Sexual Dictionary - letter N

Narcissism
behavior which involve exclusive self-absorption. A degree of narcissism is considered normal, where an individual has a healthy self-regard and realistic aspirations. It is considered pathological behavior when the person tends to harbor an exaggerated sense of his own self-importance and uniqueness.
Also called self-love.
Narcissist
person having a behavior which involves infatuation and obsession with one's self to the exclusion of others and the egotistic and ruthless pursuit of one's gratification, dominance and ambition.
Narcotic
drug classes that are derived from the opium poppy plant, contain opium, or are produced synthetically and have opium-like effects (e.g., heroin, codeine, methadone, morphine). Also called opioid drugs. Used for relieve pain, dull the senses and induce sleep. Usage has a legal context. Regularly use creates dependence. Overdose leads to death.
Natality
see birthrate.
Natural family planning
see birth control methods.
Nausea
a feeling or sensation of sickness in the stomach, leading to the urge to vomit. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in pregnancy durring 2 - 8 weeks after conception.
Neoplasia
an abnormal condition characterized by the formation and growth of a neoplasm sometimes precancerous. Normal tissue is growth-limited, cell reproduction is equal to cell death. Body feedback system controls limit cell division after a certain number of cells has developed, allowing for tissue repair but not expansion. Neoplasm cells are less responsive to these restraints and can proliferate to the point where they disrupt tissue architecture, distort the flow of nutrients, and otherwise do damage.
Neoplasm
an uncontrolled, progressive proliferation of cells which is no longer under normal bodily control and serving no physiological function. May be benign malignant.
Also called tumor.
Nerve
the cordlike bundles of fibers made up of neurons through which sensory stimuli and motor impulses pass between the brain or other parts of the central nervous system and the receptors (e.g., the eyes, the skin) and effectors (e.g., glands, muscles). Nerves form a network of pathways for conducting information throughout the body.
Neuron
the nerve cells which make up the central nervous system. Consists of a nerve cell body, dendrites, and axon.
Neurosis
various mental or emotional disorders, arising from no apparent organic changes, in which a person is unable to cope with anxieties and conflicts and develops symptoms such as obsessions, compulsions, phobias, or anxiety attacks.
Nicotine
alkaloid (chemical substance), the main active ingredient of tobacco, including cigarettes, highly toxic and addictive. Nicotine is a cause of cancer by inhibiting the natural ability of the body to get rid of cells with significant genetic damage before they turn cancerous. Also there is a cause-and-effect relationship to heart disease.
Nidation
see implantation.
Nipple
the small projection of skin near the center of the mammary gland containing the outlets of the milk ducts (about 15 - 20) through which milk is deliver during breast feeding. It is sorrounded by a dark, rounded area called areola.
Nocturia
the need to urinate during the night for two or more times. It can be caused by drinking too much before bedtime, excessive caffeine-containing fluids, excessive alcoholic fluids, urological problems, infection, a tumor, medication or prostate disorders.
Nocturnal emission
involuntary ejaculation of semen during sleep (usually during an erotic dream).
Also called wet dream.
Non lubricated condom
a condom that has no lubricant put on it before it is sealed in a package.
Nosocomial
any disorder acquired during being treated in a hospital (hospital-acquired).
Nudism
behavior which is characterized by the practice of going nude or unclothed as a social practice usually in mixed gender groups. According to the norms of the society nudism can be taken as indecent exposure if appearing naked in public is illegal.
Nudity
the state of being without clothing or covering of any kind permitting or featuring full exposure of the body.
Nymphomania
a disorder in woman characterized by an overactive libido, extreme or obsessive uncontrollable desire for sexual stimulation. It is generally associated with hormonal imbalance or neurological disorders.