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Introduction
See also Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Many medical terms have Greek or Latin roots, and date back to the founding of modern medicine (especially Latin given its influence). In addition, German and French have had a major influence and many new terms are derived from English. Medicine is a language used by nurses, doctors and other health professionals. However, most non-medical people use medical terms without even knowing it; words such as appendictitis, cardiac arrest and rheumatoid arthritis are part of everyday English. Simply, medical vocabulary is easier to understand when used regularly. Try to learn its rules and constituent parts, prefixes and suffixes. There are many medical dictionaries that will provide helpful tips and information about pronunciation, spelling and etymologies.
Medical dictionaries
Medical words can be looked up in dictionaries, and are useful for definitions, pronunciation and etymologies. Three major English language medical dictionaries are Dorland's, Stedman's and Taber's. Some dictionaries have multiple versions targeted at health professionals or general use. Stedman's Concise and Dorland's Pocket version are suited for general use; med students and doctors will find the full editions more helpful. Dictionaries are also available online, and used on PDAs and other mobile technologies (such as the Apple iPhone).
Medical slang
A to E
| Prefix/suffix | Meaning | Origin language and etymology | Examples
|
| abdomin(o)-
| of the abdomen
| Latin (abdōmen), abdomen
| abdomen
|
| acous(o)-
| hearing
|
|
|
| aden(o)-, aden(i)-
| gland
| ancient Greek αδην, αδέν- (adēn, aden-), an acorn;
| adenology
|
| adip(o)-
| fat or fatty tissue
| Latin (adeps, adip-), fat
| adipocyte
|
| adren(o)-
| adrenal glands
|
|
|
| -aemia (British English)
| blood condition
| Greek Ἀναιμία, without blood
| anaemia - MeSH
|
| aer(o)-
| air, gas
|
|
|
| aesthesio- (BrE)
| sensation
|
|
|
| alb-
| white or pale color
| Latin (albus), white
| albino
|
| -algia
| pain
|
| myalgia
|
| allo-
| something different, or added
| ancient Greek αλλος (allos), another, other
| alloantigen, allopathy
|
| ambi-
| both sides; describing both
| Latin (ambi-, ambo), both, on both sides
| ambidextrous
|
| an-
| not, without
|
| analgesia
|
| andr/o
| of man
|
|
|
| angi-
| blood vessel
|
| angiogram
|
| aniso-
| unequal
| ancient Greek ανῑσος (anīsos), unequal
| anisotropic
|
| ankyl(o)-, ancyl(o)-
| something bent
| ancient Greek ανκύλος (ankýlos), crooked, curved
| ankylosis
|
| ante-
| in front of another
| Latin (āntē), before, in front of
| antepartum
|
| anti-
| 'against' or 'opposed to'
| ancient Greek αντι (anti), against
| antibody, antipsychotic
|
| apo-
| separated or derived from
|
| apoptosis
|
| arteri(o)-
| artery
| ancient Greek αρτηρία (artēría), a wind-pipe, artery (used distinctly versus a vein)
| artery, arteriology
|
| arthr(o)-
| joints, limbs
| ancient Greek αρθρος (arthros), a joint, limb
| arthritis
|
| articul(o)-
| joint
|
| articulation (anatomy)
|
| -ase
| enzyme
|
| ie. lactase
|
| -asthenia
| muscle weakness
|
| myasthenia gravis - MeSH
|
| aur(i)-
| of the ear
| Latin (auris), the ear
| aural
|
| aut(o)-
| self, same
|
| autoimmune
|
| axill-
| the armpit [uncommon as a prefix]
| Latin (axilla), armpit
| axilla
|
| bacteri(o)-
| bacteria
|
| bactericide, bacteriophage
|
| bi-
| twice, double
|
|
|
| bio-
| life
|
| biology
|
| blast(o)-
| germ or bud
|
| blastomere
|
| balan/o
| glans penis
|
|
|
| blephar(o)-
| the eyelid
| ancient Greek βλέφαρον (blépharon), eyelid
| blepharoplast
|
| brachi(o)-
| the arm
| Latin (brachium) < Ancient Greek βραχίων (brachiōn), arm
| brachium
|
| brachy-
| 'short' or less commonly 'little'
| ancient Greek βραχυς (brachys), short; little, shallow
| brachycephalic
|
| brady-
| 'slow'
| ancient Greek βραδυς (bradys), slow
| bradycardia
|
| bronch(i)-
| bronchus
|
| bronchiolitis obliterans
|
| bucc(o)-
| of the cheek
| Latin (bucca), cheek
| buccolabial
|
| burs(o)-
| bursa
|
| bursitis
|
| capit-
| the head (as a whole)
| Latin (caput, capit-), the head
| capitation
|
| carcin(o)-
| cancer
|
| carcinoma
|
| cardi(o)-
| of the heart
| ancient Greek καρδία (kardía), heart
| cardiology
|
| carp(o)-
| the wrist.
| Latin (carpus) < Ancient Greek καρπός (karpós), wrist; NOTE: This root need not be confused with the mirror root carp(o)- meaning fruit.
