Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

cultural evolution
Social change mediated by
ideas. Cultural evolution shows a rapid rate of
change, is usually purposeful and often beneficial, is
widely disseminated by diverse means, is frequently
transmitted in complex ways, and is enriched by the
frequent formation of new ideas and new technolo-
gies. Cultural evolution is unique to humans among
all forms of life. See also 
biologic evolution.
culture
In microbiology, the propagation of
microorganisms in a growth medium. Any body tis-
sue or fluid can be evaluated in the laboratory by
using culture techniques to detect and identify infec-
tious processes. Culture techniques can be used to
determine sensitivity to antibiotics. Cells may also be
grown in culture.
curettage
Removal of tissue with a curette from
the wall of a cavity or another surface. For example,
curettage may be done to remove skin cancer. After
a local anesthetic numbs the area, the skin cancer is
scooped out with a curette. Curettage may also be
done in the uterus; dilation and curettage (D&C)
refers to the dilation (widening) of the cervical
canal to permit curettage of the endometrium, the
inner lining of the uterus.
curette
spoon-shaped instrument that has a
sharp edge. The word curette comes from French
and means “scraper.” Also spelled curet.
Curie
A unit of radioactivity. Specifically, a Curie
is the quantity of any radioactive nuclide in which
the number of disintegrations per second is 3.7 
×
10 to the 10th power.
Cushingoid
Having the constellation of symptoms
and signs seen in Cushing’s syndrome, caused by an
excess of cortisol hormone, particularly facial puffi-
ness and unexplained weight gain. For example, a
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Cushingoid
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Cushingoid appearance can result from the extended
use of cortisone medications, such as prednisone
and prednisolone. See also 
Cushing’s syndrome.