Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

probe 1
In surgery, a slender, flexible rod with a
blunt end that is used to explore.
2
In molecular
genetics, a labeled bit of DNA or RNA that is used to
find its complementary sequence or to locate a par-
ticular clone.
probiotic
A substance that appears to replenish
or support the growth of helpful bacteria in the
intestinal tract. The most common probiotic is aci-
dophilus, which is present in yogurt, in acidophilus
milk, and in supplements. As the name indicates,
probiotics have been developed to counter one
unfortunate effect of treatment with antibiotics: the
decimation of helpful intestinal bacteria along with
disease-causing bacteria. See also 
acidophilus.
process
In anatomy, a projection from a struc-
ture. For example, the process of the mandible is
the part of the lower jaw that projects forward.
primary care provider
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proclivity
An inclination or a predisposition
toward something, especially a strong inherent
inclination toward something objectionable. For
example, a patient might be said to have a proclivity
toward alcohol.
proctitis
Inflammation of the rectum. Proctitis
may be due to a considerable number of causes,
including infectious agents and ulcerative colitis.
Infectious proctitis is often due to agents such as
Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrheae, and
herpes simplex virus, all of which can be acquired
during anoreceptive intercourse. Proctitis is also a
hallmark of ulcerative colitis, in which case it may
be accompanied by intermittent rectal bleeding,
crampy abdominal pain, and diarrhea.