List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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 Meaning Origin language and etymology Ancient Greek / - Apathy, Analgia (a-/an-), without, not Latin Abduction Example(s)

a-, an-

Denotes an absence of, without away from

ab-

abdomin(o)-

Latin (abdmen), Of or relating abdomen, Abdomen to the abdomen fat around the belly pertaining to Greek - cardiac, hydrophobiac, pharmacomaniacal (-akos) Ancient Greek (akantha), thorn

-ac, -acal

acanth(o)-

thorn or spine

acanthion, acanthocyte, acanthoma, acanthulus

acous(io)-

Of or relating to hearing

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

acr(o)-

extremity, topmost

Acrocrany, acromegaly, acroosteolysis, acroposthia

-acusis

hearing

Greek paracusis (acoustikos) , of or for hearing dorsad

-ad

toward, in the direction of increase, adherence, Latin motion toward, very Ancient Greek , (adn, aden-), an acorn; a gland Latin (adeps, adip-), fat Latin

ad-

Adduction

aden(o)-, aden(i)-

Of or relating to a gland

Adenocarcinoma, adenology, adenotome, adenotyphus

adip(o)-

Of or relating to fat or fatty tissue Of or relating to adrenal glands

Adipocyte

adren(o)-

adrenal artery

-aemia (BrE)

Greek , blood condition without blood air, gas

Anaemia

aer(o)-

Greek , Aerosinusitis Greek Latin -alis Anesthesia abdominal

aesthesio- (BrE sensation ) -al albpertaining to Denoting a

Latin albus, Albino

white or pale color alge(si)-algia alg(i)opain 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)

white Greek Greek Greek Ancient Greek (allos), another, other Latin (ambi-, ambo), both, on both sides Analgesic Myalgia Myalgia

allo-

Alloantigen, allopathy

ambi-

Ambidextrous

amnio-

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

Amniocentesis

amph-, amphi- on both sides ananaan(o) andr(o)angi(o)not, without anus pertaining to a man blood vessel Describing something as unequal

Amphicrania, amphismela, amphomycin Analgesia Anaplasia

back, again, up Greek

Andrology, android Angiogram

aniso-

Anisotropic, anisocytosis

Ancient Greek Denoting ankyl(o)-,ancyl something as (o)(anklos), crooked or bent crooked, curved anteDescribing something as

Ankylosis

Latin (nt), antepartum before, in

positioned in front of another front of thing Describing something as 'against' or 'opposed to' another Ancient Greek (anti), against

anti-

Antibody, antipsychotic

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

separated from, Ancient Apoptosis derived from Greek first, primitive Of or pertaining Greek to a male; (arsein) masculine Ancient Greek (artra), a Of or pertaining wind-pipe, Artery, Arteriole to an artery artery (used distinctly versus a vein) Ancient Of or pertaining Greek to the joints, Arthritis limbs (arthros), a joint, limb joint pertaining to enzyme weakness imperfect or incomplete development fatty deposit, Soft gruel-like deposit process an atrium (esp. heart atrium) Of or pertaining Latin to the ear (auris), the Latin Latin articulum Greek , division Greek, Articulation archinephron : first formed kidney

arteri(o)-

arthr(o)-

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

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

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

Atherosclerosis Habitation[disambiguation needed], Lubrication atrioventricular Aural

ear aut(o)aux(o)self increase; growth Of or pertaining Latin to the armpit (axilla), [uncommon as armpit a prefix] nitrogenous compound Meaning Greek Autoimmune auxocardia : enlargement of the heart

axill-

Axilla azothermia : raised temperature due to nitrogenous substances in blood

azo(to)

B
Prefix/suff ix balanobibioblast(o)Origin language and etymology Example(s) Balanitis Binary Biology Blastomere Blepharoplast Brachium of inferior colliculus brachycephalic Bradycardia Bronchiolitis obliterans Latin (bucca), cheek Latin Buccolabial Bursitis

Of the glans penis or glans Greek - balanos, acorn, clitoridis glans twice, double life germ or bud Latin Ancient Greek Greek Ancient Greek (blpharon), eyelid Latin (brachium), from Ancient Greek (brachin), arm Ancient Greek (brachys), short, little, shallow Ancient Greek (bradys), slow

blephar(o) Of or pertaining to the eyelid brachi(o)- Of or relating to the arm brachybradyIndicating 'short' or less commonly 'little' 'slow'

bronch(i)- bronchus bucc(o)burs(o)Of or pertaining to the cheek bursa (fluid sac between the bones) Meaning 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

C
Prefix or suffix capillcapitcarcin(o)cardi(o)carp(o)Origin language and etymology Latin (capillus), hair Latin (caput, capit-), the head Greek (karkinos), crab Ancient Greek (karda), heart Latin (carpus) < Ancient Greek (karps), wrist; NOTE: Example(s) Capillus Capitation Carcinoma Cardiology Carpopedal

