Remission facts for kids
Remission is a word with a few different meanings, but they all generally mean a lessening or a stopping of something. It can mean a break from something, like an illness, or a reduction in something, like a punishment.
Remission in Healthcare
When Illnesses Take a Break
In medicine, "remission" means that the signs and symptoms of a chronic (long-lasting) illness have lessened or disappeared. It's like the illness is taking a break. This is a very important word for people with conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases.
- Complete Remission: This means all known signs of the disease are gone. Doctors can't find any evidence of it in tests.
- Partial Remission: This means the disease is still there, but it has gotten much better. The symptoms are less severe, or the disease has shrunk significantly.
Even in complete remission, the illness might come back later. This is why doctors often keep a close eye on patients, even when they are feeling well. The goal of many treatments is to help patients reach remission and stay there for as long as possible.
Remission in Science
In science, especially when studying light, "remission" can mean how light is reflected or scattered by a material. Imagine shining a flashlight on a wall. The light that bounces back to your eyes is "remitted" light. Different materials remit light in different ways, which helps scientists understand what things are made of.
Remission in Law
Reducing a Punishment
In law, "remission" can refer to a type of clemency. This is when a punishment, like a fine or a sentence, is reduced or cancelled. It's a way for authorities to show mercy or to correct a mistake. For example, a court might remit a fine, meaning the person no longer has to pay it.
Related Topics
- Re-Mission: This is a special video game that was made in 2006 to help young people who have cancer. It teaches them about their illness and how to fight it.
- Remittance: This word sounds similar but means something different. A remittance is usually money sent from one person to another, often across countries.
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Remisión para niños