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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
A
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
language
English examples
away from
Latin
ab "away"
ac-
sharp or pointed
Latin
acere
acupuncture
acerb-
Latin
acerbus
acerbic, exacerbate
acid-
sour or acid
Latin
acidus
acidosis
acr-
Greek
acrobatics, acromegaly,
acronym, acrophobia
acr-
Latin
acer, acris
acrid, acrimony
acu-
sharp
Latin
acupuncture, acute,
acutifoliate
Latin
ad "to", "toward"
adip-
fat
Latin
adipose
aer-
air, atmosphere
Greek
(ar) "air"
aeronautics, aerosol
aesthet-
feeling, sensation
Greek
aesthetics, anaesthetic
agr-
field
Greek
(agros) "field"
agronomy
agri-, -egri-
field
Latin
agriculture, peregrine
alb-
dull white
Latin
albus
am-, amat-,
amor-
love, loved
Latin
amateur, amorous
ambi-
Latin
ambidexterity, ambivalent
amic-, -imic-
friend
Latin
amicus
amicable, inimical
amph-, amphi-
Greek
amphibian, amphibolic,
amphoterism
ampl-
Latin
amplus
amplification
an-, a-
not, without
Greek
anhydrous, atypical
ana-, an-
Greek
anabaptist, anaphylaxis,
anion, anode
andr-
male, masculine
Greek
andros
androgen, android
anem-
wind
Greek
anemos
anemometer
anim-
breath
Latin
anima "breath"
animal, animation
ann-, -enn-
year, yearly
Latin
annus "year"
anniversary, annual,
biannual, millennium
ant-, anti-
Greek
anti "against"
antagonist, antibiotic,
antipodes
ante-, anti-
Latin
antebellum, antediluvian,
anticipate, antiquarian
anth-
flower
Greek
(anthos) "flower"
anther, anthology
anthrop-
human
Greek
(anthropos) "man"
anthropology,
anthropomorphic
ap-, apo-
Greek
aqu-
water
Latin
aqua
aquamarine, aquarium,
aqueduct, aquifer
ar-
plow, till
Latin
rre
arable
ar-
be dry
Latin
arid
arche-, archi-
ruler
Greek
archangel, archetype
archae-, arche-
ancient
Greek
arct-
Greek
arktos "bear"
Arctic Ocean
argent-
silver
Latin
argentum
argent, Argentina
arist-
excellence
Greek
, aret, aristos
aristocracy
arthr-
joint
Greek
(arthron)
arthritis, arthropod
astr-
star, star-shaped
Greek
(astron) "star"
asterisk, astrology,
astronomy, disaster
athl-
prize
Greek
athlete, pentathlon
audi-
Latin
audible, auditorium,
auditory
aug-, auct-
grow, increase
Latin
augend, augmentation
aur-
Latin
aurum "gold"
aureate, aureole
auri-
Latin
auris "ear"
auricle
aut-, auto-
Greek
autograph, automobile,
autonomy
avi-
bird
Latin
avis
aviary, aviation
axi-
axis
Latin
axis
axisymmetry
axio-
merit
Greek
(axios) "worth"
axiology
B
Root
Meaning in English
Origin language
English examples
bac-
rod-shaped
Latin
bacilla, bacteria
bar-
weight, pressure
Greek
(baros)
barograph, barometer
basi-
at the bottom
Greek
bathy-,
batho-
deep, depth
Greek
(baths, baths)
batholith, bathyscaphe
be-, beat-
bless
Latin
beare, beatus
beatification
bell-
war
Latin
bellum, belli
ben-
good, well
Latin
bene (adverb)
benefit, benignity
bi-
two
Latin
bib-
drink
Latin
bibere, bibitus
imbibe
bibl-
book
Greek
(biblon) "book"
bible, bibliography
bio-
life
Greek
(bos) "life"
blenn-
slime
Greek
(blennos)
blennophobia, blennosperma
blast-
Greek
bon-
good
Latin
bonus
bonify, bonitary
bor-
north
Greek / Latin
(boreas)
botan-
plant
Greek
, (botan,
botanon)
botany
bov-
cow, ox
Latin
bos, bovis
bovine
brachi-
arm
Greek
(brakhn)
brachy-
short
Greek
(brakhs, brakhs)
brachydactyly
brady-
slow
Greek
(brads, brads)
bradycardia
branchi-
gill
Greek
(brgkhion, brnkhion)
branchiopod, nudibranch
brev(i)-
Latin
brevis, breviare
abbreviation, brevity
briz-
nod, slumber
Greek
(briz)
brom-
oats
Greek
, (brmos, brme)
"oats"
Bromus ramosus
brom-
stench
Greek
(brmos) "stench,
clangor"
bromide
bronch-
windpipe
Greek
(brgkhos, brnkhos)
bront-
thunder
Greek
(bront)
Brontosaurus
bucc-
Latin
bucca
bulb-
bulbous
Latin
bulbus
bulbous, bulbule
bull-
bubble, flask
Latin
bulla, "bubble"
ebullient, ebullism
burs-
pouch, purse
Latin
bursa
C
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
language
English examples
cac-
bad
Greek
(kakos)
cacophony
fall
Latin
cadere, casus
Latin
caedere, caesus
caesura, incisor
calc-
stone
Latin and
Greek
call-, calli-
beautiful
Greek
calligraphy
calor-
heat
Latin
calor "heat"
calorie
calyp-
cover
Greek
(kaluptein)
apocalypse
camer-
vault
Latin
camera
bicameral, camera
camp-
field
Latin
champion, campaign
can-
dog
Latin
canis
sing
Latin
canere
cand-
glowing, iridescent
Latin
hold, take
Latin
capit-, -cipit-
head
Latin
capr-
goat
Latin
caper, capri
Capricorn, caprine
caps-
box, case
Latin
capsa
capsule
carbo-
coal
Latin
carbo, carbonis
carbon
carcer-
jail
Latin
carcer, carcerare
incarceration
carcin-
cancer (disease)
Latin from
Greek
carcinogenic, carcinoma
cardi-
Greek
kardia "heart"
cardiograph, cardiology
cardin-
hinge
Latin
cardo, cardinis
cardinal
carn-
flesh
Latin
caro, carnis
carp-
relating to fruit
Greek
(karpos) "fruit"
carpology
carp-
Greek
(karpos) "wrist"
cast-
pure
Latin
cata-, cat-
down
Greek
caten-
chain
Latin
catena
catenary, concatenation
cathar-
pure
Greek
(katharos)
catharsis
caud-
tail
Latin
cauda
caudal
caus-, -cus-
cause or motive
Latin
causa
causative
cav-
hollow
Latin
cavus "hollow"
ced-, cess-
go
Latin
cedere, cessus
celer-
quick
Latin
celer, celerare
acceleration, celerity
cen-
new
Greek
(kainos)
Cenozoic
cen-
empty
Greek
(kenos)
cenotaph
Latin
census
censcent-
hundred
Latin
centum
centen-
hundred each
Latin
centeni
centenary
centesim-
hundredth
Latin
centesimus
centesimal, centesimation
centr-
center
Greek
eccentric
cephal-
head
Greek
(kephale)
ceram-
clay
Greek
(keramos)
ceramic
cerat-
horn
Greek
keratin
cern-
sift
Latin
cernere
discern, secern
cervic-
Latin
cervix, cervical
ceter-
other
Latin
ceterus
et cetera
chir-
Greek
(kheir) "hand"
chelon-
relating to a turtle
Greek
(khelne) "tortoise"
chelonia
chlor-
green
Greek
(khlros) "green"
chore-
relating to dance
Greek
choreography
chord-
cord
Latin and
Greek
chordata
chrom-
color
Greek
(chrma) "color"
chron-
time
Greek
(chronos)
chrys-
gold
Greek
(khrusos) "gold"
chrysolite
cili-
eyelash
Latin
cilium
cilia, supercilious
cine-
motion
Greek
(kine)
cinema
ciner-
ash
Latin
cinis, cineris
incineration
cing-, cinct-
gird
Latin
cingere, cinctus
succinct
circ-
circle
Latin
circus
circus
circum-
around
Latin
circum
circumcise, circumference,
circumlocution, circumnavigate
cirr-
orange
Greek
(kirros)
cirrhosis
cirr-
curl, tentacle
Latin
cirrus
cirrus
civ-
citizen
Latin
civis
civility
clad-
branch
Greek
(klados)
clade
clar-
clear
Latin
clarus, clarare
clarity, declaration
clast-
broken
Greek
(klastos)
iconoclast, osteoclast
claud-, -clud-,