This root should not be confused with the mirror root carp(o)meaning fruit. cata-cele -centesis cephal(o)down, under pouching, hernia surgical puncture for aspiration Greek (kata) Ancient Greek (kl) Cataract Hydrocele,Varicoce le

Ancient Greek (kentsis) Amniocentesis Ancient Greek (kphal), the head Ancient Greek , (kras, kerat-), a horn Latin (cerebellum), little brain Latin (cerebrum), brain Latin (cervix, cervc-), neck, cervix Greek Cephalalgy Ceratoid Cerebellum Cerebrology Cervicodorsal Chemotherapy

Of or pertaining to the head (as a whole) Of or pertaining to cerat(o)the cornu[disambiguation needed]; a horn Of or pertaining to cerebell(o)the cerebellum cerebr(o)cervicchem(o)chir(o)-, cheir(o)chlor(o)chol(e)Of or pertaining to the brain 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

Ancient Greek , - (cheir, Chiropractor cheiro-), hand Ancient Greek (chloros), green, yellow-green Ancient Greek (chol), bile Chlorophyll Cholaemia

cholecyst(o Of or pertaining to )the gallbladder chondr(i)ocartilage, gristle, granule, granular

Ancient Greek (cholkstis), gallbladder < Cholecystectomy (chol), bile, gall + (kstis), bladder Ancient Greek (chondros) Chondrocalcinosis Ancient Greek Latin < Latin (cilium), eyelash; eyelid Latin (circum), around Latin (cis) Greek Latin osteoclast coenzymes Colonoscopy Ancient Greek (klpos), bosom, womb; hollow, depth Colposcopy Hemochromatosis bacteriocidal Ciliary Circumcision

chrom(ato) color -cidal, -cide killing, destroying cilicircumcisclast cocol-, colo-, colonocolp(o)Of or pertaining to the cilia, the eyelashes; eyelids Denoting something as 'around' another on this side break with, together, in association colon Of or pertaining to the vagina

comcontra cor-

with, together against with, together

Latin Latin Latin Corectomy Commotio cordis Contraindicate

cor-, core-, Ancient Greek (kr), girl, Of or pertaining to eye's pupil corodoll; pupil of the eye cordiOf 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 to secrete cold skin Denotes a blue color circle, cycle Denotes something as bent (uncommon as a prefix) Latin (cor, cordi-), heart

cornucoron(o)cost(o)coxcrani(o)-crine cry(o)cutanecyan(o)cyclcyph(o)cyst(o)-, cyst(i)cyt(o)-cyte

Latin (corn), horn Latin corna (garland, crown) Latin (costa), rib Latin (coxa), hip Latin (cranium) < Ancient Greek (krnion), the cranium, skull, bones enclosing the brain ecrine Greek Latin cutis Ancient Greek , (kanos, kyneos), blue Greek (kuklos) Ancient Greek (kphs), bent, hunchback Cyphosis Cystotomy Cytokine Leukocyte Example(s) Costochondral Coxopodite Craniology Endocrine Cryoablation Subcutaneous Cyanopsia

Of or pertaining to the urinary Ancient Greek (kstis); bladder bladder, cyst cell cell Meaning tear Of or pertaining to a finger, toe away from, cessation Of or pertaining to teeth Greek Greek Origin language and etymology Greek Ancient Greek (dktylos), Dactylology finger, toe Latin deLatin (dens, dentis), tooth Dentist

D
Prefix/suff ix dacryodactyl(o)dedent-

dermat(o)- Of or pertaining to the , derm(o)- skin

Ancient Greek , Dermatology - (drma,

dmat-), skin, human skin -desis dextr(o)dididiadifdigit-dipsia disdors(o)-, dors(i)binding right, on the right side two apart, separation Greek (desis) Latin dexter Greek Latin arthrodesis Dextrocardia Diplopia

Ancient Greek (same as Greek meaning) (di), through, during, Diacetyl across apart, separation Of or pertaining to the finger [rare as a root] suffix meaning "(condition of) thirst"' separation, taking apart Of or pertaining to the back duodenum, twelve: upper part of the small intestine (twelve inches long on average), connects to the stomach Latin disLatin Latin (digitus), finger, Digit toe polydipsia hydroadipsia, oligodipsia Dissection

Latin (dorsum), back dorsal, Dorsocephalad

duodeno-

Latin duodeni

Duodenal atresia

dynam(o)- force, energy, power -dynia dyspain bad, difficult Meaning pertaining to out, away outer, outside expansion, dilation

Greek (dunamis) Vulvodynia Greek Dysphagia, dysphasia Example(s)

E
Prefix/suffix -eal ecect(o)-ectasis, -ectasia -ectomy -emesis -emia encephal(o)Origin language and etymology Latin Greek - (ek-) Greek Ancient Greek Ectopic pregnancy Bronchiectasis, Telangiectasia

