Dr. Chittick's Love, AIDS, Sex and Teens Glossary and Dictionary

THE BEST, MOST EXTENSIVE, AND MOST HONEST GLOSSARY ON THE INTERNET

Currently the Executive Director of TeenAIDS-PeerCorps, Dr. John Chittick did his ground-breaking doctoral research at Harvard University investigating school AIDS programs and the coming wave of teen HIV/AIDS, before most experts had acknowledged the likelihood. One of his mentors was Dr. Jonathan Mann of Harvard’s School of Public Health who assisted Chittick in his early work in the field of AIDS prevention and youth vulnerability.

This glossary is provided to better understand current terminology regarding HIV/AIDS issues found in common usage, in the relevant literature, on this website, and among youth as well as professionals. Many medical and scientific terms are based on the publications of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and UNAIDS, Harvard's Global Policy on AIDS Coalition, National Library of Medicine and many other authoritative sources. Volunteers contributed their definitions; some suggestions were from their own experiences, relevant websites, and other sources (credits will be posted). Teen and modern slang terms come from MTV, VH1, BET, cable TV, movies, radio, and from interviews conducted by Dr. Chittick. His doctoral thesis (“Adolescents and AIDS: The Third Wave,” Harvard University, 1994) and contemporary research literature were also consulted.

Based on medical, psychological, educational, sexual, adolescent, sociological, and cultural terminology, this glossary should explain or illustrate about 95% of everything relating to adolescents, sex, drugs and AIDS (in a very broad sense). Teen talk, lingua franca, slang and some profanity (a few, so-called “swear” words) are also included for the obvious research reasons. Chittick has found in his extensive interactions with youth worldwide, that teens use terms among themselves that they don’t use around adult authority figures. Teens understand that many of the words they consider to be cool are considered vulgar by many grown-ups. They avoid confrontation by speaking one language with parents, and a different lingo with their peers. Adults who have overheard intimate teen conversations understand the truth of this observation.

From his Harvard days as President of the Student Association Council, Dr. Chittick has strongly opposed any censorship of research-related information. He believes that honest, medically accurate access to facts and terminology is necessary to best understand what is going on in the adolescent world of HIV/AIDS. A full comprehension of relevant terms better assists the researcher and educator, and that knowledge leads to more complete information and then, more effective prevention techniques.

Foreign visitors to this site and readers of English-language publications hear and read words they don’t know and can’t find in regular, abridged dictionaries and glossaries, leaving researchers and teens uninformed as to crucial data. TeenAIDS thanks the many sources that helped build this huge glossary for the serious researcher. Some early AIDS terms (pre-1985) that are no longer in common usage have been included.

For purposes of discussion, the term AIDS is commonly used to include HIV infection (the virus) and the diseases associated with AIDS and AIDS-related opportunistic infections and diseases. “HIV/AIDS” is also used specifically and generically.

(New terms are being added frequently. If you have suggestions to add or terminology to modify, please feel free to click here and your request will be personally reviewed by Dr. John himself.)

Note:
abbr. = abbreviation.
adj. = adjective.
a.k.a. = “also known as.”
alt. = alternative term.


© 2006. This site was last updated in February, 2006.



Glossary of HIV/AIDS, Teens, and Sex Terms

Click on Letter of the Alphabet to quickly find your word.


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


A

AACTG (abbr. for Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group): HIV clinical trial organization, largest in the world setting standards of care for HIV infection and opportunistic diseases related to HIV/AIDS.

AASECT (abbr. for American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists): Largest certifying body in the United States for sex therapists who have graduate degrees, with one or two years' post-graduate training in human sexuality.

ABCs of AIDS: Dr. John’s concise guide for youth to avoid HIV/AIDS: A = Abstinence; B = Be Faithful (monogamy); C = Condoms. Dr. John counsels that 1 or more of these choices can protect teens from HIV although no sex is the best way to avoid the sexual transmission of HIV. He also warns against any needle-sharing for drugs (including steroids), tattooing, and body piercings (most popular with teen girls).

ABO blood-type system: A blood-type system that consists of two basic antigens, A and B. Blood-type O is the absence of both antigens.

Abortion: The ending of a pregnancy and expulsion of the fetus from the uterus. This can occur either by induction or spontaneously (known as a miscarriage). The abortion procedure is politically, religiously, and socially controversial; it is legal in some places and prohibited elsewhere (see pro-choice and pro-life). Teen girls may have to get prior parental or court-approved permission to have an abortion.

Abortifacient: Any chemical agent that induces abortion.

Absolute CD4 count: Also called: T4 count -- the actual number of "helper" T-lymphocytes in a cubic millimeter of blood. The CD4 count declines as HIV infection progresses. It is frequently used to monitor the extent of immune suppression in HIV infected people.

Abstinence: To refrain from having sex of any kind. Teens are told many reasons why having sex when young is bad (emotional, physical and social problems). Although requiring strong self-control, youth who believe in abstinence must remain celibate until their wedding day (no exceptions are allowed including masturbation). This strict philosophy is supported by many religious organizations. Dr. John’s perspective is medically-based: “No sex = no AIDS,” and he adds, “if you don’t have sex you won’t get sexually-transmitted HIV. Other non-sexual transmission routes include needle-sharing, breast milk, and blood transfusions.”

Abstinence-based: A slightly more open curriculum that stresses abstinence as the safest way to avoid HIV but allows for limited discussion of some medical information dealing with specific sexual activity and AIDS prevention.

Abstinence-only: A strict morality-based educational philosophy that preaches "no" to any sexual activity before marriage (no matter how old or if partners are faithful). The program stresses that not having sex is the safest way to avoid the sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS. Dr. John counsels teens that abstinence is one component in an overall medical approach but should not be offered alone. When school districts offer one restrictive perspective only to students, they are censoring needed medical facts. If full life-saving information is absent, more teens will contract HIV/AIDS and die. Sometimes referred to as “Ignorance-Only Education” by AIDS educators because studies show no evidence that abstinence-only education reduces the rate of teen pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Studies suggest that adolescent sexual activity may actually be greater among students in these programs who are denied the complete medical facts (and they are at greater risk when they don't use condoms).

Abstract: A written summary of the important points of a scientific article.

Accreditation systems: Monitoring system in which outside inspectors periodically visit a service site and determine whether its performance meets preset standards (these can be for education and medical organizations).

Acculturation: The process of adapting to a society by incorporating the beliefs, behaviors and customs of that culture.

AC/DC: Bisexual; a person who engages in both heterosexual and homosexual activity (slang: swinger).

Acquaintance rape: Date rape; sexual intercourse coerced by someone known to the victim.

Acquired immunity: Resistance resulting from previous exposure to an infectious agent or antigen, may be passive or active. Passive immunity can be acquired from the transfer of antibodies from another person either from mother to fetus or via breast milk; also by inoculation (vaccination).

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): A progressive weakening of the immune system accompanied by one or more indicator diseases (or opportunistic infections) including Kaposi's sarcoma, invasive cervical cancer, Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP), and wasting syndrome. With AIDS, deterioration of the immune system is marked by a depletion of T-helper (T 4/CD4) cells, which help stimulate antibody production. AIDS is commonly accepted to be caused by the retrovirus, HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists numerous opportunistic infections that in the presence of HIV infection constitute an AlDS diagnosis. In addition, a CD4 count below 200/mm3 in the presence of HIV infection constitutes an AIDS diagnosis.

Acrosomal reaction: The release of enzymes from a sperm's acrosome.

Acrosome: The covering of the head of the sperm that contains enzymes that allow it to penetrate the ovum.

ACTIS: Abbr., AIDS Clinical Trials Information Service.

Active: The role of the aggressive sexual partner (usually the “top” or insertor) as compared to “passive” role.

Active immunity: Immunity produced by the body in response to stimulation by a disease-causing organism or other agent. The protection can be a result of being exposed to or having the disease or from a vaccine to prevent getting the disease.

Active immunization: A process by which a person is inoculated with an antigen to encourage their immune system to mount an immune response, e.g., by producing antibodies. Contrast with passive immunization.

Actual failure rate: The average failure rate of a contraceptive. This takes into account not only failure of the contraceptive, but also human error and non-use.

ACTU (abbr. for AIDS Clinical Testing Unit): Clinical trial sites

Acute: Condition that is rapid in onset and is severe and life-threatening; the opposite of persistent or long-term.

Acute HIV infection: The period of rapid viral replication immediately following exposure to HIV when high levels of plasma HIV RNA can be documented. Following the primary infection, seroconversion occurs (HIV+), usually within an average of 3 weeks after transmission of HIV. Previously, HIV was thought to be relatively dormant during this phase.

Acute HIV Infection And Early Diseases Research Program (abbr. AIEDRP): A program funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) focusing on innovative ways to study how HIV-1 causes disease in adults.

Acute Retroviral Syndrome: A combination of flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, sore throat, skin rash, headache, nausea, muscle or joint pain) that accompanies primary (initial) HIV infection that occurs shortly after infection. ARS is due to a cellular immune response that takes place before the immune system has had time to produce antibodies.

Acyclovir (also Zovirax): An antiviral drug used in the treatment of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV 1), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2), and herpes zoster.

ADAP: AIDS Drugs Assistance Programs.

ADC (abbr.) AIDS Dementia Complex: Deterioration of intellectual faculties, often accompanied by emotional disturbance. When HIV is active in the brain’s central nervous system, it can cause dementia, even in those with high CD4 counts and low viral loads. Treatment usually involves an anti-HIV drug such as AZT, that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Adenine: One of the purine nucleic acid bases that make up nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA. The antiviral drug ddI is a nucleoside analog associated with adenine.

Addiction: Any time a person continues to exhibit harmful or obsessive behavior, they are addicted. There are many types of addictions from sex to drugs, cigarettes and alcohol.

Adenopathy: Diseases like AIDS involving or causing enlargement of glandular tissues, especially one involving the lymph nodes.

Adherence: Extent to which a patient continues the mode of treatment or intervention as prescribed. While most HIV+ persons adhere to the agreed-upon treatments, some do not, causing increased health problems.