claus-, -clus-
close
Latin
claudere, clausus
clav-
key
Greek
cl(e)ist-
closed
Greek
(kleistos)
cleithr-
bar, key
Greek
clement-
mild
Latin
clemens, clementis
clemency, inclement
clin-
Latin
-clinare
declination, inclined
cochl-
shell
Greek
(kochlos)
cochlea
coel-
hollow
Greek
(koilos)
cogn-
know
Latin
cognoscere
col-
strain
Latin
colare, colum
colander
coll-
hill
Latin
collis
coll-
neck
Latin
collum
collar
color-
color
Latin
color
with, together
Latin
cum
con-
cone
Greek
(knos)
condi-
season
Latin
condire
condiment
contra-
against
Latin
contra
contradiction, contrast
copr-
dung
Greek
(kopros)
corac-
raven
Greek
, (korax, korakos)
coracoid
cord-
heart
Latin
cor, cordis
accord, cordial
corn-
horn
Latin
cornu
coron-
crown
Latin
corona, coronare
corona, coronation
corpor-
body
Latin
corpus, corporis
cortic-
bark
Latin
cortex, corticis
corticosteriod
cosm-
universe
Greek
(kosmos)
cosmic, cosmonaut
Greek
- (kosmet-)
cosmetics, cosmetology
cosmet-
cleithrum
cost-
rib
Latin
costa
costal
cotyl-
cup
Greek
(kotul)
cotyledon
-cracy, -crat
government, rule,
authority
Greek
(kratos)
democracy
crani-
skull
Greek
(kranion)
cranium
crass-
thick
Latin
crassus
crassitude
cre-
make
Latin
creare, creatus
creation, creature
cred-
believe, trust
Latin
credere, creditus
crep-
boot, shoe
Greek
, (krpis, krpidos)
cribr-
sieve
Latin
cribrum, cribrare
ring
Greek
(krikos)
cris-, crit-
judge
Greek
(crisis)
crisis, critic
crisp-
curled
Latin
crispus
crispate
cribble, cribrate
crist-
crest
Latin
crista
cristate
cross-
fringe, tassel
Greek
(krossos)
cruc-
cross
Latin
crux, crucis
crur-
leg, shank
Latin
crus, cruris
crural
crypt-
hidden
Greek
(kruptos)
cryptic, cryptography
cten-
comb
Greek
, (kteis, ktenos)
ctenophore
cub-
cube
Greek
(kubos)
cubic, cuboid
cub-
lie
Latin
cubare
incubation, succuba
culin-
kitchen
Latin
culina
culinary
culp-
blame, fault
Latin
culpa
culpable, exculpate
cune-
wedge
Latin
cuneus
cuneiform
curr-, curs-
run
Latin
currere, cursus
curv-
bent
Latin
curvus
curvature
cuspid-
lance, point
Latin
cuspis, cuspidis
bicuspid
cut-
skin
Latin
cutis
cuticle
cyan-
blue
Greek
(kuanos)
cyanide
cycl-
circular
Greek
(kuklos)
cylind-
roll
Greek
(kulindros)
cylinder
cyn-
dog
Greek
, (kun, kunos)
cynosure
cyst-
capsule
Greek
(kustis)
cystic
cyt-
cell
Greek
(kutos)
cytoplasm, cnidocyte
D
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
language
English examples
dactyl-
Greek
(daktulos)
dactylology, pterodactyl
damn-, -demn-
Latin
damnre
condemn, damnation
de-
Latin
deb-
owe
Latin
debere, debitus
debit
deca-, dec-,
deka-, dek-
ten
Greek
deka, ten
decagram, decahedron
decim-
tenth part
Latin
decimal, decimate
Greek
(delta)
deltoid
deltdem-
people
Greek
(dmos)
demagogue, democracy
den-
ten each
Latin
deni
denarius, denary
dendr-
resembling a tree
Greek
(dendron): akin to
, drys, "tree"
dendrite, dendrochronology
dens-
thick
Latin
densus
condense, density
dent-
tooth
Latin
dens, dentis
derm-
skin
Greek
(derma)
deuter-
second
Greek
(deuteros)
Deuteronomy, deuterostome
dexter-
right
Latin
dexter
dexterity, dextrose
dexi-
right
Greek
, right
Dexiarchia
di-
two
Greek
dia-
apart, through
Greek
(dia)
dict-
say, speak
Latin
dicere, dictus
digit-
finger
Latin
digitus
digital
dino-
Greek
(deinos)
dinosaur
dipl-
double; twofold
Greek
(diplos)
diploid, diplosis
doc-, doct-
teach
Latin
docere, doctus
dodec-
twelve
Greek
(dodeka)
dodecasyllabic
dogmat-, dox-
opinion, tenet
Greek
dogmatic, orthodox
dom-
house
Latin
domus
dome
don-
give
Latin
donare
condone, donation
dorm-
sleep
Latin
dormire
dormant, dormitory
dors-
back
Latin
dorsum
dorsal
du-
two
Latin
duo
dual
dub-
doubtful
Latin
dubius
dubious
duc-, duct-
lead
Latin
dux, ducis
dulc-
sweet
Latin
dulcis
dulcet
dur-
hard
Latin
durus
dy-
two
Greek
(duo)
dyad
dynam-
power
Greek
(dunam)
dys-
badly, ill
Greek
E
Root
Meaning in English
Origin language
English examples
ec-
out
Greek
(ek)
eccentric
eco-
house
Greek
(oikos)
ecto-
outside
Greek
(ektos)
ectoderm
ed-, es-
eat
Latin
edere, esus
edible
ego-
Latin, Greek
ego,
egocentric
ego-, eg-
goat
Greek
(aix)
egophony
em-, empt-
buy
Latin
emere, emptus
eme-
vomit
Greek
(emetos)
emetic
emul-
Latin
aemulus, aemulare
emulator
en-, em-
in
Greek
(en)
emphasis
endo-
inside
Greek
(endon)
endocrine, endocytosis
engy-
narrow
Greek
(engys)
ennea-
nine
Greek
(ennea)
ens-
sword
Latin
ensis
dawn, east
Greek
Eocene
ep-, epi-
upon
Greek
(epi)
epistem-
knowledge or science
Greek
(epistm)
epistemic
equ-, -iqu-
even, level
Latin
aequus
equal, equivalence
equ-
horse
Latin
equus
equestrian
erg-
work
Greek
(ergon)
ergonomics
err-
stray
Latin
errare
aberration, errant
erythr-
red
Greek
(eruthros)
erythrocyte
eso-
within
Greek
(es)
esoteric
custom, habit
Greek
(thos)
ethology
ethm-
sieve
Greek
(hethmos); (hethein)
ethmoid
ethn-
Greek
(ethnos)
ethnarch, ethnic
etym-
true
Greek
(etumos)
etymology
eu-
well, good
Greek
(eu)
euphoria, euthanasia
eur-
wide
Greek
(eurus)
Europe
from, out
Latin
ex
exo-
outside
Greek
(eks)
exoskeleton, exothermic
exter-, extra-
outer
Latin
externus
exterior
extrem-
outermost, utmost
Latin
extremus
extremity, extremophile
ennead, enneagon
F
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
language
Etymology (root
origin)
English examples
f-, fat-
say, speak
Latin
fari, fatus
fab-
bean
Latin
faba
faba bean
make
Latin
facere, factus
falc-
sickle
Latin
falx, falcis
falciform
deceive
Latin
fallere, falsus
falsity, infallibility
fallac-
false
Latin
fallax, fallacis
fallacy
famili-
a close attendant
Latin
famulus
familiarity
fant-
to show
Greek
fantasy
fasc-
bundle
Latin
fascis
fasciculation, fascism
fatu-
foolish, useless
Latin
fatuus
fatuous, infatuation
10
feder-
Latin
foedus, foederis
confederation, federal
fel-
cat
Latin
feles, felis
Felinae, feline
felic-
happy, merry
Latin
felix, felicis
felicity
fell-
suck
Latin
fellare
fellation
femin-
women, female
Latin
femina
femininity
femor-
thigh
Latin
femur, femoris
femoral
fend-, fens-
strike
Latin
fendere, -fensus
defend, offense
fenestr-
window
Latin
fenestra
defenestration
fer-
carry
Latin
ferre
reference, transfer
feroc-
fierce
Latin
ferox, ferocis
ferocity
ferr-
iron
Latin
ferrum
ferrous
fet-
stink
Latin
fetere
fetid, fetor
fic-
fig
Latin
ficus
Ficus
fid-, fis-
faith, trust
Latin
confidence, fidelity
fil-
thread
Latin
filum
filament
fili-
son
Latin
filius
affiliation
fin-
end
Latin
finis
finish, final
find-, fiss-
split
Latin
findere, fissus
fission, fissures
firm-
fix, settle
Latin
firmus, firmare
confirmation, firmament
fistul-
hollow, tube
