propoxyphene

n. a synthetic opioid analgesic that has approximately half the pain-control efficacy of codeine. It was generally marketed in combination with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, such as aspirin, for the management of moderate pain. In 2010, it was withdrawn from the U.S. market due to its risk of causing potentially fatal arrhythmia. Former U.S. trade names: Darvocet (in combination with acetaminophen); Darvon.

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Psychology term of the day

February 23rd 2025

inbreeding

n. the mating of individuals that are closely related. Inbreeding increases the risk of perpetuating certain genetic defects in the family, as in consanguineous marriages. Inbreeding within small populations, such as geographically isolated populations, leads to increased frequency of particular mutations within such groups. This fact has been used to demonstrate the founder effect for certain cancers and other disorders. Inbreeding studies have contributed to efforts to identify and test for mutations predisposing to disease in some groups of people. Compare outbreeding.