| carpopedal
|
| cata-
| down
|
| cataract
|
| -cele
| pouching, hernia
|
| hydrocele
|
| -centesis
| surgical puncture for needle aspiration biopsy
|
| amniocentesis
|
| cephal(o)-
| the head (as a whole)
| ancient Greek κέφαλή (képhalē), the head
| cephalalgy
|
| cerat(o)-
| the cornu; a horn
| ancient Greek κέρας, κερατ- (kéras, kerat-), a horn
| ceratioid
|
| cerebell(o)-
| the cerebellum
| Latin (cerebellum), little brain
| cerebellum
|
| cerebr(o)-
| the brain
| Latin (cerebrum), brain
| Cerebrology
|
| cervic-
| the neck, the cervix
| Latin (cervix, cervīc-), neck, cervix
| cervicodorsal
|
| chem(o)-
| chemistry, drug
|
| chemotherapy
|
| chir(o)-, cheir(o)-
| the hand
| ancient Greek χείρ, χειρο- (cheir, cheiro-), hand
| chiropractor
|
| chlor(o)-
| green color
| ancient Greek χλορος (chloros), green, yellow-green
| Chlorophyll
|
| chol(e)-
| bile
| ancient Greek χολή (cholē), bile
| cholaemia
|
| cholecyst(o)-
| the gallbladder
| ancient Greek χοληκύστις (cholēkýstis), gallbladder < χολη (cholē), bile, gall + κύστις (kýstis), bladder
| cholecystectomy
|
| chrom(ato)-
| color
|
| hemochromatosis
|
| -cidal, -cide
| killing, destroying
|
|
|
| cili-
| of the cilia, the eyelashes; eyelids
| < Latin (cilium), eyelash; eyelid
| ciliary
|
| circum-
| 'around' another
| Latin (circum), around
| circumcision
|
| clast
| break
|
|
|
| col-, colo-, colono-
| colon (anatomy)
|
| colonoscopy
|
| colp(o)-
| of the vagina
| ancient Greek κόλπος (kólpos), bosom, womb; hollow, depth
| colposcopy
|
| com-
| with, together
|
|
|
| contra
| against
|
| contraindicate
|
| cor-
| with, together
|
|
|
| cor-, core-, coro-
| of the eye - pupil
| ancient Greek κόρη (kórē), girl, doll; pupil of the eye
| corectomy
|
| cordi-
| of the heart [Uncommon as a prefix]
| Latin (cor, cordi-), heart
| cardiology
|
| cornu-
| applied to processes and parts of body 'horns'
| Latin (cornū), horn
| cardiology
|
| cost(o)-
| of the ribs
| Latin (costa), rib
| costochondral
|
| crani(o)-
| of the cranium
| Latin (cranium) < Ancient Greek κρᾱνίον (krānion), cranium, skull, bones enclosing brain
| craniology
|
| -crine
| to secrete
|
| endocrine
|
| cry(o)-
| cold
|
|
|
| cox-
| of the hip, haunch, or hip-joint
| Latin (coxa), hip
| coxopodite
|
| cutane-
| skin
|
| subcutaneous
|
| cyan(o)-
| Denotes a blue color
| Ancient Greek κύανος, κυάνεος (kýanos, kyáneos), blue
| cyanopsia
|
| cycl-
| circle, cycle
|
|
|
| cyst(o)-, cyst(i)-
| of the urinary bladder
| Ancient Greek κύστις (kýstis), bladder; cyst
| cystotomy
|
| cyt(o)-
| cell
|
| cytokine
|
| -cyte
| cell
|
| myocyte
|
| dacrio-
| tear
|
|
|
| dactyl(o)-
| finger, toe
| ancient Greek δάκτυλος (dáktylos), finger, toe
| dactylology
|
| de-
| away from, cessation
|
|
|
| dent-
| of teeth
| Latin (dens), tooth
| dentist
|
| dermat-, derm-
| of the skin
| Ancient Greek δέρμα, δέρματ- (dérma, démat-), skin, human skin
| dermatology
|
| dextr(o)-
| right, on right side
|
| dextrocardia
|
| di-
| separation, two
|
|
|
| digit-
| of the finger [rare as a root]
| Latin (digitus), finger, toe
| digit
|
| dis-
| separation, taking apart
|
| dissection
|
| dors(o)-, dors(i)-
| of the back
| Latin (dorsum), back
| dorsocephalad
|
| duodeno-
| duodenum - upper part of the small intestine, connects to the stomach
|
| duodenal atresia
|
| dynamo-
| force, energy
|
|
|
| -dynia
| pain
|
|
|
| dys-
| bad, difficult
|
| dysphagia
|
| -eal
| pertaining to
|
|
|
| ec-
| out, away
|
|
|
| ect(o)-
| outer, outside
|
| ectopic pregnancy
|
| -ectasis
| expansion, dilation
|
|
|
| -ectomy
| surgical operation or removal of a body part
| ancient Greek εκτομή (ectomē), excision
| mastectomy
|
| -emesis
| vomiting condition
|
|
| -emia
| blood condition (AmE)
| Greek Ἀναιμία, without blood
| anemia
|
| encephal(o)-
| of the brain
| ancient Greek ενκέφαλος (enképhalos), the brain
| encephalogram
|
| endo-
| 'inside' or 'within'
| ancient Greek ενδο- (endo-), inside, internal
| endocrinology, endospore
|
| enter(o)-
| of the intestine
| ancient Greek έντερον (énteron), intestine
| enterology
|
| epi-
| [Same as Greek meaning]
| ancient Greek επι- (epi-), before, upon, on, outside, outside of
| epidermis
|
| episi(o)-
| of pubic region, loins
| ancient Greek επίσιον- (epísion), the pubic area, loins; vulva
| episiorrhaphy
|
| erythr(o)-
| Denotes a red color
| ancient Greek ερυθρος (erythros), red
| erythrocyte
|
| -esophageal, -esophago
| gullet (AmE)
|
|
|
| esthesio-
| sensation (AmE)
|
|
|
| eu-
| good, well
| eubacteria
|
|
|
| exo-
| Denotes something as 'outside' another
| ancient Greek εξο- (exo-), outside of, external
| exoskeleton
|
| extra-
| outside
|
|
|
| edopotra-
| stiff
|
|
|
F to K
| Prefix/suffix | Meaning | Origin language and etymology | Example(s)
|
| faci(o)-
| of the face
| Latin (faciēs), the face, countenance
| facioplegic
|
| filli-
| fine, hair like
|
|
|
| -form, -iform
| Used to form adjectives indicating 'having the form of'
| Latin (forma), form, shape
| cuneiform
|
| front-
| of the forehead
| Latin (frōns, front-), the forehead
| frontonasal
|
| galact(o)-
| milk
|
| galactorrhea
|
| gastr(o)-
| of the stomach
| ancient Greek γαστήρ (gastēr), stomach
| gastric bypass
|
| -gen
| (1) 'born in, from' (2) 'of a certain kind'
| ancient Greek -γενής (-genēs) < γεν-νάειν (gen-náein), to be born
| (1) endogen; (2) heterogenous
|
| -genic
| producing, produced by
|
| cardiogenic shock
|
| genu-
| of the knee
| Latin (genū), knee
| genu valgum
|
| gingiv-
| of the gums
| Latin (gingīva), gum
| gingivitis
|
| glauc(o)-
| grey, bluish-grey color
| ancient Greek γλαυκός (glaúkos), grey, bluish-grey
| glaucoma
|
| gloss(o)-, glott(o)-
| of the tongue
| ancient Greek γλῶσσα, γλῶττα (glōssa, glōtta), tongue
| glossology
|
| gluco-
| glucose
|
| glucocorticoid
|
| glyco-
| sugar
|
| glycolysis
|
| gnath(o)-
| of the jaw
| ancient Greek γνάθος (gnáthos), jaw
| gnathodynamometer
|
| gon/o
| seed; semen.