Denotes a surgical Ancient Greek operation or removal of a (ectom), body part. Resection, excision excision vomiting condition blood condition (AmE) Of or pertaining to the brain. Also see Cerebro. Greek Greek -, without blood

Mastectomy Hematemesis Anemia

Ancient Greek Encephalogram (enkphalos), the brain

endo-

Denotes something as 'inside' or 'within'

Ancient Greek (endo-), inside, Endocrinology, Endospore internal Eosin comes from Eos, the Greek word for 'dawn' and the Eosinophil granulocyte name of the Greek Goddess of the Dawn. Ancient Greek (nteron), intestine Gastroenterology

eosin(o)-

Red

enter(o)-

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

epi-

Ancient Greek Epistaxis, epicardium, episclera,e (epi-), before, upon, pidural on, outside, outside of Ancient Greek - (epsion), the pubic area, loins; vulva Ancient Greek (erythros), red Greek Greek Greek Latin Ancient Greek (exo-), outside of, external Latin Eukaryote Exophthalmos Exoskeleton Extradural hematoma Origin language and etymology Latin (facis), the face, countenance Example(s) Facioplegic Fibroblast Latin (forma), form, shape Latin (fossa), ditch, pit Episiotomy

episi(o)-

erythr(o)-esophageal, -esophago esthesioeuexexoextra-

Denotes a red color gullet (AmE) sensation (AmE) true, good, well, new out of, away from Denotes something as 'outside' another outside Meaning Of or pertaining to the face fiber fine, hair like Used to form adjectives indicating 'having the form of' A hollow or depressed area; trench or channel

Erythrocyte

F
Prefix/suff ix faci(o)fibr(o) filli-form, -iform fossa front-

Cuneiform fossa ovalis[disambiguation needed]

Of or pertaining to the forehead

Latin (frns, front-), the Frontonasal forehead

G
Prefix/suffix galact(o)gastr(o)milk Of or pertaining to the stomach (1) Denotes the sense 'born in, from' (2) Denotes the sense 'of a certain kind' Meaning Origin language and etymology Greek , Ancient Greek (gastr), -, stomach, belly Ancient Greek - (gens) < - (gennein), to be born Example(s) Galactorrhea Gastric bypass

-gen

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

-genic genugingivglauc(o)-

Formative, pertaining to Greek producing Of or pertaining to the knee Of or pertaining to the gums Denoting a grey or bluish-grey colour Of or pertaining to the tongue glucose sugar Of or pertaining to the jaw knowledge seed, semen; also, reproductive record or picture instrument used to record data or picture process of recording woman Greek , Origin language and etymology Classical Latin to wander in mind Latin (hma) < Ancient Greek , (haima, haimat-), blood Ancient Greek (gnthos), jaw Greek Ancient Greek Greek (gramma) Ancient Greek - (grapha), written, drawn, graphic interpretation Latin (gen), knee Latin (gingva), gum Ancient Greek (glaukos), grey, bluish-grey Ancient Greek , (glssa, gltta), tongue Greek , sweet

gloss(o)-, glott(o)glucoglycognath(o)-gnosis gon(o)-gram, -gramme -graph -graphy gyn(aec)o- (BrE), gyn(ec)o- (AmE)

Glossology Glucocorticoid Glycolysis Gnathodynamometer diagnosis, prognosis Gonorrhea Angiogram Electrocardiograph Angiography Gynecomastia

H
Prefix/suffix halluchemat-, haemato(haem-, hem-) Meaning to wander in mind Of or pertaining to blood Example(s) Hallucinosis Hematology, older form Haematology

hema or hemohemangi or hemangiohemi-

blood (AmE) blood vessels one-half

Greek

Hematological malignancy

Ancient Greek (hmi-), "half" Ancient Greek , - (hpar, hpato-), the liver

Cerebral hemisphere Hepatology

Of or pertaining to the hepat- (hepatic-) liver heter(o)hidr(o)hist(o)-, histiohome(o)hom(o)-

Denotes something as 'the Ancient Greek other' (of two), as an (hteros), the other (of addition, or different two), another; different sweat tissue similar Greek Greek Ancient Greek (homoios)

Heterogeneous Hyperhidrosis Histology Homeopathy Homosexuality

Denotes something as 'the Ancient Greek same' as another or (homo-), the same, common 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 Meaning condition Incorrect Etymology < Latin (umerus), shoulder Greek Ancient Greek (hyper), over, above; beyond, to the extreme Ancient Greek ()(hypo-), below, under Ancient Greek (hystra), womb Origin language and etymology Greek - Ancient Greek (itrs), healer, physician Ancient Greek (itrs), healer, physician Greek - (-ikos) Latin

humer(o)hydr(o)hyperhyp(o)hyster(o)-

Humerus Hydrophobe Hypertension Hypovolemia, Hysterectomy

I
Prefix/s uffix -i-asis Example(s) Mydriasis Iatrochemistry

Of or pertaining to medicine, or a iatr(o)- physician [uncommon as a prefix; common as as suffix, see -iatry] -iatry Denotes a field in medicine of a certain body component pertaining to small organized knowledge, treatment

