Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

part of solutions used as preservatives, antiseptics,
or medications.
alcohol abuse
Use of alcoholic beverages to
excess, either on individual occasions (binge drink-
ing) or as a regular practice. For some individu-
als—children or pregnant women, for
example—almost any amount of alcohol use may
be legally considered “alcohol abuse.” Heavy alco-
hol abuse can cause physical damage and death.
alcohol poisoning
A condition in which a toxic
amount of alcohol has been consumed, usually in a
short period of time. The affected individual may
become extremely disoriented, unresponsive, or
unconscious, with shallow breathing. Because alco-
hol poisoning can be deadly, emergency treatment is
necessary.
alcohol use in pregnancy
The consumption of
alcohol during pregnancy, which can damage the
fetus. See also 
fetal alcohol effect; fetal alcohol
syndrome.
Alcoholics Anonymous
A free self-help organi-
zation founded to assist people addicted to alcohol
in breaking old behavior patterns and gaining sup-
port for consistently living a sober lifestyle.
alcoholism
Physical dependence on alcohol to
the extent that stopping alcohol use would bring on
withdrawal symptoms. In popular and therapeutic
parlance, the term may also be used to refer to
ingrained drinking habits that cause health or social
problems. Treatment requires first ending the phys-
ical dependence and then making lifestyle changes
that help the individual avoid relapse. In some
cases, medication and hospitalization are necessary.
Alcohol dependence can have many serious effects
on the brain, liver, and other organs of the body,
some of which can lead to death.
aldosterone
A hormone produced by the outer
portion (cortex) of the adrenal gland. Aldosterone
regulates the balance of water and electrolytes in the
body, encouraging the kidney to excrete potassium
into the urine and retain sodium, thereby retaining
water. It is classified as a mineralocorticoid hor-
mone.