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3 See also

[edit] Prefixes and suffixes The following is an alphabetical list of medical prefixes and suffixes, along with their meanings, origin, and an English example.

[edit] A Prefix or suffix

Origin language and Example(s) etymology Denotes an absence Ancient Greek ἀ-/ἀνa-, anApathy, Analgia of (a-/an-), without, not abaway from Latin Abduction Latin (abdōmen), Of or relating to the abdomin(o)abdomen, fat around Abdomen abdomen the belly cardiac, hydrophobiac, -ac, -acal pertaining to Greek -ακός (-akos) pharmacomaniacal Ancient Greek acanthion, acanthocyte, acanth(o)thorn or spine ἄκανθα (akantha), acanthoma, acanthulus thorn Greek ἀκουστικός Of or relating to acous(io)(acoustikos), of or for acoumeter, acoustician hearing hearing Greek ἄκρον (akron), Acrocrany, acromegaly, acr(o)extremity, topmost highest or farthest acroosteolysis, point acroposthia Greek ἀκουστικός -acusis hearing (acoustikos), of or for paracusis hearing toward, in the -ad dorsad direction of increase, adherence, adLatin Adduction motion toward, very Ancient Greek ἀδήν, Adenocarcinoma, aden(o)-, Of or relating to a ἀδέν- (adēn, aden-), adenology, adenotome, aden(i)gland an acorn; a gland adenotyphus Of or relating to fat Latin (adeps, adip-), adip(o)Adipocyte or fatty tissue fat Of or relating to adren(o)Latin adrenal artery adrenal glands Greek ἀναιμία, -aemia (BrE) blood condition Anaemia without blood aer(o)air, gas Greek ἀήρ, ἀέρος Aerosinusitis aesthesiosensation Greek αἴσθησις Anesthesia (BrE) Meaning

-al albalge(si)-algia alg(i)oallo-

ambi-

amnioamph-, amphiananaan(o) andr(o)angi(o)anisoankyl(o)-, ancyl(o)ante-

antiapoarch(i,e,o)

arteri(o)-

arthr(o)articul(o)-

pertaining to Latin -alis Denoting a white or Latin albus, white pale color pain Greek ἄλγος pain Greek pain Greek Denoting something Ancient Greek ἄλλος as different, or as an (allos), another, other addition Denoting something as positioned on both Latin (ambi-, ambo), sides; Describing both, on both sides both of two Pertaining to the membranous fetal Greek ἄμνιον sac (amnion) on both sides

Greek ἀμφί (amphi)

not, without Greek back, again, up Greek anus Latin pertaining to a man Greek ἀνήρ, ἀνδρblood vessel Greek ἀγγεῖον Describing Ancient Greek ἄνῑσος something as unequal (anīsos), unequal Ancient Greek Denoting something ἀγκύλος (ankýlos), as crooked or bent crooked, curved Describing something as Latin (āntē), before, in positioned in front of front of another thing Describing something as Ancient Greek αντι 'against' or 'opposed (anti), against to' another separated from, Ancient Greek ἀπό derived from first, primitive

abdominal Albino Analgesic Myalgia Myalgia Alloantigen, allopathy

Ambidextrous

Amniocentesis Amphicrania, amphismela, amphomycin Analgesia Anaplasia Andrology, android Angiogram Anisotropic, anisocytosis Ankylosis

antepartum

Antibody, antipsychotic Apoptosis archinephron : first formed kidney

Ancient Greek ἀρτηρία (artēría), a Of or pertaining to an wind-pipe, artery Artery, Arteriole artery (used distinctly versus a vein) Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek αρθρος Arthritis the ts, limbs (arthros), a t, limb t Latin articulum Articulation

-ary

pertaining to

-ase

enzyme

-asthenia

aut(o)-

weakness imperfect or incomplete development process Latin an atrium (esp. heart atrium) Of or pertaining to Latin (auris), the ear the ear self Greek αὐτο-

aux(o)-

increase; growth

axill-

Of or pertaining to the armpit [uncommon as a prefix]

azo(to)

nitrogenous compound

atel(o) -ation atri(o)aur(i)-

Latin -arius Greek διάστασις, division Greek, ἀσθένεια

Latin (axilla), armpit

bilary tract Lactase Myasthenia gravis atelocardia : imperfect development of the heart

atrioventricular Aural Autoimmune auxocardia : enlargement of the heart Axilla azothermia : raised temperature due to nitrogenous substances in blood

[edit] B Origin language and etymology Of the glans penis or Greek βάλανος - balanos, balanoglans clitoridis acorn, glans bitwice, double Latin biolife Ancient Greek βίος blast(o)germ or bud Greek βλαστός Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek βλέφαρον blephar(o)the eyelid (blépharon), eyelid Latin (brachium), from Of or relating to the brachi(o)Ancient Greek βραχίων arm (brachiōn), arm Ancient Greek βραχύς Indicating 'short' or brachy(brachys), short; little, less commonly 'little' shallow Ancient Greek βραδύς brady'slow' (bradys), slow Prefix/suffix

Meaning

bronch(i)-

bronchus

bucc(o)-

Of or pertaining to the cheek

Example(s) Balanitis Biology Blastomere Blepharoplast Brachium of inferior colliculus brachycephalic Bradycardia Bronchiolitis obliterans

Latin (bucca), cheek

Buccolabial

burs(o)-

bursa (fluid sac Latin between the bones)

Bursitis

[edit] C Prefix/suffix

Meaning

Origin language and etymology

Example(s)