Adjuvant: Ingredient(s) added to a prescription that modifies the action of the principal ingredient. Used in some HIV therapies or for HIV vaccines.

Administration: Refers to how a drug or therapy is introduced into the body, for example, intravenous (needle) or oral (mouth) administration.

Adolescence: The transition between puberty and adulthood is also the stage in human that occurs from puberty to physical and sexual maturity, lasting from about ages 12 to 19 (there is some debate about the exact age range, but the teen years are commonly accepted for adolescence). There are numerous theories about the changes that occur during this stage of life, but one that is consistent is that this transitional period is one of the human’s most significant times of change and growth when teens make the transition to adulthood.

Adolescent female sexual swelling: Develops in the genitals when she is about eight to ten years of age. Initially these swellings are very small and appear as a slight enlargement of the lips of the vulva. During the following two years, they become slightly larger with each successive swelling and, at some point, usually during the second year of adolescence and a few months prior to first menstruation, suddenly become considerably larger.

Adolescent growth spurt: A rapid increase in stature and other dimensions of the body that occurs during adolescence/puberty.

Adolescent medicine: A sub-speciality of pediatric medicine with a focus on providing healthcare to adolescent patients (and treating medical teen problems) that is common during adolescence.

Adolescents: Youth, usually ages 12 to 19 but can vary by two or three years; the time in their lives when their bodies undergo their greatest sexual growth.

Adolescents at risk for mental health problems:
Teens are at greater risk for developing mental health problems when certain factors occur in their lives or environments. Factors include physical abuse, emotional abuse or neglect, harmful stress, discrimination, poverty, loss of a loved one, frequent relocation, alcohol and other drug use, trauma, and exposure to violence.

Adrenogenital syndrome: Also known as congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A genetic condition in which a female is born with genitals which look like a male's due to an abnormally functioning adrenal gland.

Adverse reaction: Side effects, adverse event. An unwanted effect caused by the administration of drugs that may be sudden or develop over time.

Adult: The period in an individual's life cycle after the eruption of the last permanent teeth, and when adolescence has passed.

Adult height: Approximately 15% to 20% of the final adult height is added during puberty.

Adultery: Sex between a married person and a person other than their spouse. Adultery is one of the main causes of divorce. In many societies, it merits strong disapproval and in a few regions, jail and the death penalty.

Adverse reaction: Patients in trials may have toxic reactions to experimental medicines. Many of the drugs used to fight HIV and AIDS cause adverse reactions in some people.

Aerosolized: A form of administration in which a drug, such as pentamidine, is turned into a fine spray by a nebulizer and inhaled.

AETC (abbr. AIDS Education And Training Centers): The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) supervises the national AIDS Education and Training Centers (AETCs) program. A network of 15 regional centers, AETC conducts targeted, multidisciplinary HIV education and training programs for health care providers.

Affair: A love affair or sexual relationship that is usually illicit or secret.

Affective Disorder (Also known as mood disorder): A category of mental health problems that include depressive disorders.

Affected community: Persons living with HIV and AIDS and other individuals, including partners, friends, families, and advocates whose lives are directly influenced by HIV/AIDS and its physical, psychological, and sociological ramifications.

Afterglow: The good feeling experienced after sex, especially the feeling a woman has after an orgasm.

Afternoon delight: An afternoon sexual tryst.

Agammaglobulinemia: A nearly total absence of immunoglobulins resulting in the loss of ability to produce immune antibodies.

Age grade: A group of people of the same sex and approximately the same age who share a set of duties and privileges.

Age of consent: The age at which a young person is deemed legally capable of giving consent to sexual interactions. In many U.S. states, the age is 18, although when teens have consensual sex, it is rarely prosecuted (however, usually the poor are targeted). In other parts of the world, 16 is often the age of consent and can be as young as 14.

Age set: A group of people roughly the same age who pass through various age grades together.

AIDS: Is now the commonly-used term for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and also for HIV/AIDS. The World Health Organization(WHO) uses the term to "denote the entire health problem associated with HIV infection." AIDS is not simply one disease but many diseases that normally affect older people with deteriorating health as a result of failure of the immune system. It is widely accepted that AIDS diseases are caused by the virus known as HIV.

“AIDS Attacks:” Dr. John’s term for his direct street approach to deliver medically accurate information to surprised youth wherever they gather. During his Global Walks, he successfully tested this technique in multi-cultural settings on six continents. Videos and images from his unique outreach efforts on six continents are posted on the TeenAIDS-PeerCorps website: www.teenaids.org.

AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG): A clinical trials network of over 50 medical centers, sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, which conducts multicenter trials of treatments for HIV/AIDS and opportunistic infections. From available data, they assign a low, medium or high research priority.

AIDS-defining illness: According to the Centers for Disease Control's(CDC) definition of AIDS, it’s one of the serious illnesses that are found in HIV-positive individuals; also used as a basis for an AIDS diagnosis. Some examples of such illnesses are PCP, wasting syndrome and CMV retinitis.

AIDS Dementia Complex (ADC): (HIV-associated dementia or HAD). Infection of the brain by HIV resulting in the impairment of mental functioning, as well as changes in both mood and behavior.

AIDS research advisory committee (ARAC): A board that advises and makes recommendations to the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on all aspects of HIV-related research, vaccine development, pathogenesis, and epidemiology.

AIDS-Related Complex (ARC): A term that’s no longer used to describe a variety of symptoms in some persons infected with HIV that included recurrent fevers, unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and/or fungal infection of the mouth and throat. Also referred to as symptomatic HIV infection.

AIDS service organization (ASO): A health association, support agency, or other service actively involved in the prevention and treatment of AIDS.

AIDS wasting syndrome: The involuntary weight loss of 10 percent of baseline body weight plus either chronic diarrhea (two loose stools per day for more than 30 days) or chronic weakness and documented fever (for 30 days or more, intermittent or constant) in the absence of a concurrent illness or condition other than HIV infection that would explain the findings.

Airborne virus: Germs people get through sneezing, coughing or touching their mouth, eyes or nose. Germs for colds and flu are transmitted this way, but not HIV which is a blood-borne virus.

Albumin: A protein found in bodily tissues and fluids; the principal protein in blood plasma. A reduced level of albumin in the serum of persons with AIDS-related wasting syndrome is a sign of progressive wasting and suggests a high risk of death.

Alcohol: The most commonly used drug in the United States that is legal for adults over the age of 21 (it used to be 18). In many countries, the “legal” age to consume and buy liquor is not enforced. A majority of older teens report that they have drank alcohol and got drunk, often as a prelude to sexual encounters. Youth consumption of alcohol is considered a major co-factor in teenage HIV risk and transmission. Most boys do not know that the male’s testosterone is destroyed by alcohol. Exercise may be better preparation for a sexual experience than alcohol.

Alienation: The fragmentation of individuals' relations to their work, the things they produce, and the resources with which they produce them. In teen terms, many youth feel alienation from parents and adult authority figures and institutions.

All that: Urban slang for a superior nature; wonderful or attractive. "She’s all that."

All up in my grill: Urban slang for being in someone's face.

Allele: A "version" of a specific gene. Each individual has 1 allele at each specific genetic location.

Allopathy (adj. allopathic): In “Western medicine," this refers to a therapeutic system in which illness or disease is treated by producing a second condition that is antagonistic toward or incompatible with the first (e.g., an antibiotic drug is given to treat infection with a microorganism).

Alpha interferon: Has been shown to be produced at high levels by white blood cells that are infected with HIV. It has been implicated as a predictor of AIDS and is associated with a greater likelihood of developing opportunistic infections.

Alternative therapy: Therapy that is not considered standard practice in most Western countries, e.g., traditional medicine (homeopathy such as herbal remedies, acupuncture or massage). Alternative medicine is also referred to as "complementary medicine." The designation "alternative medicine" is not equivalent to holistic medicine, a narrower term.

Altruistic act: A behavior characterized by self-sacrifice that benefits others. Dr. John’s PeerCorps teens act altruistically because they volunteer to help their friends and peers.

Amateur: 1. Not a professional for pay. 2. Slang for a young female who indulges in sexual intercourse frequently and with several males, without expectation of remuneration.

Ambisextrous: Bi-sexual (sex with either males or females).

Ambisexuality (adj. ambisexual): 1. Having characteristics shared by both sexes; from Greek, ambi, (both) plus sex. In human beings, for example, nipples and pubic hair. 2. Birth-defective genitalia that look hermaphroditically ambiguous or inter-sexed. 3. A more contemporary term for bisexual; a sexually active person who “swings both ways” (during adolescence, some teens experiment with friends of both sexes).

Ambulatory: Able to get out of bed and walk around.

Amebiasis: An intestinal inflammation caused by the Entamoeba histolytica (an ameba) and characterized by frequent, loose stools flecked with blood and mucus (not to be confused with AIDS’ wasting syndrome).

Amenorrhea: Absence of menstrual periods.

American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR): AmFAR was co-founded in 1985 by Dr. Mathilde Krim and Dr. Michael Gottlieb. It remains an influential advocate for HIV/AIDS research and programs.

Amniotic fluid: The fluid within the amniotic sac that surrounds the embryo or fetus.

Amniotic sac: The pouch that contains the amniotic fluid.

Amphetamines: Amphetamines are stimulants or "uppers” usually made synthetically in illegal labs. Its effects include stimulation of the central nervous system; a sense of well-being and higher energy; a release of social inhibitions; and feelings of cleverness, competence, and power (these are similar to the effects of cocaine, but last longer). They are a controlled substance because they can be dangerous physically and psychologically.

Amyl nitrate: A drug that is inhaled to prolong or intensify orgasm by increasing blood flow to the genitals and distorting time perception. Its use is potentially very dangerous. It is now illegal to sell in many states but not all.

Anabolic steroid: A synthetic hormone used to increase muscle size and strength. Injecting steroids with shared needles is a cause for HIV transmission (among young males particularly). The synthetic hormone by itself does not transmit HIV; it’s the infected blood found in the shared syringe and needle.

