positive (redirected from positivities)

positive /pos·i·tive/ (poz´it-iv)

1. having a value greater than zero.

2. indicating existence or presence, as chromatin-positive.

3. characterized by affirmation or cooperation.

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pos·i·tive (pz-tv)

adj.

1. Characterized by or displaying certainty, acceptance, or affirmation.

2. Indicating the presence of a particular disease, condition, or organism.

3. Indicating or characterized by response or motion toward the source of a stimulus, such as light.

4. Relating to or designating electric charge of a sign opposite to that of an electron.

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posi·tivi·ty n.

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positive

having a value greater than zero; indicating existence or presence, as chromatin-positive or coagulase-positive; characterized by affirmation or cooperation.

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positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)

In mechanical ventilation, a positive airway pressure maintained until the end of expiration. A PEEP higher than the critical closing pressure holds alveoli open until the end of expiration and can markedly improve the arterial Po₂ in patients with a lowered functional residual capacity (FRC), as in acute respiratory failure.