Latin
fl-
blow
Latin
flare, flatus
flacc-
flabby
Latin
flaccus, flaccere
flaccid
flav-
yellow
Latin
flavus
flavonoid
flect-, flex-
bend
Latin
flectere, flexus
flig-, flict-
strike
Latin
fligere, flictus
conflict, inflict
flor-
flower
Latin
flos, floris
floral, florid
flu-, flux-
flow
Latin
fluere, fluxus
foc-
hearth
Latin
focus
focal
fod-, foss-
dig
Latin
fodere, fossus
fossil
foen-
hay
Latin
fenuculum
foli-
leaf
Latin
folium
defoliant
font-
spring
Latin
fons, fontis
for-
bore, drill
Latin
forare, foratus
form-
shape
Latin
forma
fornic-
vault
Latin
fornix, fornicis
fornication
fort-
strong
Latin
fortis
fortification
fove-
Latin
fovea
fovea
frang-, -fring-,
fract-, frag-
break
Latin
frangere, fractus
fistula
11
frater-, fratr-
brother
Latin
frater
fraternity
fric-, frict-
rub
Latin
fricare, frictus
dentifrice, friction
frig-
cold
Latin
frigere
frigid, frigorific
front-
forehead
Latin
frons, frontis
fruct-, frug-
fruit
Latin
frux, fructis
fructose
fug-, fugit-
flee
Latin
fugere
fum-
smoke
Latin
fumus
fume, fumigation
fund-
bottom
Latin
fundus, fundare
fundamentalism, profundity
fund-, fus-
pour
Latin
fundere, fusus
fung-, funct-
do
Latin
fungi, functus
function, fungibility
fur-, furt-
steal
Latin
fur, furare
furtive
furc-
fork
Latin
furca
bifurcation
fusc-
dark
Latin
fuscus
obfuscation
G
Root
English examples
galact-
milk
Greek
gastr-
stomach
Greek
(gaster)
gastric, gastroenterology
geo-
earth
Greek
(g), - (ge-)
gel-
icy cold
Latin
gelum
gelatin, gelid
gen-
race, kind,birth
Greek
(genos)
eugenics, genocide
ger-, gest-
bear, carry
Latin
gerere, gestus
digest, gestation
germin-
sprout
Latin
germen, germinis
germination
glabr-
hairless
Latin
glaber
glabrous
glaci-
ice
Latin
glacies
glacier
gladi-
sword
Latin
gladius
gladiator
glia-
glue
Greek
(glia)
glial
glob-
sphere
Latin
globus
global, globule
glori-
glory
Latin
gloria
glorify
glutin-
glue
Latin
gluten, glutinis
agglutination
Latin
grade, regress
gram-
writing
Greek
(gramma)
grammar, grammatic
gran-
grain
Latin
granum
grand-
grand
Latin
grandis
grandiloquous, grandiosity
graph-
draw, write
Greek
(graph)
grat-
thank, please
Latin
gratus
gratitude, ingrate
grav-
heavy
Latin
gravis
greg-
flock
Latin
grex, gregis
12
gubern-
govern, pilot
Latin
gubernare
gubernatorial
gust-
taste
Latin
gustus
disgust, gusto
gutt-
drop
Latin
gutta
guttur-
throat
Latin
guttur
guttural
gymn-
nude
Greek
(gymnos)
gyn-
woman
Greek
gynecology
H
Root
Meaning in
English
Origin
language
Etymology (root
origin)
English examples
have
Latin
habere, habitus
habit, prohibition
haem-, hem-
blood
Greek
(haima)
haemophilia, hemoglobin
hal-
salt
Greek
, (hals, halos)
halogen
hal-, -hel-
breathe
Latin
halare, halatus
anhelation, inhale
hapl-
simple, single
Greek
(haplous)
haploid, haplotype
haur-, haust-
draw
Latin
haurire, haustus
exhaustion
heli-
sun
Greek
(hlios)
hemi-
half
Greek
(hmisus)
hemicycle, hemisphere
hen-
one
Greek
(hen)
henad, hyphen
hendec-
eleven
Greek
(hendeka)
hendecagon
hept-
seven
Greek
(hepta)
her-, hes-
cling
Latin
haerere, haesus
adhesive, coherent
herb-
grass
Latin
herba
herbal, herbicide
hered-
heir
Latin
heres, heredis
heredity
herp-
creep
Greek
, (herp,
herpein)
herpes, herpetology
heter-
different, other
Greek
(heteros)
heterodoxy
heur-
find
Greek
(heurisk)
heuristic
hex-
six
Greek
(hex)
hibern-
wintry
Latin
hibernus
hibernation
hiem-
winter
Latin
hiems
hiemal
hipp-
horse
Greek
(hippos)
hippodrome
hirsut-
hairy
Latin
hirtus, hirsutus
hirsute
hispid-
bristly
Latin
hispidus
hispidity, hispidulous
histri-
actor
Latin
histrio, histrionis
histrionic
hod-
way
Greek
(hodos)
hol-
whole
Greek
(holos)
holistic
hom-
same
Greek
(homos)
homophone, homosexual
13
home-
like
Greek
(homoios)
homeostasis
homin-
human
Latin
homo, hominis
hominid
homal-
even, flat
Greek
(homalos)
anomalous
honor-
esteem
Latin
honos, honoris
honorable, honorarium
hor-
boundary
Greek
(horos)
aphorism, horizon
hor-
hour
Greek
(hra)
horoscope
horm-
that which
excites
Greek
(horm)
hormone
hort-
garden
Latin
hortus, horti
horticulture
hospit-
host
Latin
hospes, hospitis
host-
enemy
Latin
hostis
hostile
hum-
ground
Latin
humus, humare
exhumation, inhume
hyal-
glass
Greek
(hualos)
hyaline, hyaloid
hydr-
water
Greek
(hudr)
hygr-
wet
Greek
(hugros)
hygrometer
hyo-
U-shaped
Greek
(huoeids)
hyoid
hyp-
under
Greek
(hupo)
hypothermia
hyper-
above, over
Greek
(huper)
hyperbole, hypertonic
hypn-
sleep
Greek
(hupnos)
hypnosis
hyster-
later
Greek
(husteros)
hysteresis
I
Root
Meaning in English
Origin language
English examples
ichthy-
fish
Greek
(ichthus)
ichthyology
icos-
twenty
Greek
(eikosi)
icosagon, icosahedron
id-
shape
Greek
(eidos)
idol
ide-
idea; thought
Greek
(idea)
ideogram, ideology
idi-
personal
Greek
(idios)
ign-
fire
Latin
ignis
igneous, ignition
in, on
Latin
in
Latin
in-
infra-
below, under
Latin
infra
infrastructure
insul-
island
Latin
insula
insular, insulation
inter-
among, between
Latin
inter (preposition)
intra-
within
Latin
intra
intramural
irasc-, irat-
be angry
Latin
irasci
irascible, irate
is-, iso-
Greek
(isos)
iter-
again
Latin
iterum, iterare
iteration
itiner-
14
route, way
Latin
itinerary
J
Root
Meaning in
English
jac-
Origin
language
lie
English examples
Latin
adjacent
Latin
janu-
door
Latin
janua
janitor
joc-
joke
Latin
jocus
jocularity
jug-
yoke
Latin
jugare, jugum
conjugal, subjugate
jung-, junct-
join
Latin
jungere, junctus
conjunction, juncture
junior-
younger
Latin
junior
juniority
Latin
juv-, jut-
help
Latin
juvare, jutus
adjutant
juven-
young, youth
Latin
juvenis
juvenile, rejuvenate
juxta-
beside, near
Latin
juxta
juxtaposition
K
Root
Meaning in English
Origin language
English examples
kil(o)-
thousand
Greek
(chilioi)
kine-
movement, motion
Greek
(kineo)
klept-
steal
Greek
(klepts)
kleptomania
kudo-
glory
Greek
(kudos)
kudos
L
Root
Meaning in English
Origin language
English examples
lab-, laps-
slide, slip
Latin
labi, lapsus
elapse, relapse
labi-
lip
Latin
labia, labiae
bilabial, labial
labor-
toil
Latin
labor
collaboration, elaboration
lacer-
tear
Latin
lacer
laceration
lacrim-
cry, tears
Latin
lacrima "tear"
lacrimal, lacrimous
lact-
milk
Latin
lamin-
layer, slice
Latin
lamina
laminate, lamination
lamp-
shine
Greek
lampas "torch"
lamp
lapid-
stone
Latin
lapis, lapidis
lapidary
larg-
large
Latin
largus
enlargement
15
larv-
ghost, mask
Latin
larva
lat-
broad, wide
Latin
latus
latitude
later-
side
Latin
latus, lateris
bilateral
laud-, laus-
praise
Latin
laudere
laud
lav-
wash
Latin
lavare
lavatory
lax-
not tense
Latin
laxus, laxare
