List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes

List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes

This is a list of roots, suffixes, and prefixes used in medical terminology, their meanings, and their etymology. There are a few rules when using medical roots. Firstly, prefixes and suffixes, primarily in Greek, but also in Latin, have a droppable -o-. As a general rule, this -o- almost always acts as a joint-stem to connect two consonantal roots, e.g. arthr- + -o- + logy = arthrology. But generally, the -o- is dropped when connecting to a vowel-stem; e.g. arthr+ itis = arthritis, instead of arthr-o-itis. Secondly, medical roots generally go together according to language: Greek prefixes go with Greek suffixes and Latin prefixes with Latin suffixes. Although international scientific vocabulary is not stringent about segregating combining forms of different languages, it is advisable when coining new words not to mix different lingual roots.

Prefixes and suffixes

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

A
Prefix or suffix a-, anababdomin(o)Meaning Denotes an absence of, without away from Of or relating to the abdomen Origin language and etymology Ancient Greek -/- (a-/an-), without, not Latin Latin (abdmen), abdomen, fat around the belly Greek - (-akos) Ancient Greek (akantha), thorn Example(s) Apathy, Analgia Abduction Abdomen

-ac, -acal acanth(o)-

pertaining to thorn or spine

cardiac, hydrophobiac, pharmacomaniacal acanthion, acanthocyte, acanthoma, acanthulus acoumeter, acoustician

acous(io)-

Of or relating to hearing

Greek (acoustikos), of or for hearing Greek (akron), highest or farthest point Greek (acoustikos), of or for hearing

acr(o)-

extremity, topmost

Acrocrany, acromegaly, acroosteolysis, acroposthia paracusis

-acusis

hearing

-ad ad-

toward, in the direction of increase, adherence, motion toward, very Of or relating to a gland Latin

dorsad Adduction

aden(o)-, aden(i)adip(o)adren(o)-aemia (BrE) aer(o)aesthesio(BrE) -al alb-

Ancient Greek , - (adn, aden-), an acorn; a gland Latin (adeps, adip-), fat Latin Greek , without blood Greek , Greek

Adenocarcinoma, adenology, adenotome, adenotyphus Adipocyte adrenal artery Anaemia Aerosinusitis Anesthesia

Of or relating to fat or fatty tissue Of or relating to adrenal glands blood condition air, gas sensation

pertaining to Denoting a white or pale color

Latin -alis Latin albus, white

abdominal Albino

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2
Greek Greek Greek Ancient Greek (allos), another, other Analgesic Myalgia Myalgia Alloantigen, allopathy

alge(si)-algia alg(i)oallo-

pain pain pain Denoting something as different, or as an addition Denoting something as positioned on both sides; Describing both of two Pertaining to the membranous fetal sac (amnion)

ambi-

Latin (ambi-, ambo), both, on both sides

Ambidextrous

amnio-

Greek

Amniocentesis

amph-, amphi- on both sides ananaan(o) andr(o)angi(o)anisoankyl(o)-, ancyl(o)antenot, without back, again, up anus pertaining to a man blood vessel Describing something as unequal

Greek (amphi) Greek Greek Latin Greek , Greek Ancient Greek (ansos), unequal

Amphicrania, amphismela, amphomycin Analgesia Anaplasia

Andrology, android Angiogram Anisotropic, anisocytosis

Denoting something as crooked or bent Ancient Greek (anklos), crooked, Ankylosis curved Describing something as positioned in front of another thing Describing something as 'against' or 'opposed to' another separated from, derived from first, primitive Of or pertaining to a male; masculine Of or pertaining to an artery Greek (arsein) Ancient Greek (artra), a wind-pipe, artery (used distinctly versus a vein) Ancient Greek (arthros), a joint, limb Latin articulum Latin -arius Greek , division Greek, Artery, Arteriole Latin (nt), before, in front of antepartum

anti-

Ancient Greek (anti), against

Antibody, antipsychotic

apoarch(i,e,o) arsen(o)arteri(o)-

Ancient Greek

Apoptosis archinephron : first formed kidney

arthr(o)-

Of or pertaining to the joints, limbs

Arthritis

articul(o)-ary -ase -asthenia atel(o)

joint pertaining to enzyme weakness imperfect or incomplete development

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

ather(o)-ation atri(o)aur(i)aut(o)aux(o)-

fatty deposit, Soft gruel-like deposit process an atrium (esp. heart atrium) Of or pertaining to the ear self increase; growth Latin (auris), the ear Greek Latin Habitation, Lubrication atrioventricular Aural Autoimmune auxocardia : enlargement of the heart

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3
Latin (axilla), armpit Axilla

axill-

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

azo(to)

azothermia : raised temperature due to nitrogenous substances in blood

B
Prefix/suffix balanobibioblast(o)blephar(o)brachi(o)Meaning Of the glans penis or glans clitoridis twice, double life germ or bud Of or pertaining to the eyelid Of or relating to the arm Origin language and etymology Greek - balanos, acorn, glans Latin Ancient Greek Greek Ancient Greek (blpharon), eyelid Latin (brachium), from Ancient Greek (brachin), arm Ancient Greek (brachys), short, little, shallow Balanitis Binary Biology Blastomere Blepharoplast Brachium of inferior colliculus brachycephalic Example(s)

brachy-

Indicating 'short' or less commonly 'little' 'slow' bronchus Of or pertaining to the cheek bursa (fluid sac between the bones)

bradybronch(i)bucc(o)burs(o)-

Ancient Greek (bradys), slow

Bradycardia Bronchiolitis obliterans

Latin (bucca), cheek Latin

Buccolabial Bursitis

bas(o) base [(alkaline,the opposite of acid]