Anal coitus: Sex in the rectum.

Anal eroticism: Sexual sensitivity in the anus or rectum; also anal fetish, a preoccupation with or preference for the anus or rectum.

Anal sex (a.k.a. sodomy): Sexual intercourse when the penis is inserted in the anus. Sometimes used as a birth control measure by young people so the female does not get pregnant; also a preferred sexual activity among young gay or bisexual males. Dr. John counsels that because the anal membrane can easily tear, anal sex carries a high risk for HIV transmission. It is a taboo practice in many societies and is often not acknowledged publicly. In cultures where males and females do not mix before marriage, anal sex among males is practiced as a means of sexual release.

Anaphrodisiac: A substance that decreases sexual capacity or desire. Opposite of aphrodisiac.

Anatomical sex: The apparent gender of an individual based on the appearance of sexual organs.

Andrin: The hormone produced by the male sex glands.

Androgens: The "male" sex hormones. Also produced by women as well (though in smaller quantities and with little absorption).

Androgeny (androgyny): The merging of masculine and feminine traits, feelings, and qualities.

Anemia: The name for a group of blood diseases caused by problems with red blood cells (also referred to as "low blood count"). Many times anemia happens in young people because they don't have enough iron.

Anergy: 1. The loss or weakening of the body's immunity to an irritating agent or antigen. Patients who are immunologically suppressed are unable to produce a reaction to an antigen. The lack of a reaction indicates anergy. 2. CD4+ T cells can be turned off by a signal from HIV that leaves them unable to respond to further immune system stimulation.

Angiogenesis: Process by which new blood vessels are formed. Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth, especially Kaposi's sarcoma.

Angurya: Scraping of the vagina and surrounding tissues as a part of the harmful practice of female genital cutting (female circumcision).

Analingus (slang: rimming): Oral sex performed by putting the mouth on the anus. Performing analingus is a risky behavior for a variety of bacterial infections but it’s often foreplay before anal sexual intercourse. If dental dams (like a latex condom) are used properly and there is no exchange of blood or bodily fluids (other than saliva), analingus will not be a transmission route for HIV.

Anogenital: Refers to area that includes the genitals, perineum and anus.

Anonymous HIV test: A person doesn't give his or her name or address when an HIV test is taken. The person is given a number and uses that as their identification. When they go back to get their test results they give that number. This way, no one else can know the results. Dr. John counsels youth to get anonymously tested to encourage HIV testing.

Anorexia (anorexia nervosa): Prolonged loss of appetite. Young women with wasting syndrome due to HIV-infection are often diagnosed as anorexic. Teen girls sometimes starve themselves to lose weight to look sexy.

Anorgasmic (anorgasmia): Incapable of having an orgasm with normally conducive modes of stimulation.

Antenatal: The period between conception and birth (same as prenatal).

Anthropocentricity: The belief that humans are the most important element in the universe.

Anthropology: The study of humanity (our physical characteristics as animals), and the unique non-biological characteristics of our culture. The subject is generally broken down into three sub-disciplines: biological (physical) anthropology, cultural (social) anthropology, and archaeology.

Antibiotic: A substance that kills or inhibits the growth of organisms. Once considered a magic bullet, antibiotics are now commonly used to combat disease and infection. Many human viruses and bacteria are becoming resistant to current antibiotics.

Antibody (antibodies): Members of a class of proteins known as immunoglobins. Antibodies may tag, destroy and neutralize bacteria, viruses or other harmful toxins. Antibodies attack infected cells, making them vulnerable to attack by other elements of the immune system. Antibody production occurs in response to the presence of a foreign substance (antigen) in the body.

Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC): An immune response in which antibodies bind to target cells, identifying them for attack by the immune system.

Antigay prejudice: Negative attitudes and behaviors toward homosexuals (often legally acceptable but it may be socially disapproved of).

Antigen: A foreign protein that causes an immune response (the production of antibodies to fight antigens). Common examples of antigens are the bacteria and viruses that cause human disease. Any substance that antagonizes or stimulates the immune system produces antibodies, proteins that fight antigens.

Antiretroviral: A substance that stops or suppresses the activity of a retrovirus such as HIV. AZT was the first widely used antiretroviral drug and now many more combinations of “AIDS cocktails” are reaching the market. Antiretrovirals are not a cure for AIDS but do help manage AIDS as a chronic disease and perhaps help strengthen a PWA's health. Antiretrovirals can cause side-effects, some serious.

Antisperm antibodies: Antibodies produced by a woman that attach to sperm and inhibit both their movement and their ability to fertilize the egg.

Antitoxins: Antibodies that recognize and inactivate toxins produced by certain bacteria, plants, or animals.

Antiviral: A substance that kills or suppresses a virus.

Anus: The opening of the rectum (the hole).

Aphrodisiac: A food, medicine, drink, etc. that increases sexual desire or improves sexual performance. Viagra was one of the first male anti-impotence “aphrodisiacs” on the market.

Aphthous ulcer: A painful oral or esophageal sore of unknown cause that has a deeply eroded base. Aphthous ulcers are common in persons living with HIV.

Apoptosis: Cellular suicide, also known as programmed cell death. A possible mechanism used by HIV to suppress the immune system. HIV may cause apoptosis in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected immune system cells.

Applewild School: Where Dr. John Chittick completed his early education (1963) and received the school’s first William Laverack Humanitarian Service Alumni Award for his Global AIDS Prevention Walks.

Applied anthropology: The activity of professional anthropologists in programs that have as primary goals changes in human behavior believed to ameliorate contemporary social, economic, and technological problems.

Approval process: For drugs in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must approve a substance as a drug before it can be marketed; it takes 6 steps:
A). Preclinical -- laboratory and animal studies.
B). Company files for Investigational New Drug (IND) status with the FDA.
Step 1. Clinical trials begin: Phase I: testing for safety
Step 2. Phase II: testing for efficacy.
Step 3. Phase III: extensive clinical trials.
Step 4 Company files New Drug Application (NDA) with FDA for permission to market the drug.
Step 5. FDA review of application.
Step 6. FDA approval/rejection of application. Even after the NDA is approved, the company is required to periodically submit reports to the FDA, including adverse reactions data, production and quality control information and sometimes extended monitoring.

ARC (AIDS Related Complex): A person with HIV who has symptoms but not severe enough to be classified as having AIDS (term is now little used).

Arc of Erection: The angle at which the penis extends from the body when aroused; a very high arc when young males get erections.

Areola: The dark area surrounding the nipples of women and men.

Arm: One group of participants in a comparative clinical trial, all of whom receive the same treatment. The other arm(s) receive a different treatment regimen.

Around the world: The act of kissing the entire body but focusing on the genitalia as a prelude to sex. Usually one person orally pleases a passive partner.

Arranged marriage: Any marriage in which the selection of a spouse is outside the control of the bride and groom.

ART: AntiRetroviral Therapy.

Artificial insemination: Placement of sperm inside a woman's vagina, uterus, or fallopian tubes (usually by injecting them through a catheter or cannula) in order to promote fertilization.

Assembly and budding: Names for a portion of the processes by which new HIV is formed in infected host cells. Viral core proteins, enzymes, and RNA (ribonucleic acid) gather just inside the cell's membrane, while the viral envelope proteins aggregate within the membrane. An immature viral particle is formed and then pinches off from the cell, acquiring an envelope and the cellular and HIV proteins from the cell membrane. The immature viral particle then undergoes processing by an HIV enzyme called protease to become an infectious virus.

Assessment: A professional review of child and family needs that is done when services are first sought from a caregiver. The assessment of the youth includes a review of physical and mental health, intelligence, school performance, family situation, and behavior in the community.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Procedures used to bring about conception without sexual intercourse, including IUI, IVF, GIFT, and ZIFT.

Assortative mating: The preference or avoidance of certain people as mates for physical or social reasons.

Asexual (slang, frigid): Absence of sexual feeling.

A-Spot: Discovered by a gynecologist in Malaysia, the A-spot is said to have a role in female arousal. The A-spot is between the G-spot and the opening to the cervix and is thought to increase lubrication during intercourse.

Ass/Asshole: Slang expression for anus.

Assay: A test used to detect the presence or absence of a substance in tissue, cells or a body fluid such as blood or urine, and to estimate the amount present in the body.

Asymptomatic: When there are no visible or noticeable changes in the body; i.e., an HIV-positive person who does not show any signs of "AIDS symptoms." Thus, asymptomatic carriers are a threat to their unsuspecting sexual partners.

At risk: Individual behavior that identifies a person engaging in behaviors that are likely to transmit HIV. "Groups" per se are not at risk -- rather the commonly-practiced behaviors of their individual members make them more susceptible to be infected.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.

Attenuated virus: An altered virus with a reduced ability to infect or produce disease. Attenuated virus are sometimes used as vaccines.

Atypical sexual behaviors: Sexual activities that do not commonly occur in society. There are many recurrent sexual fantasies and urges to do unusual sexual activities.

Autoantibody: 1. An antibody that is active against some of the tissues of the organism that produced it. 2. An antibody directed against the body's own tissue.

Autoerotic asphyxia (autoerotic strangulation): The practice of inducing cerebral anoxia, usually by means of self-applied ligatures or suffocating devices, while the individual masturbates to orgasm; also known as sexual hanging (purported to increase the intensity of orgasm but death can occur).

Auto-eroticism: Erotic, sexual pleasure created for oneself and engaged in alone. Masturbation (a.k.a., jerking off, beating off). Known as wanking (U.K.).

Autofellatio: For a male to perform oral sex on himself; putting his penis in his own mouth. It is sometimes practiced by adolescent males when their growing bodies are limber.

Autoimmune disease: A disease that arises from and is directed against an individual's own tissue (a major problem with transplants).

Autoimmune response: A response caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues.

Autonomy: Taking commands from only one authoritative source: oneself, and rejecting all attempts to override one's autonomy. Moral autonomy entails making the final decisions about what one should do.

