NAT
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Network Address Translation |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Technology & Computing, Medical |
NAT has two meanings. It stands for Network Address Translation (networking) or Non-accidental trauma (emergency medicine).
Meanings of NAT at a glance
| # | NAT stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Network Address Translation | Technology & Computing › Networking |
| 2 | Non-accidental trauma | Medical › Emergency Medicine |
1. Network Address Translation
Technology & Computing · Networking Abbreviations
Rewrites IP addresses in packets as they pass through a router, most often letting many devices with private addresses share one public IPv4 address. The router keeps a translation table so replies reach the right internal device, which also blocks unsolicited inbound connections as a side effect.
Example: Port forwarding is needed because the game server sits behind NAT on the home router.
Described in RFC 1631 in 1994 as a short-term fix for IPv4 address exhaustion that became permanent. The common many-to-one form is technically called NAPT or PAT (port address translation) because port numbers are rewritten too. NAT complicates peer-to-peer apps, VoIP and online gaming, which use STUN, UPnP or relay servers to get through it. It is often mistaken for a firewall, but it is not designed as one.
2. Non-accidental trauma
Medical · Emergency Medicine Abbreviations
Injury intentionally inflicted on a child or vulnerable person, the clinical term for physical abuse. Findings that suggest NAT trigger a skeletal survey, imaging and child protection reporting.
Example: Infant with bruising and rib fractures: NAT workup, skeletal survey, CPS notified.
Red flags include bruises on infants who are not yet mobile, injuries inconsistent with the story and delays in seeking care. Clinicians in all US states are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. In laboratory medicine NAT means nucleic acid test, used in blood donor screening.
Related abbreviations
More networking abbreviations
- MSS – Maximum segment size
- MTA – Mail transfer agent
- MTU – Maximum transmission unit
- MX – Mail exchanger (record)
- NFS – Network File System
- NFV – Network functions virtualization
- NOC – Network operations center
- NS – Name server (record)
See all 113 networking abbreviations →
More emergency medicine abbreviations
- MSE – Medical screening examination
- MTP – Massive transfusion protocol
- MVA – Motor vehicle accident
- MVC – Motor vehicle collision
- NEXUS – National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study
- NOI – Nature of illness
- NPA – Nasopharyngeal airway
- NRP – Neonatal Resuscitation Program
See all 97 emergency medicine abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.