C
Prefix or suffix capillcapitcarcin(o)cardi(o)carp(o)Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s)

Of or pertaining to hair Pertaining to the head (as a whole) cancer Of or pertaining to the heart Of or pertaining to the wrist

Latin (capillus), hair Latin (caput, capit-), the head Greek (karkinos), crab Ancient Greek (karda), heart Latin (carpus) < Ancient Greek (karps), wrist; NOTE: This root should not be confused with the mirror root carp(o)meaning fruit. Greek (kata) Ancient Greek (kl)

Capillus Capitation Carcinoma Cardiology Carpopedal

cata-cele

down, under pouching, hernia

Cataract Hydrocele, Varicocele Amniocentesis Cephalalgy Ceratoid Cerebellum Cerebrology

-centesis cephal(o)cerat(o)cerebell(o)cerebr(o)-

surgical puncture for aspiration Of or pertaining to the head (as a whole) Of or pertaining to the cornu; a horn Of or pertaining to the cerebellum Of or pertaining to the brain

Ancient Greek (kentsis) Ancient Greek (kphal), the head Ancient Greek , - (kras, kerat-), a horn Latin (cerebellum), little brain Latin (cerebrum), brain

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4
Latin (cervix, cervc-), neck, cervix Greek Ancient Greek , - (cheir, cheiro-), hand Cervicodorsal Chemotherapy Chiropractor

cervicchem(o)chir(o)-, cheir(o)chlor(o)chol(e)cholecyst(o)-

Of or pertaining to the neck, the cervix chemistry, drug Of or pertaining to the hand

Denoting a green color Of or pertaining to bile Of or pertaining to the gallbladder

Ancient Greek (chloros), green, yellow-green Ancient Greek (chol), bile Ancient Greek (cholkstis), gallbladder < (chol), bile, gall + (kstis), bladder Ancient Greek (chondros) Ancient Greek Latin < Latin (cilium), eyelash; eyelid

Chlorophyll Cholaemia Cholecystectomy

chondr(i)ochrom(ato)-cidal, -cide cili-

cartilage, gristle, granule, granular color killing, destroying Of or pertaining to the cilia, the eyelashes; eyelids Denoting something as 'around' another on this side break with, together, in association colon

Chondrocalcinosis Hemochromatosis bacteriocidal Ciliary

circumcisclast cocol-, colo-, colonocolp(o)comcontra corcor-, core-, corocordi-

Latin (circum), around Latin (cis) Greek Latin

Circumcision

osteoclast coenzymes Colonoscopy

Of or pertaining to the vagina with, together against with, together Of or pertaining to eye's pupil

Ancient Greek (klpos), bosom, womb; hollow, depth Latin Latin Latin Ancient Greek (kr), girl, doll; pupil of the eye

Colposcopy

Contraindicate

Corectomy

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 crown Of or pertaining to the ribs Of or relating to the hip, haunch, or hip-joint Belonging or relating to the cranium

Latin (cor, cordi-), heart

Commotio cordis

cornu-

Latin (corn), horn

coron(o)cost(o)cox-

Latin corna (garland, crown) Latin (costa), rib Latin (coxa), hip Costochondral Coxopodite

crani(o)-

Latin (cranium) < Ancient Greek (krnion), the cranium, skull, bones enclosing the brain ecrine Greek Latin cutis Ancient Greek , (kanos, kyneos), blue Greek (kuklos)

Craniology

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

to secrete cold skin Denotes a blue color circle, cycle

Endocrine Cryoablation Subcutaneous Cyanopsia

Denotes something as bent (uncommon as Ancient Greek (kphs), bent, hunchback a prefix)

Cyphosis

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Ancient Greek (kstis); bladder, cyst Cystotomy

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

Of or pertaining to the urinary bladder

cell cell

Greek Greek

Cytokine Leukocyte

D
Prefix/suffix dacryodactyl(o)tear Of or pertaining to a finger, toe Meaning Origin language and etymology Greek Ancient Greek (dktylos), finger, toe Latin deLatin (dens, dentis), tooth Ancient Greek , (drma, dmat-), skin, human skin Greek (desis) Latin dexter Greek Latin Ancient Greek (di), through, during, across Latin Latin (digitus), finger, toe Digit polydipsia hydroadipsia, oligodipsia Latin disLatin (dorsum), back Latin duodeni Dissection dorsal, Dorsocephalad Duodenal atresia Diacetyl Dentist Dermatology Dactylology Example(s)

dedentdermat(o)-, derm(o)-desis dextr(o)dididia-

away from, cessation Of or pertaining to teeth Of or pertaining to the skin

binding right, on the right side two apart, separation (same as Greek meaning)

arthrodesis Dextrocardia Diplopia

difdigit-dipsia

apart, separation Of or pertaining to the finger [rare as a root] suffix meaning "(condition of) thirst"'

dis-

separation, taking apart

dors(o)-, dors(i)- Of or pertaining to the back duodenoduodenum, twelve: upper part of the small intestine (twelve inches long on average), connects to the stomach force, energy, power pain bad, difficult

dynam(o)-dynia dys-

Greek (dunamis) Vulvodynia Greek Dysphagia, dysphasia

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Prefix/suffix -eal ecect(o)-ectasis, -ectasia pertaining to out, away outer, outside

Meaning Latin

Origin language and etymology

Example(s)

Greek - (ek-) Greek Ancient Greek Ectopic pregnancy Bronchiectasis, Telangiectasia Mastectomy

expansion, dilation

-ectomy

Denotes a surgical operation or removal of a body part. Resection, excision vomiting condition blood condition (AmE) Of or pertaining to the brain. Also see Cerebro. Denotes something as 'inside' or 'within' Red

