PREFIXES AND SUFFIXES

PREFIXES

Prefix has meanings in linguistics, mathematics and computer science, and telecommunications.

In linguistics, a prefix is a type of affix that precedes the morphemes (smallest language unit that
carries an interpretation) to which it can attach. Prefixes are bound morphemes (they cannot
occur as independent words).

Here is a list of some commonly used prefixes.

Referring to direction:
ab- : away from, from
ad- : toward
circum- : around
dia- : through, across
ec- : out, out from
ecto- : outside, outward
endo- : in, within
ex- : out, out from
exo- : outside, outward
extra- : outside, outward
intra- : within
para- : near, beside
peri- : around
super- : above, excessive
supra- : above

Referring to number and measurement:

bi- : two
dipl- : double, twofold
diplo- : double, twofold
hemi- : half
hyper- : excessive above normal
macro-: large
micro- : small
mono- : one
multi- : many, much
poly- : many, much
primi- : first
quadri- : four
semi- : half
tri- : three
uni- : one
Referring to position:
ante- : in front, before
epi- : above, upon
hypo- : under, below
infra:- : under, below
inter- : between
medi- : middle
meso- : middle
post- : after, behind
pre- : before, in front of
pro- : before
retro- : backward, behind
sub- : below, under

Prefixes denoting negation:

a- : without
an- : without, not
im- : not
in- : not

Other prefixes:
anti- : against
brady- : slow
contra- : against
dys- : difficult, painful, bad
eu- : good, normal
hetero- : different
homo- : same
mal- : bad
pan- : all
pseudo-: false
tachy- : fast, rapid

SUFFIXES

In linguistics, a suffix is an affix that follows the morphemes to which it can attach.

Here is a list of some commonly used suffixes.

Suffixes used in diagnosis and symptomatology:

-algia : pain
-cele : hernia swelling
-dynia : pain
-ectasis: expansion, dilation
-emesis: vomiting
-emia : blood condition
-gen : producing, forming
-genesis: process of formation
-gram : record, a writing
-graph : instrument for recording
-iasis : abnormal condition
-itis : inflammation
-lith : stone
-Iogist : specialist in study of study of
-logy : study of
-malacia : softening
-megaly: enlargement
-meter : instrument for recording
-metry : process of measuring
-oid : resembling
-oma : tumor
-osis : abnormal condition
-para : to bear an offspring
-paresis: partial paralysis
-pathy : disease
-penia : deficiency
-phagia: eating, swallowing
-phasia : speech
-philia : attraction to
-phobia: fear from
-plasia : formation, growth
-plegia : paralysis
-poiesis: process of formation
-ptosis : downward displacement
-rrhage : bursting forth
-rrhagia: bursting forth
-rrhea : discharge, flow
-rrhexis: rupture
-scope : instrument to view
-scopy : visual examination
-spasm : involuntary contraction
-stasis : standing still
-stenosis: narrowing, stricture
-trophy : development, nourishment

Suffixes used in surgeries:

-centesis: puncture
-clasis : break, fracture
-desis : binding, fixation (of joint or bone)
-ectomy: excision
-lysis : separation, loosening, destruction
-pexy : suspension or fixation of an organ
-plasty : surgical repair
-rrhaphy: suturing
-stomy : forming a opening
-tome : instrument to cut
-tomy : incision, cut into
-tripsy : crushing

Noun suffixes:
-ia : condition
-iatrics : treatment, medicine
-iatry : treatment, medicine
-ism : condition
-ist : specialist
-y : condition

Adjective suffixes:
-ac : pertaining to
-al : pertaining to
-ar : pertaining to
-ary : pertaining to
-eal : pertaining to
-ial : pertaining to