Of or pertaining to Latin (capillus), hair Capillus hair Pertaining to the head capitLatin (caput, capit-), the head Capitation (as a whole) Greek καρκίνος (karkinos), carcin(o)cancer Carcinoma crab Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek καρδία cardi(o)Cardiology the heart (kardía), heart Latin (carpus) < Ancient Greek καρπός (karpós), wrist; Of or pertaining to carp(o)NOTE: This root should not Carpopedal the wrist be confused with the mirror root carp(o)- meaning fruit. catadown, under Greek κατά (kata) Cataract -cele pouching, hernia Ancient Greek κήλη (kēlē) Hydrocele surgical puncture for Ancient Greek κέντησις -centesis Amniocentesis aspiration (kentēsis) Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek κεφαλή cephal(o)Cephalalgy the head (as a whole) (képhalē), the head Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek κέρας, κερατcerat(o)Ceratoid the cornu; a horn (kéras, kerat-), a horn Of or pertaining to Latin (cerebellum), little cerebell(o)Cerebellum the cerebellum brain Of or pertaining to cerebr(o)Latin (cerebrum), brain Cerebrology the brain Of or pertaining to Latin (cervix, cervīc-), neck, cervicCervicodorsal the neck, the cervix cervix chem(o)chemistry, drug Greek χημεία Chemotherapy chir(o)-, Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek χείρ, χειροChiropractor cheir(o)the hand (cheir, cheiro-), hand Ancient Greek χλωρός Denoting a green chlor(o)(chloros), green, yellowChlorophyll color green Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek χολή (cholē), chol(e)Cholaemia bile bile Ancient Greek χοληκύστις Of or pertaining to (cholēkýstis), gallbladder < cholecyst(o)Cholecystectomy the gallbladder χολή (cholē), bile, gall + κύστις (kýstis), bladder cartilage, gristle, Ancient Greek χονδρός chondr(i)oChondrocalcinosis granule, granular (chondros) capill-

chrom(ato)- color -cidal, -cide killing, destroying Of or pertaining to cilithe cilia, the eyelashes; eyelids Denoting something circumas 'around' another cison this side clast break with, together, in coassociation col-, colo-, colon colonocolp(o)comcontra corcor-, core-, corocordi-

cornu-

cost(o)cox-

crani(o)-crine cry(o)cutanecyan(o)cyclcyph(o)-

Of or pertaining to the vagina with, together against with, together Of or pertaining to eye's pupil Of or pertaining to the heart [Uncommon as a prefix] Applied to processes and parts of the body describing them likened or similar to horns Of or pertaining to the ribs Of or relating to the hip, haunch, or hipt

Ancient Greek χρῶμα Latin

Hemachromatosis bacteriocidal

< Latin (cilium), eyelash; eyelid

Ciliary

Latin (circum), around

Circumcision

Latin (cis) Greek κλαστός

osteoclast

Latin Colonoscopy Ancient Greek κόλπος (kólpos), bosom, womb; hollow, depth Latin Latin Latin Ancient Greek κόρη (kórē), girl, doll; pupil of the eye Latin (cor, cordi-), heart

Colposcopy

Contraindicate Corectomy Commotio cordis

Latin (cornū), horn

Latin (costa), rib

Costochondral

Latin (coxa), hip

Coxopodite

Latin (cranium) < Ancient Belonging or relating Greek κρᾱνίον (krānion), the Craniology to the cranium cranium, skull, bones enclosing the brain to secrete Endocrine cold Greek κρύος Cryoablation skin Latin Subcutaneous Ancient Greek κύανος, Denotes a blue color κυάνεος (kýanos, kyáneos), Cyanopsia blue circle, cycle Greek κύκλος (kuklos) Denotes something as Ancient Greek κυφός Cyphosis bent [uncommon as a (kȳphós), bent, hunchback

cyst(o)-, cyst(i)cyt(o)-cyte

prefix] Of or pertaining to the urinary bladder cell cell

Ancient Greek κύστις (kýstis), bladder; cyst Greek κύτος Greek

Cystotomy Cytokine Leukocyte

[edit] D Prefix/suffix dacryodactyl(o)dedentdermat(o)-, derm(o)-desis dextr(o)dididiadifdigitdisdors(o)-, dors(i)duodenodynam(o)-dynia dys-

Origin language and Example(s) etymology tear Greek δάκρυ Ancient Greek Of or pertaining to a finger, toe δάκτυλος (dáktylos), Dactylology finger, toe away from, cessation Latin deLatin (dens, dentis), Of or pertaining to teeth Dentist tooth Ancient Greek δέρμα, δέρματ- (dérma, Of or pertaining to the skin Dermatology démat-), skin, human skin binding Greek δέσις (desis) arthrodesis right, on the right side Latin dexter Dextrocardia two Greek διapart, separation Latin Ancient Greek διά (same as Greek meaning) (diá), through, during, Diacetyl across apart, separation Latin Of or pertaining to the finger Latin (digitus), finger, Digit [rare as a root] toe separation, taking apart Latin disDissection Of or pertaining to the back Latin (dorsum), back dorsal, Dorsocephalad duodenum, twelve: upper part of the small intestine (twelve Latin duodeni Duodenal atresia inches long on average), connects to the stomach Greek δύναμις force, energy, power (dunamis) pain Vulvodynia Dysphagia, bad, difficult Greek δυσdysphasia Meaning

[edit] E Prefix/suffix

Meaning

Origin language and

Example(s)

-eal ecect(o)-ectasis, -ectasia -ectomy -emesis -emia encephal(o)endoenter(o)epiepisi(o)erythr(o)-esophageal, -esophago esthesioeuexexoextra-

pertaining to out, away outer, outside expansion, dilation

etymology Latin Greek ἐκ- (ek-) Greek ἐκτός

Ectopic pregnancy Bronchiectasis, Ancient Greek ἔκτασις Telangiectasia

Denotes a surgical operation or removal of Ancient Greek ἐκτομή Mastectomy a body part. Resection, (ectomē), excision excision vomiting condition Greek ἕμεσις Hematemesis Greek ἀν-αιμία, blood condition (AmE) Anemia without blood Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek brain. Also see ἐγκέφαλος Encephalogram Cerebro. (enképhalos), the brain Denotes something as Ancient Greek ἐνδο- Endocrinology, 'inside' or 'within' (endo-), inside, internal Endospore Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek ἔντερον Gastroenterology intestine (énteron), intestine Ancient Greek ἐπι[Same as Greek Epistaxis, epicardium, (epi-), before, upon, meaning: on, upon] episclera, epidural on, outside, outside of Ancient Greek Of or pertaining to the ἐπίσιον- (epísion), the Episiotomy pubic region, the loins pubic area, loins; vulva Ancient Greek Denotes a red color Erythrocyte ἐρυθρός (erythros), red gullet (AmE)

