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 -/- (a-/an-), without, not Latin Latin (abdmen), abdomen, fat around the belly Greek - (akos) Example(s)

a-, anab-

Denotes an absence of away from

Apathy, Analgia Abduction

abdomin(o)-

Of or relating to the abdomen

Abdomen

-ac, -acal

pertaining to

cardiac, hydrophobiac, pharmacomaniacal

acanth(o)-

thorn or spine

Ancient Greek acanthion, acanthocyte, acanthoma,acanthulus (akantha), thorn Greek (acoustikos), of or for hearing

acous(io)-

Of or relating to hearing

acoumeter, acoustician

acr(o)-

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

Acrocrany, acromegaly, acroosteolysis,acroposthia

-acusis

hearing

paracusis

-ad

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

dorsad

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

Adipocyte

adren(o)aemia(BrE) aer(o)aesthesio(BrE) -al albalge(si)-algia alg(i)o-

Of or relating to adrenal

Latin Greek , without blood Greek , Greek Latin -alis Latin albus, white Greek Greek Greek Ancient Greek (allos), another, other

adrenal artery Anaemia Aerosinusitis Anesthesia abdominal Albino Analgesic Myalgia Myalgia Alloantigen, allopathy

glands blood condition

air, gas sensation pertaining to Denoting a white or pale color

pain
pain pain Denoting something as different, or as an addition

allo-

ambi-

Denoting something as Latin (ambi-, positioned on both ambo), both, on sides; Describing both sides both of two Pertaining to the membranous fetal sac (amnion) on both sides not, without back, again, up Greek Greek (amphi) Greek Greek Latin Greek , Greek Ancient Greek (ansos), unequal Ancient Greek (anklos), crooked, curved

Ambidextrous

amnioamph,amphiananaan(o) andr(o)angi(o)-

Amniocentesis Amphicrania, amphismela,amphomycin Analgesia Anaplasia

anus
pertaining to a man

Andrology, android Angiogram Anisotropic, anisocytosis

blood vessel
Describing something as unequal

aniso-

ankyl(o),ancyl(o)-

Denoting something as crooked or bent

Ankylosis

ante-

Describing Latin (nt), something as before, in front positioned in front of of another thing Describing something as 'against' or 'opposed to' another separated from, derived from first, primitive Ancient Greek Of or pertaining to (artra), a wind-pipe, an artery artery (used distinctly versus a vein) Ancient Greek Of or pertaining to the joints, limbs (arthros), a joint, limb joint pertaining to Latin articulum Latin -arius Greek , division Greek, Ancient Greek (anti), against Ancient Greek

antepartum

anti-

Antibody, antipsychotic

apoarch(i,e,o)

Apoptosis
archinephron : first formed kidney

arteri(o)-

Artery, Arteriole

arthr(o)-

Arthritis Articulation bilary tract Lactase Myasthenia gravis

atelocardia : imperfect development of the heart

articul(o)-ary -ase

enzyme weakness
imperfect or incomplete development process an atrium (esp. heart atrium)

-asthenia

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

Latin atrioventricular

Of or pertaining to Latin (auris), the ear the ear self increase; growth Of or pertaining to the armpit Latin (axilla), [uncommon as a armpit prefix] nitrogenous compound Greek -

Aural Autoimmune
auxocardia : enlargement of the heart

axill-

Axilla
azothermia : raised temperature due to nitrogenous substances in blood

azo(to)

B
Prefix/suffix balanobibioblast(o)Meaning Of the glans penis or glans twice, double life Origin language and etymology Greek - balanos, acorn, glans Latin Ancient Greek Greek Ancient Greek (blpharon), eyelid Latin (brachium), from Ancient Greek (brachin), arm Ancient Greek (brachys), short; little, shallow Ancient Greek (bradys), slow Example(s)

clitoridis

Balanitis

Biology Blastomere Blepharoplast Brachium of inferior colliculus brachycephalic Bradycardia Bronchiolitis obliterans Buccolabial Bursitis

germ or bud

blephar(o)- Of or pertaining to the eyelid brachi(o)brachybradybronch(i)bucc(o)burs(o)Of or relating to the arm Indicating 'short' or less commonly 'little' 'slow'

bronchus
Of or pertaining to the cheek Latin (bucca), cheek Latin

bursa (fluid sac between the bones)