| Ancient Greek
|
|
| -gram
| recording
|
| angiogram
|
| -graph
| written, drawn, graphic interpretation
| ancient Greek -γραφία (-graphía), written, drawn, graphic interpretation
| electrocardiograph
|
| -graphy
| process of recording
|
| angiography
|
| gyn(o)-, gynae(co)- (BrE), gyne(co)- (AmE)
| woman
|
| gynecomastia
|
| halluc-
| to wander in mind
| classical Latin to wander in mind
| hallucinosis
|
| hemat-, haemato- (haem-, hem-)
| blood
| Latin (hæma) < Ancient Greek αίμα, αίματ- (haima, haimat-), blood
| hematology, older form haematology
|
| hema-
| blood (AmE)
|
| hematological malignancy
|
| hemi-
| one-half
| ancient Greek ἡμι- (hēmi-), "half"
| cerebral hemisphere
|
| hepat- (hepatic-)
| of the liver
| ancient Greek ηπαρ, ηπατο- (hēpar, hēpato-), the liver
| hepatology
|
| hetero-
| 'the other' (of two), as an addition, or different
| Ancient Greek έτερος (héteros), the other (of two), another; different
| Heterogeneous
|
| hist(o)-, histio-
| biological tissue
|
| Histology
|
| homo-
| 'the same' as another, alike, or common
| ancient Greek ομο- (homo-), the same; alike; common
| Homosexuality
|
| humer(o)-
| shoulder (or [rarely] the upper arm)
| ncorrect Etymology < Latin (umerus), shoulder
| Humerus
|
| hydr(o)-
| water
|
| Hydrophobe
|
| hyper-
| 'extreme' or 'beyond normal'
| ancient Greek υπερ (hyper), over, above; beyond, to the extreme
| hypertension
|
| hyp(o)-
| 'below normal'
| ancient Greek υπ(ο)- (hypo-), below, under
| Hypodermic,
|
| hyster(o)-
| womb, uterus
| Ancient Greek υστέρα (hystéra), womb
| hysterectomy
|
| -ia(sis)
| condition
|
|
|
| iatr(o)-
| of medicine, physican [uncommon as prefix; common as suffix, see -iatry]
| Ancient Greek ιᾱτρός (iātrós), healer, physician
| Iatrochemistry
|
| -iatry
| Denotes a field in medicine of a certain body component
| Ancient Greek ιᾱτρός (iātrós), healer, physician
| Podiatry, Psychiatry
|
| -ic
| pertaining to
|
| Hepatic artery
|
| -icle
| small
|
| Ovarian follicle
|
| idio-
| self, one's own
| Greek ἴδιος, idios, "one's own"
| Idiopathic
|
| ileo-
| ileum
|
| Ileocecal valve
|
| infra-
| below
|
| Infrahyoid muscles
|
| inter-
| between, among
|
| Interarticular ligament
|
| intra-
| within
|
| Intracranial hemorrhage
|
| irid(o)-
| iris
|
| Iridectomy
|
| ischio-
| of the ischium, the hip-joint
| Ancient Greek ισχιόν (ischión), hip-joint, ischium
| Ischiorrhogic
|
| -ism
| condition, disease
|
| Dwarfism
|
| -ismus
| spasm, contraction
|
|
|
| iso-
| being 'equal'
| Ancient Greek ίσος (ísos), equal
| Isotonic
|
| -ist
| one who specializes in
|
| Pathologist
|
| -ite
| the nature of, resembling
|
| Hermaphrodite
|
| -itis
| inflammation
|
| Tonsillitis
|
| -ium
| structure, tissue
|
|
|
| karyo-
| nucleus
| Greek κάρυον, "nut"
| Eukaryote
|
| kerat(o)-
| cornea (eye or skin)
|
| Keratoscope
|
| kin(e)-, kin(o), kinesi(o)-
| movement
|
| Kinesiology
|
| kyph(o)-
| humped
|
| Kyphoscoliosis
|
L to P
| Prefix/suffix | Meaning | Origin language and etymology | Example(s)
|
| labi(o)-
| of the lip
| Latin (labium), lip
| labiodental
|
| lacrim(o)-
| tear
|
| lacrimal canaliculi
|
| lact(i)-, lact(o)
| milk
|
| lactation
|
| lapar(o)-
| of the abdomen-wall, flank
| ancient Greek λαπάρᾱ (lapárā), flank
| laparotomy
|
| laryng(o)-
| of the larynx, lower throat cavity where voice box is
| ancient Greek λάρυγξ, λαρυγγ- (lárynx, laryng-), throat, gullet
| larynx
|
| latero-
| lateral
|
|
|
| lei(o)-
| smooth
|
| leiomyoma
|
| -lepsis, -lepsy
| attack, seizure
|
| epilepsy, nacrolepsy
|
| lepto-
| light, slender
|
|
|
| leuc-, leuk(o)-
| a white color
| ancient Greek λευκος (leukos), white, bright
| leukocyte
|
| lingu(a)-, lingu(o)-
| of the tongue
| Latin (lingua), tongue
| linguistics
|
| lith(o)-
| stone, calculus (medicine)
|
| lithotripsy
|
| log(o)-
| speech
|
|
|
| -logist
| someone who studies a certain field: _____-ology
| ancient Greek λογιστης (logistēs), studier, practitioner
| oncologist, pathologist
|
| -logy
| academic study or practice of a certain field
| ancient Greek λογoς (logos) study
| hematology, urology
|
| lymph(o)-
| lymphatic system