Average Penis Length: Penis size differs from male to male. The average length when erect is 4 ¼” – 7” (or 11 - 18cm) but there may be some variation between males of different cultures. The size is determined by factors called genetic traits which are inherited from parents. Frequent and long-term masturbation by teen boys can result in the lengthening of the penis (similar to how exercise increases build).

Azoospermia: Absence of sperm in the semen.

AZT: Retrovir and Zidovudine are the common names for the chemical 3'azidothymidine. It was the first drug on the market for AIDS. It was thought that AZT might be the cure for AIDS-related diseases. However, AZT is neither as good as its manufacturer claims, nor as bad as AIDS activists have alleged. In combination with other drugs (see "cocktail" therapies), it can be helpful in slowing the progress of HIV/AIDS. AZT definitely helps to cut down on the transmission of perinatal (mother to baby) AIDS.

AZT intolerant: Someone who has severe side-effects when taking AZT and cannot continue taking the drug.

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B

B: Urban slang for 1. Your homeboy... like a brother. 2. Some youth still use this as a derogatory term for a female, short for bitch.

B cells (B lymphocytes): One of the immune system's two major cell types; B cells fight infection primarily by making antibodies. During the time of infection, these cells are transformed into factories that make thousands of antibodies against the foreign antigen. In persons living with AIDS, the functional ability of both the B and the T lymphocytes is damaged, with the T lymphocytes being the principal site of infection by HIV.

B & D: An acronym for sexual bondage and discipline.

Babe magnet: A fun term for a handsome guy.

Backpack: Standardized school equipment for teens (their home away from home). Teen version of a man’s briefcase or a woman’s overnight bag.

Back slang: A code which uses the original spelling of words and adds extra letters and syllables for effect or to disguise the real meaning (i.e., "shizzle my nizzle").

Baby daddy: Urban slang for a male like a boyfriend or an ex-boyfriend. Most often means the father of, or someone who provides for, a female's child.

Back-mutation: The reversion of a mutant, attenuated strain of a microorganism back to its natural, more virulent state.

Backup method: A family planning method such as condoms or spermicide that can be used temporarily for extra protection against pregnancy when needed.

Bacteria (bacterium): Microscopic organism composed of a single cell. Many bacteria can cause disease in people.

Bacterial pneumonia: An opportunistic infection which affects many IDUs and which is life-threatening but is not part of the CDC definition of AIDS.

Bacterial vaginitis: Inflammation of the vagina caused by a bacterial infection.

Bacterial vaginosis: A vaginal infection caused by the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis.

Bactericidal: Capable of killing bacteria.

Baculovirus: A virus of insects used in the testing of some HIV vaccines.

Baked: Urban slang for smoking a lot of marijuana. To be stoned.

Balanitis: An inflammation of the glans and foreskin of the penis that can be caused by phimosis or lack of proper hygiene that allows smegma or other discharge from the penis to accumulate underneath the foreskin; also from sexually transmitted infections, irritations, drugs, or other factors.

Balls: Slang term for testicles.

Bammer: 1.Urban slang for cheaper, brown leaf marijuana. 2. Something that’s not good.

Bang: 1. Slang term for sexual intercourse; to bang a female. 2. Urban slang for a party where promiscuous girls may be present. 3. To fight.

Bangin’: Teen slang for sexy; hot; foxy (“that chick is “bangin’“).

Bareback: Having sex without a condom, a term used especially for anal sex.

Barr body: An inactivated X chromosome (the sex chromatin) that appears as a small, black dot in the cells of genetic females, distinguishing them from male cells.

Bartholin's glands: Two tiny ducts located on either side of the vaginal entrance. They secrete a small amount of fluid during sexual arousal, but their exact purpose is unclear.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) method: A method of fertility practice that is based on a woman's morning body temperature.

Base: A sub-unit of a nucleotide that makes up the DNA and RNA molecules; either a purine or a pyrimidine.

Baseline: One or more clinical or laboratory measurements taken before a study is started; the results of several lab tests used to monitor the effectiveness of drugs.

BDSM: Abbr. for (Bondage and Discipline, Sadism and Masochis): A catch-all term for a broad array of sexual practices, especially involving restraint, inflicting pain, and humiliation.

Bear: A term used to describe a man who has a large build and a hairy body. Facial hair is a common characteristic.

Bee-atch: Urban slang for a “bitch.”

Behavior intervention/modification programs: Education programs designed to change a specific behavior. Behavior modification generally does this by targeting a very specific, observable behavior and then re-inforce a series of small changes in behavior until the desired behavior is established.

Behavior therapy: A school of therapy based on learning theory that focuses on observable behavior and not the unconscious; Cognitive-Behavior Therapy.

Behavioral adjustment: Cultural responses, primarily through technology, that make survival in stressful environments possible.

Benign: Refers to a mild, non-lethal illness, especially a non-cancerous neoplasm. The opposite of malignant.

Benign prostatic hypertrophy: Enlargement of the prostate gland. This is a very common condition in older men.

Bent: 1. Term for a skewed impression of reality. 2. Urban slang for being high or drunk.

Bestiality: Sexual acts with an animal (a rare deviance; sometimes on farms).

Berdache: A term used in some cultures for a male who assumes female dress and gender role. In these cultures, these individuals are often thought to be a third gender and have special powers.

Biastophilia: A paraphilia in which sexual arousal becomes dependent on sexually attacking a nonconsenting, surprised, terrified, and struggling stranger; rape.

Bifurcation: A basis of kin classification that distinguishes the mother's side of the family from the father's side.

Binding antibody: An antibody that attaches to some part of HIV. Binding antibodies may or may not adversely affect the virus.

Binge drinking: Drinking to intoxication. Drinking five or more drinks at a time is considered binge drinking. Currently of epidemic proportions among U.S. young people.

Binge eating disorder: A disorder that resembles bulimia nervosa and is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled eating (or binging). It differs from bulimia because its sufferers do not purge their bodies of the excess food, via vomiting, laxative abuse or diuretic abuse.

Binging: A destructive pattern of excessively overeating.

Bioavailability: The rate and extent to which a substance is absorbed and circulated in the body.

Biological (biotic) environment: The living elements surrounding the organism.

Biological imperatives: The basic human drives for food, rest, sexual satisfaction, and social contact.

Biological species: A group of interbreeding populations that is reproductively isolated from other such groups.

Biopsy: Surgical removal of a piece of tissue from a living subject for microscopic examination to make a diagnosis (e.g., to determine whether abnormal cells are present).

Biotechnology: Use of living organisms or their products to make or modify a substance.

Biphobia: Fearful or disliking of bisexual people.

Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder goes by many names: manic depression, manic-depressive disorder, manic-depressive illness, bipolar mood disorder, and bipolar affective disorder are other medical terms for the same condition.

Birth canal: Another term for the vagina; often used when referring to labor and birth.

Birth control: The regulation of conception, pregnancy, and/or birth.

Bisexual (abbr. “bi”): Having sex with both men and women; someone who is bisexual swings both ways (new term: “metro-sexual”).

Bisexuality: A sexual orientation in which one feels physically and/or emotionally attracted to both males and females.

Bitch: 1. Slang: An uppity female; a young woman who speaks her mind. 2. Urban slang: Bee-atch; for one’s woman or girlfriend (a possessive term). 3. Derogatory for argumentative, nasty woman. 4. A female dog.

Bitter melon (momordica charantia): A plant with a long tradition of medicinal use in Asia. The plant is a source of MAP 30, a protein that shows anti-HIV activity in vitro.

Blastocyst: A small mass of cells that results after several days of cell division by a fertilized egg.

Blast off: To experience orgasms.

Blazed: Teen slang for being high (marijuana, alcohol, etc.).

Blazin': Urban slang for smoking marijuana. 2. Very attractive, hot, sexy: “She’s blazin’.”

Blending theory: An early and incorrect idea that a child is an intermediate between maternal and paternal genetic characteristics.

Blind study: A clinical trial in which participants are unaware as to whether they are in the experimental or control arm of the study. See double blind study.

Bling-bling (also “Blang-Blang”): Urban slang for anything that describes extremely expensive style of clothes, cars, jewelry and general life-style.

Blips: The transient detection of a viral load level after a period of time when viral load was undetectable. It is usually defined as a viral load of 50 to 500 copies/mL after viral load <50 copies/mL on at least two consecutive occasions.

Blog: Dr. John writes a weekly blog on AIDS-related teen issues (www.teenaids.org).

Blood: 1. HIV is found in the body’s blood that can also be found in semen, vaginal fluids, and mother’s breast milk. 2. Urban slang for a person someone hangs out with. 3. A "gangsta" dressed in the color red.

Blood transfusion: The infusion of blood or blood components into an individual for the treatment of a medical condition (e.g., anemia, loss of blood due to injury). Transfused blood may be homologous (from a donor) or autologous (previously stored blood from the recipient).

Blood-brain barrier: A membrane separating brain tissue from circulating blood. In HIV treatment, it usually refers to the difficulty of getting drugs from the blood stream to penetrate into the central nervous system. HIV is active in brain tissue.

Bloodwork: Laboratory tests that measure properties of the blood.

Bloodsports: BDSM play that involves blood, including cutting and piercing. The people who participate in blood sports have bodies that are lined with scars.

Blow: Slang for 1). To blow the male, to suck the penis. 2). Cocaine.

Blueballs: When a male gets erections over a period of time without ejaculating; this can cause a swollen, painful feeling in the testicles. Only sexual release can help (masturbation, sex, or nocturnal emissions).

Blunt: Teen/Black slang for marijuana “cigarette” that are rolled using cigar papers with the tobacco removed.

Bodily fluids: Blood, semen, vaginal secretions, urine, feces, saliva and tears. HIV+ blood is found in semen, mother's milk, and vaginal secretions; they have been linked directly to the transmission of HIV. Saliva is not a good conduit. Oral sex is relatively safe (when there is no blood transmitted into another’s blood).

Body Image: Personal attitudes and feelings about one’s own body and appearance. For many adolescents, preoccupation with body image causes worry and stress.

Body language: Term for non-verbal communication that sends a message to the observer often of sexual interest (but could be very different, like aggression).