C
Prefix/suffix capillcapitcarcin(o)cardi(o)Meaning Of or pertaining to hair Pertaining to the head (as a whole) 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: This root should not be confused with the mirror root carp(o)- meaning fruit. Greek (kata) Ancient Greek (kl) Example(s)

Capillus Capitation Carcinoma Cardiology Carpopedal Cataract Hydrocele Amniocentesis Cephalalgy Ceratoid Cerebellum

cancer
Of or pertaining to the heart

carp(o)-

Of or pertaining to the wrist

cata-cele -centesis cephal(o)cerat(o)cerebell(o)-

down, under pouching, hernia

surgical puncture for aspiration Ancient Greek (kentsis) Of or pertaining to the head (as a Ancient Greek (kphal), the whole) head Of or pertaining to the cornu; a horn Of or pertaining to the cerebellum Ancient Greek , - (kras, kerat-), a horn Latin (cerebellum), little brain

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

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 Of or pertaining to the gallbladder cartilage, gristle, granule, granular color killing, destroying

Latin (cerebrum), brain Latin (cervix, cervc-), neck, cervix Greek Ancient Greek , - (cheir, cheiro), hand Ancient Greek (chloros), green, yellow-green Ancient Greek (chol), bile Ancient Greek (cholkstis), gallbladder < (chol), bile, gall + (kstis), bladder Ancient Greek (chondros) Ancient Greek Latin

Cerebrology Cervicodorsal Chemotherapy Chiropractor Chlorophyll

Cholaemia

Cholecystectomy Chondrocalcinosis Hemachromatosis

bacteriocidal

chondr(i)ochrom(ato)-cidal, -cide cilicircumcisclast cocol-, colo-, colonocolp(o)comcontra corcor-, core-, corocordi-

Of or pertaining to the cilia, the < Latin (cilium), eyelash; eyelid eyelashes; eyelids Denoting something as 'around' another on this side break with, together, in association Latin (circum), around Latin (cis) Greek Latin

Ciliary Circumcision

osteoclast

colon
Of or pertaining to the vagina with, together against with, together Of or pertaining to eye's pupil Of or pertaining to the heart [Uncommon as a prefix] Ancient Greek (klpos), bosom, womb; hollow, depth Latin Latin Latin Ancient Greek (kr), girl, doll; pupil of the eye Latin (cor, cordi-), heart

Colonoscopy Colposcopy

Contraindicate

Corectomy Commotio cordis

cornucost(o)coxcrani(o)-

Applied to processes and parts of the body describing them likened Latin (corn), horn or similar to horns Of or pertaining to the ribs Latin (costa), rib

Costochondral Coxopodite Craniology

Of or relating to the hip, haunch, Latin (coxa), hip or hip-joint Belonging or relating to Latin (cranium) < Ancient Greek

the cranium -crine cry(o)cutanecyan(o)cyclcyph(o)cyst(o)-, cyst(i)cyt(o)-cyte to secrete cold skin Denotes a blue color circle, cycle Denotes something as bent [uncommon as a prefix] Of or pertaining to the urinary

(krnion), the cranium, skull, bones enclosing the brain

Endocrine
Greek Latin Ancient Greek , (kanos, kyneos), blue Greek (kuklos) Ancient Greek (kphs), bent, hunchback Ancient Greek (kstis), bladder; cyst Greek Greek

Cryoablation Subcutaneous Cyanopsia

Cyphosis Cystotomy Cytokine Leukocyte

bladder cell
cell

D
Prefix/suffix dacryodactyl(o)dedentdermat(o)-, derm(o)-desis dextr(o)dididiadifdigitdisdors(o)-, dors(i)duodenotear Of or pertaining to a finger, toe away from, cessation Of or pertaining to teeth Of or pertaining to the skin binding right, on the right side two apart, separation (same as Greek meaning) apart, separation Of or pertaining to the finger [rare as a root] separation, taking apart Of or pertaining to the back duodenum, twelve: upper part of the small intestine (twelve inches long on Meaning Origin language and etymology Greek Ancient Greek (dktylos), finger, toe Latin deLatin (dens, dentis), tooth Ancient Greek , - (drma, dmat-), skin, human skin Greek (desis) Latin dexter Greek Latin Ancient Greek (di), through, during, across Latin Latin (digitus), finger, toe Latin disLatin (dorsum), back Latin duodeni Example(s)

Dactylology

Dentist Dermatology
arthrodesis

Dextrocardia

Diacetyl

Digit Dissection dorsal,Dorsocephalad Duodenal atresia

average), connects to the stomach dynam(o)-dynia dysforce, energy, power pain bad, difficult Greek Greek (dunamis)

