Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

contraceptive, implanted
A time-release con-
traceptive that is surgically implanted under the
skin. 
contraceptive device, intrauterine
See
intrauterine device.
contraction
The tightening and shortening of a
muscle.
contraction, uterine
The tightening and short-
ening of the uterine muscles. During labor, contrac-
tions cause the cervix to thin and dilate, and they aid
the baby in its entry into the birth canal and then its
progress through the birth canal.
contraindicate
To make a treatment or proce-
dure inadvisable because of a particular condition
or circumstance. For example, certain medications
are contraindicated during pregnancy because of
the danger they pose to the fetus, and the use of
aspirin is contraindicated in small children because
of the danger of Reye’s syndrome.
contraindication
A condition which makes a
particular treatment or procedure inadvisable.
contralateral
Of or pertaining to the other side.
The opposite of iposilateral (the same side). For
example, a stroke involving the right side of the brain
may cause contralateral paralysis of the left leg.
control
In research, the group of participants
that does not receive the treatment under investiga-
tion. The control group may be given a placebo
treatment or receive a treatment with known results
to permit comparison with the results of the exper-
iment. In lab research that does not use live partic-
ipants (in vitro research rather than in vivo
research), control procedures serve the same pur-
pose as a control group.
controlled substance
A drug or chemical that is
regulated by the government. This regulation
applies to manufacture, possession, and usage.
contusion
See 
bruise.