laxative, relaxation
led-, les-
hurt
Latin
laedere, laesus
lesion
leg-
law
Latin
legal, legislative
leg-
send
Latin
legare
relegate
lei-
smooth
Greek
leios
leiomyoma
lekan-
dish, pot
Greek
lekane
lekane
leni-
gentle
Latin
lenis, lenire
leniency
leon-
lion
Latin
leo, leonis
lep-
flake, scale
Greek
lepis
Lepidoptera
leps-
grasp, seize
Greek
lepsis
epilepsy
leuc(o)-, leuk(o)-
white
Greek
leukos
leucocyte
lev-
lift, light
Latin
elevator, levitation
liber-
free
Latin
liber, liberare
liberation, liberty
libr-
book
Latin
liber, libri
librarian, library
lig-
bind
Latin
ligare, ligatus
ligament, ligature
limac-
slug
Latin
limax, limacis
limacoid, limacon
lin-
line
Latin
linea
line, linearity
lingu-
language, tongue
Latin
lingua
bilingual, linguistic
linqu-, lict-
leave
Latin
linquere, lictus
relict, relinquish
lip-
fat
Greek
lipos
lipolysis
liter-
letter
Latin
littera
lith-
stone
Greek
(lithos)
loc-
place
Latin
locus
local, location
log-
Greek
(logos) "word"
long-
long
Latin
longus
elongate, longitude
loqu-, locut-
speak
Latin
loqui
allocution, eloquence
luc-
bright, light
Latin
lud-, lus-
play
Latin
ludere, lusus
allude, illusion
lumin-
light
Latin
lumen, luminis
illumination, luminous
lun-
moon
Latin
luna
lunar, lunatic
lysis
dissolving
Greek
(lusis)
16
M
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
language
Etymology (root
origin)
English examples
macro-
long
Greek
(makros)
macron
magn-
great, large
Latin
magnus
maj-
greater
Latin
major, majus
mal-
bad, wretched,
Latin
malus
mamm-
breast
Latin
mamma
man-
flow
Latin
mnre, manatus
man-
stay
Latin
manre, mansus
mand-
hand
Latin
mandre, mandatus
mandate, remand
mania
mental illness
Greek
(man)
kleptomania, maniac
manu-
hand
Latin
manus
manual, manuscript
mar-
sea
Latin
mare, maris
marine, maritime
mater-,
matr-
mother
Latin
mater, matris
maxim-
greatest
Latin
maximus
maximum
medi-,
-midi-
middle
Latin
medius, mediare
median, medieval
meg-
great, large
Greek
(megas)
megaphone
mei-
less
Greek
(mein)
meiosis
melan-
black, dark
Greek
(melas)
Melanesia, melanoma
melior-
better
Latin
melior
amelioration
mell-
honey
Latin
mel, mellis
mellifluous
memor-
remember
Latin
memor
memorial
mening-
membrane
Greek
(meninx)
meningitis
men-
month
Greek
(mn)
menopause
menstru-
monthly
Latin
menstruus
menstruation, menstrual
mensur-
measure
Latin
mensura
commensurate
ment-
mind
Latin
mens, mentis
demented, mentality
mer-
part
Greek
(meros)
polymer
merc-
Latin
merx, mercis
mercantile, merchant
merg-,
mers-
dip, plunge
Latin
mergere
emerge, immersion
mes-
middle
Greek
(mesos)
mesolithic, mesozoic
meter-,
metr-
measure
Greek
(metron)
metric, thermometer
meta-
above, among,
beyond
Greek
(meta)
metaphor, metaphysics
mic-
grain
Latin
mica
micelle
17
micr-
small
Greek
(mikros)
microphone, microscope
migr-
wander
Latin
migrare
emigrant, migrate
milit-
soldier
Latin
miles, militis
military, militia
mill-
thousand
Latin
mille
millennium, million
millen-
thousand each
Latin
milleni
millenary
mim-
repeat
Greek
(mimos)
mime, mimic
min-
jut
Latin
minere
prominent
min-
less, smaller
Latin
minor, minus
minority, minuscule
mir-
wonder, amazement
Latin
mis-
hate
Greek
(misos)
misandry, misogyny
misce-,
mixt-
mix
Latin
miscere, mixtus
miscellaneous, mixture
mit-
thread
Greek
(mitos)
mitochondrion
mitt-, miss-
send
Latin
mittere, missus
mne-
memory
Greek
(mnm)
mnemonic
mol-
grind
Latin
molar
moll-
soft
Latin
mollis
emollient, mollify
mon-
one
Greek
(monos)
monil-
string of beads
Latin
monile
Moniliformida
mont-
mountain
Latin
mons, montis
Montana
mord-
bite
Latin
mordere, morsus
morph-
form, shape
Greek
(morph)
mort-
death
Latin
mors, mortis
mov-, mot-
move, motion
Latin
movere, motus
Latin
mulgere
emulsion
mult-
many, much
Latin
multus
mur-
wall
Latin
murus, muri
immured, mural
mus-
thief
Latin
mus, muris
mouse
musc-
fly
Latin
musca, muscae
Muscicapidae, Muscidae
mut-
change
Latin
mutare
mutation
my-
mouse
Greek
(mus)
musophobia
myri-
countless, ten
thousand
Greek
(murios)
myriad, myriapod
myrmec-
ant
Greek
(murmx)
myrmecoid, Myrmidons
myth-
story
Greek
(muthos)
mythic, mythology
myx-
slime
Greek
(muxa)
Myxini
myz-
suck
Greek
(muza)
Myzopoda
18
N
Root
Meaning in English
Origin language
English examples
nar-
nostril
Latin
naris
narc-
numb
Greek
(nark)
narcosis, narcotic
narr-
tell
Latin
narrare
narrative
nas-
nose
Latin
nasus
nasal
nasc-, nat-
born
Latin
nascere, natus
nascent, native
naut-
ship
Greek
(nautes)
Argonaut, astronaut
nav-
ship
Latin
navis
naval
ne-
new
Greek
(neos)
neologism
necr-
dead
Greek
(nekros)
necrophobia
nect-
swimming
Greek
(nktos)
nectopod
nect-, nex-
join, tie
Latin
nectere, nexus
connect, connexion
neg-
say no
Latin
negare
negative
nema-
hair
Greek
(nma)
nematode
nemor-
grove, woods
Latin
nemus, nemoris
nemoral
nephr-
kidney
Greek
(nephros)
nephritis
nes-
island
Greek
(nsos)
Polynesia
neur-
nerve
Greek
(neurn)
neurology, neurosurgeon
nict-
wink
Latin
nictari
nictation
nigr-
black
Latin
niger
denigrate
nihil-
nothing
Latin
nihilum
annihilation
noct-
night
Latin
nox, noctis
noctambulist, nocturnal
nod-
knot
Latin
nodus
node, nodule
nom-
arrangement, law
Greek
(nomos)
autonomous, taxonomy
nomad-
nomin-
name
Latin
nomen, nominis
nomination
non-
not
Latin
non
none
non-
ninth
Latin
nonus
nonary
nonagen-
ninety each
Latin
nonageni
nonagenary
nonagesim- ninetieth
Latin
nonagesimus
nonagesimal
not-
Latin
notare
annotation, notable
noth-
spurious
Greek
(nothos)
nothogenus
noto-
back, south
Greek
(notos)
notochord
nov-
nine
Latin
novem
November, novennial
nov-
new
Latin
novus
innovation, nova
noven-
nine each
Latin
noveni
novenary
novendec-
nineteen
Latin
novendecim
nox-, noc-
harmful
Latin
noxa
noxious
19
nu-
nod
Latin
nuere
innuendo
nub-
to marry, to wed
Latin
connubial, nubile
nuc-
nut
Latin
nux, nucis
nucleus
nuch-
back of neck
Latin
nucha
nuchal cord
nud-
naked
Latin
nudus
denude, nudity
null-
none
Latin
nullus
nullify
numer-
number
Latin
numerus
numeral
nunci-
announce
Latin
nuntius
pronunciation
nuptinutri-
Latin
nourish
nuptial
Latin
nutrire
nutrient
O
Root
Meaning in
English
Origin
language
English examples
against
Latin
ob
oct-
eight
Greek
(okt)
oct-
eight
Latin
oct
octav-
eighth
Latin
octvus
octaval
octogen-
eighty each
Latin
octogeni
octogenary
octogesim-
eightieth
Latin
octogesimus
octogesimal
octon-
eight each
Latin
octoni
octonary
ocul-
eye
Latin
oculus, oculare
od-
path, way
Greek
(hodos)
od-
hate
Latin
odium
odious
odont-
tooth
Greek
, (odous,
odontos)
odontology
odor-
fragrant
Latin
odor
odorous
oeco-