|
| lymphedema
|
| lys(o)-, -lytic
| dissolution
|
| lysosome
|
| macr(o)-
| large, long
|
| macrophage
|
| -malacia
| softening
|
| osteomalacia
|
| manu-
| of to the hand
| Latin (manus), hand
| manufacture
|
| mast(o)-
| of the breast
| ancient Greek μαστός (mastós), breast, women's breast; man's pectoral muscle
| mastectomy
|
| meg(a)-, megal(o)-, megaly
| large
|
|
|
| melan(o)-
| black color
| ancient Greek μελας, μελανο- (melas, melano-), black; dark
| melanin
|
| mening(o)-
| meninges
|
| meningitis
|
| mes(o)-
| middle
| ancient Greek μέσος (mesos), "middle"
| mesoderm
|
| meta-
| after, behind
|
| metacarpus
|
| -meter
| instrument for measuring
|
| sphygmomanometer - MeSH
|
| -metry
| process of measuring
|
| optometry
|
| metr(o)-
| Pertaining to conditions or instruments of the uterus
| Ancient Greek μήτρᾱ (mētrā), womb, uterus
| metrorrhagia
|
| micro-
| small, or relating to smallness
| ancient Greek μικρος (mikros), small
| microscope
|
| mon(o)-
| single
|
| infectious mononucleosis
|
| morph(o)-
| form, shape
|
| morphology
|
| muscul(o)-
| muscle
|
| musculoskeletal system
|
| myc(o)-
| fungus
|
| onychomycosis
|
| myel(o)-
| of bone marrow
| ancient Greek μυελον (myelon), marrow; bone-marrow
| myeloblast
|
| myring(o)-
| eardrum
|
| myringotomy
|
| myx(o)-
| mucus
|
| myxoma
|
| nas(o)-
| of the nose
| Latin (nāsum), nose
| nasal
|
| necr(o)-
| death
|
| necrotizing fasciitis
|
| neo-
| new
|
| neoplastic
|
| nephr(o)-
| of the kidney
| ancient Greek νεφρός (nephrós), kidney
| nephrology
|
| neur(i)-, neur(o)-
| of nerves and nervous system
| ancient Greek νευρον (neuron), tendon, sinew; nerve
| neurology
|
| normo-
| normal
|
| normocapnia
|
| ocul(o)-
| of the eye
| Latin (oculus), the eye
| oculist
|
| odont(o)-
| of teeth
| ancient Greek οδούς, οδοντ- (odoús, odont-), tooth
| orthodontist
|
| odyn(o)-
| pain
|
|
|
| -oesophageal, oesophago- (BrE)
| gullet
|
|
|
| -oid
| resemblance to
|
|
|
| ole
| small or little
|
|
|
| olig(o)-
| 'having little, having few'
| ancient Greek ολιγος (oligos), few
| oligotrophy
|
| om(o)-
| of the shoulder
| ancient Greek ωμος (ōmos), shoulder
| omoplate
|
| -oma (singular), -omata (plural)
| tumor
|
|
|
| omphal(o)-
| of the navel, umbilicus
| ancient Greek ομφαλός (omphalós), navel, belly-button
| omphalotomy
|
| onco-
| tumor, bulk, volume
|
| oncology
|
| onych(o)-
| nail (of finger or toe)
| Ancient Greek < όνυξ, όνυχο- (ónyx, ónycho-), nail; claw; talon
| Onychophagy
|
| oo-
| of an egg, woman's egg, ovum
| Ancient Greek ωόν, ωο- (ōón, ōo-), egg, ovum
| oogenesis
|
| oophor(o)-
| of the woman's ovary
| ancient Greek ωφόρον (ōphóron), ovary, egg-bearing
| oophorectomy
|
| ophthalm(o)-
| of the eye
| ancient Greek οφθαλμός (ophthalmós), the eye
| ophthalmology
|
| optic(o)-
| of chemical properties of the eye
| Middle French (optique) < Greek οπτικός (optikós); Cognate with Latin oculus, relating to the eye
| opticochemical
|
| or(o)-
| of the mouth
| Latin (ōs, or-), mouth
| oral
|
| orchi(o)-, orchido-
| testis
|
|
|
| orth(o)-
| Denoting something as straight or correct
| ancient Greek ορθος (orthos), straight, correct, normal
| orthodontist
|
| -osis
| condition, disease or increase
|
|
|
| osseo-
| bony
|
|
|
| ossi-
| bone
|
|
|
| ost(e)-, oste(o)-
| bone
|
|
|
| ot(o)-
| Of the ear
| Ancient Greek ους, ωτ- (ous, ōt-), the ear
| Otopathy
|
| -otomy
|
|
| Tracheotomy, radial keratotomy
|
| -ous
| pertaining to
|
|
|
| ovari(o)-
| the ovaries
| Latin (ōvarium), ovary
| Ovariectomy
|
| ovo-, ovi-, ov-
| eggs, the ovum
| Latin (ōvum), egg, ovum
| Ovogenesis
|
| oxo-
| addition of oxygen
|
|
|
| oxy-
| sharp, acute, oxygen
|
|
|
| pachy-
| thick
|
|
|
| palpebr-
| eyelid [uncommon as a root]
| Latin (palpebra), eyelid
| Palpebra
|
| pan-, pant(o)-
| 'complete' or containing 'everything'
| ancient Greek πας, παν- (pas, pan-), all, every
| panophobia, panopticon
|
| papill-
| nipple (of the chest/breast)
| Latin (papilla), nipple; dimunitive of papula (see below)
| Papillitis
|
| papul(o)-
| small elevation or swelling in the skin, a pimple, swelling
