Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

esotropia
A condition in which a person is
cross-eyed or, in medical terms, has convergent or
internal strabismus.
essential
In medicine, of unknown cause, as in
essential hypertension (high blood pressure of
unknown cause). Also known as idiopathic.
essential fatty acid
An unsaturated fatty acid
that is essential to human health, but cannot be
manufactured in the body. Abbreviated EFA. There
are three types of EFAs: arachnoidic acid, linoleic
acid, and linolenic acid. When linoleic acid is
obtained in the diet, it can be converted to both
arachnoidic and linolenic acid. Linoleic acid is
commonly found in cold-pressed oils, especially
oils extracted from cold-water fish and certain
seeds. Supplementation with EFAs appears to be
useful as a treatment for certain neurological disor-
ders. However, arachnoidic acid may lower the
seizure threshold. For that reason, it is important to
consult a physician before starting a program of EFA
supplementation.
essential oil
An oil derived from a natural sub-
stance, usually either for its healing properties or as
a perfume. Some pharmaceuticals, and many over-
the-counter or “holistic” remedies, are based on or
contain essential oils. For example, products con-
taining camphor or eucalyptus essential oils can
help relieve congestive coughs, and many essential
oils are used in the practice of aromatherapy.
estimated date of confinement
See 
due date.
esophageal reflux
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estrogen
A female steroid hormone that is pro-
duced by the ovaries and, in lesser amounts, by the
adrenal cortex, placenta, and male testes. Estrogen
helps control and guide sexual development, includ-
ing the physical changes associated with puberty. It
also influences the course of ovulation in the monthly
menstrual cycle, lactation after pregnancy, aspects of
mood, and the aging process. Production of estrogen
changes naturally over the female lifespan, reaching
adult levels with the onset of puberty (menarche) and
decreasing in middle age until the onset of
menopause. Estrogen deficiency can lead to lack of
menstruation (amenorrhea), persistent difficulties
associated with menopause (such as mood swings
and vaginal dryness), and osteoporosis in older age.
In cases of estrogen deficiency, natural and synthetic
estrogen preparations may be prescribed. Estrogen is
also a component of many oral contraceptives. An
overabundance of estrogen in men causes develop-
ment of female secondary sexual characteristics
(feminization), such as enlargement of breast tissue.