Vaccine
From L. vaccinus, from vacca = ‘cow’ (because of the early use of the cowpox virus against smallpox). source
Vagus
L. vagus = wandering. Hence of widespread distribution. Our English words vague and vagrant come from this same source.
Varus
L. valgus = bowlegged. The word is used in the term coxa valga to denote an abduction of the thigh due to deformity of the neck of the femur. In contrast, genu valgum…
Vena basilica
L. vena = vein, and L. basilica / Gr. basilike = royal palace, Gr. basileus = king. The vena basilica is one of two major veins (the other being the vena cephalica) running along…
Venereology
L. venere = of sexual love Venereology is a medical field dedicated to the treatment and research of sexually transmitted diseases.
Vermiform
L. vermis = worm, and forma = form. Its use is not limited to the vermiform appendix.
Virus
L. virus = poison, sap of plants, slimy liquid, a potent juice. First documented use in a medical context dates back to 1728. The first discovered virus is the Tobacco mosaic…