V-W

vaccine  A suspension derived from infectious agents, such as killed microorganisms, administered to prevent or treat infectious disease.

 van't Hoff's law  The rate of chemical reactions increases twofold or more for each 10°C rise in temperature.

vasoconstriction  Decrease in the caliber of a blood vessel.

vasodilation  Increase in the caliber of a blood vessel.

vertigo  Sensation of whirling or rotating in space or being surrounded by objects that are whirling or rotating in space.

vesiculation  Blistering.

virion  A complete virus particle that contains RNA or DNA genetic material (nucleoid) and a protein covering (capsid).

virucide  An agent that kills or inactivates a virus.

virus  A minute infectious agent that lacks independent metabolism and reproduces by entering a living cell.  As the smallest disease producing microorganism, a virus can pass through filters that retain most bacteria.

viscoelastic  A viscous material that is also elastic (e.g., connective tissue).

viscosity  Resistance to flow or shear caused by stickiness or cohesion.

Weigert’s law  The loss or destruction of living tissue is apt to be followed by overproduction of such tissue during the process of wound healing.

Wolff's law  Bone and collagen fibers develop a structure most suited to resist the forces acting upon them.

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