Vulvodynia Dysphagia,dysphasia

E
Prefix/suffix -eal ecect(o)-ectasis Meaning pertaining to out, away outer, outside expansion, dilation Origin language and etymology Latin Greek - (ek-) Greek Ancient Greek Example(s)

Ectopic pregnancy Bronchiectasis Mastectomy Hematemesis Anemia

-ectomy -emesis -emia

Denotes a surgical operation Ancient Greek or removal of a body part. (ectom), Resection, excision excision

vomiting condition blood condition (AmE)

Greek Greek -, without blood

encephal(o)-

Ancient Greek Of or pertaining to the brain. Also see Cerebro. (enkphalos), the brain Denotes something as 'inside' or 'within' Of or pertaining to the intestine Ancient Greek (endo-), inside, internal Ancient Greek (nteron), intestine Ancient Greek (epi-), before, upon, on, outside, outside of

Encephalogram

endo-

Endocrinology, Endospore

enter(o)-

Gastroenterology

epi-

[Same as Greek meaning: on, upon]

Epistaxis, epicardium,episclera, epidural

episi(o)-

Ancient Greek Of or pertaining to the pubic - (epsion), region, the loins the pubic area, loins; vulva Denotes a red color Ancient Greek (erythros), red Greek Greek Greek

Episiotomy

erythr(o)-

Erythrocyte

-esophageal, gullet (AmE) esophago esthesioeusensation (AmE) true, good, well, new

Eukaryote

exexoextra-

out of, away from Denotes something as 'outside' another outside

Latin Ancient Greek (exo-), outside of, external Latin

Exoskeleton

F
Prefix/suffix faci(o)fibr(o) filli-form, iform fossa frontOf or pertaining to the forehead Meaning Of or pertaining to the face fiber fine, hair like Used to form adjectives indicating 'having the form of' Latin (forma), form, shape Latin (fossa), ditch, pit Latin (frns, front-), the forehead Origin language and etymology Latin (facis), the face, countenance Example(s)

Facioplegic Fibroblast

Cuneiform fossa ovalis Frontonasal

G
Prefix/suffix galact(o)gastr(o)milk Of or pertaining to the stomach Meaning Origin language and etymology Greek , Ancient Greek (gastr), -, stomach, belly Example(s)

Galactorrhea Gastric bypass

(1) Endogen; (2)Heterogenous

-gen

(1) Denotes the sense 'born in, Ancient Greek - (-gens) from' (2) Denotes the sense 'of a < - (gen-nein), to be certain kind' born Formative, pertaining to producing Of or pertaining to the knee Of or pertaining to the gums Denoting a grey, bluish-grey color Of or pertaining to the tongue Greek Latin (gen), knee Latin (gingva), gum Ancient Greek (glakos), grey, bluish-grey Ancient Greek , (glssa, gltta), tongue Greek , sweet

-genic genugingivglauc(o)gloss(o)-, glott(o)glucoglycognath(o)-gnosis gon(o)-

Cardiogenic shock Genu valgum Gingivitis Glaucoma Glossology Glucocorticoid Glycolysis

glucose sugar
Of or pertaining to the jaw knowledge

Ancient Greek (gnthos), jaw Greek

Gnathodynamometer diagnosis, prognosis Gonorrhea

seed, semen; also, reproductive Ancient Greek

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

record or picture record or picture process of recording woman

Greek Ancient Greek - (grapha), written, drawn, graphic interpretation

Angiogram Electrocardiograph Angiography

Greek , -

Gynecomastia

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

Hallucinosis

Of or pertaining to blood

Latin (hma) < Ancient Greek Hematology, older , - (haima, haimat-), formHaematology blood Greek Ancient Greek - (hmi-), "half" Ancient Greek , (hpar, hpato-), the liver Ancient Greek (hteros), the other (of two), another; different Greek Greek Ancient Greek (homoios) Ancient Greek - (homo-), the same, common Incorrect Etymology < Latin (umerus), shoulder Greek

blood (AmE) one-half Of or pertaining to the liver Denotes something as 'the other' (of two), as an addition, or different

Hematological malignancy Cerebral hemisphere Hepatology Heterogeneous Hyperhidrosis Histology Homeopathy Homosexuality Humerus Hydrophobe Hypertension Hypovolemia, Hysterectomy