Podiatry, Psychiatry Hepatic artery[disambiguation needed] Ovarian follicle

-ic -icle -ics

Latin -ica < Greek < Obstetrics

- idioileoinfrainterintraipsiischischio-ism -ismus iso-ist -ite -itis -ium self, one's own ileum below between, among within same restriction Of or pertaining to the ischium, the hipjoint condition, disease spasm, contraction Denoting something as being 'equal' one who specializes in the nature of, resembling inflammation structure, tissue Prefix/suffix kal/i karyokerat(o)koil(o)kyph(o)Meaning potassium nucleus Greek , "nut" Greek Greek (koilos) Greek Origin language and etymology Latin (labium), lip Latin Latin Eukaryote Keratoscope Kinesthesia Koilocyte Kyphoscoliosis Example(s) Labiodental Lacrimal canaliculi Lactation Laparotomy cornea (eye or skin) Greek hollow humped Meaning Of or pertaining to the lip Greek - Ancient Greek (sos), equal Greek - Greek , idios, Idiopathic "one's own" Greek Latin Latin Latin Latin Greek Greek Ancient Greek (ischin), hip-joint, ischium Ileocecal valve Infrahyoid muscles Interarticular ligament Intracranial hemorrhage Ipsilateral hemiparesis Iridectomy Ischemia Ischioanal fossa Dwarfism Hemiballismus Isotonic[disambiguation needed] Hermaphrodite Tonsillitis pericardium Origin language and etymology Example(s)

irid(o)- iris

Greek - (-istes) Pathologist

[edit]K

kin(e)-, kin(o), kinesi(o)- movement

[edit]L
Prefix/suffi x labi(o)lact(i)-, lact(o) lapar(o)lacrim(o)- tear milk

Of or pertaining to the abdomen- Ancient Greek wall, flank (lapr), flank

Of or pertaining to the larynx, the Ancient Greek , laryng(o)- lower throat cavity where - (lrynx, laryng-), Larynx the voice box is throat, gullet

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

lateral smooth attack, seizure light, slender Denoting a white color Of or pertaining to the tongue fat stone, calculus speech Denotes someone who studies a certain field: _____-logy Denotes the academic study or practice of a certain field; The study of lymph dissolution Destruction, separation Meaning large, long softening Of or pertaining to the breast Of or pertaining to the nipple Of or pertaining to the hand Of or pertaining to the breast enlargement black color extremity membrane

Latin Greek Greek Greek (leptos) Ancient Greek (leukos), white, bright Latin (lingua), tongue Greek Greek Greek Ancient Greek (logists), studier, practitioner Ancient Greek o (logos) study Greek , Greek Greek Origin language and etymology Greek Greek Latin (mamma), breast; udder Latin (mammilla), nipple Latin (manus), hand

Lateral pectoral nerve Leiomyoma Epilepsy, narcolepsy

Leukocyte Linguistics Liposuction Lithotripsy

Oncologist, pathologist

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

hematology, urology Lymphedema Lysosome Paralysis Example(s) Macrophage Osteomalacia Mammogram

[edit]M
Prefix/suffix macr(o)-malacia mamm(o)mammill(o)manumast(o)meg(a)-, megal(o)-, -megaly melan(o)melos mening(o)-

Manufacture

Ancient Greek (masts), breast, women's breast; man's Mastectomy pectoral muscle Greek Ancient Greek , (melas, melano-), black; dark Ancient Greek Greek , Splenomegaly Melanin erythromelalgia Meningitis

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

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

Greek (meros), part Ancient Greek (mesos), "middle" Greek Greek Greek -

merocrine, meroblastic Mesoderm Metacarpus Sphygmomanometer Optometry Metrorrhagia

Pertaining to conditions Ancient Greek (mtr), or instruments of the womb, uterus uterus

micromon(o)morph(o)muscul(o)my(o)myc(o)myel(o)myring(o)myx(o)-

denoting something as Ancient Greek (mikros), small, or relating to Microscope small smallness single form, shape muscle Of or relating to muscle fungus Of or relating to bone marrow eardrum mucus Meaning numb, sleep Of or pertaining to the nose death new Greek Greek Latin Ancient Greek - (mys, , my-), muscle; mouse; mussel Greek , Infectious mononucleosis Morphology Musculoskeletal system Myoblast Onychomycosis

