Glossary: explanatory notes

• UK English is used
• Each term has a number of 'alternatives', which are synonyms, acronyms, alternative spellings and other forms of the word that are commonly used. These help the automatic linking facility make links between definitions.
• Definitions are in dictionary-style and might include some further detail or an example. They have been written by the editorial team or collected and modified from copyright-free, reputable websites.
• Within a definition, any blue underlined words link through to other glossary entries.
• Each entry can conclude with links to relevant resources on other websites; these are collected in a Links Database, which is also accessible.
• Limited accessibility: This applies to external links only; some institutions restrict viewing/usage to a country, or to an 'ac' or 'edu' domain. All of the links listed were accessible (at the time of entry) to a 'cam.ac.uk' domain. 
• Definitions are either 'new' (based on published information) or copied (with some modifications) from copyright-free pages (e.g. some of the descriptions of diseases). You are free to use these definitions for non-profit use in an unmodified form.

Can't find the term you need? Try our list of other useful on-line dictionaries/glossaries.

Can you help us? If you can provide a better definition for a particular term, please send us an e-mail or use the On-line form. You will be given credit for your contribution.