Greek οἰσοφάγος

Greek αἴσθησις Greek Latin Ancient Greek ἐξωDenotes something as (exo-), outside of, 'outside' another external outside Latin sensation (AmE) true, good, well, new out of, away from

Eukaryote

Exoskeleton

[edit] F Prefix/suffix faci(o)-

Meaning Of or pertaining to the face

fibr(o) fiber fillifine, hair like -form, -iform Used to form adjectives

Origin language and Example(s) etymology Latin (faciēs), the face, Facioplegic countenance Fibroblast Latin (forma), form,

Cuneiform

fossa front-

indicating 'having the form of' A hollow or depressed area; trench or channel Of or pertaining to the forehead

shape Latin (fossa), ditch, pit

fossa ovalis

Latin (frōns, front-), the Frontonasal forehead

[edit] G Prefix/suffix galact(o)gastr(o)-

-gen -genic genugingivglauc(o)gloss(o)-, glott(o)glucoglycognath(o)-gnosis gon(o)-gram -graph

Origin language and Example(s) etymology milk Greek γάλα, γαλακτ- Galactorrhea Ancient Greek γαστήρ Of or pertaining to the (gastēr), γαστρ-, Gastric by stomach stomach, belly (1) Denotes the sense Ancient Greek -γενής 'born in, from' (2) (1) Endogen; (2) (-genēs) < γεν-νάειν Denotes the sense 'of a Heterogenous (gen-náein), to be born certain kind' Formative, pertaining Greek Cardiogenic shock to producing Of or pertaining to the Latin (genū), knee Genu valgum knee Of or pertaining to the Latin (gingīva), gum Gingivitis gums Ancient Greek Denoting a grey, γλαῦκος (glaúkos), Glaucoma bluish-grey color grey, bluish-grey Ancient Greek Of or pertaining to the γλῶσσα, γλῶττα Glossology tongue (glōssa, glōtta), tongue glucose Greek γλυκός, sweet Glucocorticoid sugar Glycolysis Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek γνάθος Gnathodynamometer jaw (gnáthos), jaw knowledge Greek diagnosis, prognosis seed, semen; also, Ancient Greek γόνος Gonorrhea reproductive record or picture Greek γράμμα Angiogram Ancient Greek -γραφία (-graphía), record or picture Electrocardiograph written, drawn, graphic interpretation process of recording Angiography Meaning

-graphy gyn(aec)o(BrE), gyn(ec)o- woman (AmE)

Greek γυνή, γυναικ-

Gynecomastia

[edit] H Origin language and Example(s) etymology Classical Latin to hallucto wander in mind Hallucinosis wander in mind Latin (hæma) < hemat-, Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek αἵμα, Hematology, older haematoblood αἱματ- (haima, form Haematology (haem-, hem-) haimat-), blood Hematological hema or hemo- blood (AmE) Greek malignancy Ancient Greek ἡμιCerebral hemione-half (hēmi-), "half" hemisphere Ancient Greek ἥπαρ, Of or pertaining to the hepat- (hepatic-) ἡπατο- (hēpar, Hepatology liver hēpato-), the liver Denotes something as Ancient Greek ἕτερος 'the other' (of two), as heter(o)(héteros), the other (of Heterogeneous an addition, or two), another; different different hidr(o)sweat Greek ἱδρωτHyperhidrosis hist(o)-, histio- tissue Greek ἱστός Histology Ancient Greek ὅμοιος home(o)similar Homeopathy (homoios) Denotes something as Ancient Greek ὁμοhom(o)'the same' as another or (homo-), the same, Homosexuality common common Of or pertaining to the Incorrect Etymology < humer(o)shoulder (or [rarely] Latin (umerus), Humerus the upper arm) shoulder hydr(o)water Greek ὕδωρ Hydrophobe Denotes something as Ancient Greek ὑπέρ hyper'extreme' or 'beyond (hyper), over, above; Hypertension normal' beyond, to the extreme Denotes something as Ancient Greek ὑπ(ο)hyp(o)Hypovolemia, 'below normal' (hypo-), below, under Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek ὑστέρα hyster(o)Hysterectomy womb, the uterus (hystéra), womb Prefix/suffix

Meaning

[edit] I Prefix/suffix -i-asis iatr(o)-

Origin language Example(s) and etymology condition Greek -ίασις Mydriasis Of or pertaining to medicine, or a Ancient Greek Iatrochemistry physician [uncommon as a ἰᾱτρός (iātrós), prefix; common as as suffix, see healer, physician Meaning

-iatry] -iatry

Denotes a field in medicine of a certain body component

-ic -icle

pertaining to small

-ics

organized knowledge, treatment

idio-

self, one's own

ileo-

ileum

infra-

below

inter-

between, among

intra-

within

irid(o)-

iris

ischio-

Of or pertaining to the ischium, the hip-t

-ism -ismus iso-ist -ite -itis -ium isch-

Ancient Greek Podiatry, ἰᾱτρός (iātrós), Psychiatry healer, physician Greek -ικός (-ikos) Hepatic artery Latin Ovarian follicle Latin -ica < Greek < -ικά Greek ἴδιος, idios, Idiopathic "one's own" Greek ἰλεός Ileocecal valve Infrahyoid Latin muscles Interarticular Latin ligament Intracranial Latin hemorrhage Greek ἴρις Iridectomy Ancient Greek ἰσχιόν (ischión), Ischiorrhogic hip-t, ischium Dwarfism Greek -ισμός Ancient Greek ἴσος Isotonic (ísos), equal Greek -ιστής (-istes) Pathologist Greek -ίτης Hermaphrodite Tonsillitis pericardium Greek ἴσχω Ischemia

condition, disease spasm, contraction Denoting something as being 'equal' one who specializes in the nature of, resembling inflammation structure, tissue Restriction