Ancient Greek (myelon), Myeloblast marrow; bone-marrow Latin myringa Greek Myringotomy Myxoma Origin language and etymology Greek Latin (nsum), nose Greek Greek Ancient Greek (nephrs), kidney Example(s) narcolepsy nasal Necrotizing fasciitis Neoplasm Nephrology

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

nephr(o)- 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 normal

nerv-

Latin (nervus), tendon; nerve; Cognate with the Nerve Greek (neuron) (see below) Ancient Greek (neuron), tendon, sinew; nerve Latin Neurofibromatosis Normocapnia

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

[edit]O
Prefix/suffix ocul(o)odont(o)odyn(o)Meaning Origin language and etymology Oculist orthodontist stomatodynia Example(s)

Of or pertaining to Latin (oculus), the eye the eye Ancient Greek , Of or pertaining to - (odos, odont-), teeth tooth pain Greek Greek Greek - Latin Ancient Greek (oligos), few

-oesophageal, gullet oesophago-(BrE) -oid ole olig(o)resemblance to small or little Denoting something as 'having little, having few'

Sarcoidosis

Oligotrophy

om(o)-

Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek the shoulder (mos), shoulder Greek -

Omoplate Sarcoma, Teratoma

-oma (singular), - tumor, mass, omata (plural) collection omphal(o)oncoonych(o)-

Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek the navel, (omphals), navel, belly- Omphalotomy the umbilicus button tumor, bulk, volume Greek Oncology

Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek < , the nail (of a finger - (nyx, nycho-), Onychophagy or toe) nail; claw; talon Of or pertaining to the an egg, a Ancient Greek , Oogenesis woman's egg, the (n, o-), egg, ovum ovum Neoclassical Greek Of or pertaining to (ophron), the woman's ovary ovary, egg-bearing Oophorectomy

oo-

oophor(o)ophthalm(o)-

Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek Ophthalmology the eye (ophthalms), the eye Of or relating to chemical properties of the eye Middle French (optique) < Greek (optiks); Cognate with Opticochemical Latin oculus, relating to the eye Oral

optic(o)-

or(o)-

Of or pertaining to Latin (s, or-), mouth the mouth

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

testis Denoting something as straight or correct

Greek (orkhis, orkhi-)

Orchiectomy, Orchidectomy

Ancient Greek (orthos), straight, correct, Orthodontist normal Harlequin type ichthyosis, Psychosis,osteoperos is Peripheral ossifying fibroma Osteoporosis

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

a condition, Greek - disease or increase bony bone bone Latin Latin Greek

Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek , Otopathy the ear (ous, t-), the ear pertaining to Latin -osus Ovariectomy Ovogenesis Of or pertaining to Latin (varium), ovary the ovaries Of or pertaining to Latin (vum), egg, ovum the eggs, the ovum addition of oxygen Greek sharp, acid, acute, oxygen Meaning thick Greek Origin language and etymology Greek

[edit]P
Prefix/suffix pachypalpebrpan-, pant(o)papillExample(s) pachyderma

Of or pertaining to the Latin (palpebra), eyelid Palpebra eyelid [uncommon as a root] Denoting something as 'complete' or containing 'everything' Ancient Greek , - (pas, pan-), all, every panophobia, panopticon

Latin (papilla), nipple; Of or pertaining to the nipple dimunitive of papula Papillitis (of the chest/breast) (see below) Indicates papulosity, a small elevation or swelling in the skin, a pimple, swelling alongside of, abnormal slight paralysis small disease Denotes (with a negative Latin (papula), pimple, pustle; a small Papulation elevation or swelling in the skin Ancient Greek (para) Greek Latin parvus Greek Ancient Greek hemiparesis Parvovirus Pathology sociopathy, neuropathy

papul(o)-

para-paresis parvopath(o)-pathy

sense) a disease, or disorder ped-, -ped-, -pes pelv(i)-, pelv(o)-penia peoOf or pertaining to the foot; -footed hip bone deficiency Of or pertaining to the penis

(pathos), suffering, accident Latin ps, pd-, foot Latin Greek Greek (peos) Pedoscope Pelvis osteopenia Peotomy

-pepsia

Ancient Greek Denotes something relating to (pepts) cooked, digestion, or the digestive digested < Dyspepsia tract. (pss) I boil, cook; digest through Denoting something with a position 'surrounding' or 'around' another fixation lens-shaped Forms terms denoting conditions relating to eating or ingestion eating, devouring Latin Ancient Greek (peri), around Greek Greek Ancient Greek (phaga) eating < (phagein) to eat Greek - Periodontal Nephropexy phacolysis, phacometer, phacoscotoma Sarcophagia phagocyte Lotophagi Anthropophagy[disambiguati on needed] Aphallia pharmacology

perperi-pexy phaco-phage, -phagia -phagophagist-:

Forms nouns that denote a Ancient Greek person who 'feeds on' the first (phagists) element or part of the word eater; see -phagia Forms nouns that denotes 'feeding on' the first element or part of the word phallus drug, medication Ancient Greek (phagia) eating; see phagia Greek (phallos) Greek

-phagy phallopharmaco-

Ancient Greek , Of or pertaining to - (phrynx, pharyng(o)- the pharynx, the upper throat Pharyngitis, Pharyngoscopy phryng-), throat, cavity windpipe; chasm -phil(ia) phleb(o)-phobia phon(o)attraction for Greek Hemophilia Ancient Greek , Of or pertaining to the (blood) - (phleps, Phlebography, Phlebotomy veins, a vein phlebo-), blood-vessel, vein exaggerated fear, sensitivity sound Greek Greek arachnophobia phonograph, symphony

phos-

Of or pertaining to light or its chemical properties, now Ancient Greek , historic and used rarely. See - (phs, pht-), the common light root phot(o)- below. Of or pertaining to light Pear the mind formation, development paralysis more, excessive, multiple Of or pertaining to the ribs stroke or seizure Ancient Greek , - (phs, pht-), light Latin pirum, pear Greek , Greek Greek Greek pleion

Phosphene

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

Photopathy Piriformis Phrenic nerve, schizophrenia,diaphrag m Achondroplasia rhinoplasty paraplegia pleiomorphism

surgical repair, reconstruction Greek

Latin (pleura) from Ancient Greek Pleurogenous (pleurn), rib, side of the body Greek Cataplexy Ancient Greek , (pneumn, pneumon-), Pneumonocyte, Pneumonia lung < (pneuma), wind, spirit Ancient Greek Ancient Greek , Podiatry - (pos, pod-), foot hematopoiesis Ancient Greek (polis), grey Ancient Greek (polys), much, many Ancient Greek (porphra), purple Latin (post), after, behind Poliomyelitis Polymyositis

pneum(o)-

Of or pertaining to the lungs

pneumat(o)- air, lung pod-, -pod-, Of or pertaining to the foot, -pus -footed -poiesis poliopolypor(o)production Denoting a grey color Denotes a 'plurality' of something pore, porous

porphyr(o)- Denotes a purple color postDenotes something as 'after' or 'behind' another

Porphyroblast Postoperation, Postmortem Prematurity[disambiguation needed] Presbyopia

prepresby(o)-

Medieval Latin (pre-) Denotes something as 'before' < (Classical) Latin another (in [physical] position (pr), before, in front or time) of old age Greek

primproproct(o)prosop(o)-

Denotes something as 'first' or Latin prmus, first, 'most-important' most important Denotes something as 'before' Ancient Greek another (in [physical] position (pro), before, in front or time) of anus, rectum face Greek (prosopon), face, mask

Primary Procephalic proctology Prosopagnosia

prot(o)-

Ancient Denotes something as 'first' or Greek (prtos), Protoneuron 'most important' first; principal, most important 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. pelvis pus fever Ancient Greek Ancient Greek (psych), breath, life, soul Greek Psychology, psychiatry Lateral pterygoid plate Psoriasis Apoptosis

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

-ptysis

hemoptysis Latin (pulmo, pulmn-, usually used pulmonary in plural), a lung Ancient Greek (pyelos) Pyelonephritis Greek Greek , Pyometra Antipyretic

pulmon-, pulmopyel(o)pyopyro-

[edit]Q
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) quadr(i)four Latin Meaning radiation again, backward rectum Of or pertaining to the kidney net backward, behind quadriceps Origin language and etymology Latin Latin Latin Latin (rnes), kidney Latin Latin renal reticulocyte retroversion, retroverted relapse Example(s) radiowave

[edit]R
Prefix/suffix radiorerect(o)ren(o)reticul(o)retro-

rhabd(o)rhachi(o)rhin(o)rhod(o)-rrhage -rrhagia -rrhaphy -rrhexis

rod shaped, striated spine Of or pertaining to the nose Denoting a rose-red color burst forth rapid flow of blood surgical suturing rupture

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

rhabdomyolysis rachial, rachialgia, rachidian, rachiopathy rhinoceros, rhinoplasty rhodophyte Hemorrhage

-rrhea (AmE) flowing, discharge -rrhoea (BrE) flowing, discharge rubr(o)-

Galactorrhea, Diarrhea diarrhoea Rubrospinal

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

[edit]S
Prefix/suffix Origin language and etymology Example(s) Salpingectomy,Salpingop haryngeus muscle Sanguine sarcoma

salping(o)sangui-, sanguinesarcoschist(o)-

Ancient Greek Of or pertaining to the fallopian , -, tubes (slpinx, salpingo-) trumpet (literally) Of or pertaining to blood muscular, fleshlike split, cleft Denoting something 'split' or 'double-sided' hardness hardening of the skin twisted instrument for viewing use of instrument for viewing darkness one-half, partly saliva, salivary gland sigmoid, S-shaped curvature left, left side Latin (sanguis, sanguin-), blood Greek , Greek (schistos)

schiz(o)scler(o)-sclerosis scoli(o)-scope -scopy scotosemisial(o)sigmoid(o)sinistr(o)-