| Latin (papula), pimple, pustle; a small elevation or swelling in the skin
| Papulation
|
| para-
| alongside of, abnormal
|
|
|
| -paresis
| slight paralysis
|
|
|
| path(o)-
| disease
|
|
|
| -pathy
| Denotes (with a negative sense) a disease, or disorder
| Ancient Greek παθος (pathos), suffering, accident
| sociopathy, neuropathy
|
| ped-, -ped-, -pes
| of the foot; -footed
| Latin (pēs, pēd-), foot
| Pedoscope
|
| pelv(i)-, pelv(o)-
| hip bone
|
|
|
| -penia
| deficiency
|
|
|
| -pepsia
| Denotes something relating to digestion, or the digestive tract.
| Ancient Greek πεπτός (peptós) cooked, digested < πέσσω (péssō) I boil, cook; digest
| Dyspepsia
|
| per-
| through
|
|
|
| peri-
| position 'surrounding' or 'around' another
| Ancient Greek περι- (peri-), around
| Periodontal
|
| -pexy
| fixation
|
|
|
| phaco-
| lens-shaped
|
|
|
| -phage, -phagia
| Forms terms denoting conditions relating to eating or ingestion
| Ancient Greek φαγἰα (phagía) eating < φαγειν (phagein) to eat
| Sarcophagia
|
| phago-
| eating, devouring
|
|
|
| -phagist:
| Forms nouns that denote a person who 'feeds on' the first element or part of the word
| Ancient Greek φαγιστης (phagistēs) eater; see -phagia
| Lotophagis
|
| -phagy
| Forms nouns that denotes 'feeding on' the first element or part of the word
| Ancient Greek φαγια (phagia) eating; see -phagia
| Anthropophagy
|
| pharmaco-
| drug, medication
|
|
|
| pharyng(o)-
| Of or pertaining to the pharynx, the upper throat cavity
| Ancient Greek φάρυγξ, φάρυγγ- (phárynx, pháryng-), throat, windpipe; chasm
| Pharyngitis, Pharyngoscopy
|
| -phil(ia)
| attraction for
|
|
|
| phleb(o)-
| Of or pertaining to the (blood) veins, a vein
| Ancient Greek φλεψ, φλεβ- (phleps, phlebo-), blood-vessel, vein
| Phlebography, Phlebotomy
|
| phob(o)-
| exaggerated fear, sensitivity
|
|
|
| phon(o)-
| sound
|
|
|
| phos-
| light or its chemical properties, now historic and used rarely. See the common root phot(o)- below.
| Ancient Greek φλως, φλωτ- (phōs, phōt-), light
| Phosphene
|
| phot(o)-
| of light
| Ancient Greek φλως, φλωτ- (phōs, phōt-), light
| Photopathy
|
| phren(i)-, phren(o)-, phrenico
| diaphragm
|
|
|
| -plasia
| formation, development
|
|
|
| -plasty
| surgical repair, reconstruction
|
|
|
| -plegia
| paralysis
|
| paraplegia
|
| pleur(o)-, pleur(a)
| of the ribs
| Latin (pleura) < Ancient Greek πλευρόν (pleurón), rib, side of the body
| Pleurogenous
|
| pneum(o)-
| of the lungs
| Ancient Greek πνευμων, πνευμον- (pneumōn, pneumon-), lung < πνευμα (pneuma), wind, spirit
| Pneumonocyte, Pneumonia
|
| pneumat(o)-
| air, lung
|
|
|
| pod-, -pod-, -pus
| of the foot, -footed
| Ancient Greek πούς, ποδ- (poús, pod-), foot
| Podiatry
|
| -poiesis
| production
|
|
|
| polio-
| Denoting a grey color
| Ancient Greek πολιός (poliós), grey
| Poliomyelitis
|
| poly-
| Denotes a 'plurality' of something
| Ancient Greek πολυς (polys), much, many
| Polymyositis
|
| por(o)-
| pore, porous
|
|
|
| porphyr(o)-
| Denotes a purple color
| Ancient Greek πορπύρα (porphýra), purple
| Porphyroblast
|
| post-
| Denotes something as 'after' or 'behind' another
| Latin (post), after, behind
| Postoperation, Postmortem
|
| pre-
| Denotes something as 'before' another (in [physical] position or time)
| Medieval Latin (pre-) < (Classical) Latin (præ), before, in front of
| Prematurity
|
| presby(o)-
| old age
|
|
|
| prim-
| Denotes something as 'first' or 'most-important'
| Latin (prīmus), first, most important
| Primary
|
| pro-
| Denotes something as 'before' another (in [physical] position or time)
| Ancient Greek προ (pro), before, in front of
| Procephalic
|
| proct(o)-
| anus, rectum
|
|
|
| prot(o)-
| Denotes something as 'first' or 'most-important'
| Ancient Greek πρωτος (prōtos), first; principle, most important
| Protoneuron
|
| psych(e)-, psych(o)
| of the mind
| Ancient Greek ψυχή (psyché), breath, life, soul
| Psychology, Psychiatry
|
| -ptosis
| falling, downward placement, prolapse
|
|
|
| -ptysis
| (a spitting), spitting, hemoptysis,
| the spitting of blood derivied from the lungs or bronchial tubes
|
| pulmon-, pulmo-
| of the lungs.