Ancient Greek (ectom), excision

-emesis -emia encephal(o)-

Greek Greek -, without blood Ancient Greek (enkphalos), the brain

Hematemesis Anemia Encephalogram

endoeosin(o)-

Ancient Greek - (endo-), inside, internal

Endocrinology, Endospore

Eosin comes from Eos, the Greek word for 'dawn' and Eosinophil granulocyte the name of the Greek Goddess of the Dawn. Ancient Greek (nteron), intestine Ancient Greek - (epi-), before, upon, on, outside, outside of Ancient Greek - (epsion), the pubic area, loins; vulva Ancient Greek (erythros), red Greek Gastroenterology Epistaxis, epicardium, episclera, epidural Episiotomy

enter(o)epi-

Of or pertaining to the intestine [Same as Greek meaning: on, upon]

episi(o)-

Of or pertaining to the pubic region, the loins Denotes a red color gullet (AmE)

erythr(o)-esophageal, -esophago esthesioeuexexoextra-

Erythrocyte

sensation (AmE) true, good, well, new out of, away from Denotes something as 'outside' another outside

Greek Greek Latin Ancient Greek - (exo-), outside of, external Latin Eukaryote Exophthalmos Exoskeleton Extradural hematoma

F
Prefix/suffix faci(o)fibr(o) filliMeaning Of or pertaining to the face fiber fine, hair like Cuneiform fossa ovalis Frontonasal Origin language and etymology Example(s)

Latin (facis), the face, countenance Facioplegic Fibroblast

-form, -iform Used to form adjectives indicating 'having the form of' Latin (forma), form, shape fossa frontA hollow or depressed area; trench or channel Of or pertaining to the forehead Latin (fossa), ditch, pit Latin (frns, front-), the forehead

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G
Prefix/suffix galact(o)gastr(o)milk Of or pertaining to the stomach Meaning Origin language and etymology Greek , Ancient Greek (gastr), -, stomach, belly Ancient Greek - (-gens) < - (gen-nein), to be born Greek Latin (gen), knee Latin (gingva), gum Ancient Greek (glaukos), grey, bluish-grey Ancient Greek , (glssa, gltta), tongue Greek , sweet Example(s) Galactorrhea Gastric bypass

-gen

(1) Denotes the sense 'born in, from' (2) Denotes the sense 'of a certain kind' Formative, pertaining to producing Of or pertaining to the knee Of or pertaining to the gums Denoting a grey or bluish-grey colour

(1) Endogen; (2) Heterogenous Cardiogenic shock Genu valgum Gingivitis Glaucoma

-genic genugingivglauc(o)-

gloss(o)-, glott(o)-

Of or pertaining to the tongue

Glossology

glucoglycognath(o)-gnosis gon(o)-gram, -gramme -graph

glucose sugar Of or pertaining to the jaw knowledge seed, semen; also, reproductive record or picture instrument used to record data or picture

Glucocorticoid Glycolysis

Ancient Greek (gnthos), jaw Greek Ancient Greek Greek (gramma) Ancient Greek - (-grapha), written, drawn, graphic interpretation

Gnathodynamometer diagnosis, prognosis Gonorrhea Angiogram Electrocardiograph

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

process of recording woman Greek , -

Angiography Gynecomastia

H
Prefix/suffix halluchemat-, haemato(haem-, hem-) hema or hemohemangi or hemangiohemihepat- (hepatic-) Meaning to wander in mind Of or pertaining to blood Origin language and etymology Classical Latin to wander in mind Example(s) Hallucinosis

Latin (hma) < Ancient Greek , - Hematology, older form (haima, haimat-), blood Haematology Greek Hematological malignancy

blood (AmE) blood vessels one-half Of or pertaining to the liver

Ancient Greek - (hmi-), "half" Ancient Greek , - (hpar, hpato-), the liver Ancient Greek (hteros), the other (of two), another; different Greek Greek Ancient Greek (homoios)

Cerebral hemisphere Hepatology

heter(o)-

Denotes something as 'the other' (of two), as an addition, or different sweat tissue similar

Heterogeneous

hidr(o)hist(o)-, histiohome(o)-

Hyperhidrosis Histology Homeopathy

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Ancient Greek - (homo-), the same, common Incorrect Etymology < Latin (umerus), shoulder Greek Ancient Greek (hyper), over, above; beyond, to the extreme Homosexuality

hom(o)-

Denotes something as 'the same' as another or common Of or pertaining to the shoulder (or [rarely] the upper arm) water Denotes something as 'extreme' or 'beyond normal' Denotes something as 'below normal' Of or pertaining to the womb, the uterus

humer(o)-

Humerus

hydr(o)hyper-

Hydrophobe Hypertension

hyp(o)hyster(o)-

Ancient Greek ()- (hypo-), below, under Hypovolemia, Ancient Greek (hystra), womb Hysterectomy

I
Prefix/suffix -i-asis iatr(o)condition Of or pertaining to medicine, or a physician [uncommon as a prefix; common as as suffix, see -iatry] Denotes a field in medicine of a certain body component Meaning Origin language and etymology Greek - Ancient Greek (itrs), healer, physician Ancient Greek (itrs), healer, physician Greek - (-ikos) Latin Latin -ica < Greek < - Greek , idios, "one's own" Greek Latin Latin Example(s) Mydriasis Iatrochemistry

-iatry

Podiatry, Psychiatry

-ic -icle -ics idioileoinfrainter-

pertaining to small organized knowledge, treatment self, one's own ileum below between, among

