Medical Terminology Simplified

Abbreviations and Symbols • APPENDIX E 621

Symbol Meaning Symbol Meaning

@ at – minus, negative

āā of each ± plus or minus; either positive or

negative; indefinite

′ foot ∅ no

′′ inch # number; following a number;

pounds

c- with ÷ divided by

Δ change; heat / divided by

p- after × multiplied by; magnification

pH degree of acidity or alkalinity = equals

℞ prescription, treatment, therapy ≈ approximately equal

s- without ° degree

→ to, in the direction of % percent

↑ increase(d), up ♀ female

↓ decrease(d), down ♂ male

+ plus, positive

COMMON SYMBOLS

The table below lists some common symbols used in health care and related fields.

3971_App E_613-621 13/02/14 11:26 AM Page 621