critical (redirected from critically)

critical /crit·i·cal/ (krit´ĭ-k'l)

1. pertaining to or of the nature of a crisis.

2. pertaining to a disease or other morbid condition in which there is danger of death.

3. in sufficient quantity as to constitute a turning point, as a critical mass.

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crit·i·cal (krt-kl)

adj.

1. Of or relating to a medical crisis.

2. Being or relating to a grave physical condition especially of a patient.

3. Of or relating to the value of a measurement, such as temperature, at which an abrupt change in a chemical of physical quality, property, or state occurs.

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critical

1. a point at which one property or state changes to another property or state.

2. pertaining to a crisis in a disease.

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critical care

care of a patient in a life-threatening situation of an illness. Includes artificial life support system.

critical care unit

see intensive care unit.

embryological critical period

the period during the life of the embryo, specific for each body system, during which organ genesis takes place.

critical distance

see flight distance.

critical point drying

the technique used in preparing tissues for electron microscopy; to eliminate distortion due to surface tension.

critical temperature

the body temperature above which the animal is said to be fevered. See body temperature.

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Patient discussion about critical.

Q. when is the most critical time during the pregnancy period?

A. the most critical time is during the whole pregnantcy,the most critical time is the first trimester, but i say the whole pregnantcy is critical,

Q. what is the most critical period of pregnancy where i should be more aware? to the environment , diet ... and things like that...

A. The most critical, is unfortunately, the period with the highest chances of the pregnancy not to be noticed - the first weeks of the pregnancy. During the first eight weeks of pregnancy the various organs of the body develop most substantially, also called organogenesis. This is considered the most sensitive period. However, the fetus may be sensitive to insults during the whole pregnancy, so other periods are not "safe".

you may read more here (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/birthdefects.html)