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

sweat tissue
similar Denotes something as 'the same' as another or common Of or pertaining to the shoulder (or [rarely] the upper arm) water

humer(o)hydr(o)hyper-

Ancient Greek (hyper), Denotes something as 'extreme' over, above; beyond, to the or 'beyond normal' extreme Denotes something as 'below normal' Of or pertaining to the womb, the uterus Ancient Greek ()- (hypo-), below, under Ancient Greek (hystra), womb

hyp(o)hyster(o)-

I
Prefix/suffix -i-asis iatr(o)condition Meaning Origin language and etymology Greek - Example(s)

Mydriasis Iatrochemistry

Of or pertaining to medicine, or a Ancient Greek physician [uncommon as a prefix; common as as (itrs), healer, suffix, see -iatry] physician Denotes a field in medicine of a certain body component pertaining to small organized knowledge, treatment self, one's own Ancient Greek (itrs), healer, physician Greek - (-ikos) Latin Latin -ica < Greek < Greek , idios, "one's own" Greek Latin Latin

-iatry -ic -icle -ics idioileoinfrainter-

Podiatry,Psychiatry Hepatic artery Ovarian follicle

Idiopathic Ileocecal valve Infrahyoid muscles Interarticular ligament Intracranial hemorrhage Iridectomy Ischiorrhogic Dwarfism

ileum
below between, among

intrairid(o)ischio-ism -ismus iso-ist -ite -itis -ium isch-

within iris Of or pertaining to the ischium, the hip-joint condition, disease

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

spasm, contraction
Denoting something as being 'equal' one who specializes in the nature of, resembling

Greek - Ancient Greek (sos), equal Greek - (-istes) Greek -

Isotonic Pathologist Hermaphrodite Tonsillitis

pericardium

inflammation
structure, tissue Restriction Greek

Ischemia

K
Prefix/suffix karyokerat(o)kin(e)-, kin(o), kinesi(o)koil(o)kyph(o)Meaning nucleus Origin language and etymology Greek , "nut" Greek Greek Greek (koilos) Greek Example(s)

Eukaryote Keratoscope Kinesthesia Koilocyte Kyphoscoliosis

cornea (eye or skin)

movement hollow humped

L
Prefix/suffix labi(o)lacrim(o)Meaning Of or pertaining to the lip tear Origin language and etymology Latin (labium), lip Latin Latin Ancient Greek (lapr), flank Ancient Greek , - (lrynx, laryng-), throat, gullet Latin Greek Greek Greek (leptos) Ancient Greek (leukos), white, bright Latin (lingua), tongue Greek Greek Greek Example(s)

Labiodental Lacrimal canaliculi Lactation Laparotomy Larynx Lateral pectoral nerve Leiomyoma Epilepsy,narcolepsy

lact(i)-, lact(o) milk lapar(o)Of or pertaining to the abdomen-wall, flank Of or pertaining to the larynx, the lower throat cavity where the voice box is lateral smooth attack, seizure light, slender Denoting a white color Of or pertaining to the tongue fat stone, calculus speech

laryng(o)-

laterolei(o)-lepsis, -lepsy lept(o)leuc(o)-, leuk(o)lingu(a)-, lingu(o)lip(o)lith(o)log(o)-logist -logy lymph(o)lys(o)-, -lytic -lysis

Leukocyte Linguistics Liposuction Lithotripsy

Denotes someone who studies a certain Ancient Greek field: _____-logy (logists), studier, practitioner Denotes the academic study or practice Ancient Greek o (logos) of a certain field study

Oncologist,pathologist hematology,urology Lymphedema Lysosome Paralysis

lymph dissolution
Destruction, separation

Greek , Greek Greek

M
Prefix/suffix macr(o)-malacia mamm(o)mammill(o)manuMeaning 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 Origin language and etymology Greek Greek Latin (mamma), breast; udder Latin (mammilla), nipple Latin (manus), hand Ancient Greek (masts), breast, women's breast; man's pectoral muscle Greek Ancient Greek , - (melas, melano-), black; dark Ancient Greek Greek , Greek (meros), part Ancient Greek (mesos), "middle" Greek Greek Greek - Example(s)

