Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

ankle-foot orthosis
A brace, usually made of
plastic, that is worn on the lower leg and foot to
support the ankle, hold the foot and ankle in the
correct position and correct foot drop. Abbreviated
AFO. Also known as foot drop brace.
ankyloglossia
A minor birth defect in which the
flap of membrane attached to the underside of the
tongue (frenulum) is too short. This shortened
angiokeratoma corporis diffusum universale
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frenulum limits the mobility of the tongue.
Ankyloglossia is also called tongue tie, from the folk
belief that the anomaly causes feeding and speech
problems. A child cannot feed or speak properly
because the tongue is “tied.” This antiquated belief
is untrue.
ankylosing
Having a tendency to stiffen and fuse
together.
ankylosing spondylitis
A form of chronic
inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints.
Chronic inflammation in these areas causes pain
and stiffness in and around the spine. Over time,
chronic spinal inflammation (spondylitis) can lead
to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the
vertebrae, a process called ankylosis. Ankylosing
spondylitis can sometimes be seen in patients with
psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (ulcera-
tive and Crohn’s colitis).
ankyrin deficiency
A genetic disorder of the red
blood cell membrane. Ankyrin deficiency is the
cause of hereditary spherocytosis. See also 
sphero-
cytosis, hereditary.
anlage 1
In biology, whatever precedes some-
thing else.
2
In embryology, a precursor or fore-
runner, of a more mature structure or organ.