35 Medical Words You Always Mispronounce
Updated: Aug. 08, 2018Never fear making a fool out of yourself at the doctor’s office again.
Tinnitus
Say: “TIN-it-us.” That’s how doctors say it, but they’re used to hearing “ti-nite-us” too. These are the medical words you should never get confused.
Otolaryngologist
Say: “oh-toe-lar-en-GAH-luh-jist.” This is the outrageous hospital lingo doctors and nurses use behind your back.
Diphtheria
Say: “dif-THEER-ee-uh.” The “ph” sounds like an F, not a P. Here are the healthcare terms everyone needs to know.
Anesthetist
Say: “an-ES-thi-tist.” Unlike “anesthesia,” it has a short E sound. These are the secrets your health insurance company is keeping from you.
Diarrhea
Say: “die-uh-REE-uh.” Not “die-ree” or “die-uh-rear.” Check out what your stomach pain means here.
Scoliosis
Say: “skoh-lee-OH-sis.” Not: “score-lee-oh-sis” or “skuh-lee-oh-sis.” The Alexander technique could fight pain and improve posture.
Psoriasis
Say: “suh-RYE-uh-sis.” If you’ve never seen it written out, you might be surprised by the silent P. Here’s why you should never confuse psoriasis and eczema, and other medical terms.
Electrocardiograph
Say: “ill-eck-troh-CAR-dee-uh-graf.” This is what heart doctors do to protect their own hearts.
Pica
Say: “PIKE-uh.” It doesn’t sound like a nickname for Pikachu. Pica is one silent sign of anemia—find more here.
Gastroenterologist
Say: “gas-troh-en-ter-AH-luh-jist.” These are the things your doctor is thinking but won’t say to your face.
Cochlea
Say: “COKE-lee-uh.” That’s the preferred pronunciation, though “KAHK-lee-uh” is also accepted.
Esophageal
Say: “iss-off-uh-JEE-ole.” The G sounds like a J. Don’t miss these medical reasons you shouldn’t ignore heartburn.
Interstitial cystitis
Say: “in-tur-STISH-ul sis-TIE-tis.” Find out symptoms of interstitial cystitis here.
Cerebral palsy
Say: “suh-REEB-role PAWL-zee.” These are the things you should never lie to your doctor about.
Homeopathy
Say: “hoe-mee-AH-puh-thee.” The E isn’t silent. These are the craziest medical cases doctors have seen on the job.
Rosacea
Say: “roe-ZAY-shee-uh.” Next, check out the common medical abbreviations you’ve probably seen and definitely should know.