Macrophage Osteomalacia Mammogram

Manufacture Mastectomy

mast(o)meg(a)-, megal(o)-, megaly melan(o)melos mening(o)meromes(o)meta-meter -metry metr(o)-

enlargement

Splenomegaly Melanin erythromelalgia Meningitis merocrine,meroblastic Mesoderm Metacarpus Sphygmomanometer Optometry Metrorrhagia Microscope Infectious mononucleosis Morphology Musculoskeletal system Myoblast Onychomycosis Myeloblast

black color extremity

membrane
part middle after, behind measurement process of measuring

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

micro-

mon(o)morph(o)muscul(o)my(o)myc(o)myel(o)-

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

muscle
Of or relating to muscle

fungus
Of or relating to bone

marrow
myring(o)myx(o)-

marrow; bone-marrow Latin myringa Greek

eardrum mucus

Myringotomy Myxoma

N
Prefix/suffix narc(o)nas(o)necr(o)neonephr(o)numb, sleep Of or pertaining to the nose death new Of or pertaining to the kidney Meaning Origin language and etymology Greek Latin (nsum), nose Greek Greek Ancient Greek (nephrs), kidney Example(s)

narcolepsy
nasal

Necrotizing fasciitis Neoplasm Nephrology Nerve

nerv-

Of or pertaining to nerves and the nervous Latin (nervus), tendon; nerve; Cognate with the Greek system[Uncommon as a root: neuro (neuron) (see below) mostly always used] Of or pertaining to nerves and the nervous Ancient Greek (neuron), tendon, sinew; nerve system normal Latin

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

Neurofibromatosis Normocapnia

O
Prefix/suffix ocul(o)Meaning Of or pertaining to the eye Of or pertaining to teeth pain gullet resemblance to small or little Denoting something as 'having little, having few' Of or pertaining to the shoulder Origin language and etymology Latin (oculus), the eye Ancient Greek , - (odos, odont-), tooth Greek Greek Greek - Latin Ancient Greek (oligos), few Ancient Greek (mos), shoulder Greek - Example(s)

Oculist orthodontist
stomatodynia

odont(o)odyn(o)-oesophageal, oesophago- (BrE) -oid ole olig(o)-

Sarcoidosis

Oligotrophy Omoplate Sarcoma, Teratoma

om(o)-oma (singular), -

tumor, mass,

omata (plural) omphal(o)oncoonych(o)-

collection Of or pertaining to the navel, theumbilicus tumor, bulk, volume Of or pertaining to the nail (of a finger or toe) Of or pertaining to the an egg, a woman's egg, the ovum Of or pertaining to the woman's ovary Of or pertaining to the eye Of or relating to chemical properties of the eye Of or pertaining to the mouth Ancient Greek (omphals), navel, bellybutton Greek Ancient Greek < , - (nyx, nycho-), nail; claw; talon Ancient Greek , (n, o-), egg, ovum Neoclassical Greek (ophron), ovary, egg-bearing Ancient Greek (ophthalms), the eye Middle French (optique) < Greek (optiks); Cognate with Latin oculus, relating to the eye Latin (s, or-), mouth Greek (orkhis, orkhi-) Ancient Greek (orthos), straight, correct, normal Greek - Latin Latin Greek Ancient Greek , (ous, t-), the ear Latin -osus Latin (varium), ovary Latin (vum), egg, ovum Greek Greek

Omphalotomy Oncology Onychophagy

oo-

Oogenesis

oophor(o)-

Oophorectomy Ophthalmology

ophthalm(o)-

optic(o)-

Opticochemical

or(o)orchi(o)-, orchidoorth(o)-

Oral Orchiectomy, Orchidectomy Orthodontist Harlequin type ichthyosis,Psychosis, osteoperosis Peripheral ossifying fibroma Osteoporosis Otopathy

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

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

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

Ovariectomy Ovogenesis

P
Prefix/suffix pachypalpebrpan-, pant(o)thick Of or pertaining to the eyelid [uncommon as a root] Denoting something as 'complete' or containing 'everything' Of or pertaining to the nipple (of the chest/breast) Indicates papulosity, a small elevation or swelling in the skin, a pimple, swelling alongside of, abnormal slight paralysis small disease Denotes (with a negative sense) a disease, or disorder Of or pertaining to the foot; -footed hip bone deficiency Of or pertaining to the penis Meaning Origin language and etymology Greek Latin (palpebra), eyelid Ancient Greek , (pas, pan-), all, every Latin (papilla), nipple; dimunitive of papula (see below) Latin (papula), pimple, pustle; a small elevation or swelling in the skin Ancient Greek Greek Latin parvus Greek Ancient Greek (pathos), suffering, accident Latin (ps, pd-), foot Latin Greek Greek (peos) Ancient Greek (pepts) cooked, digested < (pss) I boil, cook; digest Latin Ancient Greek (peri), around Greek Greek Ancient Greek (phaga) eating < (phagein) to eat Greek - Example(s)

pachyderma Palpebra panophobia,panopticon Papillitis

papill-

papul(o)para-paresis parvopath(o)-pathy ped-, -ped-, pes pelv(i)-, pelv(o)-penia peo-

Papulation

hemiparesis Parvovirus Pathology sociopathy,neuropathy Pedoscope Pelvis osteopenia Peotomy

-pepsia

Denotes something relating to digestion, or the digestive tract.