house
Greek
(oikos)
ecology
oed-
swollen
Greek
(oidma)
oedema
oen-
wine
Greek
(oinos)
oenology
oesophag-
gullet
Greek
(oisophagos)
oesophagus
ogdo-
eighth
Greek
(ogdoos)
ogdoad
-oid
like
Greek
- (-oeids)
ole-
oil
Latin
oleum
oleosity
olecran-
skull of elbow
Latin from
Greek
(lekranon)
olecranon
olig-
few
Greek
(oligos)
oligarchy
oliv-
olive
Latin
oliva
-oma
cancer
Greek
melanoma
20
omas-
paunch
Latin
omasum
omasum
oment-
fat skin
Latin
omentum
omental
omin-
creepy
Latin
omen, ominis
abominable, ominous
omm-
eye
Greek
(omma)
ommatidium
omni-
all
Latin
omnis
omnipotence, omnivore
omo-
shoulder
Latin
omphal-
navel
Greek
(omphalos)
omphalectomy
oner-
burden
Latin
onus, oneris
exonerate, onerous
onom-
name
Greek
(onoma)
onomatopoeia
ont-
existing
Greek
(ontos)
ontogeny, ontology
-onym
name
Greek
(onuma)
oo-
egg
Greek
(oion)
oocyte
opac-
shady
Latin
opacus
opacity
oper-
work
Latin
opus, operis
inoperable, opera
opercul-
little cover
Latin
operculum
ophi-
snake
Greek
(ophis)
ophiophagy
ophthalm-
eye
Greek
(ophthalmos)
ophthalmology
opisth-
behind
Greek
(opisthen)
opisthosoma, opsimath
opoter-
either
Greek
(hopoteros)
opt-
eye
Greek
(optos)
optical
opt-
choose
Latin
optare
adopt, optional
optim-
best
Latin
optimus
optimum
or-
mouth
Latin
os, oris
oral, orator
orb-
circle
Latin
orbis
orbit
orch-
testicle
Greek
(orchis)
orchid
ordin-
order
Latin
rd, ordinis
ordinal, ordinary
organ-
organ, instrument,
tool
Greek
(organon)
organism
ori-, ort-
eastern
Latin
oriri, ortus
orient
orn-
decorate
Latin
rnre
ornith-
bird
Greek
(ornis, ornithos)
ornithology
orth-
straight
Greek
(orthos)
oscill-
swing
Latin
oscillum
oscillation
oss-
bone
Latin
os, ossis
ossification
osteo-
bone
Greek
(ostoun)
osteoporosis
osti-
entrance
Latin
ostium
ostiole
ostrac-
shell
Greek
(ostrakon)
ostracism
ot-
ear
Greek
, (ous, tos)
otology
ov-
egg
Latin
ovum
ovi-
sheep
Latin
ovis
ovine
oxy-
sharp, pointed
21
Greek
(oxus)
oxygen, oxymoron
P
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
language
English examples
pac-
peace
Latin
pax, pacis
pacifism
pach-
thick
Greek
(pachus)
pachydermata, Pachypodium
paed-
child
Greek
, (pais, paidos)
paediatric
pagin-
page
Latin
pagina
pagination
pal-
stake
Latin
palus
impalement, pale
palae-, pale-
ancient, old
Greek
(palaios)
paleontology
palin-
back
Greek
(palin)
palindrome
pall-
be pale
Latin
pallere
pallid, pallor
palli-
mantle
Latin
pallium
pallium
palm-
palm
Latin
palma
palmate
palustr-
in marshes
Latin
paluster
palustral
pan-, pam-
all
Greek
, (pas, pantos)
pandemic
pand-, pans-
spread
Latin
pandere, pansus
expand, expansion
par(a)-
beside, near
Greek
(para)
parallel, parameter
pariet-
wall
Latin
paries, parietis
parietal
part-
part
Latin
pars, partis
bipartite, partition
parthen-
maiden
Greek
(parthenos)
parthenogenesis
parv-
little
Latin
parvus
parvovirus
pasc-, past-
feed
Latin
pascere, pastus
pasture, repast
pass-
pace, step
Latin
passus
passer-
sparrow
Latin
passer
passeriform, passerine
pat-
be open
Latin
patere
patent
path-
feel, hurt
Greek
(pathos)
pathetic, pathology
pati-, pass-
Latin
pati, passus
passive, patience
patr-
father
Greek
, (patr, patria)
patriarch
patr-
father
Latin
pater, patris
patrilocal
pauc-
few
Latin
paucus
Latin
pavire
pavement
pavpecc-
sin
Latin
peccare
impeccable
pect-
fixed
Greek
(pktos)
pectic, pectin
pector-
chest
Latin
pectus, pectoris
pectoral
pecun-
money
Latin
pecunia
pecuniary
ped-
child
Greek
, (pais, paidos)
pedagogy
ped-
foot
Latin
pes, pedis
pedal, quadruped
22
pejor-
worse
Latin
pejor
pejorative
pell-, puls-
drive
Latin
pellere, pulsus
pen-
almost
Latin
paene
pend-, pens-
hang
Latin
pendere
suspend
penn-, pinn-
feather
Latin
penna
pennate, pinnate
pent-
five
Greek
(pente)
pentecost-
fiftieth
Greek
(pentkostos)
pentecostalism
pept-
to digest
Greek
, (pessein,
peptos)
peptic, peptide
per-
thoroughly, through
Latin
per
peran-
across, beyond
Greek
(peran)
peri-
around
Greek
(peri)
persic-
peach
Greek
(persikos)
pessim-
worst
Latin
pessimus
pessimal
pet-
strive towards
Latin
petere
appetite, competition
petr-
rock
Greek
(petra)
petroglyph
phae-
dark
Greek
(phaios)
phaeomelanin
phag-
eat
Greek
(phagein)
sarcophagus
phalang-
Greek
, (phalanx,
phalangos)
phalanges
phalar-
Greek
(phalros)
phalarope
pharmac-
drug, medicine
Greek
(pharmakon)
pharmacy
phaner-
visible
Greek
(phaneros)
phanerozoic
pher-
bear, carry
Greek
(pher)
pheromone
phil-, -phile
love, friendship
Greek
(phile, philia)
hydrophile, philosophy
phleg-
heat
Greek
(phleg)
phlegm, phlegmatics
phloe-
tree bark
Greek
(phloios)
phlobaphene, phloem
phob-
fear
Greek
(phobos)
hydrophobia
phon-
sound
Greek
(phn)
phor-
carry, bear
Greek
(phoros)
metaphor
phos-, phot-
light
Greek
, (phs, phtos)
phosphor, photograph
phragm-
fence
Greek
(phragma)
diaphragm
phren-
diaphragm, mind
Greek
, (phrn,
phrenos)
phrenetic, schizophrenia
phryn-
toad, toad-like
Greek
(phrun)
Phrynobatrachus
phyl-
tribe
Greek
(phulon)
phylogenetics, phylum
phyll-
leaf
Greek
(phullon)
chlorophyll, phyllotaxis
phys-
nature
Greek
(phusis)
physics
physalid-
bladder
Greek
() (phusal(l)is)
physalis
phyt-
plant
Greek
(phuton)
neophyte, phytoplankton
[1]
23
pic-
pitch
Latin
pix, picis
pil-
hair
Latin
pilus
depilatory, epilator
pin-
drink
Greek
(pinein)
pinocytosis
pin-
pine
Latin
pinus
pineal gland
ping-, pict-
paint
Latin
pingere, pictus
depiction, picture
pingu-
fat
Latin
pinguis
Pinguicula
pir-
pear
Latin
pirus
piriformis muscle
pisc-
fish
Latin
piscis
Pisces, piscivore
pis-
pea
Greek
(pisos)
plac-
plate, tablet
Greek
, (plax, plakos)
plac-
calm
Latin
placare, placatus
placate
plac-, -plic-
please
Latin
placre, placitus
placebo, placid
plagi-
oblique
Greek
(plagios)
plagioclase
plan-
flat
Latin
planus
Latin
plangere, planctus
plangent
plang-, planctplas-
mould
Greek
(plath)
plasma, plastic
platy-
flat, broad
Greek
(platus)
platypus
plaud-, -plod-,
plaus-, -plos-
approve, clap
Latin
plaudere, plausus
ple-, plet-
fill
Latin
plere
complement, suppletion
pleb-
people
Latin
plebs, plebis
plebian, plebs
plec-
interwoven
Greek
(plek)
plectics, symplectomorphism
plect-, plex-
plait
Latin
plectere, plexus
perplex
plen-
full
Latin
plenus
plenary
plesi-
near
Greek
(plsios)
pleth-
full
Greek
(plthos)
pleur-
side
Greek
(pleura)
plic-
fold
Latin
plicare, plicatus
plinth-
brick
Greek
(plinthos)
Latin
plorare
plor-
plethora
duplication, replicate
implore
plu-
rain
Latin
pluere
plum-
feather
Latin
pluma
plumage, plumate
plumb-
lead
Latin
plumbum
plumber
plur-
more
Latin
pluris
plural
plurim-
most
Latin
plurimus