| Latin (pulmo, pulmōn-, usually used in plural), a lung
| Pulmonary
|
| pyel(o)-
| pelvis
|
|
|
| pyo-
| pus
|
|
|
| pyro-
| fever
|
|
|
Q to T
| Prefix/suffix | Meaning | Origin language and etymology | Example(s)
|
| rachi(o)-
| spine
|
|
|
| radio-
| radiation,
|
|
|
| ren(o)-
| of the kidney
| Latin (rēnes), kidney
| renal
|
| reticul(o)-
| net
|
|
|
| retro-
| backward, behind
|
|
|
| rhabd(o)-
| rod shaped, striated
|
|
|
| rhin(o)-
| of the nose
| ancient Greek ρῑς, ρῑνο- (rhīs, rhīno-)
| rhinoceros
|
| rhod(o)-
| rose-red color
| ancient Greek ρόδον (rhódon)
| rhodophyte
|
| -rrhage
| burst forth
|
|
|
| -rrhagia
| discharge
|
|
|
| -rrhaphy
| surgical suturing
|
|
|
| -rrhea (AmE)
| flowing, discharge
|
|
|
| -rrhexis
| rupture
|
|
|
| -rrhoea (BrE)
| flowing, discharge
|
|
|
| salping(o)-
| of the fallopian tubes
| ancient Greek σάρπιγξ, σαρπιγγ-, (sálpinx, salpingo-) trumpet
| salpingectomy
|
| sangui-, sanguine-
| of blood
| Latin (sanguis, sanguin-), blood
| sanguine
|
| sarco-
| muscular, fleshlike
|
|
|
| schisto-
| split, cleft
|
|
|
| schiz(o)-
| 'split' or 'double-sided'
| ancient Greek; irregular formation σχιζειν (schizein), to cut, split
| schizophrenia
|
| scler(o)-
| hardness
|
|
|
| scoli(o)-
| twisted
|
|
|
| -scope
| instrument for viewing
|
|
|
| -scopy
| use of instrument for viewing
|
|
|
| semi-
| one-half, partly
|
|
|
| sial(o)-
| saliva, salivary gland
|
|
|
| sigmoid(o)-
| sigmoid, sigmoid colon
|
|
|
| sinistr(o)-
| left, left side
|
|
|
| sinus-
| of the sinus
| Latin (sinus), a curve, bend, bay
| sinusitis
|
| -sis
| condition of
|
|
|
| sito-
| food, grain
|
|
|
| somat(o)-, somatico-
| body, bodily
|
|
|
| spasmo-
| spasm
|
|
|
| sperma-, spermo-, spermato-
| semen, spermatozoa
|
|
|
| splanchn(i)-, splanchn(o)-
| viscera
|
|
|
| splen(o)-
| spleen
|
|
|
| spondyl(o)-
| of the spine, vertebra
| Greek σπόνδθλος / σφόνδθλος, (spóndylos / sphóndylos), the spine
| spondylitis
|
| squamos(o)-
| 'full of scales' or 'scaly'
| Latin (sqāmōsus), full of scales; scaly
| squama
|
| -stasis
| stop, stand
|
|
|
| -staxis
| dripping, trickling
|
|
|
| sten(o)-
| 'narrow in shape' narrow-ness
| ancient Greek στενος (stenos), narrow; short
| stenography
|
| steth(o)-
| upper chest, chest, area above breast, under the neck
| Ancient Greek στηθος (stēthos), chest, cuirass
| stethoscope
|
| stheno-
| strength, force, power
|
|
|
| stom(a)
| mouth
|
|
|
| stomat(o)-
| of the mouth
| ancient Greek στόμα, στοματ- (stóma, stomat-), mouth
| stomatogastric
|
| -stomy
| creation of an opening
|
|
|
| sub-
| beneath
|
|
|
| super-
| in excess, above, superior
|
|
|
| supra-
| above, excessive
|
|
|
| tachy-
| fast, irregularly fast
| ancient Greek ταχυς (tachys), fast, quickly
| tachycardia
|
| thely-
| 'relating to a woman, feminine'
| ancient Greek θηλυς (thēlys), female, feminine
| thelygenous
|
| therm(o)-
| heat
|
|
|
| thorac(i)-, thorac(o)-, thoracico-
| upper chest, chest; the area above the breast and under the neck
| Latin (thōrāx) < ancient Greek θώραξ (thōrax), chest, cuirass
| thorax
|
| thromb(o)-
| blood clot, clotting of blood
| ancient Greek θρόμβος (thrómbos), lump, piece, clot of blood
| thrombocytopenia
|
| -tome
| cutting instrument
|
|
|
| -tomy
| cutting operation
|
|
|
| tono-
| tone, tension, pressure
|
|
|
| -tony
| tension
|
|
|
| top(o)-
| place, topical
|
|
|
| tox(i)-, tox(o)-, toxico-
| toxin, poison
|
|
|
| trachel(o)-
| of the neck
| ancient Greek τράχηλος (tráchēlos), neck
| trachelotomy
|
| trans-
| moving or situated 'across' or 'through'
| Latin (trāns), across, through
| transfusion
|
| trich(i)-, trichia, trich(o)-
| hair, hair-like structure
| ancient Greek τρίξ, τριχ(ο)- (tríx, trich(o)-), hair
| trichotomy
|
| -tripsy
| crushing
|
|
|
| -trophy
| tissue,
|
|
|
| -trophy
| nourishment, development
|
|
|
| tympan(o)-
| eardrum
|
|
|
U to Z
| Prefix/suffix | Meaning | Origin language and etymology | Example(s)
|
| -ula, -ule
| small
|
|
|
| ultra-
| beyond, excessive
|
|
|
| umbilic-
| of the navel, umbilicus
| Latin (umbilīcus), navel, belly-button
| umbilical
|
| ungui-
| of the nail, claw
| Latin (unguis), nail, claw
| unguiform, ungual
|
| uni-
| one
|
|
|
| ur(o)-
| urine, urinary system; (specifically) pertaining to the physiological chemistry of urine
| ancient Greek ουρον (ouron), urine
| urology
|
| uri(c)-, urico-
| uric acid
|
|
|
| urin-
| of urine, urinary system
| Latin (ūrīna), urine < ancient Greek ουρον (ouron), see above.
