|Explanation of microscope (noun)
form plural: microscopes
an instrument used to magnify small objects so that they can be seen much better than with your eye
Sample of microscope
You can visualize parts of a cell with a microscope.
|Explanation of immunization (noun)
form: no plural
Sample of immunization
Many people believe immunization may have serious side effects.
Measures to increase people's resistance to infection are also important in prevention, and it is in this context that immunization has played such a major role.
|Explanation of prophase (noun)
form plural: prophases
stage of the cell cycle where chromosomes line up to make pairs
Sample of prophase
In the human female, meiosis commences towards the end of the first trimester of fetal development and, with increasing gestational age, more and more cells enter the prophase stages of leptotene, zygotene and pachytene.
|Explanation of autotrophic (adjective)
related to organisms converting sunlight into energy
Sample of autotrophic
Autotrophic organisms are plants that don't need an exogenous supply of organic nutrition.
Autotrophic organisms make their food from inorganic compounds, e.g. nitrogen.
|Explanation of sprain (noun)
form plural: sprains
a ligament injury due to strain or excess stretching
Sample of sprain
'Don't worry! I didn't fracture anything. It's just a sprain!'
There was a nasty sprain which needed an X-ray, a query appendix for the surgical reg and a couple of cuts and other minor injuries which needed cleaning up and suturing.
|Explanation of reflex action (noun)
form plural: reflex actions
a stereotyped and non-voluntary response that occurs in response to a stimulus
Sample of reflex action
Constriction of the pupil in response to light is a reflex action.