Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

base pair
Two DNA bases that are complemen-
tary to one another (A and T, or G and C) and join
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base pair
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in strands to form the double-helix that is charac-
teristic of DNA.
base sequence
The particular order of
nucleotide bases in a DNA molecule.
baseline
Information or data gathered at the
beginning of a period from which variations that
subsequently develop are compared.
basement membrane
A thin membrane that is
composed of a single layer of cells.
basophil
A type of white blood cell (leukocyte)
with coarse, bluish-black granules of uniform size
within the cytoplasm. Basophils are so named
because their cytoplasmic granules stain with basic
dyes. Basophils normally constitute 0.5 to 3 percent
of the peripheral blood leukocytes, and contain his-
tamine and serotonin. Also known as a basophilic
leukocyte.
basophilic leukocyte
See 
basophil.
battered child syndrome
A condition in which
a person has skeletal fractures, especially multiple
injuries of various ages, that result from child
abuse. All states in the US have adopted laws man-
dating the reporting of suspected instances of child
abuse. See also 
child abuse.
battle fatigue
The World War II name for what is
known today as post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD). See also 
post-traumatic stress disorder.
BCG
Bacille Calmette Guérin, a weakened (atten-
uated) version of a bacterium called
Mycobacterium bovis that is closely related to
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the agent responsible
for tuberculosis. See 
tuberculosis vaccination.
Beau’s lines
Transverse lines or grooves across
the fingernails, or transverse depressions in the nail
plate, from temporary disturbance of cell division
where the nail develops. The condition may be
caused by local disease or injury of the nail fold, or
from a generalized condition such as an illness or a
drug, for example, chemotherapy.