Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

spreading melanoma, superficial
See
melanoma, superficial spreading.
sprue, nontropical
See 
celiac sprue.
spur, heel
See 
calcaneal spur.
sputum
Mucous material from the lungs that is
produced (brought up) by coughing.
squamous cell
One type of epithelial, or lining,
cell that has a flat appearance resembling a fish scale
when viewed microscopically. Squamous cells make
up most of the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
They are also found in the oral cavity, espohagus,
vagina, and uterine cervix.
squamous cell carcinoma
See 
carcinoma,
squamous cell.
squamous cell carcinoma in situ
See 
carci-
noma in situ, squamous cell.
squamous intraepithelial lesion
An abnormal
growth of the squamous cells that normally are
found on the uterine cervix. Abbreviated SIL. The
changes are described as low grade (LGSIL) or high
grade (HGSIL), depending upon how abnormal the
cells look. Squamous intraepithelial lesions can be
a precursor of cervical cancer; treatment of high
grade SIL is by removal of the affected tissue.
SSPE
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
SSRI
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, one
of a family of antidepressant medications (brand
names: Celexa, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft) that
affect the neurotransmitter serotonin.
St. Anthony’s fire
One of several conditions
characterized by intense inflammation of the skin,
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St. Anthony’s fire 
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such as from erysipelas or ergotism. Erysipelas is a
type of spreading hot, bright-red strep skin infec-
tion. Ergotism is an intensely painful burning sensa-
tion in the limbs and extremities caused by
ergotamines from a fungus (Claviceps purpurea)
that can contaminate rye and wheat. The fungus
produces the ergotamines, which constrict blood
vessels and cause the muscle of the uterus to con-
tract. In excess, ergotamines are highly toxic and
cause symptoms such as hallucinations, severe gas-
trointestinal upset, and a type of dry gangrene.
Chronic ergot poisoning (ergotism) was rife during
the Middle Ages due to the consumption of contam-
inated rye.
St. John’s wort
A flowering plant, Hypericum
perforatum, also known as Perforate St. John’s wort,
that has long been believed to have medicinal qual-
ities. There is some evidence that St. John’s wort
may be useful in diminishing depression, but it is
not a proven remedy for depression. Sun sensitivity,
fatigue, stomach upset, and allergic reactions are
among the side effects that have been reported in
people taking St. John’s wort. This herb should be
avoided in combination with other medications that
can affect sun sensitivity, such as tetracycline (brand
name: Achromycin), sulfa-containing medications,
and piroxicam (brand name: Feldene). St. John’s
wort can also cause headaches, sweating, and agita-
tion when used in combination with serotonin reup-
take inhibitor medications, such as fluoxetine
(brand name: Prozac) and paroxetine (brand
name: Paxil).