| uriniferous
|
| uter(o)-
| of uterus or womb
| Latin (uterus), womb, uterus
| uterus
|
| vagin-
| of the vagina
| Latin (vāgīna), sheath, scabbard
| vagina
|
| varic(o)-
| swollen or twisted vein
|
|
|
| vas(o)-
| duct, blood vessel
|
|
|
| vasculo-
| blood vessel
|
|
|
| ven-
| of the (blood) veins; vein used in terms of vascular system
| Latin (vēna), blood-vessel
| vein, venospasm
|
| ventr(o)-
| of the belly; stomach cavities
| Latin (venter), belly, stomach; womb
| ventrodorsal
|
| vesic(o)-
| of the urinary bladder
| Latin (vēsīca), bladder; blister
| vesica
|
| viscer(o)-
| of the internal organs, viscera
| Latin (viscera), internal organs; plural of (viscerum), internal organ
| viscera
|
| xanth(o)-
| yellow color, abnormally yellow color
| ancient Greek ξανθός (xanthós), yellow
| xanthopathy
|
| -y
| condition or process of
|
| surgery
|
| zo(o)-
| animal, animal life
|
|
|
| zym(o)-
| fermentation, enzyme
|
|
|
Roots - Body
This section contains lists of different root classification (ie. body components, colour, quantity, description, etc.). Each list is alphabetized by English meanings, with the corresponding Greek and Latin roots given.
| Body Part/Component | Greek Root | Latin Root | Other Root
|
| abdomen
| lapar(o)-
| abodomin-
| -
|
| aorta
| aort(o)-
| aort(o)-
| -
|
| arm
| brachi(o)-
| -
| -
|
| armpit
| -
| axill-
| -
|
| artery
| arteri(o)-
| -
| -
|
| back
| -
| dors-
| -
|
| big toe
| -
| halluc-
| -
|
| bladder
| cyst(o)-
| vesic(o)-
| -
|
| blood
| hemat-, haemat- (haem-, hem-)
| sangui-, sanguine-
| -
|
| blood clot
| thromb(o)-
| -
| -
|
| blood vessel
| angi(o)-
| vascul-, vas-
| -
|
| body
| somat-, som-
| corpor-
| -
|
| bone
| oste(o)-
| ossi-
| -
|
| bone marrow, marrow
| myel(o)-
| medull-
| -
|
| brain
| encephal(o)-
| cerebr(o)-
| -
|
| breast
| mast(o)-
| mamm(o)-
| -
|
| chest
| steth(o)-
| thorac(i)-, thorac(o)-
| -
|
| cheek
| -
| bucc-
| -
|
| ear
| ot(o)-
| aur-
| -
|
| eggs, ova
| oo-
| ov-
| -
|
| eye
| ophthalm(o)-
| ocul(o)-
| optic(o) [French]
|
| eyelid
| blephar(o)-
| cili-; palpebr-
| -
|
| face
| -
| faci(o)-
| -
|
| fallopian tubes
| sarping(o)-
| sarping(o)-
| -
|
| fat, fatty tissue
| -
| adip-
| lip(o)-
|
| finger
| dactyl(o)-
| digit-
| -
|
| forehead
| -
| front(o)-
| -
|
| gallbladder
| cholecyst(o)-
| -
| -
|
| gland
| aden(o)-
| -
| -
|
| gums
| -
| gingiv-
| -
|
| hair
| trich(o)-
| capill-
| -
|
| hand
| cheir(o)-, chir(o)-
| manu-
| -
|
| head
| cephal(o)-
| capit(o)-
| -
|
| heart
| cardi(o)-
| cordi-
| -
|
| hip, hip-joint
| -
| cox-
| -
|
| horn
| cerat(o)-
| cornu-
| -
|
| intestine
| enter(o)-
| -
| -
|
| jaw
| gnath(o)-
| -
| -
|
| kidney
| nephr(o)-
| ren-
| -
|
| knee
| -
| genu-
| -
|
| lip
| cheil(o)-, chil(o)-
| labi(o)-
| -
|
| liver
| hepat- (hepatic-)
| -
| -
|
| loins, pubic region
| episi(o)-
| -
| -
|
| lungs
| pneumon-
| pulmon(i)- (pulmo-)
| -
|
| marrow, bone marrow
| myel(o)-
| medull-
| -
|
| mind
| psych-
| -
| -
|
| mouth
| stomat(o)-
| or-
| -
|
| muscle
| my(o)-
| -
| -
|
| nail
| onych(o)-
| ungui-
| -
|
| navel
| omphal(o)-
| umbilic-
| -
|
| neck
| trachel(o)-
| cervic-
| -
|
| nerve; the nervous system
| neur(o)-
| nerv-
| -
|
| nipple, teat
| thele-
| papill-
| -
|
| nose
| rhin(o)-
| nas-
| -
|
| ovary
| oophor(o)-
| ovari(o)-
| -
|
| pelvis
| pyel(o)-
| pelv(i)-
| -
|