Hepatic artery Ovarian follicle Obstetrics Idiopathic Ileocecal valve Infrahyoid muscles Interarticular ligament Intracranial hemorrhage Ipsilateral hemiparesis Iridectomy Ischioanal fossa

intra-

within

Latin

ipsi-

same

Latin

irid(o)ischio-

iris Of or pertaining to the ischium, the hip-joint

Greek Ancient Greek (ischin), hip-joint, ischium

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

condition, disease spasm, contraction Denoting something as being 'equal' one who specializes in the nature of, resembling inflammation structure, tissue Restriction Greek Greek - Ancient Greek (sos), equal Greek - (-istes) Greek -

Dwarfism Hemiballismus Isotonic Pathologist Hermaphrodite Tonsillitis pericardium Ischemia

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K
Prefix/suffix kal/i karyokerat(o)Meaning potassium nucleus Greek , "nut" Eukaryote Keratoscope Kinesthesia Koilocyte Kyphoscoliosis Origin language and etymology Example(s)

cornea (eye or skin) Greek Greek Greek (koilos) Greek

kin(e)-, kin(o), kinesi(o)- movement koil(o)kyph(o)hollow humped

L
Prefix/suffix labi(o)lacrim(o)lact(i)-, lact(o) lapar(o)laryng(o)Meaning Of or pertaining to the lip tear milk Of or pertaining to the abdomen-wall, flank Of or pertaining to the larynx, the lower throat cavity where the voice box is lateral Origin language and etymology Latin (labium), lip Latin Latin Ancient Greek (lapr), flank Ancient Greek , - (lrynx, laryng-), throat, gullet Latin Example(s) Labiodental Lacrimal canaliculi Lactation Laparotomy Larynx

latero-

Lateral pectoral nerve Leiomyoma Epilepsy, narcolepsy

lei(o)-lepsis, -lepsy

smooth attack, seizure

Greek Greek

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

light, slender Denoting a white color

Greek (leptos) Ancient Greek (leukos), white, bright Leukocyte

Of or pertaining to the tongue

Latin (lingua), tongue

Linguistics

fat stone, calculus speech Denotes someone who studies a certain field: _____-logy

Greek Greek Greek Ancient Greek (logists), studier, practitioner

Liposuction Lithotripsy

Oncologist, pathologist hematology, urology Lymphedema Lysosome Paralysis

-logy

Denotes the academic study or practice of a certain field; Ancient Greek o (logos) study The study of lymph dissolution Destruction, separation Greek , Greek Greek

lymph(o)lys(o)-, -lytic -lysis

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M
Prefix/suffix macr(o)-malacia mamm(o)mammill(o)manumast(o)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 Meaning Origin language and etymology Greek Greek Latin (mamma), breast; udder Latin (mammilla), nipple Latin (manus), hand Ancient Greek (masts), breast, women's breast; man's pectoral muscle Greek Manufacture Mastectomy Example(s) Macrophage Osteomalacia Mammogram

meg(a)-, megal(o)-, -megaly melan(o)-

enlargement

Splenomegaly

black color

Ancient Greek , - (melas, melano-), black; Melanin dark Ancient Greek Greek , Greek (meros), part Ancient Greek (mesos), "middle" Greek Greek Greek - erythromelalgia Meningitis merocrine, meroblastic Mesoderm Metacarpus Sphygmomanometer Optometry Metrorrhagia

melos mening(o)meromes(o)meta-meter -metry metr(o)-

extremity membrane part middle after, behind instrument used to measure or count process of measuring

Pertaining to conditions or instruments Ancient Greek (mtr), womb, uterus of the uterus denoting something as small, or relating to smallness single Ancient Greek (mikros), small

micro-

Microscope

mon(o)-

Greek

Infectious mononucleosis Morphology Musculoskeletal system Myoblast

morph(o)muscul(o)my(o)-

form, shape muscle Of or relating to muscle

Greek Latin Ancient Greek , - (mys, my-), muscle; mouse; mussel Greek , -

myc(o)myel(o)myring(o)myx(o)-

fungus Of or relating to bone marrow eardrum mucus

Onychomycosis

Ancient Greek (myelon), marrow; bone-marrow Myeloblast Latin myringa Greek Myringotomy Myxoma

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Prefix/suffix narc(o)nas(o)necr(o)numb, sleep

Meaning

Origin language and etymology Greek Latin (nsum), nose Greek

Example(s) narcolepsy nasal Necrotizing fasciitis Neoplasm Nephrology Nerve

Of or pertaining to the nose death

neonephr(o)nerv-

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

Greek Ancient Greek (nephrs), kidney Latin (nervus), tendon; nerve; Cognate with the Greek (neuron) (see below) Ancient Greek (neuron), tendon, sinew; nerve Latin

neur(i)-, neur(o)normo-

Neurofibromatosis

normal

Normocapnia

O
Prefix/suffix ocul(o)odont(o)odyn(o)-oesophageal, oesophago- (BrE) -oid ole olig(o)Meaning Of or pertaining to the eye Of or pertaining to teeth pain gullet Origin language and etymology Latin (oculus), the eye Ancient Greek , - (odos, odont-), tooth Greek Greek Oculist orthodontist stomatodynia Example(s)

resemblance to small or little Denoting something as 'having little, having few' Of or pertaining to the shoulder tumor, mass, collection