[edit] K Prefix/suffix karyokerat(o)kin(e)-, kin(o), kinesi(o)koil(o)kyph(o)-

Origin language and etymology Greek κάρυον, "nut"

Eukaryote

Greek

Keratoscope

movement

Greek κινέω

Kinesthesia

hollow humped

Greek κοῖλος (koilos) Greek κυφός

Koilocyte Kyphoscoliosis

Meaning nucleus cornea (eye or skin)

Example(s)

[edit] L Prefix/suffix

Meaning

Origin language and etymology

Example(s)

labi(o)-

Of or pertaining to the lip

Latin (labium), lip

lacrim(o)-

tear

Latin

Labiodental Lacrimal canaliculi Lactation

lact(i)-, lact(o) milk Of or pertaining to the lapar(o)abdomen-wall, flank Of or pertaining to the larynx, the lower throat laryng(o)cavity where the voice box is

Latin Ancient Greek λαπάρᾱ Laparotomy (lapárā), flank

latero-

lateral

Latin

lei(o)-

smooth

Greek λεῖος

Ancient Greek λάρυγξ, λαρυγγ- (lárynx, Larynx laryng-), throat, gullet Lateral pectoral nerve Leiomyoma Epilepsy, narcolepsy

-lepsis, -lepsy attack, seizure

Greek λῆψις

lept(o)leuc(o)-, leuk(o)lingu(a)-, lingu(o)lip(o)lith(o)log(o)-

Greek λεπτός (leptos) Ancient Greek λευκός (leukos), white, bright

light, slender Denoting a white color

Of or pertaining to the tongue fat stone, calculus speech Denotes someone who -logist studies a certain field: _____-logy Denotes the academic study -logy or practice of a certain field lymph(o)lymph lys(o)-, -lytic dissolution -lysis Destruction, separation

Leukocyte

Latin (lingua), tongue

Linguistics

Greek λίπος Greek λίθος Greek λόγος Ancient Greek λογιστής (logistēs), studier, practitioner Ancient Greek λόγoς (logos) study Greek λέμφος, λύμφη Greek Greek λύσις

Liposuction Lithotripsy Oncologist, pathologist hematology, urology Lymphedema Lysosome Paralysis

[edit] M Prefix/suffix macr(o)-malacia mamm(o)mammill(o)manumast(o)-

Meaning large, long softening Of or pertaining to the breast Of or pertaining to the nipple Of or pertaining to the hand Of or pertaining to the breast

Origin language and Example(s) etymology Greek μακρός Macrophage Greek μαλακία Osteomalacia Latin (mamma), breast; Mammogram udder Latin (mammilla), nipple Latin (manus), hand

Manufacture

Ancient Greek μαστός (mastós), breast, women's breast; man's

Mastectomy

pectoral muscle meg(a)-, megal(o)-, -megaly melan(o)melos mening(o)meromes(o)meta-meter -metry metr(o)-

micro-

enlargement

Greek μέγας

Ancient Greek μέλας, black color μελανο- (melas, melano-), black; dark extremity Ancient Greek μέλος membrane Greek μῆνιγξ, μηνιγγGreek μέρος (meros), part part Ancient Greek μέσος middle (mesos), "middle" after, behind Greek μετά measurement Greek μέτρον process of measuring Greek -μετρία Pertaining to conditions or Ancient Greek μήτρᾱ instruments of the (mētrā), womb, uterus uterus denoting something Ancient Greek μικρός as small, or relating (mikros), small to smallness

mon(o)-

single

Greek μονός

morph(o)-

form, shape

Greek μορφή

muscul(o)-

muscle

Latin

my(o)-

Of or relating to muscle

myc(o)-

fungus

myel(o)-

Of or relating to bone marrow

myring(o)myx(o)-

eardrum mucus

Ancient Greek μῦς, μυ(mys, my-), muscle; mouse; mussel Greek μύκης, μυκητAncient Greek μυελόν (myelon), marrow; bonemarrow Latin myringa Greek μύξα

Splenomegaly Melanin erythromelalgia Meningitis merocrine, meroblastic Mesoderm Metacarpus Sphygmomanometer Optometry Metrorrhagia

Microscope Infectious mononucleosis Morphology Musculoskeletal system Myoblast Onychomycosis Myeloblast Myringotomy Myxoma

[edit] N Prefix/suffix narc(o)nas(o)necr(o)neo-

Origin language and Example(s) etymology numb, sleep Greek νάρκη narcolepsy Of or pertaining to the nose Latin (nāsum), nose nasal Necrotizing death Greek νεκρός fasciitis new Greek νέος Neoplasm Meaning

nephr(o)nerv-

Of or pertaining to the kidney Of or pertaining to nerves and the nervous system [Uncommon as a root: neuro- mostly always used]

neur(i)-, neur(o)-

Of or pertaining to nerves and the nervous system

normo-

normal

Ancient Greek νεφρός (nephrós), kidney Latin (nervus), tendon; nerve; Cognate with the Greek νευρον (neuron) (see below) Ancient Greek νεῦρον (neuron), tendon, sinew; nerve Latin

Nephrology Nerve

Neurofibromatosis Normocapnia

[edit] O Prefix/suffix ocul(o)odont(o)odyn(o)-oesophageal, oesophago(BrE) -oid ole olig(o)-

Meaning

Origin language and etymology

Of or pertaining to Latin (oculus), the eye the eye Ancient Greek ὀδούς, Of or pertaining to ὀδοντ- (odoús, odont-), teeth tooth pain Greek ὀδύνη gullet

