desmopressin

n. a synthetic analog of the pituitary hormone vasopressin that, among other functions, stimulates water retention. Desmopressin is used in pill form or in the form of a nasal spray to treat nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting) and diabetes insipidus. It possesses more antidiuretic activity (i.e., prevents excessive water loss from the body) and less potential to raise blood pressure than vasopressin. U.S. trade name (among others): DDAVP.

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Psychology term of the day

January 19th 2025

holism

n. any approach or theory holding that a system or organism is a coherent, unified whole that cannot be fully explained in terms of individual parts or characteristics. The system or organism may have properties as a complete entity or phenomenon in addition to those of its parts. Thus, an analysis or understanding of the parts does not provide an understanding of the whole. —holistic adj.