Greek - Latin Ancient Greek (oligos), few

Sarcoidosis

Oligotrophy

om(o)-oma (singular), -omata (plural) omphal(o)-

Ancient Greek (mos), shoulder Greek -

Omoplate Sarcoma, Teratoma

Of or pertaining to the navel, the Ancient Greek (omphals), navel, umbilicus belly-button tumor, bulk, volume Of or pertaining to the nail (of a finger or toe) Of or pertaining to the an egg, a woman's egg, the ovum Of or pertaining to the woman's ovary Of or pertaining to the eye Of or relating to chemical properties of the eye Of or pertaining to the mouth testis Greek Ancient Greek < , - (nyx, nycho-), nail; claw; talon Ancient Greek , - (n, o-), egg, ovum

Omphalotomy

oncoonych(o)-

Oncology Onychophagy

oo-

Oogenesis

oophor(o)-

Neoclassical Greek (ophron), ovary, egg-bearing Ancient Greek (ophthalms), the eye Middle French (optique) < Greek (optiks); Cognate with Latin oculus, relating to the eye Latin (s, or-), mouth Greek (orkhis, orkhi-)

Oophorectomy

ophthalm(o)optic(o)-

Ophthalmology Opticochemical

or(o)orchi(o)-, orchid(o)-, orch(o)-

Oral Orchiectomy, Orchidectomy

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Ancient Greek (orthos), straight, correct, normal Greek - Orthodontist

orth(o)-

Denoting something as straight or correct a condition, disease or increase

-osis

Harlequin type ichthyosis, Psychosis, osteoperosis

osseoossiost(e)-, oste(o)ot(o)-ous ovari(o)ovo-, ovi-, ov-

bony bone bone Of or pertaining to the ear pertaining to Of or pertaining to the ovaries Of or pertaining to the eggs, the ovum addition of oxygen sharp, acid, acute, oxygen

Latin Latin Greek Ancient Greek , - (ous, t-), the ear Latin -osus Latin (varium), ovary Latin (vum), egg, ovum Ovariectomy Ovogenesis Peripheral ossifying fibroma Osteoporosis Otopathy

oxooxy-

Greek Greek

P
Prefix/suffix pachypalpebrpan-, pant(o)thick Of or pertaining to the eyelid [uncommon as a root] Denoting something as 'complete' or containing 'everything' Of or pertaining to the nipple (of the chest/breast) Meaning Origin language and etymology Greek Latin (palpebra), eyelid Ancient Greek , - (pas, pan-), all, every Example(s) pachyderma Palpebra panophobia, panopticon

papill-

Latin (papilla), nipple; dimunitive of papula Papillitis (see below) Latin (papula), pimple, pustle; a small elevation or swelling in the skin Ancient Greek (para) Greek Latin parvus Greek hemiparesis Parvovirus Pathology sociopathy, neuropathy Papulation

papul(o)-

Indicates papulosity, a small elevation or swelling in the skin, a pimple, swelling alongside of, abnormal slight paralysis small disease

para-paresis parvopath(o)-pathy

Denotes (with a negative sense) a disease, or disorder Ancient Greek (pathos), suffering, accident Of or pertaining to the foot; -footed hip bone deficiency Of or pertaining to the penis Denotes something relating to digestion, or the digestive tract. Latin ps, pd-, foot Latin Greek Greek (peos) Ancient Greek (pepts) cooked, digested < (pss) I boil, cook; digest Latin Ancient Greek (peri), around

ped-, -ped-, -pes pelv(i)-, pelv(o)-penia peo-pepsia

Pedoscope Pelvis osteopenia Peotomy Dyspepsia

perperi-

through Denoting something with a position 'surrounding' or 'around' another fixation

Periodontal

-pexy

Greek

Nephropexy

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Greek phacolysis, phacometer, phacoscotoma Sarcophagia

phaco-

lens-shaped

-phage, -phagia

Forms terms denoting conditions relating to eating or ingestion eating, devouring Forms nouns that denote a person who 'feeds on' the first element or part of the word Forms nouns that denotes 'feeding on' the first element or part of the word phallus drug, medication Of or pertaining to the pharynx, the upper throat cavity attraction for Of or pertaining to the (blood) veins, a vein

Ancient Greek (phaga) eating < (phagein) to eat Greek - Ancient Greek (phagists) eater; see -phagia Ancient Greek (phagia) eating; see -phagia Greek (phallos) Greek

-phagophagist-:

phagocyte Lotophagi

-phagy

Anthropophagy

phallopharmacopharyng(o)-

Aphallia pharmacology

Ancient Greek , - (phrynx, Pharyngitis, phryng-), throat, windpipe; chasm Pharyngoscopy Greek Ancient Greek , - (phleps, phlebo-), blood-vessel, vein Greek Greek Ancient Greek , - (phs, pht-), light Hemophilia Phlebography, Phlebotomy arachnophobia phonograph, symphony Phosphene

-phil(ia) phleb(o)-

-phobia phon(o)phos-

exaggerated fear, sensitivity sound Of or pertaining to light or its chemical properties, now historic and used rarely. See the common root phot(o)- below. Of or pertaining to light

phot(o)-

Ancient Greek , - (phs, pht-), light Latin pirum, pear Greek , -

Photopathy

piriphren(i)-, phren(o)-, phrenico -plasia -plasty -plegia pleiopleur(o)-, pleur(a)

Pear the mind

Piriformis Phrenic nerve, schizophrenia, diaphragm Achondroplasia rhinoplasty paraplegia pleiomorphism Pleurogenous

formation, development surgical repair, reconstruction paralysis more, excessive, multiple Of or pertaining to the ribs

Greek Greek Greek Greek pleion Latin (pleura) from Ancient Greek (pleurn), rib, side of the body Greek Ancient Greek , (pneumn, pneumon-), lung < (pneuma), wind, spirit Ancient Greek Ancient Greek , - (pos, pod-), foot