Example(s) Oculist orthodontist stomatodynia

Greek οἰσοφάγος

resemblance to Greek -οειδής small or little Latin Denoting Ancient Greek ὀλίγος something as (oligos), few 'having little, having few' Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek ὠμός om(o)the shoulder (ōmos), shoulder -oma (singular), tumor, mass, Greek -ωμα -omata (plural) collection Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek ὀμφαλός omphal(o)the navel, the (omphalós), navel, bellyumbilicus button tumor, bulk, oncoGreek ὄγκος volume Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek < ὄνυξ, onych(o)the nail (of a finger ὀνυχο- (ónyx, ónycho-), or toe) nail; claw; talon Of or pertaining to the an egg, a Ancient Greek ᾠόν, ᾠοoowoman's egg, the (ōón, ōo-), egg, ovum ovum oophor(o)Of or pertaining to Neoclassical Greek the woman's ovary ᾠοφόρον (ōophóron),

Sarcoidosis Oligotrophy

Omoplate Sarcoma, Teratoma Omphalotomy Oncology Onychophagy

Oogenesis Oophorectomy

ophthalm(o)optic(o)or(o)-

Of or pertaining to the eye Of or relating to chemical properties of the eye Of or pertaining to the mouth

ovary, egg-bearing Ancient Greek ὀφθαλμός Ophthalmology (ophthalmós), the eye Middle French (optique) < Greek ὀπτικός (optikós); Opticochemical Cognate with Latin oculus, relating to the eye Latin (ōs, or-), mouth

Oral

Greek ὀρχις (orkhis, Orchiectomy, orkhi-) Orchidectomy Denoting Ancient Greek ὀρθός orth(o)something as (orthos), straight, correct, Orthodontist straight or correct normal Harlequin type a condition, ichthyosis, -osis Greek -ωσις disease or increase Psychosis, osteoperosis osseobony Latin Peripheral ossifying ossibone Latin fibroma ost(e)-, oste(o)- bone Greek ὀστέον Osteoporosis Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek οὖς, ὠτot(o)Otopathy the ear (ous, ōt-), the ear -ous pertaining to Latin -osus Of or pertaining to ovari(o)Latin (ōvarium), ovary Ovariectomy the ovaries Of or pertaining to ovo-, ovi-, ovLatin (ōvum), egg, ovum Ovogenesis the eggs, the ovum oxoaddition of oxygen Greek ὀξύς sharp, acid, acute, oxyGreek ὀξύς oxygen orchi(o)-, orchido-

testis

[edit] P Prefix/suffix

Meaning

pachy-

thick Of or pertaining to the eyelid palpebr[uncommon as a root] Denoting something as pan-, pant(o)- 'complete' or containing 'everything' papill-

Of or pertaining to the nipple (of the chest/breast)

papul(o)-

Indicates papulosity, a small

Origin language and etymology Greek παχύς Latin (palpebra), eyelid Ancient Greek πᾶς, παν- (pas, pan-), all, every Latin (papilla), nipple; dimunitive of papula (see below) Latin (papula),

Example(s) pachyderma Palpebra panophobia, panopticon Papillitis Papulation

pimple, pustle; a small elevation or swelling in the skin Ancient Greek alongside of, abnormal παρά slight paralysis Greek πάρεσις hemiparesis small Latin parvus Parvovirus disease Greek πάθος Pathology Ancient Greek Denotes (with a negative sense) sociopathy, πάθος (pathos), a disease, or disorder neuropathy suffering, accident Of or pertaining to the foot; Latin (pēs, pēd-), Pedoscope -footed foot elevation or swelling in the skin, a pimple, swelling

para-paresis parvopath(o)-pathy ped-, -ped-, -pes pelv(i)-, pelv(o)-penia peo-pepsia perperi-pexy phaco-phage, -phagia -phagophagist-:

-phagy phallopharmacopharyng(o)-

hip bone deficiency Of or pertaining to the penis

Latin

Pelvis

Greek πενία osteopenia Greek πέος (peos) Peotomy Ancient Greek πεπτός (peptós) Denotes something relating to cooked, digested < Dyspepsia digestion, or the digestive tract. πέσσω (péssō) I boil, cook; digest through Latin Denoting something with a Ancient Greek περί position 'surrounding' or Periodontal (peri), around 'around' another fixation Greek πῆξις Nephropexy phacolysis, lens-shaped Greek φακός phacometer, phacoscotoma Ancient Greek Forms denoting φαγία (phagía) conditions relating to eating or Sarcophagia eating < φαγεῖν ingestion (phagein) to eat eating, devouring Greek -φάγος phagocyte Ancient Greek Forms nouns that denote a φαγιστής person who 'feeds on' the first Lotophagi (phagistēs) eater; element or part of the word see -phagia Forms nouns that denotes Ancient Greek 'feeding on' the first element or φαγία (phagia) Anthropophagy part of the word eating; see -phagia Greek φαλλός phallus Aphallia (phallos) drug, medication Greek φάρμακον pharmacology Of or pertaining to the pharynx, Ancient Greek Pharyngitis, the upper throat cavity φάρυγξ, φαρυγγ- Pharyngoscopy (phárynx,

-phil(ia) phleb(o)phob(o)phon(o)phos-

phot(o)phren(i)-, phren(o)-, phrenico -plasia -plasty -plegia pleio-

pháryng-), throat, windpipe; chasm attraction for Greek φιλία Ancient Greek Of or pertaining to the (blood) φλέψ, φλεβveins, a vein (phleps, phlebo-), blood-vessel, vein exaggerated fear, sensitivity Greek φόβος sound Greek φωνή Of or pertaining to light or its Ancient Greek chemical properties, now φῶς, φωτ- (phōs, historic and used rarely. See the phōt-), light common root phot(o)- below. Ancient Greek Of or pertaining to light φῶς, φωτ- (phōs, phōt-), light [[diaphragm (anatomy)| diaphragm], the mind] formation, development surgical repair, reconstruction paralysis more, excessive, multiple

pleur(o)-, pleur(a)

