Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

conventional medicine
Medicine as practiced
by holders of MD or DO degrees and by their allied
health professionals, such as physical therapists,
psychologists, and registered nurses. Also known as
allopathy. See also 
allopathy.
copayment
A payment made by an individual
who has health insurance, usually at the time a serv-
ice is received, to offset some of the cost of care.
Copayments are a common feature of HMO (health
maintenance organization) and PPO (preferred
provider organization) health plans in the US.
Copayment size may vary depending on the service;
generally, low copayments are required for visits to
a regular medical provider and higher copayments
are required for services received in an emergency
room, the latter intended to discourage insured per-
sons from using the emergency room unless it is
absolutely necessary. Also known as coinsurance.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
See 
chronic obstructive lung disease.
coprolalia
The involuntary uttering of obscene,
derogatory, or embarrassing words or phrases.
Coprolalia is a symptom of Tourette’s syndrome, a tic
disorder. Like other tics, coprolalia tends to appear
and disappear, and it responds to medication. See
also 
tic; tic disorder; Tourette’s syndrome.
97
coprolalia
04_189283 ch03.qxp 4/18/08 10:14 PM Page 97
http://www.rashidislamiccenter.com
http://www.allofislam.com/

---

cord, vocal
See 
vocal cord.
corn
A small callused area of skin caused by local
pressure that irritates tissue over a bony promi-
nence. Although the surface area of a corn may be
small, the area of hardening actually extends into
the deeper layers of skin and flesh. The inside pro-
jection of the corn is what causes discomfort. Corns
most commonly occur over a toe, where they form
what is referred to as hard corns. Between the toes,
pressure can form a soft corn of macerated skin,
which often yellows. Corns can be softened by soak-
ing them in hot water, with or without softening
agents that are available over the counter or by pre-
scription. In some cases, minor outpatient surgery
may be used to remove excess corn tissue. A corn
on the toe is also called a clavus.
cornea
The clear front window of the eye, which
transmits and focuses light into the eye. The cornea
is more than a protective film; it is a fairly complex
structure that has five layers.