Words Starting With "P"

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Postbox

A box used to hold letters and other mail until they are collected by a postman.

A term in histology and the vasculature, usually referring to the vessels that lie distal to the capillaries, typically capillaries are postcapillary venules and sometimes even small veins. In essence, postcapillary refers to structures that come after capillaries in the sequence of vasculature, often implying a region where lymphocytes interact with the endothelium or other cell types.

Postcards

A postcard is a small card, typically with a picture or image on one side, that is sent through the mail to communicate a brief message from one person to another. It usually includes the address of the sender and the recipient and is used for informal or casual communication, such as announcing a vacation or a visit, to express gratitude or sympathy, or to share a special moment or event.

Postcava

The posterior vena cava (PCV) is a large vein that returns deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the right atrium of the heart.

Postcode

A postcode, also known as a post code or zip code, is a series of letters and/or numbers used to identify a specific location, usually for postal mail delivery. It is a unique code that reflects a specific geographic area, often a street, region, or city. The purpose of a postcode is to help expedite the sorting and delivery of mail and packages, as well as to assist in the efficient operation of postal services. The word "postcode" is often used interchangeably with "zip code," although the term may vary by country or region.

Postcoital

The term "postcoital" refers to the period after sexual intercourse or coitus. It can be used to describe the physical, emotional, or psychological state of an individual in the aftermath of sex. In scientific or medical contexts, it can also be used in relation to physiological changes, such as changes in heart rate, body temperature, or hormone levels, that occur following sexual activity. In a broader sense, "postcoital" is used to describe any aspect that happens after sex, including various biological, emotional, or psychological responses, such as: 1. Hormonal changes: Hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and vasopressin may surge after sex, influencing mood and bonding. 2. Physical sensations: Postcoital fatigue, a sense of relaxation, or the occurrence of mild cramps or afterpains for some individuals, particularly in women, following orgasm. 3. Bonding and connection: The afterglow of emotional intimacy and the feelings of affection or connection that may last longer than the physical act of sexual intercourse itself. 4. Biological conception: This aspect is particularly relevant when talking about conception, as it involves the possible fertilization of an egg after sexual intercourse, leading to pregnancy. In summary, "postcoital" is a term used to describe any aspect that occurs subsequent to sexual intercourse, encompassing both physical, emotional, and psychological changes that happen after sex.

Postcolonial

Postcolonial refers to the period of time after a country has gained independence from colonial rule, which was imposed by a more powerful country. It also refers to the cultural, social, and literary movements that emerged after decolonization. In a broader sense, postcolonialism encompasses the ongoing effects of colonialism on the colonized countries and their cultures, as well as the attempts of these countries to establish their own identities, traditions, and narratives. Key aspects of postcolonialism include: 1. Resistance to colonialism and the colonial legacy 2. Celebration of local cultures and traditions 3. Critique of Western superiority and cultural imperialism 4. Exploration of identity, citizenship, and belonging 5. Questioning of power dynamics and inequalities 6. Creation of alternative narratives and histories Postcolonial studies and literature often focus on the experiences of colonized people, exploring themes such as: The impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures Resistance and struggle for independence Identity formation and cultural hybridity Power dynamics and inequality Social justice and human rights Famous postcolonial authors include: Salman Rushdie Chinua Achebe Gabriel Garcia Marquez Toni Morrison Ngugi wa Thiong'o Salman Rushdie (again!) The prefix "post-" means "after" or "beyond", and colon is short for "colonialism". The term postcolonialism is often used interchangeably with postcolonial studies, postcolonial literature, or postcolonial theory.