plus-
more
Latin
plus
surplus
plut-
wealth
Greek
(ploutos)
plutocracy
pluvi-
rain
Latin
pluvia
pluvial
pneu-
air, lung
Greek
(pneuma)
pneumatic
pod-
foot
Greek
, (pous, podos)
podiatry, tripod
24
pogon-
beard
Greek
, (pgn,
pgnos)
pogonotrophy
poie-
make
Greek
(poie)
poiesis
pol-
pole
Greek
(polos)
dipole, polar
pole-, poli-
city
Greek
(polis)
metropolis, politics
polem-
war
Greek
(polemos)
polemic
poli-
grey
Greek
(polios)
pollic-
thumb
Latin
pollex, pollicis
Latin
pollen, pollinis
pollination
pollinpoly-
many
Greek
(polus)
polygon
pon-, posit-
put
Latin
ponere, positus
ponder-
weight
Latin
pondus, ponderis
preponderance
pont-
bridge
Latin
pons, pontis
pontoon
popul-
people
Latin
populus, populare
population
por-
passage
Greek
(poros)
pore
porc-
pig
Latin
porcus
porcine, pork
porphyr-
purple
Greek
(porphura)
porphyrin
port-
gate
Latin
porta
portal
port-
carry
Latin
portare, portatus
export, transportation
post-
after, behind
Latin
post
posterior, postscript
pot-
drink
Latin
potus, potare
potable
potam-
river
Greek
(potamos)
hippopotamus, Mesopotamia
prasin-
leek-green
Greek
(prasinos)
prasinous
prat-
meadow
Latin
pratum
prav-
crooked
Latin
pravus
depravity
pre-
before
Latin
prae
previous
prec-
pray
Latin
deprecation
Latin
praeda, praedari
predator
grasp
Latin
prehendere, prehensus
comprehend
Latin
premere, pressus
pressure
presby-
old
Greek
(presbus)
Presbyterianism
preter-
past
Latin
praeter
preterite, pretermission
preti-
price
Latin
pretium, pretiare
prim-
first
Latin
primus
prior-
former
Latin
prior
priority
priv(i)-
separate
Latin
deprivation, privilege
pro-
before, in front of
Greek
(pro)
pro-
for, forward
Latin
pro
propulsion
prob-
try
Latin
probus, probare
probation
predprehend-, prend-,
prehens-
25
proct-
anus
Greek
(prktos)
proctology
propri-
Latin
proprietas
pros-
forward
Greek
(pros)
prot-
first
Greek
(prtos)
protoplasm
proxim-
nearest
Latin
proximus, proximare
approximate, proximity
prun-
plum
Latin
prunus
prune
psamma-
sand
Greek
(psammos)
pseud-
false
Greek
(pseuds)
pseudonym
psil-
bare
Greek
(psilos)
epsilon
psych-
mind
Greek
(psuch)
psycho
psychr-
cold
Greek
(psuchros)
pter-
wing, fern
Greek
(pteron)
helicopter
pto-
fall
Greek
(ptsis)
ptosis
ptyal-
saliva
Greek
(ptuon)
ptych-
fold, layer
Greek
, (ptuch)
triptych
pub-
sexually mature
Latin
pubes
pubescent, pubic
public-
Latin
publicus
publication
pude-
Latin
pudere
impudent
pugn-
fight
Latin
pugna, pugnare
pugnacious, repugnant
pulchr-
beautiful
Latin
pulcher, pulchri
pulchritude
pulmon-
lung
Latin
pulmo, pulmonis
pulmonary
pulver-
dust
Latin
pulvis, pulveris
pulverize
pung-, punct-
prick
Latin
pungere, punctus
puncture, pungent
puni-
punish
Latin
punire, punitus
impunity, punitive
pup-
doll
Latin
pupa
pupa, puppet
pur-
pure
Latin
purus
impurity, purify
purg-
cleanse
Latin
purgare
purpur-
purple
Latin
purpura
put-
prune, reckon
Latin
putre
compute, putative
pyg-
rump
Greek
(pug)
pygostyle, callipygian
pyl-
gate
Greek
, (puln)
pylon
pyr-
heat, fire
Greek
, (pur, puros)
pyrolysis
Root
26
Meaning in English
Origin language
English examples
quadr-
four
Latin
quattuor
quadrangle, quadrillion
quadragen-
forty each
Latin
quadrageni
quadragenary
quadragesim-
fortieth
Latin
quadragesimus
quadragesimal
quart-
fourth
Latin
quartus
quartary, quartile
quasi-
as if
Latin
quasi
quasar
quatern-
four each
Latin
quaterni
quaternary, quaternion
quati-, quass-
shake
Latin
quatere
search, seek
Latin
quaerere
Inquisition, query
qui-
rest
Latin
quies
quiet, requiem
quin-
five each
Latin
quini
quinary
quindecim-
fifteenth
Latin
quindecimus
quindecimal
quinden-
fifteen each
Latin
quindeni
quindenary
quinque-
five
Latin
quinque
quinquennium
quint-
fifth
Latin
quintus
quintary, quintile
quot-
Latin
quota, quotient
R
Root
Meaning in English
English examples
rad-, ras-
scrape, shave
Latin
radere, rasus
radi-
beam, spoke
Latin
radius, radiare
radiance, radiation
radic-
root
Latin
rdix, rdcis
eradicate, radical
ram-
branch
Latin
rmus
ramification, ramose
ran-
frog
Latin
rana
Rana
ranc-
rancere
rancid, rancor
rap-
turnip
Latin
rapum
rapeseed
raph-
seam
Greek
(rhaph)
Latin
rarus
rarity
rarrauc-
harsh, hoarse
Latin
raucus
raucous
re-, red-
again, back
Latin
re-
recede, redact
Latin
regere, rectus
rem-
oar
Latin
remus
bireme, trireme
ren-
kidney
Latin
renes
renal
rep-, rept-
crawl, creep
Latin
repere, reptus
reptile
ret-
net
Latin
rete
reticle, retina
retro-
backward, behind
Latin
retro
rhabd-
rod
Greek
(rhabdos)
rhabdoid, rhabdom
rhach-, rach-
spine
Greek
, (rhachis) rhachiodont
27
rhag-
tear, rent
Greek
rhagades
rhe-
flow
Greek
(rhein)
rheostat
rhig-
chill
Greek
(rhigos)
rhigosaurus
rhin-
nose, snout
Greek
, (rhis, rhinos)
rhinoplasty
rhiz-
root
Greek
(rhiza)
rhizome
rhod-
rose
Greek
(rhodon)
rhododendron
rhomb-
spinning top
Greek
(rhombos)
rhombus
rhynch-
snout
Greek
Rhynchobatus
rid-, ris-
laugh
Latin
ridere, risus
derision, ridicule
robor-
oak, strength
Latin
robur, roboris
corroboration
rod-, ros-
gnaw
Latin
rodere, rosus
rog-
ask
Latin
rogare
derogatory, interrogation
rostr-
beak, prow
Latin
rostrum
rot-
wheel
Latin
rota, rotare
rotation
ruber-, rubr-
red
Latin
ruber
rubric, ruby
rug-
wrinkle
Latin
ruga, rugare
corrugation
rumin-
throat
Latin
rumen, ruminis
rumination
rump-, rupt-
break
Latin
rumpere, ruptus
rur-
country
Latin
rus, ruris
rural
S
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
language
English examples
sacchar-
sugar
Greek
(sakcharon)
saccharin
sacr-, secr-
sacred
Latin
sacer, sacrare
consecrate, sacrament
sagac-
wise
Latin
sagax, sagacis
sagacity
sagitt-
arrow
Latin
sagitta
sal-
salt
Latin
salinity
jump
Latin
salire, saltus
salic-
willow
Latin
salix, salicis
salicin
salv-
save
Latin
salvus, salvare
salvation
san-
healthy
Latin
sanus
insane, sanity
sanc-
holy
Latin
sancire, sanctus
sanctify, sanctuary
sanguin-
blood
Latin
sanguis, sanguinis
consanguinity, sanguine
sapi-, -sipi-
taste, wise
Latin
sapere
insipience, sapient
sapon-
soap
Latin
sapo, saponis
saponification
sarc-
flesh
Greek
, (sarx,
sarkos)
sarcophagus
saur-
lizard, reptile
Greek
(sauros)
dinosaur
28
sax-
rock
Latin
saxum
scab-
scratch
Latin
scabere
scabies
scal-
ladder, stairs
Latin
scala
scalar, scale
scalen-
uneven
Greek
(skalnos)
scand-, -scend-,
scans-, -scens-
climb
Latin
scandere
scaph-
Greek
scaphoid bone
scel-
leg, thigh
Greek
, (skelos)
isosceles
schem-
plan
Greek
(schma)
schematic
schis-
split
Greek
, (schisma)
schism
sci-
know
Latin
scire
prescient, science
scind-, sciss-
split
Latin
scindere
rescind, scissors
scler-
