Waveform - Weight

waveform

The shape or the representation of a signal, as in cardiology, the shape of the electrical shock used in cardioversion or defibrillation.

 biphasic w. A waveform used by some defibrillators that discharges energy in two phases (first positive, then negative). The shock applied by a biphasic defibrillator uses 30% to 40% less peak current at the same applied energy level than a monophasic defibrillator and is both less injurious to the heart and more likely to terminate ventricular fibrillation.

 damped sinusoidal w. A defibrillation waveform that rises sharply to a peak voltage and then returns gradually to zero.

 monophasic w. A waveform used by some defibrillators that delivers a single shock of positive energy to the myocardium.

 truncated exponential waveform A defibrillation waveform that rises sharply to a peak voltage and then is abruptly cut off and returns to zero.

wavelength

(wāv′lĕngth) The distance between the beginning and end of a single wave cycle, usually measured from the top of one wave to the top of the next one.

wave scheduling

A method for assigning appointments for patients by which several patients are brought in to see their health care professionals at the same time, e.g., at the beginning of each hour instead of every 15 or 20 min during the hour.

wax

[AS. weax] 1. A substance obtained from bees (beeswax), plants, or petroleum (paraffin). It is solid at room temperature. In medicine, a purified form, white wax, is used in making ointments and to stop bleeding from bones during surgery. In dentistry, it is used, e.g., to create fixed appliances or dentures. 2. Any substance with the consistency of beeswax. 3. Earwax. SYN: cerumen.

 bone w. A polymer used to fill defects in damaged body parts and to control bleeding from injured bone, e.g., in orthopedic surgery. Its use is occasionally associated with side effects, including the formation of foreign-body reactions or the development of infections.

 casting w. A mixture of several waxes that can be carved or formed into shapes to be cast in metal.

wax pattern

A molded or carved pattern in wax used extensively in dentistry and jewelry-making whereby casts are made using the lost wax technique.

waxy

(wăks′ē) [AS. weax, wax] Resembling or pert. to wax.

WBC

white blood cell; white blood count.

weak

(wēk) [Old Norse veikr, flexible] 1. Lacking physical strength or vigor; infirm, esp. as compared with what would be the normal or usual for that individual. 2. Dilute, ...