pump

pump definition - medical

pump (pŭmp)

noun
  1. A machine or device for raising, compressing, or transferring fluids.
  2. A molecular mechanism for the active transport of ions or molecules across a cell membrane.
verb
  1. To raise or cause to flow by means of a pump.
  2. To transport ions or molecules against a concentration gradient by the expenditure of chemically stored energy.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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