Glossaries

The medical terms simplifier gives plain-language descriptions of medical terms commonly used in information about medicines. The glossary of regulatory terms gives definitions for the main regulatory terms used on this website and in EMA documents.

Medical terms simplifier

EMA’s medical terms simplifier gives plain-language descriptions of medical terms commonly used in information about medicines.

The resource focuses on side effects and other terms used in medicines information and assessments of medicines.

The medical terms simplifier does not cover rarely used terms, most disease states, very specialised areas or the broader field of medical science. EMA will issue updates of the document.

EMA medical terms simplifier

Reference Number: EMA/329258/2022 Rev.1

Glossary of regulatory terms

EMA's glossary of regulatory terms gives definitions for the main regulatory terms used on this website and in EMA documents.

EMA has developed the definitions in this glossary to help this website's users understand regulatory terminology. Definitions may differ from those given in European Union legislation.

Go to the glossary of regulatory terms