Medical Terminology · Pharmacology · Easy
Placebo
Meaning: An inactive substance or sham treatment given for comparison in trials or for psychological effect.
In practice: Half the trial participants received a placebo tablet so the real effect of the drug could be measured.
Quick check
Two questions on related medical terminology words.
Which word means: A surgically created opening on the surface of the body connecting to an internal organ.
Answer: Stoma
Which word means: Occurring in an abnormal location, as with bone forming within soft tissues.
Answer: Heterotopic
Words like placebo come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.