hard
Greek
(sklros)
scleroderma, sclerosis
scoli-
crooked
Greek
(skolios)
scoliosis
scop-, scept-
Greek
,
(skopos)
scrib-, script-
write
Latin
scribere, scriptus
inscribe, scripture
sculp-
carve
Latin
sculpere, sculptus
sculpture
scut-
shield
Latin
scutum
scute
scyph-
cup
Greek
(chouphta)
Scyphozoa
se-, sed-
apart
Latin
se
secede, sedition
seb-
tallow
Latin
sebum
sebaceous, sebum
cut
Latin
secare
sed-
settle, calm
Latin
sedare, sedatus
sedative
sit
Latin
sedere, sessus
sedec-
sixteen
Latin
sedecim
sedecimal
seget-
in cornfields
Latin
segetum
sei-
shake
Greek
, (seismos)
seismograph
selen-
moon
Greek
(seln)
Selene, selenium
sell-
saddle, seat
Latin
sella
sella turcica
sema-
sign
Greek
(sma)
semantics, semaphore
semi-
half
Latin
semis
semifinal
semin-
seed
Latin
semen, seminis
insemination
sen-
old man
Latin
senex, senis
senator, senility
sen-
six each
Latin
seni
senary
senti-, sens-
feel
Latin
sentire, sensus
consensus, sentient
sept-
Latin
saeptum
transept
sept-
seven
Latin
septem
septennial
septen-
seven each
Latin
septeni
septenary
septim-
seventh
Latin
septimus
septimal, septime
29
septuagen-
seventy each
Latin
septuageni
septuagenary
septuagesim-
seventieth
Latin
septuagesimus
septuagesima, septuagesimal
septuagint-
seventy
Latin
septuaginta
Septuagint
sequ-, secut-
follow
Latin
sequere, secutus
consecutive, sequence
ser-, sat-
cultivate
Latin
serere, satus
sative
ser-
body fluid
Latin
serum
serous
ser-
late
Latin
serus
serein, serotine
serp-
crawl, creep
Latin
serpere, serptus
serpent
serr-
saw, saw-toothed
Latin
serra, serrare
serration
serv-
Latin
servare
conservation
sesqui-
Latin
sesqui
sesquicentennial
set-
bristle, hair
Latin
saeta
seta, setose
sever-
Latin
severus
severity
sex-, se-
six
Latin
sex
sexagen-
sixty each
Latin
sexageni
sexagenary
sexagesim-
sixtieth
Latin
sexagesimus
sexagesimal
sext-
sixth
Latin
sextus
sextant
sibil-
hiss
Latin
sibilus, sibilare
sibilance
sicc-
dry
Latin
siccus
desiccation
sider-
star
Latin
sidus, sideris
sidereal
sign-
sign
Latin
signum
sil-
quiet or still
Latin
silere
silence
silv(i)-
forest
Latin
silva
silviculture
simi-
ape, monkey
Latin
simia
simian
simil-
Latin
similis
assimilate, similarity
simul-
imitating, feigning
Latin
simulare
simulation
singul-
one each
Latin
singulus
singular
sinistr-
left
Latin
sinister, sinistri
sinistral
sinu-
Latin
sinuare
insinuate
sinus-
hollow, bay
Latin
sinus
siph(o)-
tube
Greek
(siphn)
siphon
sist-
cause to stand
Latin
sistere
consist, persistence
sit-
Greek
(sitos)
sitology
soci-
group
Latin
socius, sociare
associate, social
sol-
sun
Latin
sol, solis
solar
sol-
comfort, soothe
Latin
solari
consolation, solace
sol-
alone, only
Latin
solus
solen-
pipe, channel
Greek
(sln)
solenoid
solv-, solut-
Latin
solvere, solutus
dissolve, solution
30
soma-
body
Greek
, (sma,
smatos)
somatic
somn-
sleep
Latin
somnus
insomnia
somni-
dream
Latin
somnium
son-
sound
Latin
sonus
resonance
soph-
wise
Greek
(sophos)
sophist
sorb-, sorpt-
suck
Latin
sorbere
absorb, absorption
sord-
dirt
Latin
sordes, sordere
sordid
soror-
sister
Latin
soror
sorority
spati-
space
Latin
spatium
spatial
look
Latin
specere
spect-
watch, look at
Latin
spectare
spectator
specul-
observe
Latin
speculari
speculation
sper-
hope
Latin
spes, sperare
desperation, esperance
sperm-
seed
Greek
(sperma)
angiosperm
sphen-
wedge
Greek
(sphn)
spher-
ball
Greek
(sphaira)
sphere, spheroid
sphinct-
closing
Greek
sphincter
spic-
spike
Latin
spica
spicule
spin-
thorn
Latin
spina
spine
spir-
breathe
Latin
spirare
respiration
spond-, spons-
Latin
spondere, sponsus
respond
spondyl-
vertebra
spu-, sput-
spew, spit
Latin
spuere
sputum
squal-
Latin
squalere
squalid, squalor
squam-
scale
Latin
squama
squamous
squarros-
spreading at tips
Latin
st-
stand
Latin
stare, status
stagn-
Latin
stagnare
stagnant
stalact-
Greek
(stalaktits)
stalactite
stalagm-
Greek
(stalagmos)
stalagmite
stann-
tin
Latin
stannum
stannous
statu-, -stitu-
stand
Latin
statuere
institution, statute
stea-
fat, tallow
Greek
, (stear,
steatos)
stearic acid
steg-
covering
Greek
stell-
star
Latin
stella
constellation, stellar
sten-
narrow
Greek
(stenos)
stenography
stere-
solid
Greek
(stereos)
steganography
31
stern-, strat-
spread, strew
Latin
sternere, stratus
stratify
stern-
breastbone
Greek
(sternon)
sternum
stich-
line, row
Greek
(stichos)
Greek
(stigma)
stigma
stigstill-
drip
Latin
stilla, stillare
distillation
stimul-
Latin
stimulus
stimulate
stingu-, stinct-
apart
Latin
stinguere
distinction, distinguish
stoch-
aim
Greek
stochastic
stom-
mouth
Greek
(stoma)
stomatoplasty
strept-
twisted
Greek
(streptos)
strig-
compress
Latin
strix, strigis
strigogyps
strigos-
Latin
string-, strict-
upright, stiff
Latin
stringere, strictus
stringent
stroph-
turning
Greek
(stroph)
apostrophe
stru-, struct-
Latin
struere, structus
construction, construe
stud-
dedication
Latin
studere
student
stup-
wonder
Latin
stupere
stupor
styl-
column, pillar
Greek
(stulos)
stylus
su-, sut-
sew
Latin
suere, sutus
suture
sui-
self
Latin
sui
suad-, suas-
urge
Latin
suadere, suasus
persuasion
suav-
sweet
Latin
suavis
suave
below
Latin
sub
subter-
under
Latin
subter
subterfuge
sucr-
sugar
Latin
sud-
sweat
Latin
sudare
sudoriferous
sulc-
furrow
Latin
sulcus
sulcus
sum-, sumpt-
take
Latin
sumere, sumptus
assumption, consume
super-
above, over
Latin
super
supersede
supin-
lying back
Latin
supinus
supination
supra-
above, over
Latin
supra
supranationalism
surd-
deaf
Latin
surdus
absurdity
surg-
rise
Latin
surgere
resurgent
with
Greek
(sun)
syring-
pipe
Greek
, (syrinx, syringe
syringos)
sucrose
32
T
Root
English examples
tac-, -tic-
be silent
Latin
tacere, tacitus
reticent, tacit
tach-
swift
Greek
(tachus)
tachometer, tachycardia
taeni-
ribbon
Greek
(tainia)
tal-
ankle
Latin
talus
talus bone
Latin
tangere, tactus
tapet-
carpet
Latin
tapete, tapetis
tard-
slow
Latin
tardus
tars-
ankle
Greek
tarsal
taur-
bull
Greek
(tauros)
Minotaur
taur-
bull
Latin
taurus
Taurus
tax-
arrangement, order
Greek
(taxis)
taxonomy
techn-
art, skill
Greek
(techn)
technology
teg-, tect-
cover
Latin
tegere, tectus
integument, protection
tele-
far, end
Greek
(tle)
tele-
complete
Greek
(telos)
teleology
temn-
cut
Greek
(temn)
Temnospondyli
tempor-
time
Latin
tempus, temporis
hold
Latin
tenere, tentus
tend-, tens-
stretch, strain
Latin
tendere, tensus
extend, extension
tenu-
slender, thin
Latin
tenuis
attenuate, tenuous
tep-
be warm
Latin
tepere
tepid, tepor
ter-, trit-
rub
Latin
terere, tritus
teret-
rounded
Latin
teres, teretis
