γ
gamma, the third letter of the Greek alphabet, often used to indicate the third member of a series, such as the γ chain of
hemoglobin. See also terms beginning
gamma.
gamma
[gam´ah] the third letter of the Greek alphabet, γ, used in names of chemical compounds to distinguish one of three or more isomers or to indicate the position of substituting atoms or groups.
gamma chain disease a type of
heavy chain disease that resembles a malignant lymphoma, with symptoms of lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and recurrent infections.
gamma globulin 1. a class of plasma proteins composed almost entirely of
immunoglobulins, the proteins that function as
antibodies. Production of gamma globulin may be increased in the body when there is invasion by harmful microorganisms. An abnormal amount in the blood, a condition known as
hypergammaglobulinemia, may be indicative of a chronic infection or certain malignant blood diseases. There is also a rare condition,
agammaglobulinemia, in which the body is unable to produce gamma globulin; patients suffering from this are extremely susceptible to infection and must be given frequent injections of gamma globulin serum.
gamma rays (
γ-rays) electromagnetic emissions from radioactive substances; they are similar to and have the same general properties as x-rays but are produced through the disintegration of certain radioactive elements. They consist of high energy photons, have short wavelengths, and have no mass and no electric charge. Gamma rays are sometimes used in the treatment of deep-seated malignancies (see
radiation therapy).
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
γ
1. Third letter in the Greek alphabet, gamma.
2. In chemistry, denotes the third in a series, the fourth carbon in an aliphatic acid, or position 2 removed from the α position in the benzene ring.
4. Symbol for
photon. For terms having this prefix, see the specific term.
gam·ma
(gam'ă), 1. Third letter of the Greek alphabet, γ.
2. A unit of magnetic field intensity equal to 10-9 T.
[G.]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
gamma
(1) Microgram; 10-6g.
(2) An obsolete, non-SI (International System) unit of magnetic field strength equal to 0.795/0.775 ampere/m.Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
gamma
γ Symbol for: 1. Heavy chain of immunoglobulin G–IgG.
2. Hemoglobin monomeric chain.
3. Photon.
4. The 3rd carbon in an aliphatic organic molecule Genetics A value calculated by the ratio between synonymous DNA mutations, which don't result in a different amino acid being translated from a codon, and nonsynonymous mutations–which result in a different amino acid being encoded Imaging A measure of contrast 1. Film–The slope of the density vs. exposure curve 2. Electronic display terminology–The slope of the brightness distribution curve; a large gamma indicates a steep slope and high contrast.
McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
γ
Abbreviation for activity coefficient;
gamma;
photon.
γ
1. Gamma (q.v.).
gam·ma
(γ) (gam'ă) 1. Third letter in the Greek alphabet.
2. chemistry The third in a series, the fourth carbon in an aliphatic acid, or position 2 removed from the α position in the benzene ring.
3. Symbol for 10-4 gauss.
4. For terms with the prefix γ, see the specific term.
[G.]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
gamma
The third letter of the Greek alphabet. Often used in medicine to denote a particular class.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
gamma
(y) radiation electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength and higher energy than X-RAYS. See ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM.Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005
γ
Third letter in the Greek alphabet, gamma; photon.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012