Postcolonialism

Postcolonialism refers to a complex and multifaceted intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in response to the legacy of colonialism and imperialism. The term "postcolonial" describes the period after the end of colonial rule and the dissolution of colonial empires. Postcolonialism is more than just a reaction to colonialism; it is an attempt to understand and critique the cultural, political, economic, and social effects of colonialism, as well as to explore the ways in which colonized people have resisted and negotiated the power structures set up by their colonizers. Key features of postcolonialism include: 1. Rejection of Eurocentrism: A challenge to the idea that Western culture and knowledge are superior to others, and a recognition of the importance of non-Western perspectives and experiences. 2. Critique of Imperialism: An examination of the ways in which colonial powers sought to impose their dominance over colonized societies, Cultural control, economic exploitation, etc. 3. Empowerment of Marginalized Voices: Amplifying the voices and perspectives of those who were marginalized and silenced by colonialism, including women, indigenous peoples, and other minority groups. 4. Decentering Western Metanarratives: Challenging the dominant Western narrative of progress and human history, and celebrating the diversity and multiplicity of cultural experiences. 5. Praxis of Resistance: Examining the various ways in which colonialism has been resisted, subverted, and transformed by colonized peoples, including violent resistance, passive resistance, and cultural production. Postcolonialism involves a range of disciplines, including literature, history, anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, and philosophy, and has influenced a wide range of fields, from literary criticism and media studies to international relations and global governance. Key figures associated with postcolonialism include Edward Said, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Homi K. Bhabha, Frantz Fanon, and Antonio Gramsci, among many others.

Postcranial

Referring to the parts of an animal's anatomy that are below the skull. This includes the skeleton from the rib cage down to the tail. It is opposed to the cranium or the skull, which is the part of the skeleton that houses the brain.

Postcricoid

The postcricoid is the region of the larynx (voice box) located behind the cricoid cartilage. It is a muscular area that plays a crucial role in the process of swallowing (debuccalating) and phonation (producing sound). In anatomy, the postcricoid area is bounded by the cricoid cartilage posteriorly (behind) and the arytenoid cartilages and thyropharyngeus muscle anteriorly (in front). It is a slit-like passage through which food passes during swallowing and through which air passes to produce sound. The postcricoid area is significant in medical diagnosis, particularly in the assessment of laryngeal disorders and diseases that affect voice production, swallowing, and breathing.

Postdate

Dated later than the date intended or shown as being written.

Postdated

A check or document dated later than the current date. Example: "He wrote a postdated check to ensure it wouldn't clear until after his holiday."

Postdiluvian

Difficulty of learning or revival of something that occurred after a major disaster (often, a flood).

Postdoctoral

A postdoctoral researcher or specialist is an individual who has completed a doctoral degree (such as a PhD or its equivalent) and is conducting additional research, typically with the aim of building on their expertise and gaining more experience in their field before becoming an independent researcher or applying for another academic tenure-track position.

Postdural

Postdural refers to something that occurs after or following the insertion of a catheter or needle into the spinal canal through the dura mater, which is a protective membrane surrounding the spinal cord. For example: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a type of headache that occurs after a dural puncture or the insertion of a spinal tap.

Postea

A document summarizing the main points of a case or cause, especially one drawn up by a solicitor.

Posted

Passed on or given to someone, especially as an advertisement or letter, by posting it in a public place, such as a mailbox or a bulletin board.

Postembryonic

The term "post-embryonic" refers to the stage of development that follows the embryonic stage of an organism. The embryonic stage is the period of rapid growth and development of an organism from fertilization to birth or hatching, during which the major body organs and systems form. Once the embryonic stage has completed, the organism enters the post-embryonic stage, also known as the juvenile or post-hatching stage. This stage begins after birth or hatching and lasts until the organism reaches maturity. During the post-embryonic stage, the organism continues to grow and mature, and its body undergoes significant changes as it develops into an adult. For example: In humans, the post-embryonic stage begins after birth and lasts for the first 18-20 years of life, during which time the body undergoes significant growth and development. In insects, such as butterflies, the post-embryonic stage begins after hatching from the egg and lasts until the adult insect emerges from the pupa (chrysalis). Overall, the post-embryonic stage is a critical period of development and growth, during which the organism transition from a juvenile to a mature adult.

Postencephalitic

A postencephalitic individual is someone who has had encephalitis, a type of brain inflammation caused by infection, injury, or other factors. The term typically refers to a person who has recovered from the inflammation but may still be experiencing persistent cognitive, emotional, or behavior problems as a result of the brain damage.

