phlebotomy

n. removal of blood from the body for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. This is ordinarily achieved by inserting a needle or catheter into a vein and then applying negative pressure. Through the early and mid-19th century, this practice was known as bloodletting and involved the removal of considerable quantities of blood as a means of curing or preventing disease. Also called venesection.

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Psychology term of the day

February 22nd 2025

Machiavellian hypothesis

the hypothesis that the evolution of intelligence, especially in its social aspects, was largely dependent on behavior characterized by a desire and striving for power. According to the hypothesis, individuals who are more Machiavellian in their behavior are more likely to be successful in adaptation and thus more likely to spread their genes to future generations. [Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527), Italian political theorist]