anti- mean in medical terms?

The prefix anti- means against, so an antibiotic works against bacteria and an antiseptic works against infection-causing germs.

What kind of vocabulary should a CNA know?

CNA vocabulary typically includes terms for daily patient care such as vital signs, mobility, hygiene, and caregiver, along with general medical words like diagnosis and chronic.