-plexy pneum(o)-

stroke or seizure Of or pertaining to the lungs

Cataplexy Pneumonocyte, Pneumonia

pneumat(o)pod-, -pod-, -pus

air, lung Of or pertaining to the foot, -footed

Podiatry

-poiesis poliopolypor(o)-

production Denoting a grey color Denotes a 'plurality' of something pore, porous Ancient Greek (polis), grey Ancient Greek (polys), much, many

hematopoiesis Poliomyelitis Polymyositis

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Ancient Greek (porphra), purple Porphyroblast Latin (post), after, behind Postoperation, Postmortem Prematurity

porphyr(o)post-

Denotes a purple color Denotes something as 'after' or 'behind' another

pre-

Denotes something as 'before' another (in [physical] position or time) old age Denotes something as 'first' or 'most-important' Denotes something as 'before' another (in [physical] position or time) anus, rectum face Denotes something as 'first' or 'most important'

Medieval Latin (pre-) < (Classical) Latin (pr), before, in front of Greek Latin prmus, first, most important

presby(o)primpro-

Presbyopia Primary

Ancient Greek (pro), before, in front of Procephalic

proct(o)prosop(o)prot(o)-

proctology Greek (prosopon), face, mask Ancient Greek (prtos), first; principal, most important Ancient Greek Ancient Greek (psych), breath, life, soul Greek Psychology, psychiatry Prosopagnosia Protoneuron

pseud(o)psych(e)-, psych(o) pterygopsor-ptosis -ptysis

Denotes something false or fake Of or pertaining to the mind

Pertaining to a wing Itching falling, drooping, downward placement, prolapse (a spitting), spitting, hemoptysis, the spitting of blood derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes Of or relating to the lungs.

Lateral pterygoid plate Psoriasis Apoptosis hemoptysis

pulmon-, pulmo-

Latin (pulmo, pulmn-, usually used in plural), a lung Ancient Greek (pyelos) Greek Greek ,

pulmonary

pyel(o)pyopyro-

pelvis pus fever

Pyelonephritis Pyometra Antipyretic

Q
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) quadr(i)four Latin quadriceps

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Prefix/suffix radiorerect(o)ren(o)reticul(o)retrorhabd(o)rhachi(o)radiation again, backward rectum

Meaning

Origin language and etymology Latin Latin Latin Latin (rnes), kidney Latin Latin Greek Greek renal reticulocyte radiowave relapse

Example(s)

Of or pertaining to the kidney net backward, behind rod shaped, striated spine

retroversion, retroverted rhabdomyolysis rachial, rachialgia, rachidian, rachiopathy rhinoceros, rhinoplasty

rhin(o)-

Of or pertaining to the nose

Ancient Greek , - (rhs, rhno-), nose Ancient Greek (rhdon), rose Greek - Greek - Greek Greek -

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

Denoting a rose-red color burst forth rapid flow of blood surgical suturing flowing, discharge

rhodophyte Hemorrhage

Galactorrhea, Diarrhea

rupture flowing, discharge

Greek Greek - diarrhoea

Of or pertaining to the red nucleus of the brain

Latin (ruber), red

Rubrospinal

S
Prefix/suffix salping(o)Meaning Of or pertaining to the fallopian tubes Origin language and etymology Ancient Greek , -, (slpinx, salpingo-) trumpet (literally) Latin (sanguis, sanguin-), blood Example(s) Salpingectomy, Salpingopharyngeus muscle

sangui-, sanguinesarcoschist(o)schiz(o)-

Of or pertaining to blood

Sanguine

muscular, fleshlike split, cleft Denoting something 'split' or 'double-sided'

Greek , Greek (schistos) Ancient Greek ; Irregular formation of the verb (schizein), to cut, split Greek Greek Greek (skolios) Greek - Greek - Greek skotos

sarcoma

Schizophrenia

scler(o)-sclerosis scoli(o)-scope -scopy scoto-

hardness hardening of the skin twisted instrument for viewing use of instrument for viewing darkness

atherosclerosis Multiple sclerosis scoliosis stethoscope endoscopy scotopic vision

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Latin Greek (sialos) Greek Latin Latin (sinus), a curve, bend, bay Greek Greek Sinusitis sialagogue sigmoid colon

semisial(o)sigmoid(o)sinistr(o)sinussitosomat(o)-, somaticospasmosperma-, spermo-, spermatosplanchn(i)-, splanchn(o)splen(o)spondyl(o)-

one-half, partly saliva, salivary gland sigmoid, S-shaped curvature left, left side Of or pertaining to the sinus food, grain body, bodily

spasm semen, spermatozoa

Greek Greek (sperma)

Spasmodic dysphonia Spermatogenesis

viscera

Greek

spleen Of or pertaining to the spine, the vertebra

Greek , Greek / , (spndylos / sphndylos), the spine Latin (sqmsus), full of scales; scaly Greek Greek Ancient Greek (stenos), narrow; short Ancient Greek (stenos), narrow; short Ancient Greek (stthos), chest, cuirass Greek Greek Ancient Greek , (stma, stomat-), mouth Greek - Latin Latin Latin Ancient Greek - (syn), with, together

Splenectomy Spondylitis

squamos(o)-

Denoting something as 'full of scales' or 'scaly'

Squama

-stasis -staxis sten(o)-

stop, stand dripping, trickling Denoting something as 'narrow in shape' or pertaining to narrow-ness abnormal narrowing in a blood vessel or other tubular organ or structure Of or pertaining to the upper chest, chest, the area above the breast and under the neck strength, force, power mouth Of or pertaining to the mouth

Stenography

-stenosis

Stenosis, Restenosis

steth(o)-

Stethoscope

sthenostom(a) stomat(o)-

stomatognathic system Stomatogastric

-stomy subsupersuprasy, syl-, sym-, syn-, sys-

creation of an opening beneath in excess, above, superior above, excessive Indicates similarity, likeness, or being together; Assimilates before some consonants: before l to syl-, s to sys-, before a labial consonant to sym-.