Bondage and discipline (B&D): A sexual activity in which a person is bound while another engages in "discipline" activities, such as spanking and whipping.

Bone: Urban slang for having sexual intercourse; when a male bones a female.

Boner: Slang term for an erection.

Boobs: Slang term for a woman's breasts.

Bootie (booty): Urban slang for getting pussy or ass (originally, term meant a female posterior).

Booty call: Urban slang for a male’s effort to arrange a sexual liaison and sexual relief, usually late at night.

Bootylicious: Urban slang for sexually attractive female; voluptuous; not too skinny.

Bopper: 1. Urban slang for a female that has sex with the boyfriends of other girls. 2. ‘50s term for a party animal.

Bordello: House of prostitution.

Borderline personality disorder: Persons with this disorder present instability in their perceptions of themselves, and have difficulty maintaining stable relationships. Moods may also be inconsistent, but never neutral; their sense of reality is always seen in "black and white." Borderline personality disorder may lead to desperate and impulsive behavior.

Box: Slang for a vagina.

Boy: 1. A child or pre-pubescent male or young teen (usually under 14). Most teens do not like to be referred to as boys or girls. 2. Urban slang for good friend or someone who is admired.

Boy toy: Female slang for young male, the sex object of female attention (also used by older women for younger male sex partners).

Branched DNA Assay (abbr. bDNA): A kind of test indicating the amount of HIV (or viral load) in the blood. Newer versions, or generations, of these assays are being developed; they will be able to detect smaller numbers of copies of HIV in a blood sample.

Branched-chain DNA Assay (bdna, quantiplex HIV RNA): A test that measures the amount of virus (viral load) in plasma or tissue using a chemical signal, visible as light, that is produced by viral RNA.

Break dancing: Popular teen street dancing that originated with African American and Puerto Rican teens in conjunction with hip hop.

Break it down: Break dancing.

Breakthrough: Refers to a condition that has developed despite measures to prevent it (e.g., PCP that occurs while taking a prophylactic drug).

Breakthrough bleeding: Vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods.

Breast bud: An elevation of the breast as a small mound; the earliest sign of puberty in the female.

Breast augmentation: Also, augmentation mammaplasty; procedure performed to enhance the appearance, size, and contour of a woman's breasts. Slang is boob job.

Bride price (also bride service): Payment made by a man to the family from whom he takes a daughter in marriage.

Bride wealth: Property given by the family of the groom to the family of the bride to compensate them for the loss of their daughter's services

Bro: Urban slang for a close guy friend or relative; short for brother.

Broad: Male slang for a young woman or teen girl.

Brothel: A business establishment where prostitutes offer sexual services for money (e.g., whore house, cat house).

Buck naked: Completely naked.

Bud: Urban slang for marijuana.

Budding: Names for a portion of the processes by which new HIV is formed in infected host cells. The immature viral particle then undergoes processing by an HIV enzyme called protease to become an infectious virus.

Buff: Sexy, fit.

Bugger: Performing anal intercourse.

Bukkake: In porn movies, where many men ejaculate on the face of an actress (a Japanese porn term); facial.

Bulimia nervosa (a.k.a. bulimia): A disease affecting some teenage girls in which there is uncontrolled episodes of overeating that are usually followed with purging (self-induced vomiting), misuse of laxatives, enemas, medications, fasting, or excessive exercise to decrease weight.

Buns: Slang expression for buttocks (bum, butt, ass).

Burn: To infect someone with a venereal disease.

Bush: Pubic hair of either sex especially if it's thick or coarse; often more associated with female pubes.

Bust: Female breasts.

Bustin': 1. Urban slang for executing an action, usually flawlessly, that takes skill. 2. Teen slang for making fun of, or insulting a person, “Why are you bustin’ my chops?”

Butch (adj.)(Slang): Possessing traditionally masculine appearance, attributes and behaviors. Often used to describe gay men and women. Opposite of femme.

Butt: Short for buttocks (buns, ass).

Butt F**k: Slang term for anal intercourse.

Butt plug: A sex toy designed for anal penetration that has a flared base to hold it in place. Usually smaller than a typical dildo and not shaped like a penis.

Buttocks: The rump formed by the two protuberances behind the hips on which human beings sit.

Button (Slang): The clitoris.

Buyers' Club: A non-profit organization that sells drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements and other therapies for HIV/AIDS. Many buyer's clubs sell drugs that are not FDA-approved and therefore not available in pharmacies.

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C

Call girl: A high-priced prostitute who usually works on an outcall basis from a home or office as opposed to getting customers on the street or at a brothel.

Cancroid: A small ulcer usually occurring on the genitals; very infectious.

Candidiasis: A yeast infection with a fungus of the Candida family, generally C. albicans. The most common sites for candidiasis are the mouth, the throat, and the vagina.

Capsid: Protein that covers the nucleic acid core of a virus.

Carcinogen: Any cancer-producing substance.

Cardiomyopathy: A degeneration of the heart muscle, thought to be caused by HIV or by some drugs.

Carnal: Relating to physical and especially sexual appetites.

Carpopedal spasm: An involuntary contraction of the hands or feet which occurs during orgasm.

Carrier: A person or animal without apparent disease who harbors a specific infectious agent and is capable of transmitting the agent to others. The carrier state may occur in an individual with an infection that is not readily apparent throughout its course (known as asymptomatic), or during the incubation period, convalescence, and post-convalescence of an individual with a clinically recognizable disease. The carrier state may be of short or long duration (transient carrier or chronic carrier).

Casanova: An adventurous lover and seducer of women.

Case-control study: A study that involves the identification of persons with the disease or condition of interest (cases) and a suitable group of persons without the disease or condition of interest (controls). Cases and controls are compared with respect to some existing or past attribute or exposure believed to be causally related to the disease or condition. Also referred to as a retrospective study.

Case fatality rate: The number of fatalities (deaths) from a specific disease in a given period per 100 episodes of the disease during the same time period.

Case management: A service that helps people arrange for appropriate services and support systems.

Case study: A case study is one type of observational data collection technique in which one individual is studied in-depth in order to identify behavioral, emotional, and/or cognitive qualities that are universally true (on average) of others. Case studies often include face-to-face interviews, paper and pencil tests, and more.

Caste: A social category in which membership is fixed at birth and usually unchangeable (mostly associated with India).

Castration: The removal of the testes or ovaries; also refers to the amputation of the penis.

Casual contact: Everyday things like hugging, holding hands, kissing with a closed mouth, wiping tears, etc. Casual contact cannot transmit HIV or sexually transmitted diseases.

Cat house: A house of prostitution.

Category A, B, C (AIDS): A system for classifying stages of HIV/AIDS. Category A indicates full-blown AIDS. Category B indicates illnesses and symptoms (e.g., Kaposi's sarcoma) that qualify as an AIDS diagnosis. Category C indicates illnesses and symptoms (e.g., cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) that are attributable to or complicated by HIV infection, but which are not AIDS-defining.

Category A, B, C, D, X (drugs): FDA pregnancy risk categories indicate risk to a fetus from maternal use of a drug. Category A drugs have not shown a risk in controlled studies. Category B drugs either have not been tested in animals or show adverse effects in animals which have not been confirmed in humans. Category C means that no controlled studies have been done in humans. Category D indicates that there is evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits of the drug may outweigh the risk. Category X includes drugs that have been shown to cause fetal abnormalities in animal and human studies (or common experience).

CBC (abbr. Complete Blood Count): a battery of blood tests including counts of various cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin.

CBCT (Community-Based Clinical Trial): A clinical trial conducted primarily through primary-care physicians rather than academic research facilities.

CBO (abbr. Community-Based Organization): A common term for local work at the grassroots level as contrasted with a regional or national structure.

CCR5: Cell surface molecule that is needed along with the primary receptor, the CD4 molecule, in order to fuse with the membranes of the immune system cells. Researchers have found that the strains of HIV most often transmitted from person to person require the CCR5 molecule and CD4 molecule in order for HIV to enter the cell. In addition to its role in fusion, CKR5 is a receptor for certain immune-signaling molecules called chemokines that are known to suppress HIV infection of cells.

CD4 (T4): The protein imbedded on the surface of T-helper cells to which HIV attaches itself and through which it first enters the cells. CD4 T-cell is responsible for coordinating much of the immune response. CD4 cells are one of the main targets damaged by HIV.

CD4 count: The number of T-helper lymphocytes per cubic millimeter of blood. The CD4 count is a good predictor of immune health. A CD4 count less than 200 qualifies as a diagnosis of AIDS.

CD8 (T8): A protein embedded in the cell surface of T-suppresser cells.

CDC (abbr. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): The agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, located in Atlanta, Georgia. CDC's mission is to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. CDC operates 11 Centers including the National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention. CDC assesses the status and characteristics of the HIV epidemic and conducts surveillance, epidemiologic, and laboratory investigations.

CDC National Aids Hotline (CDC-NAH): Provides education, information, and referrals for persons living with HIV, their partners, families, friends, health professionals, and the general public on HIV/AIDS issues, including risk factors, transmission, prevention, and testing. The Hotline number is 1-800-342-AIDS (1-800-342-2437).

CDC National Prevention Information Network (CDC-NPIN): NPIN is a national reference, referral and distribution service for information on HIV/AIDS, STDs, and TB, sponsored by CDC. All of NPIN's services are designed to facilitate sharing of information and resources among people working in HIV prevention, treatment, and support services. NPIN serves a diverse network of people who work in international, national, state, and local settings. Internet address: www.cdcnpin.org

Ceiling effect: The phenomenon in which a drug reaches a maximum effect, so that increasing the drug dosage does not increase its effectiveness.

Celibate: Choosing to abstain from any sexual activity. It is often thought of as mandatory and holy scripture for many religious orders, and less often for unmarried people. Practicing celibacy is a prevention technique for HIV/AIDS.

Cell: 1. The smallest unit of an organism that is considered to be alive. All living organisms either are one cell or are composed of several cells. A cell is composed of cytoplasm and a nucleus and is surrounded by a membrane or wall. 2. Cell phone; “call me on my cell.”