Ancient Greek ; Irregular formation of Schizophrenia the verb (schizein), to cut, split Greek Greek Greek (skolios) Greek - Greek - Greek skotos Latin Greek (sialos) Greek Latin sialagogue sigmoid colon atherosclerosis Multiple sclerosis scoliosis stethoscope endoscopy scotopic vision

sinussitosomat(o)-, somatico-spadias spasmosperma-, spermo-, spermato-

Of or pertaining to the sinus food, grain body, bodily slit, fissure spasm semen, spermatozoa

Latin (sinus), a curve, Sinusitis bend, bay Greek Greek Greek Greek Greek (sperma) Greek Greek , Splenectomy hypospadias, epispadias Spasmodic dysphonia Spermatogenesis

splanchn(i)-, viscera splanchn(o)splen(o)spondyl(o)spleen Of or pertaining to the spine, the vertebra Denoting something as 'full of scales' or 'scaly' stop, stand dripping, trickling Denoting something as 'narrow in shape' or pertaining to narrowness 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 creation of an opening beneath in excess, above, superior above, excessive

Greek / , Spondylitis (spndylos, sphndylos), the spine Latin sqmsus, full of Squamous cell scales; scaly Greek Greek Ancient Greek Stenography (stenos); narrow, short Ancient Greek Stenosis, Restenosis (stenos), narrow; short Ancient Greek (stthos), chest, cuirass Greek Greek stomatognathic system Ancient Greek , - (stma, Stomatogastric stomat-), mouth Greek - Latin Latin Latin colostomy subcutaneous tissue superior vena cava supraorbital vein Synalgia, synesthesia,syss arcosis Stethoscope

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

-stenosis

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

Indicates similarity, likeness, or being together; Assimilates sy, syl-, sym-, Ancient Greek before some consonants: syn-, sys(syn), with, together before l to syl-, s tosys-, before a labial consonant to sym-.

[edit]T
Prefix/suffix tachy-tension, -tensive tetanthecthel(e)-, thel(o)thelytherap(o)therm(o)thorac(i)-, thorac(o)-, thoracicoMeaning Denoting something as fast, irregularly fast pressure rigid, tense case, sheath Of or pertaining to a nipple [uncommon as a prefix] Denoting something as 'relating to a woman, feminine' treatment heat Origin language and etymology Example(s)

Ancient Greek (tachys), fast, Tachycardia quickly Latin Hypertension tetanus Ancient Greek Intrathecal (theke) Ancient Greek Theleplasty (thl), a teat, nipple Ancient Greek (thlys), female, feminine Ancient Greek (therapea) Ancient Greek (therms) Thorax Thelygenous hydrotherapy

Latin (thrx) < Of or pertaining to the upper Ancient Greek chest, chest; the area above (thrax), the breast and under the neck chest, cuirass

thromb(o)thyr(o)thym(o)(ia)-tic toco-tome -tomy tono-tony top(o)tort(i)-

Ancient Greek Of or relating to a blood clot, Thrombus, Thrombocytopenia clotting of blood (thrmbos), lump, piece, clot of blood thyroid emotions pertaining to childbirth cutting instrument act of cutting; incising, incision tone, tension, pressure tension place, topical twisted Greek - Greek: "thymos," spirit, soul; courage; dysthymia breath, mind, emotions Greek - Greek Greek Greek - Greek Greek - Greek Latin tortus Greek Topical anesthetic Torticollis Toxoplasmosis Gastrotomy

tox(i)-, tox(o)-, toxin, poison

toxic(o)trache(a)trachel(o)trachea Of or pertaining to the neck Greek Ancient Greek (trchlos), neck Tracheotomy tracheloplasty

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

Denoting something as Latin (trns), across, moving or situated 'across' or Transfusion through 'through' Ancient Greek , Of or pertaining to hair, hair()- (thrx, Trichocyst like structure trich(o)-), hair crushing nourishment, development eardrum Meaning Greek Greek -, Greek Lithotripsy Pseudohypertrophy Tympanocentesis Example(s) Nodule