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

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T
Prefix/suffix tachyMeaning Denoting something as fast, irregularly fast Origin language and etymology Ancient Greek (tachys), fast, quickly Latin Example(s) Tachycardia

-tension, -tensive tetanthecthel(e)-, thel(o)-

pressure rigid, tense case, sheath Of or pertaining to a nipple [uncommon as a prefix]

Hypertension tetanus

Ancient Greek (theke) Ancient Greek (thl), a teat, nipple Ancient Greek (thlys), female, feminine Ancient Greek (therapea) Ancient Greek (therms) Latin (thrx) < Ancient Greek (thrax), chest, cuirass Ancient Greek (thrmbos), lump, piece, clot of blood Greek - Greek: "thymos," spirit, soul; courage; breath, mind, emotions Greek - Greek Greek Greek - Greek Greek - Greek Latin tortus Greek

Intrathecal Theleplasty

thely-

Denoting something as 'relating to a woman, feminine' treatment heat Of or pertaining to the upper chest, chest; the area above the breast and under the neck Of or relating to a blood clot, clotting of blood

Thelygenous

therap(o)therm(o)thorac(i)-, thorac(o)-, thoracicothromb(o)-

hydrotherapy

Thorax

Thrombus, Thrombocytopenia

thyr(o)thym(o)(ia)-

thyroid emotions

dysthymia

-tic toco-tome -tomy tono-tony top(o)tort(i)tox(i)-, tox(o)-, toxic(o)trache(o)trachel(o)-

pertaining to childbirth cutting instrument act of cutting; incising, incision tone, tension, pressure tension place, topical twisted toxin, poison

Gastrotomy

Topical anesthetic Torticollis Toxoplasmosis

trachea Of or pertaining to the neck

Greek Ancient Greek (trchlos), neck

Tracheotomy tracheloplasty

trans-

Denoting something as moving or situated 'across' or Latin (trns), across, through 'through' Of or pertaining to hair, hair-like structure Ancient Greek , ()- (thrx, trich(o)-), hair Greek Greek -, Greek

Transfusion

trich(i)-, trichia, trich(o)-tripsy -trophy tympan(o)-

Trichocyst

crushing nourishment, development eardrum

Lithotripsy Pseudohypertrophy Tympanocentesis

List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes

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U
Prefix/suffix -ula, -ule ultraumbilicunguismall beyond, excessive Of or pertaining to the navel, the umbilicus Of or pertaining to the nail, a claw Meaning Origin language and etymology Latin Latin Latin (umbilcus), navel, belly-button Latin (unguis), nail, claw Umbilical Unguiform, Ungual Unilateral hearing loss Urology Example(s) Nodule

un(i)-

one

Latin (unus)

ur(o)-

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

Ancient Greek (ouron), urine

uri(c)-, uricourin-

Greek

Of or pertaining to urine, the urinary system

Latin (rna), urine < Ancient Greek (ouron), see above. Latin (uterus), womb, uterus

Uriniferous

uter(o)-

Of or pertaining to the uterus or womb

Uterus

V
Prefix or suffix vaginvaric(o)vas(o)vasculovenMeaning Origin language and etymology Examples

Of or pertaining to the vagina swollen or twisted vein duct, blood vessel blood vessel Of or pertaining to the (blood) veins, a vein (used in terms pertaining to the vascular system) Of or pertaining to the belly; the stomach cavities

Latin (vgna), sheath, scabbard Latin varix Latin Latin vsculum Latin (vna), blood-vessel, vein

Vagina varicose vasoconstriction

Vein, Venospasm

ventr(o)-

Latin (venter), the belly, the stomach; the womb Latin (venter), the ventricles of the heart, the ventricles of the brain Latin versi

Ventrodorsal

ventricul(o)-

Of or pertaining to the ventricles; any hollow region inside an organ turning

Cardiac ventriculography anteversion, retroversion Vesica Viscera

-version

vesic(o)viscer(o)-

Of or pertaining to the bladder Of or pertaining to the internal organs, the viscera

Latin (vsca), bladder; blister Latin (viscera), internal organs; plural of (viscerum), internal organ

List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes

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Prefix/suffix xanth(o)xen(o)xer(o)-

Meaning

Origin language and etymology

Example(s)

Denoting a yellow color, an abnormally yellow color Ancient Greek (xanths), yellow Xanthopathy Foreign, different dry, desert-like Greek (xenos), stranger Greek (xeros), dry Xenograft Xerostomia

Y
Prefix/suffix -y Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) Surgery

condition or process of Latin -ia < Greek -

Z
Prefix/suffix zo(o)zym(o)Meaning animal, animal life Origin language and etymology Example(s) Greek

fermentation, enzyme Greek

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.