Cell antiviral factor: A factor produced by CD8 cells that is hypothesized to block viral infection during the HIV latency period and in long-term nonprogressors. The identity of this factor is not known; possibilities include IL-16 and the chemokines RANTES, MIP-1-alpha and MIP-1-beta.

Cell-associated virus: Virus that resides within a host cell. Contrast with cell-free virus.

Cell-free virus: Virus that exists outside of cells within the bloodstream. Contrast with cell-associated virus.

Cell lines: Specific cell types artificially grown and maintained in the laboratory (in vitro) for scientific purposes.

Cell-mediated immunity (CMI): This branch of the immune system exists primarily to deal with viruses, which are more insidious than bacteria because they invade the host (e.g., human) cells, where they can hide from the antibody-making cells of the immune system. Within this system, the reaction to foreign material is performed by specific defense cells, such as killer T cells, macrophages, and other white blood cells rather than by antibodies.

Cellular immunity: Immunity that comes from the ability of cells to recognize invaders.

Censorship: The conscious act of denying people access to true facts. Some politicians, adults and school districts want to ban all sex ed and AIDS prevention information. Dr. John says, “Censorship of medical facts results in unnecessary teen HIV infections and more deaths by AIDS.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Best known as the CDC, this preeminent federal public health agency is a branch of the Public Health Service that is directly involved with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Its responsibilities include disease surveillance, licensing of clinical laboratories, conducting research & training of epidemiologists and health workers. The CDC is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Central nervous system (CNS): Composed of the brain, spinal cord, and its coverings (meninges).

Cervical cancer: HIV-positive (HIV+) women are dying from cervical cancer. HIV+ women, compared to HIV- women, have more frequent recurrences, lower T-cell counts, more rapid progression and multifocal sites.

Cervical cap: A small, rubber contraceptive barrier device that fits over the cervix. It is smaller than the diaphragm and is held in place by suction. Like the diaphragm, spermicide is required with the cervical cap. It protects against pregnancy for 48 hours but does not protect against HIV.

Cervical dysplasia: Abnormal development of the tissue of the uterine cervix. Occurring most often in young women and particularly in women who are HIV-positive, it appears to regress frequently but may progress over a long period of time to a noticeable growth. The time period to an eventual growth (carcinoma) is faster in women who are HIV+.

Cervical mucous: A thick fluid plugging the opening of the cervix. Most of the time the cervical mucous is thick enough to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. At mid-cycle, however, under the influence of estrogen, the mucous becomes thin and watery, and sperm can more easily pass into the uterus.

Cervicitis: Inflammation of the cervix, usually caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Cervix: The tapered, lower end of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Cesarean section: Delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the abdominal wall. Also known as C-section.

Chain of infection: A process that begins when an agent leaves its reservoir or host and is conveyed by some mode of transmission, then enters through an appropriate entry point to infect a susceptible host.

Chancre: A red, painless sore that is an early symptom of syphilis.

Chancroid: A painful sore on the penis that is caused by the STD bacterium Hemophilus ducreyi.

Chasing the Dragon: Drug slang for heroin inhaled as smoke through a straw; smoking does not transmit HIV.

Chaste: 1. Acting like a vestal virgin. 2. To engage in only the most ordinary sexual activities.

Chastity: Sexual abstinence.

Chastity Belts: A variety of devices designed to prevent women, men, and children from having sex. Used from medieval to modern times, these devices were also supposed to preserve morality.

Cheat: To be unfaithful to one's regular sex partner; involves dishonesty.

Cheeks: The fleshy portion of the buttocks.

Chemical castration: Using drugs to reduce or eliminate a man's physical sexual impulses.

Chemokines (beta chemokines): Studies of the relationship between HIV and these immune system chemicals have shown the complex exchanges that take place when HIV and white blood cells meet. Chemokines are intracellular messenger molecules secreted by CD8+ cells whose major function is to attract immune cells to sites of infection. Research has shown that HIV-1 needs access to chemokine receptors on the cell surface to infect the cell. Several chemokines-called Rantes, MIP-1A, and MIP-1B-interfere with HIV replication by occupying these receptors. Findings suggest that one mechanism these molecules use to suppress HIV infectivity is to block the process of fusion used by the virus to enter cells.

Cherry: Slang expression for 1. the hymen; virgin pussy. 2. To pop someone's cherry; cop a cherry.

Chickenhead: 1. Teen, derogatory slang for female who loves a lot of sex, especially oral sex. 2. A girl, often ugly, that no guy wants. Compare with “dog,” for males who screw around.

Child: In most states, a legal definition for anyone younger than eighteen. Commonly used to describe a child under eleven.

Child abuse: Behavior directed toward a child or adolescent by an adult that harms a child's physical or emotional health and development. Child abuse includes four major categories: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.

Childhood neglect: Failure of the family to provide a child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, or medical attention.

Child pornography: Books, magazines, and films that involve children in sexual activities.

Chillin: Urban slang for simply "hanging out" with no purpose or reason.

Chlamydia (Chlamydiasis): A very common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydiasis is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. Despite being one of the most common STDs in women, it may be asymptomatic or include symptoms such as genital inflammation and discharge, pelvic pain and fever. Untreated, it may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.

Choad: English slang for penis from Hindi, Bengali and Gujarati languages (via the British Raj); an Indian vernacular word equivalent to “f**k.”

Chromosome: A body in the nucleus of the cell that contains the hereditary material.

Chronic: 1. A problem that lasts for a long time. As PWAs live longer, HIV/AIDS is becoming a chronic disease. 2. Urban slang for potent marijuana, often homegrown skunk-style bud (as opposed to "bammer”).

Chronological age: The period of time since birth.

Circle jerk: Teen slang for young male group masturbation (usually a practice of adolescent experimentation when raging hormones and bravado permit this semi-homoerotic activity).

Circumcision (Slang, “cut”): 1. Male circumcision. Removing the foreskin of the penis, often done to infants. No conclusive evidence on whether or not circumcision has any effect on the likelihood of HIV transmission but some research suggests lower transmission of HIV if a male is circumcised. However, in South Africa, teen boys are circumcised as a group using the same ceremonial knife/spear and HIV blood can be passed from one to many. 2. Female circumcision. Mutilation of the clitoris to deny women sexual feeling; sometimes in the name of religion or culture. The UN has taken a strong stand against this kind of female mutilation.

Civil Unions: Proposed legal protections for gay and lesbian same-sex couples remain a politically decisive issue. It is not marriage, does not confer equal rights, but it gives same sex couples a measure of officially sanctioned protection. It has passed in only a few states to date.

Civilization: A term used by anthropologists to describe any society that has cities.

Clades: 1. "Families of a viral strain." A group of related HIV isolates classified according to their degree of genetic similarity (such as their envelope proteins). There are currently three groups of HIV-1 isolates, M, N, and O. M consists of at least ten clades, “A” through “J” and more. Group O may consist of a similar number of clades. A more recent HIV isolate was found in a Cameroonian woman with AIDS so N was used for “new,” and non-O, Non-M. 2. In anthropology: a group of species with a common evolutionary ancestry.

Clap: Slang for gonorrhea, an STD. Usage note: usually used as "the clap."

Classification: Process through which the educational, vocational, treatment, and security needs of a youth offender are determined.

Clean (adj.): 1. Not having a sexually transmitted disease especially AIDS; "I’m clean." 2. Referring to sterilized or bleached syringes and needles used by IDUs. 3. Also meaning free from using drugs like needle-sharing heroin.

Cleavage: The valley that separates the female breasts.

Clinical: Pertaining to or founded on actual observation and treatment of patients, as distinguished from theoretical or basic science.

Clinical comparison study: Clinical trial where the test drug is evaluated against an existing standard therapy rather than against a placebo.

Clinical diagnosis: Using clinical experience to identify the presence of a disease.

Clinical protocols: Step-by-step instructions that explain how to perform clinical tasks, such as inserting an IUD or taking blood pressure.

Clinical trial: A test to see how well a new drug works on volunteers who have been informed of the potential risks and benefits and the nature of the experiment (under tight government and clinical supervision).

Clinical Trials Information Service (AIDSinfo): Provides quick and easy access to information on federally and privately funded clinical trials that evaluate experimental drugs and other therapies for adults and children at all stages of HIV infection. ACTIS is co-sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Library of Medicine. Internet address http://aidsinfo.nih.gov

Climax: Orgasm.

Clitoral hood: The fold of skin covering the clitoris.

Clitoral stimulation: Direct manipulation or rubbing of the clitoris using any means.

Clitoridectomy: The surgical removal of the clitoris and all or part of the labia. Also known as female circumcision.

Clitoris: The female sexual organ located at the top front of the vulva that, when stimulated, becomes hard and can produce an orgasm (slang is clit).

Clone: Group of cells derived from a single parent and therefore identical to it.

Closet: Referring to gays or lesbians who are “in the closet,” i.e., not open to most people about their sexual orientation.

Clotting factor: One of several proteins involved in the normal clotting of blood.

Cluster Differentiation (CD): A marker protein embedded in the surface of cell membranes or the interior of cells. CD molecules determine which other molecules can bind to a given cell (e.g., the CD4 marker allows HIV to invade certain types of cells).

CMV (Cytomegalovirus): Virus related to the herpes family, CMV infections may occur without causing any symptom or may result in mild flu-like symptoms of aching, fever, mild sore throat or enlarged lymph nodes. Several CMV infections can result in retinitis, hepatitis, mononucleosis or pneumonia especially in immune compromised persons. CMV is "shed" in body fluids such as urine, semen, saliva, feces and sweat.

Coagulation: Clotting; the transformation of a liquid (e.g., blood) into a solid mass.

Cocaine (a.k.a. Coke, blow, snow, nose candy, flake): A potent and highly addictive stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca plant and distributed on the street in two main forms: cocaine hydrochloride and "crack."

