Dorland’s Dictionary of Medical Acronyms and Abbreviations, 7e

Book Preface

This seventh edition of Dorland’s Dictionary of Medical Acronyms & Abbreviations (formerly Jablonski’s) is the second edition to be published since the original author, Stanley Jablonski, passed away. The book has been very well received over the years, and the author’s enthusiasm and love of medical vocabulary, even vexingly obscure abbreviations, are evident in its pages. The task of maintaining this volume now remains with the developer of Dorland’s dictionaries, who is well aware of the tradition of excellence associated with this dictionary.

Although responsibility for updating the dictionary has changed, the content remains the familiar, convenient resource that has served users well for more than two decades. The print book retains its format of boldface abbreviations followed by run-in meanings, which enables it to encompass as many entries as larger, more cumbersome books while remaining an easy-to-handle size. The list of symbols has been expanded for this edition. The listings for organizations have been updated: new ones have been added; name changes have been incorporated; outdated names have been cross-referenced to new ones (or dropped, when thoroughly obsolete).

The abbreviations and acronyms are presented alphabetically, and well over one thousand new additions and changes have been made. Also new to this edition is a section presenting acronyms and abbreviations that should not be used because they may be mistaken for other abbreviations or terms and carry with them a danger of being misconstrued. Explanations of the potential sources of confusion are also included.

The new editor of Dorland’s Dictionary of Medical Acronyms & Abbreviations would like to express his appreciation for the work that has been handed down from the previous editors and Mr. Jablonski, and looks forward to continuing to maintain the book’s high standards going forward. Because new acronyms and abbreviations are constantly being coined, this volume can never really be complete. If you do not find an acronym or abbreviation, or a definition that you are searching for, we invite you to submit your suggestions for the next edition. You can do this by going to the Internet site http://www.DorlandsOnline.com and clicking on “Suggest a Term.” Just tell us that it is for Dorland’s Dictionary of Medical Acronyms & Abbreviations. You can be sure that your contributions will be much appreciated.

SEAN WEBB, MFA
Lexicographer/Content Strategist