Stands for, Refers to...

boron said:

1. Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the blood.
2. Bacteremia stands for the presence of bacteria in the blood.

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Neither of these works. Both of these are too distant from "means".

Can refers to and stands for be used interchangeably, or they would sound inappropriate in certain situations?

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No those expressions mean different things. "Refers to" is a second degree relationship. "It" in this sentence refers to that expression in the prior sentence. They are not equal. "Stands for" is also a secondary relationship, as is true of refers to.

3. Bacteremia means the presence of bacteria in the blood.

Anything wrong with using means in a serious health (not medical, though) article?

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This is the best way to give a definition. There is no doubt as to it being a definition.

4. The presence of the bacteria in the blood is called bacteremia.
I guess, no problem with is called.

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"Is called" is more informal than "means", but the meaning is fine.

Bacteremia means the presence...anything wrong with this simple use

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There noting wrong wiht that, but if you are looking for the most definite way to express that, then I think that : "The presence of the bacteria in the blood is called bacteremia." or "Bacteremia means the presence of bacteria in the blood." would be best.

boron said:

Means and is called are perfect solutions for me, they both sound simple.

What about in a question form?

What means septic?
What septic refers to?
What septic stands for?

Ok, can now someone give an example of appropriate use of refers to and stands for?

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You need to have verbs in those questions.

"What does septic mean?" or "What do you mean by septic?"
"What does septic refer to?"
"What does septic stand for?"

In keeping wioth your desire to keep things simple, I'd recommend using the first -- "What does xxxxx mean?"

"Refers to":

[URL="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/refer" said:

dictionary.com[/URL]]
verb (used with object)
1.to direct for information or anything required: He referred me to books on astrology.
2.to direct the attention or thoughts of: The asterisk refers the reader to a footnote.
3.to hand over or submit for information, consideration, decision, etc.: to refer the argument to arbitration.
4.to assign to a class, period, etc.; regard as belonging or related.
5.to have relation; relate; apply.

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Stands for:

[URL="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/stands+for" said:

Dictionary.com[/URL]]
stand for,
a.to represent; symbolize: P.S. stands for “postscript.”
b.to advocate; favor: He stands for both freedom and justice.
c.Informal. to tolerate; allow: I won't stand for any nonsense!

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boron said:

Means and is called are perfect solutions for me, they both sound simple.

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Yes, "means" does the best job in what your examples.

What about in a question form?
What means septic?
What septic refers to?
What septic stands for?

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What does septic mean?
I think that it would be better to avoid refers to and stands for with septic. Refers to directs one to look for something else.

Ok, can now someone give an example of appropriate use of refers to and stands for?

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One should refer to a dictionary when doubtful about a word.
MD stands for Medical Doctor.