unilateral descent

in anthropology, a system of descent or inheritance in which descent is traced through the male line only (patriarchy) or through the female line only (matriarchy). Also called unilineal descent. Compare bilateral descent. See also descent group.

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Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

flumazenil

n. a drug used for the emergency reversal of symptoms of benzodiazepine overdose and in anesthesia to reverse benzodiazepine-induced sedation. It acts by displacing benzodiazepine (which acts as a GABA agonist) from binding sites on the GABA receptor complex (see benzodiazepine antagonist; GABA_A receptorgabaa-receptor). Because it is a short-acting agent, multiple doses may be required. It is not effective in managing benzodiazepine dependence, because its rapid action may precipitate a sudden withdrawal syndrome, nor does it antagonize the central nervous system effects of other GABA agonists (e.g., barbiturates) or reverse their effects. U.S. trade name: Romazicon.