Coccidioidomycosis: An infectious fungal disease caused by the inhalation of spores of Coccidioides immitis, which are carried on windblown dust particles. The disease is endemic in hot, dry regions of the Southwestern United States and Central and South America. It is considered an AIDS-defining opportunistic infection in persons with HIV infection. Also called desert fever, San Joaquin Valley fever, or Valley fever.

Cock: Slang for penis.

Cockpit: Slang for vagina (used by some teen girls).

Cock ring: A device, often a leather strap or metal ring, placed at the base of an erect penis in order to restrict blood flow and maintain an erection. A cock ring must be put on and removed when the penis is soft.

Cocked: Slang for drunk.

Cocksucker: 1. Slang for one who performs oral intercourse on the penis. 2. Derisive term bantered about by adolescent males (“You cocksucker!”).

Cocktail: 1. Alcoholic-mixed drink. 2. Refers to combinations of HIV drugs to control HIV.

Cock teaser: One who excites a male without carrying on to actual sex relations.

Cofactors: Other substances, microorganisms or characteristics of individuals which may make them likely to develop AIDS after HIV infection or influence the progression of the disease.

Cognitive anthropology: The study of how peoples of different cultures acquire information about the world (cultural transmission), how they process that information and reach decisions, and how they act in ways that other members of their culture consider appropriate.

Cognitive development: Development of the ability to think and reason.

Cognitive impairment: Loss of the ability to process, learn, and remember information (this occurs with HIV/AIDS).

Cognitive imperative: The human need to impose order on the world by mental processes.

Cohabitation: Living together in a sexual relationship; often referring to an unmarried couple.

Cohort: Group of individuals sharing a statistical factor like HIV infection or age.

Cohort study: A type of observational analytic study. Enrollment into the study is based on exposure characteristics or membership in a group. Disease, death, or other health-related outcomes are then ascertained and compared.

Coitus: Sexual intercourse between a man and a woman, where the man puts his penis in the woman's vagina.

Cold: When one is unresponsive to sexual stimulation or relations; frigid (i.e., “she’s cold”).

Cold Sore: Facial presentation of the herpes simplex virus, usually on the lips and mouth.

Colposcopy: Examination of the vagina and cervix using an endoscopic instrument (colposcope) that provides magnification to allow direct observation and study of vaginal and cervical cells in vivo.

Combination therapy: The use of two or more drugs as treatment. Also, the use of two or more types of treatment in combination, alternatively or together.

Come (cum): Male slang for semen.

Coming out: The process of acknowledging that one is gay, lesbian or bisexual.

Commando-style: A young male who wears no underwear beneath his pants, often letting his genitalia show.

Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs): Common medical-epidemiological term for people (usually females, but also males) who engage in prostitution providing sex for money as employment.

Community-based distribution: The distribution of health services and supplies through stores, special depots, or agents other than clinics, physicians, or medical personnel.

Community planning: Responsible for developing comprehensive HIV prevention plans that are directly responsive to the epidemics in their jurisdictions. The goal of HIV Prevention Community Planning is to improve the effectiveness of HIV prevention programs. Together in partnership, representatives of affected populations, epidemiologists, behavioral scientists, HIV/AIDS prevention service providers, health department staff, and others analyze the course of the epidemic in their jurisdiction, determine their priority intervention needs, and identify interventions to meet those needs.

Community Programs For Clinical Research On AIDS: Also known as "Terry Beirn Community Programs for Clinical Research on AIDS." The community research branch of NIAID, CPCRA does trials in sites across the United States. The research focus and scientific agenda of the CPCRA is identifying and improving treatment options in the day-to-day clinical care of people with HIV.

Community standards: Refers to legal policy determining what constitutes accepted standards for decency; an ambiguous standard that varies greatly from community to community.

Comparison trial: A trial in which experimental drugs are tested against each other or against an approved drug.

Compassionate use: Regulatory mechanism for releasing an investigational new drug (IND) when there is little established data on its efficacy. The drug company is generally not allowed to charge for compassionate use and must be willing to give the drug free of charge to those patients whose medical condition might be helped by the use of the drug. Special approval must be obtained from the FDA for compassionate use of a drug.

Complete Blood Count (CBC): A breakdown of the various cells in a sample of blood into white cells, red blood cells, platelets, etc.

Compliance: Refers to how closely a particular protocol is followed. May be influenced by the willingness and/or ability of patients to conform to treatment by taking medications as prescribed and keeping necessary clinic appointments.

Comprehensive sex ed health: Offers full and complete information on the sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS; nothing of a medical nature is deleted.

Conception: The uniting of semen and ovum during intercourse; impregnation.

Concomitant: Accompanied by or occurring at the same time. Concomitant therapies are those that are used together.

Concomitant drugs: Drugs that are taken together. Certain concomitant medications may have adverse interactions.

Concubine: A mistress.

Concurrent: Taken at the same time. For example, if "concurrent AZT" is an exclusion criterion in a drug trial, the participants cannot take AZT while in the trial.

Concurrent Climax: A simultaneous climax or orgasm between two partners.

Condom: A medical device. A man wears a prophylactic barrier called a condom on his penis for sexual intercourse. While not 100 percent effective, its use is recommended by most AIDS prevention professionals as an aid to prevent HIV transmission. Condoms are usually made of latex but sometimes are made of polyurethane or animal skin. The history of condoms goes back centuries. Now female condoms are being sold that fit inside the vagina and over the lips of the labia.

Confidential testing: A private, confidential test for HIV or another STD, that only the person tested and the doctor or nurse who performed the test can see. No one else knows.

Conjugal relationship: The sexual/physical relationship between spouses.

Consanguineal kin: Persons related by birth.

Consanguineous mating: Mating between biological relatives.

Consequences: Results of a particular action. Dr. John says, “Sex is normal and pleasant. But the consequence of unprotected sex could be HIV/AIDS.”

Conspiracy Theories: Some people have suggested that the origin of HIV/AIDS came about in laboratories either intentionally (CIA, KGB, etc.) or by accident in poorly-managed environments that contaminated vaccines like Swine flu, polio and smallpox before the first confirmed cases of HIV/AIDS in the early 1980s.

Contact: Exposure to a source of an infection, or a person so exposed.

Contagious: Contagious has come to mean any infectious disease capable of being transmitted by casual contact from one person to another. HIV is not transmitted by casual contact. Therefore, HIV is infectious, not contagious. An infectious pathogen like HIV is transmitted by direct or intimate contact (e.g., sex).

Control (Control Arm): In a clinical trial, the group of participants who receive a placebo or standard treatment, whose results can be compared against those who are receiving the experimental treatment.

Controlled Comparison: A method in which hypotheses are tested by comparing two or more populations that are similar or identical in most respects other than that which has been defined as the independent variable.

Controlled trials: Control is a standard against which experimental observations may be evaluated. In clinical trials, one group of patients is given an experimental drug, while another group (i.e., the control group) is given either a standard treatment for the disease or a placebo.

Contraceptive: Any method, drug, or device that helps prevent conception.

Contraceptive foam: A spermicidal foam that is inserted into the vagina with an applicator prior to intercourse where it helps protect against pregnancy.

Contraceptive Patch: In 2002, the contraceptive patch was approved for use in the USA. Some reports suggest that women find the patch easier to remember (compared to the pills) as it is worn on the skin for three weeks (but not for the one week of menses).

Contraceptive sponge: A polyurethane sponge inserted inside the vagina that blocks the opening of the cervix and releases a spermicide thereby helping to protect against unintentional pregnancy.

Contraceptive suppository: A small capsule of spermicide that is inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse where it dissolves and helps protect against pregnancy.

Cop a feel: Slang to fondle a person without necessarily continuing with other more explicit sexual activity.

Copulation: Vaginal intercourse.

Core Protein: Integral protein in HIV composed of three units, p24, p18, and p15.

Co-receptor: A second receptor that enables an organism to infect a cell. In addition to the CD4 receptor on cell surfaces, HIV requires the co-receptor fusin to infect T-cells and the co-receptor CKR5 to infect macrophages.

Cornhole: Slang for anal intercourse.

Corona: Rim of flesh that forms the base of the head of penis and separates the head from the shaft.

Correlates of immunity/correlates of protection: The immune responses that protect an individual from a certain disease. The precise identities of the correlates of immunity in HIV are unknown.

Corroborate: To confirm; research needs to be corroborated.

Courtesan: Old term for a very high class of prostitute or kept woman.

Cowper's glands: Two pea-size glands located below the prostate gland that secrete a drop or two of lubricating fluid into the urethra before ejaculation. This fluid usually also contains a few sperm which is one reason that withdrawal is not a recommended method of birth control.

COYOTE: Acronym for “Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics,” a lobbying group founded by Margot St. James urging the decriminalization of prostitution. It provides services (legal, financial, etc.) to prostitutes nationwide.

Crabs: Slang term for Pediculosis pubis or pubic lice, very small vermin that infest the pubic areas of human beings and are passed on to others through sexual intercourse.

Crack cocaine: The chemical cocaine is found in the oil of the coca plant leaf; when processed, cocaine is chemically turned into a water-soluble powder form called "cocaine hydrochloride." "Crack" cocaine, much like "freebasing" cocaine, is cocaine powder that has been turned back into an oil form of cocaine that can be smoked.

Crack whore (street lingo: crack ‘ho): Slang for someone who gives sexual favors for drugs.

Cracker: Urban slang for a white person.

Cramps: Discomfort caused by the contraction of the uterus, usually beginning before a female’s period and tapering off during one’s period.

Cream (creaming): Slang for male ejaculate; ejaculation. When used with women, the production of vaginal lubrication; a female’s ejaculate.

Creation-science (new term: intelligent design): The belief that the Bible’s strict interpretation of life and its creation by God is the best explanation. The belief that the world is 10,000 years old and was created in seven days (from Book of Genesis). Creationists reject all scientific evidence that has followed Galileo’s and Darwinian evidence. Mainstream scientists say there is no scientific value to creation-science. The new term “intelligent design” is favored politically by creationists.

Creepin': Urban slang for when a person is "sneaking around," cheating on his or her boy/girlfriend.

