Words and terms

This branch covers choosing and presenting words in medical writing. It divides by the kind of wording question: everyday word choice, technical terminology, abbreviations and names, and language about people. Sentence construction, the strength of a claim, disputed usage, broader plain-language practice and meaning across languages belong to neighbouring branches and topics.

• Choosing the word — plain wording, specificity, easily confused words and figurative language
• Technical terms — medical vocabulary, the origins of names, definitions, suitability for the reader and clinical distinctions
• Abbreviations, capitals and names — shortened forms and symbols, capitalisation, names and qualifications
• Words about people — inclusive and person-centred wording, relationships in care and research, sex and gender, race and ethnicity, and checking terms with communities