Contraindicant

/ˌkɒntrəˈɪndɪkənt/ noun

Definition

In medicine, something that indicates a treatment or procedure should not be used; a factor that argues against a particular medical intervention.

Etymology

From 'contra-' (against) + 'indicant' (from Latin 'indicare,' to point out). Medical terminology created to name factors that point away from certain treatments.

Kelly Says

A patient's kidney failure might be a contraindicant for certain antibiotics—doctors memorize these like a mental map to avoid prescribing something that could kill the patient.

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