Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

3
ACE inhibitor
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acentric chromosome
A chromosome that is
lacking a centromere (a specialized region of the
chromosome to which spindle fibers attach during
cell division). As a result, an acentric chromosome
is lost when the cell divides. See also 
centromere.
aceruloplasminemia
See 
ceruloplasmin 
deficiency.
acetabulum
The cup-shaped socket of the hip
joint. The acetabulum is a feature of the pelvis. The
head (upper end) of the femur (thighbone) fits into
the acetabulum and articulates with it, forming a
ball-and-socket joint.
acetaminophen
A nonaspirin pain reliever or
analgesic. Acetaminophen may be given alone to
relieve pain and inflammation or it may be com-
bined with other drugs, as in some migraine med-
ications, which contain acetaminophen, a
barbiturate, and caffeine.
acetone
A volatile liquid used as an industrial
solvent. Acetone is also one of the ketone bodies
that is formed when the body uses fat instead of glu-
cose (sugar) for energy. The formation of acetone is
usually a sign that cells lack insulin or cannot effec-
tively use the insulin that is available, as occurs in
diabetes. Acetone is excreted from the body in the
urine.
acetone breath
The breath of a person with
excessive acetone in their body. Acetone breath
smells fruity and is a telltale sign of significant dia-
betes. See also 
diabetes mellitus.
acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter released by
nerves that is essential for communication between
the nerves and muscles.