DTR
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Deep tendon reflex |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Medical, Texting & Internet Slang |
DTR has three meanings. The most common are Deep tendon reflex (neurology) and Define the relationship (dating and relationship); it can also stand for Dietetic technician, registered.
Meanings of DTR at a glance
| # | DTR stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deep tendon reflex | Medical › Neurology |
| 2 | Define the relationship | Texting & Internet Slang › Dating and Relationship |
| 3 | Dietetic technician, registered | Medical › Healthcare Credential |
1. Deep tendon reflex
Medical · Neurology Abbreviations
Involuntary muscle contraction produced by tapping a tendon with a reflex hammer, testing the integrity of a specific spinal reflex arc. Common sites are the biceps, triceps, brachioradialis, knee (patellar) and ankle (Achilles) reflexes.
Example: DTRs 3+ and symmetric in the arms, 1+ at the ankles; plantar responses flexor.
Reflexes are graded 0 (absent), 1+ (diminished), 2+ (normal), 3+ (brisk) and 4+ (with clonus). Brisk reflexes suggest upper motor neuron disease, while absent reflexes suggest peripheral nerve disease, as in Guillain-Barré syndrome. Technically they are muscle stretch reflexes, the term some neurologists prefer.
2. Define the relationship
Texting & Internet Slang · Dating and Relationship Abbreviations
Conversation in which two people dating clarify what they are, such as exclusive, casual or committed partners. Used as a noun ("we had the DTR") and occasionally a verb.
Example: We've been dating for three months, it's time for the DTR talk.
The phrase circulated among American college students before becoming general dating slang, and it is now common in dating podcasts and advice columns. Ambiguous "situationships" often end with a DTR. Some people find the conversation stressful, which has made it a frequent subject of advice columns.
3. Dietetic technician, registered
Medical · Healthcare Credential Abbreviations
Credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration for nutrition and dietetics technicians who complete an accredited program and pass the national exam. DTRs work with registered dietitians on screening, education and food service.
Example: DTR completed nutrition screening and meal rounds on 6 East.
The credential can also be written NDTR (nutrition and dietetics technician, registered). Requirements include at least an associate degree. In neurology DTR means deep tendon reflexes, which appear in exam notes rather than signatures.
Related abbreviations
More neurology abbreviations
- DLB – Dementia with Lewy bodies
- DMD – Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- DMT – Disease-modifying therapy
- DTN – Door-to-needle time
- EDH – Epidural hematoma
- EDS – Excessive daytime sleepiness
- EDSS – Expanded Disability Status Scale
- EEG – Electroencephalogram
See all 131 neurology abbreviations →
More dating and relationship abbreviations
- BBY – Baby (term of endearment)
- BF – Boyfriend
- DF – Dear fiancé
- DINK – Dual income, no kids
- ENM – Ethical non-monogamy
- FBO – Facebook official
- FH – Future husband
- GF – Girlfriend
See all 36 dating and relationship abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.