Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

palindromic rheumatism
A form of arthritis
characterized by attacks of fleeting inflamation in
and around the joints lasting hours to a few days.
The fingers and knees are the most common targets.
While the attacks may be painful, they typically leave
no permanent joint damage. Approximately one
third of affected patients develop classical rheuma-
toid arthritis.
palinphrasia
See 
palilalia.
palladum
See 
globus pallidus.
palliate
To treat a disease partially and insofar as
possible, but not cure it completely. See also 
pallia-
tive care.
palliation
See 
palliative care.
palliative care 1
Medical or comfort care that
reduces the severity of a disease or slows its
progress rather than providing a cure. For incur-
able diseases, in cases where the cure is not rec-
ommended due to other health concerns, and when
the patient does not want to pursue a cure, palliative
care is the focus of treatment. For example, if sur-
gery cannot be performed to remove a tumor, radi-
ation treatment might be tried to reduce the tumor’s
rate of growth, and pain management could help the
patient manage physical symptoms.
2
In a nega-
tive sense, provision of only perfunctory health care
when a cure is possible.
palmar surface
The palm or grasping side of the
hand.
palpable
Something that can be felt. For exam-
ple, a palpable growth is one that can be detected by
touch.
palpate
To touch or feel. For example, a physi-
cian may palpate the liver’s edge when examining
the abdomen.
palpebra
Medical term for eyelid. The plural is
palpebrae.
palpebral fissure
The opening for the eyes
between the eyelids.