[edit]U
Prefix/su ffix -ula, -ule small ultraumbilicunguiun(i)ur(o)uri(c)-, uricourinuter(o)beyond, excessive Of or pertaining to the navel, the umbilicus Of or pertaining to the nail, a claw one Of or pertaining to urine, the urinary system; (specifically) pertaining to the physiological chemistry of urine uric acid Of or pertaining to urine, the urinary system Of or pertaining to the uterus or womb Origin language and etymology Latin Latin Latin (umbilcus), navel, Umbilical belly-button Latin (unguis), nail, claw Unguiform, Ungual Latin (unus) Ancient Greek (ouron), urine Greek Latin (rna), urine < Ancient Greek (ouron), see above. Latin (uterus), womb, uterus Origin language and etymology Latin (vgna), sheath, scabbard Latin varix Latin Latin vsculum Latin (vna), blood-vessel, Vein, Venospasm Uriniferous Uterus Unilateral hearing loss Urology

[edit]V
Prefix or suffix vaginvaric(o)vas(o)vasculovenMeaning Of or pertaining to the vagina swollen or twisted vein duct, blood vessel blood vessel Of or pertaining to the (blood) Examples Vagina varicose vasoconstriction

veins, a vein (used in terms vein pertaining to the vascular system) ventr(o)Of or pertaining to the belly; the stomach cavities Latin (venter), the belly, the stomach; the womb Ventrodorsal

Latin (venter), the ventricles ventricul(o Of or pertaining to the ventricles; Cardiac of the heart, the ventricles of )any hollow region inside an organ ventriculography the brain -version vesic(o)viscer(o)turning Of or pertaining to the bladder Of or pertaining to the internal organs, the viscera Latin versi Latin (vsca), bladder; blister anteversion, retroversion Vesica[disambiguatio n needed]

Latin (viscera), internal organs; plural of (viscerum), Viscera internal organ Origin language and etymology Example(s) Xanthopathy Xenograft Xerostomia

[edit]X
Prefix/suff ix xanth(o)xen(o)xer(o)Meaning

Denoting a yellow color, an abnormally Ancient Greek yellow color (xanths), yellow Foreign, different dry, desert-like Meaning Greek (xenos), stranger Greek (xeros), dry Origin language and etymology Example(s) Surgery

[edit]Y
Prefix/suffix -y condition or process of Latin -ia < Greek - Meaning animal, animal life

[edit]Z
Prefix/suffix zo(o)zym(o)Origin language and etymology Example(s) Greek zoology

fermentation, enzyme Greek

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

[edit]Roots of the body

[edit]Roots of bodily concepts Bodily concept Greek root Latin root Other root

Digestion Disease

-pepsia -pathy

Eating -phagia [edit]Roots of body parts and components

(Internal anatomy, external anatomy, body fluids, body substances)

Body part or component abdomen aorta

Greek root lapar(o)aort(o)-

Latin root abdominaort(o)-

Other root

arm armpit artery back big toe bladder 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

brachi(o)arteri(o)cyst(o)haemat-, hemat- (haem-, hem-) thromb(o)angi(o)somat-, somoste(o)myel(o)encephal(o)mast(o)steth(o)-Zygomatic 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)-

axilldorsallicvesic(o)sangui-, sanguinevascul-, vascorporossimedullcerebr(o)mamm(o)buccaur(i)ovocul(o)cili-; palpebrfaci(o)adipdigitfront(o)fellgingivcapillmanucapit(o)cordicoxcornu-

optic(o)- [Frenc h] -

jaw kidney knee lip liver loins, pubic region lungs marrow, bone marrow 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]) thumb tooth tongue toe tumour ureter

gnath(o)nephr(o)goncheil(o)-, chil(o)hepat(o)- (hepatic-) episi(o)pneumonmyel(o)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)laryng(o)odont(o)gloss-, glottdactyl(o)cel-, onc(o)ureter(o)-

rengenulabi(o)jecorpudendpulmon(i)(pulmo-) medullmentorunguiumbiliccervicnervnasovari(o)pelv(i)cost(o)humer(o)sinuscut-, cuticulventr(o)pollicdent(i)lingu(a)digittumureter(o)-

papill-, mammill- -

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

urethr(o)-, urethr(a)ur(o)sarping(o)hyster(o)-, metr(o)colp(o)phleb(o)episi(o)hyster(o)-, metr(o)carp(o)Greek root in English Latin root in English melanocyanochlor(o)porphyr(o)erythr(o)-, rhod(o)leuc-, leukxanth(o)nigrvirpurpur-, purpureorub-, rubralbflav-

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

[edit]Roots of color
Color black blue green purple red white yellow

gray, grey polio-

red-yellow cirrh(o)-

jaun - [French]

[edit]Roots of description
(Size, shape, strength, etc.)

Description bad, incorrect bent, crooked big biggest broad, wide cold dead equal false female, feminine flat good, well great hard heavy

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)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)-

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

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

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

large; extremely large mega-

[edit]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-

[edit]Roots of quantity
(Amount, quantity)

Description Greek root in English Latin root in English double equal few half diploisooligohemidupliequipaucisemimulti-

Other root

demi- (French) -

many, much poly-

twice

dis-

bis-