Medical terminology is filled with fascinating five-letter words, many of which are essential in healthcare, anatomy, and treatments. Whether you’re tackling a medical-themed Wordle or any other word puzzle, knowing these terms can give you an edge. To make your search easier, we’ve put together a handy list of 5-letter medical words, organized alphabetically for quick reference. Ready to test your knowledge and sharpen your word game skills? Dive in!
ACUTE – Sudden and severe in onset.
AORTA – The largest artery in the body.
BELLY – Informal term for the abdomen.
BLAST – An immature or developing cell.
BLIND – Lacking sight or visual perception.
BLOOD – The fluid that circulates oxygen and nutrients in the body.
BOWEL – The intestine, part of the digestive system.
BRAIN – The organ that controls the body and mind.
BULLA – A large fluid-filled blister.
CECUM – A pouch at the start of the large intestine.
CERVIX – The lower part of the uterus.
CHEMO – Short for chemotherapy, a cancer treatment.
CHEST – The front part of the body housing the heart and lungs.
CHIME – Partially digested food in the stomach.
CHYLE – A milky fluid from the intestines rich in fat.
COLON – The major part of the large intestine.
COUGH – A reflex to clear the airways.
COVID – A viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.
CREAM – A semi-solid medication or skincare product.
CRYPT – A small glandular cavity, often in mucous membranes.
CURED – Restored to health from an illness.
DEATH – The end of life.
DELAY – A slowing or postponement in a process.
DERMA – Relating to the skin.
DETOX – Removal of toxins from the body.
DIGIT – A finger or toe.
DISKS – Cartilage cushions between vertebrae.
DOLOR – Medical term for pain.
DWARF – A person with restricted growth due to a medical condition.
EDEMA – Swelling caused by fluid retention.
FETUS – A developing baby in the womb.
FEVER – Elevated body temperature due to illness.
FOCUS – The site of an infection or disease process.
FOLEY – A type of urinary catheter.
FUNGI – Microorganisms including molds and yeasts.
GLAND – An organ that secretes hormones or fluids.
GLANS – The rounded tip of the penis or clitoris.
GROIN – The area between the abdomen and thigh.
HEART – The organ that pumps blood.
HEENT – Head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat (medical exam acronym).
HELIX – The outer rim of the ear.
HYMEN – A membrane at the vaginal opening.
HYPER – A prefix meaning excessive or above normal.
ILEUM – The last section of the small intestine.
JOINT – A point where two bones meet.
LABIA – The external folds of the female genitalia.
LASIX – A diuretic medication (furosemide).
LIVER – A vital organ involved in metabolism and detoxification.
LOCUS – The specific location of a gene or infection.
LYMPH – A fluid that carries white blood cells.
MOTOR – Related to movement or muscle control.
MUCUS – A thick, slippery fluid secreted by membranes.
NERVE – A bundle of fibers that transmits signals in the body.
NITRO – Short for nitroglycerin, a medication for heart conditions.
NURSE – A healthcare professional who cares for patients.
OVARY – A female reproductive organ that produces eggs.
PALSY – Partial or complete loss of muscle function.
PEARL – A small, round mass, often referring to a medical finding.
PHAGE – A virus that infects and destroys bacteria.
POLIO – A viral disease that can cause paralysis.
POLYP – An abnormal tissue growth, often in mucous membranes.
PRONE – Lying face down.
PULSE – The rhythmic throbbing of arteries as blood moves through.
PUPIL – The black circular opening in the eye that controls light entry.
RADIO – Short for radiology, the study of medical imaging.
RALES – Abnormal lung sounds heard with a stethoscope.
RENIN – An enzyme that regulates blood pressure.
SCABS – Dried crusts that form over healing wounds.
SCLERA – The white outer layer of the eyeball.
SERUM – The clear fluid part of blood without clotting factors.
SHOCK – A life-threatening condition caused by insufficient blood flow.
SINUS – A cavity or hollow space in the body, often in the skull.
SIREN – A warning device, often used in ambulances.
SKULL – The bony structure that protects the brain.
SMEAR – A thin sample of cells used for microscopic examination.
SPASM – A sudden, involuntary muscle contraction.
SPINE – The backbone, made up of vertebrae.
SQUAD – Short for a medical response team or emergency unit.
START – An acronym for Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment.
TALON – A claw-like structure, sometimes referring to a talon cusp in dentistry.
THIGH – The area of the leg between the hip and knee.
TIBIA – The larger of the two bones in the lower leg.
TITER – A measurement of antibody concentration in blood.
TONIC – A medicinal substance intended to restore health.
TOXIN – A poisonous substance produced by organisms.
TREAT – To provide medical care for a condition or illness.
TUMOR – An abnormal growth of tissue, benign or malignant.
ULCER – An open sore on the skin or mucous membrane.
VALVE – A structure that controls the flow of fluids in the body.
VIRUS – A microscopic infectious agent that replicates inside cells.
VULVA – The external female genital organs.
VOMIT – The forceful expulsion of stomach contents.
WHEAL – A raised, red, itchy area on the skin, often from an allergic reaction.
WOUND – An injury that breaks the skin or underlying tissue.
XYLEM – A tissue in plants that transports water (not a medical term, but a biological one).