An increasing percentage of America's workforce is finding its way to the medical field, so it's important to be able to find useful online dictionaries of medical terms. An online medical dictionary and online health care dictionary should be searchable and include reference links to other helpful and related terms.

Each health care glossary and medical terminology dictionary will apply to the field of medicine in general. Some may include terms for specific medical specialties. Some are targeted for those in a medical field, and others have a general use focus. You should keep a few things in mind when you are looking for healthcare-related definitions.

1. Know where to look to find a medical terms dictionary with several definitions which reference the vast and ever-growing field of medicine.

2. Understand the difference between a healthcare glossary and a medical glossary as you search for medical terminology.

3. Know where to find a dictionary of medical terms for specialized fields.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find useful medical dictionaries online for general use

Whether you are a student, new to the medical field, an experienced medical professional, or just someone with a general interest in medicine, quickly finding the definition of medical terms when you need to can keep you moving forward.

I recommend: MedicalGlossary.org offers a free online medical dictionary consisting of thousands of medical terms searchable by category. The online healthcare dictionary offered by TheFreeDictionary has its reference library created from several well-known medical dictionaries and serves consumer interest as well as individuals with a medical professional interest.

Select an online medical dictionary that covers the spectrum of medical terminology

Your professional business needs may require access to the large spectrum of definitions of medical terms. If you're curious about new medical terminology or need a vocabulary refresher as you prepare for a professional exam, finding a large online dictionary of medical terms will give you what you need.

I recommend: MediLexicon is a comprehensive medical abbreviations dictionary which can be searched by abbreviation or definition. MedlinePlus is an online medical dictionary where you can search by full or partial words. The Online Medical Dictionary (OMD) can be searched by keyword or subject area.

Select medical dictionaries or glossaries that have a special focus

Whether you are a doctor, nurse or specialist, you'll want to remain current with medical terminology in order to best serve your patients. Finding a specialized, easy-to-use medical glossary of terms can keep you moving forward.

I recommend: MedicineNet.com has an extensive medical conditions dictionary which can be searched alphabetically, by full word or by partial word. WrongDiagnosis.com is a medical dictionary focused on terms from diseases, their symptoms, treatments and tests.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you have a consistent need for a medical dictionary, consider downloading and using medical dictionary software for your PC, laptop or mobile PDA unit.