Poster

A poster is a large public display of writing, images, or advertising, usually fixed to a wall, board, or other surface.

Posterially

Posteriorly refers to something that is situated behind or in the back, or coming after something.

Posterior

Coming after other things in time or arrangement. In anatomy, the back part of a structure. Located at the rear or directed towards the back. Following as a conclusion or result.

Posteriorally

Posteriorally refers to something that occurs or is directed towards the back or rear, or something that is located at or happening at the back of something else, often in relation to the direction of movement or progression.

Posteriori

A posteriori refers to knowledge or evidence that is gained or observed after the fact, often through experience or empirical research. It is contrasted with a priori knowledge, which is known or assumed to be true independently of experience or observation.

Posteriority

Posteriority refers to the state of being after or subsequent to something else in order of time, rank, or importance; something that comes later or is consequent on a prior event or condition. In other words, posteriority implies a temporal or logical connection between a preceding event or condition and a subsequent effect or outcome. It can also refer to the quality of being later or more recent in time, or of being subordinate or secondary to something else in importance or influence. For example: "The posteriority of the events of World War II had a profound impact on the world in the decades that followed." (Here, posteriority refers to the time that came after World War II.) "The posteriority of the problem made it more difficult to find a solution." (Here, posteriority refers to the fact that the problem came later in time and was therefore more complicated to solve.)

Posteriorly

In a position behind something or in the rear; located at the back. Example: "The posterior part of the spine makes up the back of our torso."

Posteriors

Adjective Relating to an inference or conclusion that is drawn from data or experience, or to something that comes after something else in time or order. Example: "Epidemiologists may use posterior probabilities to estimate the likelihood of disease outbreaks occurring in a given area."

Posterisation

Posterization, also known as posterization artifact, is a term used in image processing and digital photography to describe the appearance of banding or quantization artifacts that occur in digital images, particularly in digital photographs and digital paintings. It is caused when an image is captured and stored in a lossy digital format, such as JPEG, which uses a technique called discrete cosine transform to compress the image data. This transformation results in the image being quantized, or split into a series of discrete values, which can lead to the appearance of banding or posterization. Posterization can occur when there are large gradients in the image, such as in transitional areas between different colors or in areas with high brightness or contrast. It can also occur when the image is enlarged or displayed at a low resolution, causing the quantization artifacts to become more noticeable. There are three ways to get rid of a posterization of the image: - Increase the number of bits per pixel - Increase the number of color levels in the image - Increase the grayscale levels in the image.

Posterise

The word "posterise" is a verb that means to make or cause something to take on the characteristics of a photograph, typically by fixing or settling the colors or details of a scene or image, preventing further changes or motion from occurring. This can refer to the process of preserving a moment in time or freezing a scene in place.

Posterity

The state of coming after a person, as in their descendants or their later times.

Posterization

Posterization is a technique used in digital image processing and photography to create a divided image that resembles a poster. It involves dividing an image into distinct levels of color, resulting in a visual effect similar to an airbrush or hand-tinted artwork from photographs in the early 20th century. In the process, the image is digitally split into two or more levels of intensity or brightness, then reintroduced at its full intensity, causing loss of intermediate color steps or "posterized" edges. The overall effect is dramatic, with abrupt transitions between regions. This can add an aesthetic style to the image.

Posterize

To cover or varnish (something, such as a wood surface) with a layer of a substance, typically to prepare it for painting or decoration. Or, in photography, to over-expose an image. Also, in basketball, a posterable is a player with the ability to make dunks and spectacular moves likely to draw attention and record a poster (a high-flying play played back on a poster), especially for slam dunks.

Postern

A small gate or gatehouse in a wall, especially at the rear or side of a castle or other fortified building.

Posterocentral

Posterior central refers to something located in the back middle position. It can be used in anatomy to describe a location in the body or in other contexts, such as in positions or arrangements, where the term indicates that something is situated at the central or middle part at the back.

Posterocentrally

Posterocentrally refers to the placement or emphasis on something posterior, or located towards the back or rear, often in a structure, object, or arrangement.

Posterolateral

Located or directed towards the back or hindquarters, from the side.

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