Roots of the body

Roots of bodily concepts
Bodily concept Greek root Latin root Other root Digestion Disease Eating -pepsia -pathy -phagia -

Roots of body parts and components (Internal anatomy, external anatomy, body fluids, body substances)
Body part or component abdomen aorta arm armpit artery back big toe bladder lapar(o)aort(o)brachi(o)arteri(o)cyst(o)Greek root Latin root abdominaort(o)axilldorsallicvesic(o)Other root

List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes

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haemat-, hemat- (haem-, hem-) sangui-, sanguinethromb(o)angi(o)somat-, somoste(o)myel(o)encephal(o)mast(o)steth(o)ot(o)ooophthalm(o)blephar(o)prosop(o)salping(o)lip(o)dactyl(o)cholecyst(o)gon(o)-, phall(o)aden(o)balan(o)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)pneumonmyel(o)vascul-, vascorporossimedullcerebr(o)mamm(o)buccaur(i)ovocul(o)cili-; palpebrfaci(o)adipdigitfront(o)fellgingivcapillmanucapit(o)cordicoxcornurengenulabi(o)jecorpudendoptic(o)- [French] -

blood blood clot blood vessel body bone bone marrow, marrow brain breast chest cheek ear eggs, ova eye eyelid face fallopian tubes fat, fatty tissue finger forehead gallbladder genitals, sexually undifferentiated gland glans penis or clitoridis gums hair hand head heart hip, hip-joint horn intestine jaw kidney knee lip liver loins, pubic region lungs marrow, bone marrow

pulmon(i)- (pulmo-) medull-

List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes

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psychstomat(o)my(o)onych(o)omphal(o)trachel(o)neur(o)thelerhin(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)mentorunguiumbiliccervicnervpapill-, mammillnasovari(o)pelv(i)cost(o)humer(o)sinuscut-, cuticulventr(o)pollicdent(i)lingu(a)digittumureter(o)-

mind mouth muscle nail navel neck nerve; the nervous system nipple, teat 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]) laryng(o)thumb tooth tongue toe tumour ureter urethra urine, urinary System uterine tubes uterus vagina vein vulva womb wrist odont(o)gloss-, glottdactyl(o)cel-, onc(o)ureter(o)urethr(o)-, urethr(a)ur(o)sarping(o)hyster(o)-, metr(o)colp(o)phleb(o)episi(o)hyster(o)-, metr(o)carp(o)-

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

List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes

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Roots of color
Color black blue Greek root in English Latin root in English melanocyanonigrvirpurpur-, purpureorub-, rubralbflavjaun - [French] Other root

gray, grey poliogreen purple red chlor(o)porphyr(o)erythr(o)-, rhod(o)-

red-yellow cirrh(o)white yellow leuc-, leukxanth(o)-

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 heavy hollow huge incorrect, bad irregular Greek root in English Latin root in English Other root cac(o)-, dysankyl(o)mega-, megal(o)megisteurycry(o)necr(o)is(o)pseud(o)thelyplatyeumega-, megal(o)scler(o)bar(o)coel(o)megal(o)cac(o)-, dyspoikil(o) mal(e)prav(i)magn(i)maximlat(i)frig(i)mortequ(i)fals(i)plan(i)ben(e)-, bon(i)magn(i)dur(i)grav(i)cav(i)magn(i)mal(e)magn(i)maximlong(i)vir-

large; extremely large megalargest long male, masculine megistmacr(o)arseno-

List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes

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sten(o)neoorth(o)paleooxybrachymicr(o)bradytachymalac(o)orth(o)pachypoikiloeueuryangust(i)nov(i)rect(i)veteracbrev(i)parv(i)- (rare) minimtard(i)celermoll(i)rect(i)crass(i)variben(e)lat(i)-

narrow new normal, correct old sharp short small smallest slow fast soft straight thick varied, various well, good wide, broad

Roots of position
Description Greek root in English Latin root in English Other root around left middle right perilevomes(o)dexi(o)circumlaev(o)-, sinistrmedidextr(o)circum-

surrounding peri-

Roots of quantity
(Amount, quantity)
Description Greek root in English Latin root in English double equal few half diploisooligohemidupliequipaucisemimultibisdemi- (French) Other root

many, much polytwice dis-

Article Sources and Contributors

24

Article Sources and Contributors

List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=482786704 Contributors: 1exec1, Alansohn, Aliciasuzanne, Altenmann, Antonielly, Arturkjakub, Atomician, BD2412, Ben Ben, Bfigura, Bksambueno, Blanchardb, Bloomingdedalus, Bsplendens, CNutt20, Can't sleep, clown will eat me, Cappycollins, Cburnett, Cptjanie, Cyclonenim, DARTH SIDIOUS 2, DBigXray, Daisy27, DanielDeibler, Darkwyr, Davewho2, Davidruben, Dillard421, Dominus, Dr. F.C. Turner, EagleFan, Eug, Excirial, Fl, Galaxiaad, Gilliam, Glacialfox, Gogo Dodo, Hughcharlesparker, II MusLiM HyBRiD II, Iaconome, Indowiz, Ipoellet, Ishkabob13, Iyw5001, J.delanoy, J04n, Jainnys, JamesBWatson, Janine 07, Jay8g, JerredS, Joanneslaght, John of Reading, Jwillbur, KC109, KakistocraticLaw, Kessy628, Khaled7stars, Khmir2467, Koavf, Kpanz20, L Kensington, LedgendGamer, Logiphile, Louism, Macedonian, Markacohen, Michael Hardy, MicroBio Hawk, Mild Bill Hiccup, Mitch Ames, Mrug2, Murrax, NickCT, NickPenguin, Nono64, Novangelis, Omnipaedista, Open2universe, Ordinary Person, PacoBell, PaddyM, Pdcook, Peter Grey, PhilKnight, Philip Trueman, Pip2andahalf, Plasticup, Rachid Linden, S ried, Sassie580, Schmloof, Sextiliana, Skeptic1981, Skinny McGee, Studio 126, Superiormind, TJRC, TamaraG282, Thingg, Wikipelli, William Avery, Wingspeed, Wonderjolie, Woohookitty, Yworo, 383 anonymous edits

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