Of or pertaining to the ribs

-plexy

stroke or seizure

pneum(o)-

Of or pertaining to the lungs

pneumat(o)-

air, lung

pod-, -pod-, -pus

Of or pertaining to the foot, -footed

-poiesis

production

polio-

Denoting a grey color

poly-

Denotes a 'plurality' of something

por(o)porphyr(o)-

pore, porous Denotes a purple color

Greek φρήν, φρενGreek πλάσις Greek πλαστός Greek πληγή Greek pleion Latin (pleura) < Ancient Greek πλευρόν (pleurón), rib, side of the body Greek πλῆξις Ancient Greek πνεύμων, πνευμον(pneumōn, pneumon-), lung < πνεῦμα (pneuma), wind, spirit Ancient Greek πούς, ποδ- (poús, pod-), foot

Hemophilia Phlebography, Phlebotomy arachnophobia

Phosphene

Photopathy Phrenic nerve, schizophrenia Achondroplasia rhinoplasty paraplegia pleiomorphism Pleurogenous Cataplexy Pneumonocyte, Pneumonia

Podiatry hematopoiesis

Ancient Greek πολιός (poliós), grey Ancient Greek πολυς (polys), much, many Ancient Greek

Poliomyelitis Polymyositis

Porphyroblast

postprepresby(o)primproproct(o)prot(o)pseudopsych(e)-, psych(o) -ptosis -ptysis

pulmon-, pulmopyel(o)pyopyro-

πορπύρα (porphýra), purple Denotes something as 'after' or Latin (post), after, Postoperation, 'behind' another behind Postmortem Medieval Latin Denotes something as 'before' (pre-) < (Classical) another (in [physical] position Prematurity Latin (præ), before, or time) in front of old age Greek Presbyopia Latin (prīmus), Denotes something as 'first' or first, most Primary 'most-important' important Denotes something as 'before' Ancient Greek προ another (in [physical] position (pro), before, in Procephalic or time) front of anus, rectum proctology Ancient Greek Denotes something as 'first' or πρωτος (prōtos), Protoneuron 'most-important' first; principle, most important Denotes something false or fake Ancient Greek Psychology, Of or pertaining to the mind ψυχή (psyché), Psychiatry breath, life, soul falling, drooping, downward Apoptosis placement, prolapse (a spitting), spitting, hemoptysis, the spitting of blood derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes Latin (pulmo, pulmōn-, usually Of or relating to the lungs. pulmonary used in plural), a lung Ancient Greek pelvis Pyelonephritis (pyelos) pus Greek πύον Pyometra Greek πῦρ, fever Antipyretic πυρετός

[edit] Q Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology quadr(i)four Latin

Example(s) quadriceps

[edit] R Prefix/suffix

Meaning

Origin language and

Example(s)

etymology radiorerect(o)-

Latin Latin Latin

radiowave relapse

Latin (rēnes), kidney

renal

reticul(o)retrorhabd(o)-

radiation again, backward rectum Of or pertaining to the kidney net backward, behind rod shaped, striated

Latin Latin Greek ῥάβδος

retroverted

rhachi(o)-

spine

Greek ῥάχις

rachial, rachialgia, rachidian, rachiopathy

ren(o)-

rhin(o)rhod(o)-rrhage -rrhagia -rrhaphy -rrhea (AmE) -rrhexis -rrhoea (BrE) rubr(o)-

Ancient Greek ῥίς, Of or pertaining to the ῥῑνο- (rhīs, rhīno-), rhinoceros, rhinoplasty nose nose Denoting a rose-red Ancient Greek ῥόδον Rhodophyte color (rhódon), rose burst forth Greek -ρραγία Hemorrhage rapid flow of blood Greek -ρραγία surgical suturing Greek ῥαφή flowing, discharge

Greek -ρροια

rupture

Greek ῥῆξις

flowing, discharge

Greek -ρροια

Of or pertaining to the Latin (ruber), red red nucleus of the brain

Galactorrhea, Diarrhea

Diarrhoea Rubrospinal

[edit] S Prefix/suffix salping(o)sangui-, sanguinesarcoschist(o)-

schiz(o)-

scler(o)-

Origin language and etymology Ancient Greek Of or pertaining to the σάλπιγξ, σαλπιγγ-, fallopian tubes (sálpinx, salpingo-) trumpet (literally) Latin (sanguis, Of or pertaining to blood sanguin-), blood muscular, fleshlike Greek σάρξ, σαρκGreek σχιστός split, cleft (schistos) Ancient Greek σχιζω; Irregular Denoting something 'split' formation of the or 'double-sided' verb σχίζειν (schizein), to cut, split hardness Greek σκληρός Meaning

Example(s) Salpingectomy, Salpingopharyngeus muscle Sanguine sarcoma

Schizophrenia

atherosclerosis

-sclerosis

hardening of the skin

scoli(o)-

twisted

-scope

semi-

instrument for viewing use of instrument for viewing one-half, partly

sial(o)-

saliva, salivary gland

sigmoid(o)sinistr(o)-

sigmoid, sigmoid colon left, left side Of or pertaining to the sinus food, grain

Latin Greek σίαλος (sialos) Greek σιγμοειδής Latin Latin (sinus), a curve, bend, bay Greek σῖτος

body, bodily

Greek σῶμα

spasm

Greek σπασμός

semen, spermatozoa

Greek σπέρμα (sperma)

viscera

Greek σπλάγχνον

-scopy

sinussitosomat(o)-, somaticospasmosperma-, spermo-, spermatosplanchn(i)-, splanchn(o)splen(o)-

