Practical Guide to Medical English Abbreviation

ABSTRACT

Currently we are living in an era of abbreviations. In almost every field of modern societies including government, military, hi-tech areas, and especially Internet communications, linguistic shortcuts have ever grown fast and furiously. Abbreviated words may save time and space and energy, however, may cause confusion and errors. These shortened forms of words or phrases include acronyms, clippings, contractions, blends, symbols and some slangs. Traditionally healthcare fields using rather a long terminology have utilized abbreviations and symbols in repeated and busy practices as well as in medical writings. Here how to make and use abbreviations especially in the field of medicine is reviewed and discussed. In order to coin a new abbreviation in a manuscript, it is advisable to follow certain principles to make an acceptable shortened form.