subterete, teretial
terg-, ters-
wipe
Latin
tergere, tersus
detergent, terse
termin-
terminus
tern-
three each
Latin
terni
ternary, ternion
terr-
dry land
Latin
terra
terti-
third
Latin
tertius
tertian, tertiary
test-
witness
Latin
testis
testament, testimony
tetr-
four
Greek
(tessares)
tetrahedron, tetrode
tex-, text-
weave
Latin
texere, textus
thalam-
chamber, bed
Greek
(thalamos)
thalass-
sea
Greek
(thalassa)
Panthalassa
than-
death
Greek
(thanatos)
euthanasia
the-, thus-
god
Greek
(theos)
enthusiasm, theology
the-
put
Greek
Greek
(thl)
thel-
33
theori-
speculation
Greek
(theria)
theorem, theory
ther-
beast, animal
Greek
, (thr)
theroid, theropod
therm-
heat, warm
Greek
(thermos)
endotherm, thermometer
thym-
mood
Greek
(thumos)
dysthymia
thyr-
door
Greek
(thura)
thyratron
thyre-
large shield
Greek
(thureos)
tim-
be afraid
Latin
timere
timid, timorous
ting-, tinct-
moisten
Latin
tingere, tinctus
tincture
tom-
cut
Greek
(tome), (tomos)
ton-
stretch
Greek
(tonos)
top-
place
Greek
(topos)
topic, topography
torn-
cut
torpe-
numb
Latin
torpere
torqu-, tort-
twist
Latin
torquere, tortus
tot-
all, whole
Latin
totus
tox-
arrow, bow
Greek
(toxon)
trab-
beam
Latin
trabs, trabis
trabeculae
trachy-
rough
Greek
(trachus)
trachea
trag-
goat
Greek
(tragos)
tragus
trah-, tract-
draw, pull
Latin
trahere, tractus
subtrahend, tractor
across
Latin
trans
trapez-
four-sided, table
Greek
(trapeza)
trapezius, trapezoid
traum-
wound
Greek
(trauma)
trauma, traumatic
trecent-
three hundred
Latin
trecenti
trecentennial, trecentillion
tredec-
thirteen
Latin
tredecim
tredecimal
treiskaidek-
thirteen
Greek
(treiskaideka)
triskaidekaphobia
trem-
tremble
Latin
tremere
tremor
trema-
hole
Greek
(trma)
trematode
tri-
three
Greek
, (treis, tria)
tri-
three
Latin
trs
tricen-
thirty each
Latin
triceni
tricenary
tricesim-, trigesim-
thirtieth
Latin
tricesimus
trigesimal
trich-
hair
Greek
, (thrix, trichos)
trin-
three each
Latin
trini
trit-
third
Greek
(tritos)
tritagonist
troch-
wheel
Greek
(trochos)
trochlea
trop-
turning
Greek
(tropos)
troph-
feed, grow
Greek
, (trophos)
trud-, trus-
thrust
Latin
trudere, trusus
extrusion, intrude
34
tuss-
cough
Latin
tussis, tussire
pertussis
tympan-
drum
Greek
(tumpanon)
tympani
typ-
stamp, model
Greek
(tupos)
U
Root
English examples
uber-
fruitful
Latin
uber, uberare
exuberant
uligin-
in marshes
Latin
uligo, uliginis
uliginous
ulo-
wooly
Greek
ultim-
farthest
Latin
ultimus
ultimatum, ultimate
ultra-
beyond
Latin
ultra
ultrasonic
umbilic-
navel
Latin
umbilicus
umbilical
umbr-
shade, shadow
Latin
umbra
penumbra, umbrella
un-
one
Latin
unus, unius
unc-
hooked
Latin
uncus
uncinate
unci-
ounce, twelfth
Latin
uncia
uncial
und-
wave
Latin
unda
abundant, undulate
undecim- eleventh
Latin
undecimus
undecimal
unden-
eleven each
Latin
undeni
undenary
ungui-
claw, nail
Latin
unguis
ungul-
claw, hoof
Latin
ungula
ungulate
ur-, uro-
tail
Greek
(oura)
uroid, uroborus
ur-, uro-
urine
Greek
(ouron)
urology
urb-
city
Latin
urbs, urbis
urg-
work
Latin
urgere
urgent
urs-
bear
Latin
ursus
ut-, us-
use
Latin
uti, usus
usual, utility
uv-
grape
Latin
uva
uvea
uxor-
wife
Latin
uxor
uxoricide
Root
Meaning in English
35
English examples
vac-
empty
Latin
vacare
vad-, vas-
go
Latin
vadere
evade, pervasive
vag-
wander
Latin
vagus, vagare
vagabond, vague
van-
Latin
vanus
vanity
vap-
lack (of)
Latin
vapor
veh-, vect-
carry
Latin
vehere, vectus
vehicle, vector
vel-
veil
Latin
velum
revelation, velate
vell-, vuls-
pull
Latin
vellere, vulsus
convulsion
veloc-
quick
Latin
velox, velocis
velocity
ven-
vein
Latin
vena
venosity
ven-
hunt
Latin
venari
venison
ven-, vent-
come
Latin
venire
advent, convention
vend-
sell
Latin
vendere
vendor, vending
vener-
respectful
Latin
venus
veneration, venereal
vent-
wind
Latin
ventus
ventilation
ventr-
belly
Latin
venter
ventral
ver-
true
Latin
verus
verb-
word
Latin
verbum
verber-
whip
Latin
verber
reverberation
verm-
worm
Latin
vermis
vermiform
vern-
spring
Latin
ver, vernus
vernal
vert-, vers-
turn
Latin
vertere, versus
vesic-
bladder
Latin
vesica
vesical
vesper-
evening, western
Latin
vespera
vesperal
vest-
clothe, garment
Latin
vestis
divest, vest
vestig-
track
Latin
vestigium
investigate
vet-
forbid
Latin
vetare
veto
veter-
old
Latin
vetus, veteris
inveterate, veteran
vi-
way
Latin
via
vic-
change
Latin
vicis
vicen-, vigen-
twenty
Latin
viceni
vicenary
Latin
vicesimus
vid-, vis-
see
Latin
videre, visus
video, vision
vil-
cheap
Latin
vilis
vile, vilify
vill-
Latin
villus
villiform
vin-
wine
Latin
vinum
vinous
vinc-, vict-
conquer
Latin
vincere, victus
invincible, victory
vir-
man
Latin
vir
virility
36
vir-
green
Latin
virere
virid, viridian
visc-
thick
Latin
viscum
viscosity
viscer-
viscus, visceris
eviscerate, visceral
vit-
life
Latin
vita
vital, vitamin
vitell-
yolk
Latin
vitellus
vitellogenesis
viti-
fault
Latin
vitium
vice, vitiate
vitr-
glass
Latin
vitrum
vitreous
viv-
live
Latin
vivere
voc-
voice
Latin
vox, vocis
vol-
fly
Latin
volare
volatility
vol-
wish
Latin
velle
volition
volv-, volut-
roll
Latin
volvere, volutus
convolution, revolve
vom-
discharge
Latin
vomere
vomit
vor-, vorac-
swallow
Latin
vorare, vorax
devour, voracious
vov-, vot-
vow
Latin
vovere, votus
votive
vulg-
common, crowd
Latin
vulgus
vulner-
wound
Latin
vulnus, vulneris
vulnerable
vulp-
fox
Latin
vulpes, vulpis
vulpine
X
Root
English examples
xanth- yellow
Greek
(xanthos)
xanthogenic
xen-
foreign
Greek
(xenos)
xenophobia
xer-
dry
Greek
(xros)
xerography, xerophyte
xiph-
sword
Greek
(xiphos)
xiphoid
xyl-
wood
Greek
(xulon)
xylem, xylophone
Z
Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin)
English examples
zo-
Greek
(zion)
zon-
belt, girdle
Greek
(zn)
zone
zyg-
yoke
Greek
(zugon)
heterozygous, zygote
Greek
(zum)
enzyme, lysozyme
zym- ferment
References
[1] "phalaros" in LSJ (http:/ / archimedes. mpiwg-berlin. mpg. de/ cgi-bin/ archim/ dict/ hw?lemma=fa/ la_ros& step=entry& id=d004)
External links
Root Word Dictionary (http://www.macroevolution.net/root-word-dictionary.html)
List of Latin Derivatives (http://web.archive.org/web/20070823220828/http://cdsjcl.f2g.net/derivatives.
html)
Greek and Latin roots (http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/courses.hp/zool250/Roots/roots.A-C.htm)
Database of Latin Dictionaries (http://www.brepols.net/publishers/pdf/Brepolis_DLD_manual_en.pdf)
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License
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
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