spondyl(o)-

squamos(o)-stasis -staxis sten(o)-

steth(o)sthenostom(a) stomat(o)-stomy

Greek Greek σκολιός (skolios) Greek -σκόπος

Multiple sclerosis

Greek -σκοπία

endoscopy

Greek σπλήν, σπληνGreek σπόνδυλος / σφόνδυλος, Of or pertaining to the (spóndylos / spine, the vertebra sphóndylos), the spine Denoting something as Latin (sqāmōsus), 'full of scales' or 'scaly' full of scales; scaly stop, stand Greek στάσις dripping, trickling Greek στακτός Denoting something as Ancient Greek 'narrow in shape' or στενός (stenos), pertaining to narrow-ness narrow; short Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek upper chest, chest, the στῆθος (stēthos), area above the breast and chest, cuirass under the neck strength, force, power Greek σθένος mouth Greek στόμα Ancient Greek Of or pertaining to the στόμα, στοματmouth (stóma, stomat-), mouth creation of an opening Greek -στομία spleen

scoliosis stethoscope

sialagogue

Sinusitis

Spermatogenesis

Splenectomy

Spondylitis

Squama

Stenography

Stethoscope

stomatognathic system Stomatogastric colostomy

subsupersuprasy(l)-, sym-, syn-, sys-

beneath Latin in excess, above, superior Latin above, excessive Latin Indicates similarity, likeness, or being together; Assimilates Ancient Greek συνbefore some consonants: (syn), with, together before l to syl-, s to sys-, before a labial to sym-.

subcutaneous tissue superior vena cava supraorbital vein Synalgia, Synesthesia, Syssarcosis

[edit] T Prefix/suffix tachy-tension, -tensive tetanthec-

Meaning Denoting something as fast, irregularly fast pressure rigid, tense case, sheath

Of or pertaining to a thel(e)-, thel(o)- nipple [uncommon as a prefix] Denoting something as thely'relating to a woman, feminine' therm(o)thorac(i)-, thorac(o)-, thoracicothromb(o)-

thyr(o)thym(o)(ia)-tic toco-tome -tomy

Origin language Example(s) and etymology Ancient Greek ταχύς (tachys), fast, Tachycardia quickly Latin

Hypertension tetanus

Ancient Greek θήκη Intrathecal (theke) Ancient Greek θηλή Theleplasty (thēlē), a teat, nipple

Ancient Greek θῆλυς (thēlys), Thelygenous female, feminine Ancient Greek heat θερμός Of or pertaining to the Latin (thōrāx) < upper chest, chest; the Ancient Greek Thorax area above the breast and θώραξ (thōrax), under the neck chest, cuirass Of or relating to a blood Ancient Greek Thrombus, clot, clotting of blood θρόμβος Thrombocytopenia (thrómbos), lump, piece, clot of blood thyroid Greek θυρεο-ειδής Greek: "thymos," spirit, soul; courage; emotions dysthymia breath, mind, emotions pertaining to Greek -τικός childbirth Greek τόκος cutting instrument Greek τομή act of cutting; incising, Greek -τομία Gastrotomy incision

tono-tony top(o)tox(i)-, tox(o)-, toxicotrache(o)-

tone, tension, pressure tension place, topical

Greek τόνος Greek -τονία Greek τόπος

toxin, poison

Greek τοξικόν

trachea

Greek τραχεία Ancient Greek τράχηλος (tráchēlos), neck

trachel(o)-

Of or pertaining to the neck

trans-

Denoting something as moving or situated 'across' or 'through'

trich(i)-, trichia, Of or pertaining to hair, trich(o)hair-like structure -tripsy -trophy tympan(o)-

crushing nourishment, development eardrum

Toxoplasmosis

Tracheotomy

Latin (trāns), across, Transfusion through Ancient Greek θρίξ, τριχ(ο)- (thríx, trich(o)-), hair Greek τρίψις Greek -τροφία, τροφή Greek τύμπανον

Trichocyst Lithotripsy Pseudohypertrophy Tympanocentesis

[edit] U Prefix/suffix -ula, -ule ultraumbilicungui-

Origin language and etymology small Latin beyond, excessive Latin Of or pertaining to the navel, the Latin (umbilīcus), umbilicus navel, belly-button Of or pertaining to the nail, a Latin (unguis), nail, claw claw Meaning

Example(s) Nodule Umbilical Unguiform, Ungual Unilateral hearing loss

un(i)-

one

Latin (unus)

ur(o)-

Of or pertaining to urine, the urinary system; (specifically) pertaining to the physiological chemistry of urine

Ancient Greek οὖρον Urology (ouron), urine

uri(c)-, urico-

uric acid

Greek οὐρικός

urin-

Of or pertaining to urine, the urinary system

uter(o)-

Of or pertaining to the uterus or womb

Latin (ūrīna), urine < Ancient Greek ουρον Uriniferous (ouron), see above. Latin (uterus), womb, Uterus uterus

[edit] V Prefix/suffix

Meaning

Origin language and

Example(s)

vaginvaric(o)vas(o)vasculovenventr(o)vesic(o)viscer(o)-

etymology Latin (vāgīna), sheath, Of or pertaining to the vagina scabbard swollen or twisted vein Latin duct, blood vessel Latin blood vessel Latin Of or pertaining to the (blood) veins, a vein [used in Latin (vēna), bloodpertaining to the vascular vessel, vein system ] Of or pertaining to the belly; Latin (venter), the belly, the stomach cavities the stomach; the womb Of or pertaining to the Latin (vēsīca), bladder; bladder blister Latin (viscera), internal Of or pertaining to the organs; plural of internal organs, the viscera (viscerum), internal organ

Vagina varicose vasoconstriction

Vein, Venospasm Ventrodorsal Vesica Viscera

[edit] X Prefix/suffix

Meaning

xanth(o)-

Denoting a yellow color, an abnormally yellow color

xen(o)-

Foreign, different

Origin language and Example(s) etymology Ancient Greek ξανθός Xanthopathy (xanthós), yellow Greek ξένος (xenos), Xenograft stranger

[edit] Y Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) -y condition or process of Latin -ia < Greek -ία Surgery

[edit] Z Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) zo(o)animal, animal life Greek ζῷον zym(o)fermentation, enzyme Greek ζύμη

[edit] English meanings This section contains lists of different root classification (e.g. body components, quantity, description, etc.). Each list is alphabetized by English meanings, with the corresponding Greek and Latin roots given.