Cremaster: A muscle within the scrotal sac that causes the testes to descend and/or elevate based on temperature.

Crib: Urban slang for one’s home; “this is my crib.”

Crisis residential treatment services: Short-term, round-the-clock help provided in a non-hospital setting during a crisis. For example, when a teen becomes aggressive and uncontrollable, despite in-home supports, a parent can temporarily place the child in a crisis residential treatment service. The purposes of this care are to avoid inpatient hospitalization, help stabilize the child, and determine the next appropriate step.

Critical theory: A theoretical approach developed by the so-called "Frankfurt School" of German social thinkers, which stresses that all knowledge is historical, and in a sense, biased communication because the winners write history. Thus, all claims to "objective" knowledge are illusory.

Crixivan: Brand name of Indinavir.

Cross-cultural research: A method that uses a global sample of societies in order to test hypotheses. Dr. John’s PeerCorps model has been successfully tested cross-culturally.

Cross-dresser: A man who wears women's clothing. Used especially for men who only occasionally dress as women but maintain their masculine/straight identity otherwise.

Cross-resistance: The development of resistance to one agent (e.g., a drug) that also confers resistance to another agent (e.g., a similar drug of the same class).

Cross-tolera: Disease caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans which is acquired via the respiratory tract. It characteristically spreads to the meninges (the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Symptoms may include headache, confusion, blurred vision, speech difficulties, and coma. It is one of the most frequent opportunistic infections in AIDS.

Cruise: To look over perspective sex partners at a bar, party, mall, beach, etc. with the purpose of scoring sexually, a popular pastime of older teens and young adults. Also, a term used by gays in hot pursuit of a sex partner.

Crush: Used to describe an infatuation with someone.

Cryptococcal meningitis cultural universal: Those general cultural traits found in all societies of the world. Culture shock is a psychological disorientation experienced when attempting to operate in a radically different cultural environment.

CSW (commercial sex worker): Term favored by people who exchange sex for cash (prostitutes; hustlers; hookers, etc.).

Cultural anthropology: A sub-discipline of anthropology concerned with the non-biological, behavioral aspects of society; i.e. the social, linguistic, and technological components underlying human behavior. Two important branches of cultural anthropology are ethnography (the study of living cultures) and ethnology (which attempts to compare cultures using ethnographic evidence). In Europe, it is referred to as social anthropology.

Cultural competence: Help that is sensitive and responsive to cultural differences.

Cultural determinism: The idea that except for reflexes all behavior is the result of learning.

Cultural diffusion: The spreading of a cultural trait (e.g., material object, idea, or behavior pattern) from one society to another.

Cultural relativism: The ability to view the beliefs and customs of other peoples within the context of their culture rather than one's own.

Culture: 1. Learned, nonrandom, systematic behavior and knowledge that can be transmitted from generation to generation. 2. A method of growing a microorganism or living tissue in vitro in a medium that promotes its growth. 3. Sexual culture refers to various sexual beliefs, institutions and behavior of a people.

Culture-bound: The state or quality of having relevance only to the members of a specific cultural group.

Cum: Slang for semen; sperm. Other slang: jism, milk, cream, jizz.

Cunnilingus: Oral sex performed on a woman; specifically, licking the clitoris and vagina of a woman to produce an orgasm.

C**t: Harsh slang used by males to refer to: 1. The vagina. 2. A derogatory term for a female.

Cure for AIDS: After 25 years of scientific research and medical advances, there is still no cure for AIDS. Dr. John counsels: “Honest medically accurate education is the world’s most viable prevention tool in lieu of a cure.”

Cut: 1. Circumcised penis (often done soon after birth but in some parts of Africa, done at puberty as a rite of passage). Opposite of uncut. 2. Having well defined muscles. 3. Urban slang for a put down or insult. 4 A song on a record.

Cuttin: Urban slang for having sex.

Cutting Agents: These are various powders that are used to dilute cocaine, heroin and other drugs used in powder form. Lactose ("milk sugar") is an example, another is mannitol.

CXCR4: A cell molecule that acts as a cofactor or co-receptor for the entry of HIV into immune system cells. Early in the epidemic, CD4 molecules were found to be the primary receptor for HIV on immune system cells. Recent data indicate that a second molecule, CXCR4, is also required for fusion and entry of certain strains of HIV into cells. New studies indicate a multistage interplay between HIV and two receptors on white blood cells. After binding to the receptor CD4, the virus fuses with a second receptor, CXCR4, which normally binds to chemokines. This double clasp may then signal the receptors to move the virus into the cell. Also called fusin.

Cyberbullying: Anything from posting pejorative comments, spreading rumors, to harassment via emails. What was once the purview of adolescent males, has become a practice of teen girls.

Cybersex: Refers to erotic, sexual chatting via the computer over the internet while one or both of the parties is masturbating. Teen boys like to view porn sites and watch sexual acts in video and images. Modern times' answer to the little porn comic books that army men of WWII used.

Cyberspace: Another term for the internet; the world wide web, etc.

Cyclospora: An intestinal parasite that can cause severe diarrhea in people with AIDS. One outbreak was associated with contaminated North American strawberries.

Cytokines: Proteins produced by white blood cells that act as chemical messengers between cells to mediate immune response. CD8 (T-suppresser) cells release a cytokine that appears to block HIV replication in infected cells, at least until the advanced stage of HIV disease.

Cytomegalovirus (abbr. CMV): One of a group of viruses related to herpes that cause cell enlargement in various internal organs. CMV disease is an AIDS-defining condition.

Cytotoxic: Term used to describe something that damages or kills cells. Also used as the name of a type of T cell.

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D

Da bomb: A mid-nineties term for the best. A great thing or situation. "That BMW is da bomb!"

Da hood: Urban slang for the neighborhood or referring to a certain side of town.

DAIDS (Division of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): It was formed in 1986 to address the national research needs created by the advent and spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic; to increase basic knowledge of the pathogenesis, natural history, and transmission of HIV disease; and to support research to promote HIV detection, treatment, and prevention. DAIDS is a division of NIAID.

Dank: Slang for a potent, strong smelling marijuana.

Darkfield exam: A special laboratory technique that is used to identify the germ that causes syphilis. The technique uses light that is reflected at an angle so that the germ shows up as a light-colored object against a dark background.

Dartmouth College: One of the Ivy League colleges and where Dr. John received his B.A. in History and Government. Active in student government, he was given a college award for initiating and running a fraternity outreach program with poor and disadvantaged youth in rural New Hampshire and Vermont.

Data (Singular Datum): Factual information, especially results of an experiment or clinical trial.

Data And Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB): 1. A standing committee responsible for periodically reviewing accumulated data for evidence of adverse or beneficial treatment effects during the trial and for initiating recommendations for modification of a study treatment, including termination of the treatment when appropriate. 2. One of the key committees in the organizational structure of a multi-center trial. Usually composed primarily, if not exclusively, of individuals not directly involved in patient care or data collection in the trial.

Date rape: A term for forced sexual interaction with a date, not a stranger.

Dawg: Urban slang for 1. A title for friends, like "homie." 2. A guy who goes with all the girls, even if he has a girlfriend; a male tramp.

DDC (Dideoxycytidine): A dideoxynucleoside derivative (nucleoside analog) as is AZT. It has proven potent against HIV but is not a vaccine or cure.

DDi (dideoxyinosine): A nucleoside analog. It has been approved by the FDA for use in people who have failed on or are intolerant to AZT.

Dead presidents: Urban slang for money that has dead presidents on their bills (Franklin on the fifty; Jackson on the twenty).

Deduction: A process of reasoning by which more specific consequences are inferred by rigorous argument from more general propositions (cf. induction).

Deerfield Academy: A premier prep school in the U.S. from which Dr. John Chittick received his high school diploma (1966), then the school’s prestigious Heritage Award for his continuing Global Walk to educate teens (2001).

Deep throat: 70’s term for swallowing the penis far into the mouth, entering the throat; from famous porn movie of the same name.

Deezam: Urban slang for damn (accent on second syllable).

Deferred therapy: Therapy given later in the course of disease, often after symptoms have appeared. In a clinical trial, one arm may be given deferred treatment and compared to an arm that received treatment from the outset.

Defile: To rape or otherwise violate a woman who is still a virgin.

Defloration: An old term referring to the loss of virginity from the rupture of a virgin's hymen, through intercourse or other means.

Deflower: For a man to have sexual intercourse with a virgin woman.

Degenerate: A person whose abnormalities go way beyond the average actions of gay or straight sexual activity.

Delayed ejaculation: A sexual dysfunction characterized by the male's difficulties with ejaculating during intercourse.

Delinquent offense: An act committed by a youth (usually under 18) that would be a crime if committed by an adult. Examples include assault, burglary, sex with a peer, or possession of illegal drugs.

Demerol: This is a synthetically produced narcotic that acts like morphine or heroin.

Demographic transition: A rapid increase in a society's population with the onset of industrialization, followed by a leveling off of the growth rate due to reduced fertility.

Dendritic cells: Primary antigen presenting cell of the human immune system. HIV can be found in these cells. They are typically the first to arrive at sites of injury or infection, where they bind to invaders and transport them to the lymph nodes where the cell-mediated immune response is initiated. Dendritic cells carry the CD4 surface marker, and may be among the first cells to be infected by HIV.

Dental dam: A safer-sex barrier, usually made of a flat sheet of latex or a condom cut in half, and used when performing oral sex or cunnilingus (oral contact with female genitals) and analingus (oral/anal contact). Dentists have used dental dams to protect a patient when performing procedures (they can be bought in stores with pharmacies).

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA): A nucleic acid that controls the structure of proteins and hence determines inherited characteristics (the building blocks of life). Genes are portions of the DNA molecule that fulfill specific functions. One of the most important scientific discoveries of all time.

Department Of Health And Human Services (DHHS): The U.S. federal government’s principal division for the protection of the lives of all Americans that includes the Public Health Service.

Dependence: A state in which a person is reliant on a drug. Physical dependence is characterized by the onset of physical symptoms of withdrawal (e.g., swe