| pupil (of the eye)
| cor-, core-, coro-
| -
| -
|
| rib
| pleur(o)-
| cost(o)-
| -
|
| shoulder
| om(o)-
| humer(o)-
| -
|
| sinus
| -
| sinus-
| -
|
| skin
| dermat- (derm-)
| cut-, cuticul-
| -
|
| skull
| crani(o)-
| -
| -
|
| stomach
| gastr(o)-
| ventr(o)-
| -
|
| throat (upper throat cavity)
| pharyng(o)-
| -
| -
|
| throat (lower throat cavity/voice box])
| laryng(o)-
| -
| -
|
| thumb
| -
| halluc-
| -
|
| tooth
| odont(o)-(dent(i)-)
| dent-
| -
|
| tongue
| gloss-, glott-
| lingu(a)-
| -
|
| toe
| dactyl(o)-
| digit-
| -
|
| tumour
| cel-,onc(o)-
| -
| -
|
| ureter
| ureter(o)-
| ureter(o)-
| -
|
| urethra
| urethr(o)-, urethr(a)-
| urethr(o)-, urethr(a)-
| -
|
| urine, urinary System
| ur(o)-
| urin(o)-
| -
|
| uterine tubes
| sarping(o)-
| sarping(o)-
| -
|
| uterus
| hyster(o)-, metr(o)-
| uter(o)-
| -
|
| vagina
| colp(o)-
| vagin-
| -
|
| vein
| phleb(o)-
| ven-
| -
|
| vulva
| episi(o)-
| vulv-
| -
|
| womb
| hyster(o)-, metr(o)-
| uter(o)-
| -
|
| wrist
| carp(o)-
| carp(o)-
| -
|
Colour
| Colour | Greek Root in English | Latin Root in English | Other Root
|
| black
| melano-
| -
| -
|
| blue
| cyano-
| -
| -
|
| gray, grey
| polio-
| -
| -
|
| green
| chlor-
| -
| -
|
| purple
| porphyr(o)-
| purpur-, purpureo-
| -
|
| red
| erythr(o)-, rhod(o)-
| rub-, rubr-
| -
|
| red-yellow
| cirrh(o)-
| -
| -
|
| white
| leuc-, leuk-
| alb-
| -
|
| yellow
| xanth(o)-
| -
| jaun - [French]
|
Description
| Description | Greek Root in English | Latin Root in English | Other Root
|
| bad, incorrect
| cac(o)-, dys-
| mal-
| -
|
| bent, crooked
| ankyl(o)-
| -
| -
|
| big
| macr(o)-; mega-
| magn-, magni-; magnus
| -
|
| biggest
| -
| maxim-; maximus, maximum
| -
|
| broad, wide
| eury-
| -
| -
|
| cold
| cry(o)-
| -
| -
|
| dead
| necr(o)-
| -
| -
|
| equal
| iso-
| -
| -
|
| false
| pseudo-
| -
| -
|
| female, feminine
| thely-
| -
| -
|
| flat
| platy-
| -
| -
|
| good, well
| eu-
| -
| -
|
| great
| macr(o)-; mega-
| magn-, magni-; magnus
| -
|
| hard
| sclero-
| -
| -
|
| heavy
| -
| grav-, gravis
| -
|
| hollow
| coel(o)-
| cav-
| -
|
| huge
| megalo-
| -
| -
|
| incorrect, bad
| dys-, caco-
| -
| -
|
| large; extremely large
| macr(o)-; mega-
| magn-, magni-; magnus
| -
|
| largest
| -
| maxim-; maximus, maximum
| -
|
| long
| -
| long-
| -
|
| narrow
| sten(o)-
| -
| -
|
| new
| neo-
| -
| -
|
| normal, correct; straight
| ortho-
| -
| -
|
| old
| paleo-
| -
| -
|
| sharp
| oxy-
| -
| -
|
| short
| brachy-
| -
| -
|
| small
| micro-
| parvi- (rare)
| -
|
| smallest
| -
| minim-, minimus
| -
|
| slow
| brady-
| -
| -
|
| fast
| tachy-
| -
| -
|
| soft
| malac(o)-
| -
| -
|
| straight; normal, correct
| ortho-
| -
| -
|
| thick
| pachy-
| -
| -
|
| varied, various
| poikilo-
| -
| -
|
| well, good
| eu-
| -
| -
|
| wide, broad
| eury-
| -
| -
|
Position
| Description | Greek Root in English | Latin Root in English | Other Root
|
| around
| peri-
| circum-
| -
|
| left
| -
| sinistr-
| -
|
| middle
| mes(o)-
| medi-
| -
|
| right
| dexi(o)-
| dextr(o)-
| -
|
| surrounding
| peri-
| circum-
| -
|
Quantity
| Description | Greek Root in English | Latin Root in English | Other Root
|
| double, twice
| diplo-
| -
| -
|
| equal
| iso-
| -
| -
|
| few
| oligo-
| -
| -
|
| many, much
| poly-
| multi-
| -
|
References
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