Clinical Diagnosis · Sensory System · Hard
Epiphora
Meaning: Overflow of tears onto the face, caused by overproduction or poor drainage.
In practice: His persistent epiphora was caused by a blocked nasolacrimal duct.
Word parts
- epi- means on or above
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: A wart on the sole of the foot caused by human papillomavirus, often painful when walking.
Answer: Verruca
Which word means: Absence of menstrual periods, classed as primary if they never started or secondary if they have stopped.
Answer: Amenorrhoea
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