[edit] Roots of the Body

[edit] Roots of Bodily Concepts Bodily Concept Digestion Disease Eating

Greek Root -pepsia -pathy -phagia

Latin Root -

Other Root -

[edit] Roots of body parts and components (Internal Anatomy, External Anatomy, Body Fluids, Body Substances) Body Part/Component abdomen aorta arm armpit artery back big toe bladder

blood clot blood vessel body bone bone marrow, marrow brain breast chest cheek ear eggs, ova

Greek Root lapar(o)aort(o)brachi(o)arteri(o)cyst(o)haemat-, hemat(haem-, hem-) thromb(o)angi(o)somat-, somoste(o)myel(o)encephal(o)mast(o)steth(o)ot(o)oo-

Latin Root abdominaort(o)axilldorsallicvesic(o)sangui-, sanguinevascul-, vascorporossimedullcerebr(o)mamm(o)buccaurov-

eye

ophthalm(o)-

ocul(o)-

eyelid face fallopian tubes fat, fatty tissue finger forehead gallbladder genitals, sexually undifferentiated gland glans penis or clitoridis

blephar(o)salping(o)lip(o)dactyl(o)cholecyst(o)-

cili-; palpebrfaci(o)adipdigitfront(o)fell-

optic(o) [French] -

gon(o)-, phall(o)-

-

-

aden(o)balan(o)-

-

-

blood

Other Root -

gums hair hand head heart hip, hip-t horn intestine jaw kidney knee lip liver loins, pubic region

trich(o)cheir(o)-, chir(o)cephal(o)cardi(o)cerat(o)enter(o)gnath(o)nephr(o)goncheil(o)-, chil(o)hepat(o)- (hepatic-) episi(o)-

-

rhin(o)oophor(o)pyel(o)pe(o)cor-, core-, coropleur(o)thorac(i)-, thorac(o)om(o)dermat(o)- (derm-) crani(o)gastr(o)orchi(o)-, orchid(o)pharyng(o)-

gingivcapillmanucapit(o)cordicoxcornurengenulabi(o)jecorpudendpulmon(i)(pulmo-) medullmentorunguiumbiliccervicnervpapill-, mammillnasovari(o)pelv(i)cost(o)humer(o)sinuscut-, cuticulventr(o)-

lungs

pneumon-

marrow, bone marrow mind mouth muscle nail navel neck nerve; the nervous system

myel(o)psychstomat(o)my(o)onych(o)omphal(o)trachel(o)neur(o)-

nipple, teat

thele-

nose ovary pelvis penis pupil (of the eye) rib rib cage shoulder sinus skin skull stomach testis throat (upper throat cavity) throat (lower throat cavity/voice box]) thumb tooth tongue

laryng(o)-

-

-

odont(o)gloss-, glott-

pollicdent(i)lingu(a)-

-

-

toe tumour ureter

dactyl(o)cel-, onc(o)ureter(o)-

urethra

urethr(o)-, urethr(a)-

urine, urinary System uterine tubes uterus vagina vein vulva womb wrist

ur(o)sarping(o)hyster(o)-, metr(o)colp(o)phleb(o)episi(o)hyster(o)-, metr(o)carp(o)-

digittumureter(o)urethr(o)-, urethr(a)urin(o)sarping(o)uter(o)vaginvenvulvuter(o)carp(o)-

-

[edit] Roots of Color Color black blue gray, grey green purple red red-yellow white yellow

Greek Root in English melanocyanopoliochlor(o)porphyr(o)erythr(o)-, rhod(o)cirrh(o)leuc-, leukxanth(o)-

Latin Root in English nigrvirpurpur-, purpureorub-, rubralbflav-

Other Root jaun - [French]

[edit] Roots of description [Size, Shape, Strength, etc.] Description bad, incorrect bent, crooked big biggest broad, wide cold dead equal false female, feminine flat good, well great hard

Greek Root in English cac(o)-, dysankyl(o)mega-, megal(o)megisteurycry(o)necr(o)is(o)pseud(o)thelyplatyeumega-, megal(o)scler(o)-

Latin Root in English mal(e)prav(i)magn(i)maximlat(i)frig(i)mortequ(i)fals(i)plan(i)ben(e)-, bon(i)magn(i)dur(i)-

Other Root -

heavy hollow huge incorrect, bad irregular large; extremely large largest long male, masculine narrow new normal, correct old sharp short small smallest slow fast soft straight thick varied, various well, good wide, broad

bar(o)coel(o)megal(o)cac(o)-, dyspoikil(o) megamegistmacr(o)arsenosten(o)neoorth(o)paleooxybrachymicr(o)bradytachymalac(o)orth(o)pachypoikiloeueury-

[edit] Roots of position Greek Latin Description Root in Root in English English around pericircumlaev(o)-, left levosinistrmiddle mes(o)- mediright dexi(o)- dextr(o)surrounding pericircum-

Other Root -

[edit] Roots of quantity (Amount, Quantity) Greek Latin Other Description Root in Root in Root English English double diplodupli-

grav(i)cav(i)magn(i)mal(e)magn(i)maximlong(i)virangust(i)nov(i)rect(i)veteracbrev(i)parv(i)- (rare) minimtard(i)celermoll(i)rect(i)crass(i)variben(e)lat(i)-

-

equal few

isooligo-

equipauci-

half

hemi-

semi-

poly-

multi-

-

dis-

bis-

-

many, much twice

demi(French)

[edit] See also • • • • •

Classical compound International scientific vocabulary List of medical abbreviations Medical dictionary Medicine

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