discharge (redirected from purulent discharge)

discharge /dis·charge/ (dis-chahrj´)

1. a setting free, or liberation.

2. matter or force set free.

3. an excretion or substance evacuated.

4. release from a hospital or other course of care.

5. the passing of an action potential through a neuron, axon, or muscle fibers.

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myokymic discharge  patterns of grouped or repetitive discharges of motor unit action potentials sometimes seen in myokymia.

myotonic discharge  high frequency repetitive discharges seen in myotonia and evoked by insertion of a needle electrode, percussion of a muscle, or stimulation of a muscle or its motor nerve.

periodic lateralized epileptiform discharge  (PLED) a pattern of repetitive paroxysmal slow or sharp waves seen on an electroencephalogram from just one side of the brain.

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dis·charge (ds-chärj)

v.

1. To emit a substance, as by excretion or secretion.

2. To release a patient from custody or care.

3. To generate an electrical impulse. Used of a neuron.

n. (dschärj, ds-chärj)

1. The act of releasing, emitting, or secreting.

2. A substance that is excreted or secreted.

3. The generation of an electrical impulse by a neuron.

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discharge,

v 1. to release; liberate; annul; unburden. To cancel a contract; to make an agreement or contract null and void.
n 2. a substance that exudes from an opening.

discharge, purulent,

n See suppuration.

discharge summary,

n the clinical notes written by the discharging physician or dental professional at the time of releasing a patient from the hospital or clinic, outlining the course of treatment, the status at release, and the postdischarge expectations and instructions.

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discharge

1. a setting free, or liberation.

2. material or force set free.

3. an excretion or substance evacuated.

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ocular discharge

a sign of conjunctivitis; green or yellow discharge is indicative of cellular content and inflammatory response.