Dyspepsia

perperi-pexy phaco-phage, phagia -phago-

through Denoting something with a position 'surrounding' or 'around' another fixation lens-shaped Forms terms denoting conditions relating to eating or ingestion eating, devouring

Periodontal Nephropexy
phacolysis, phacometer, phacoscotoma

Sarcophagia phagocyte

phagist-:

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

Lotophagi

-phagy phallopharmaco-

Anthropophagy Aphallia
pharmacology

phallus
drug, medication

Greek (phallos) Greek

pharyng(o)-

Ancient Greek , Of or pertaining to the pharynx, the - (phrynx, phryng-), throat, upper throat cavity windpipe; chasm attraction for Of or pertaining to the (blood) veins, a vein exaggerated fear, sensitivity sound Greek Ancient Greek , - (phleps, phlebo-), blood-vessel, vein Greek Greek

Pharyngitis,Pharyngoscopy Hemophilia Phlebography,Phlebotomy arachnophobia

-phil(ia) phleb(o)phob(o)phon(o)-

phos-

Of or pertaining to light or its chemical properties, now historic and Ancient Greek , used rarely. See the common - (phs, pht-), light root phot(o)-below. Of or pertaining to light [[diaphragm (anatomy)|diaphragm], the mind] formation, development surgical repair, reconstruction paralysis more, excessive, multiple Ancient Greek , - (phs, pht-), light Greek , Greek Greek Greek Greek pleion Latin (pleura) < Ancient Greek (pleurn), rib, side of the body Greek Ancient Greek , - (pneumn, pneumon-), lung < (pneuma), wind, spirit

Phosphene

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

Photopathy Phrenic nerve,schizophrenia Achondroplasia rhinoplasty paraplegia pleiomorphism Pleurogenous Cataplexy

Of or pertaining to the ribs

stroke or seizure

pneum(o)-

Of or pertaining to the lungs

Pneumonocyte,Pneumonia

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

air, lung Of or pertaining to the foot, -footed Ancient Greek , - (pos, pod-), foot

Podiatry

-poiesis poliopolypor(o)porphyr(o)post-

production Denoting a grey color Denotes a 'plurality' of something pore, porous Denotes a purple color Denotes something as 'after' or 'behind' another Ancient Greek (porphra), purple Latin (post), after, behind Ancient Greek (polis), grey Ancient Greek (polys), much, many

hematopoiesis Poliomyelitis Polymyositis

Porphyroblast Postoperation,Postmortem Prematurity Presbyopia

Primary

prepresby(o)primproproct(o)prot(o)pseudopsych(e)-, psych(o) -ptosis

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

Denotes something as 'before' another Ancient Greek (in [physical] position or time) (pro), before, in front of

Procephalic proctology

anus, rectum
Denotes something as 'first' or 'mostimportant' Denotes something false or fake Of or pertaining to the mind 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. Ancient Greek (psych), breath, life, soul Ancient Greek (prtos), first; principle, most important

Protoneuron

Psychology,Psychiatry Apoptosis

-ptysis

pulmon-, pulmopyel(o)pyopyro-

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

pelvis pus fever

Pyelonephritis Pyometra Antipyretic

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

quadriceps

R
Prefix/suffix radiorerect(o)ren(o)reticul(o)retrorhabd(o)rhachi(o)rhin(o)rhod(o)-rrhage -rrhagia -rrhaphy radiation again, backward Meaning Origin language and etymology Latin Latin Latin Latin (rnes), kidney Latin Latin Greek Greek Ancient Greek , - (rhs, rhno-), nose Ancient Greek (rhdon), rose Greek - Greek - Greek Greek - Greek Greek - Latin (ruber), red rachial, rachialgia, rachidian, rachiopathy retroverted Example(s)

radiowave relapse

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

renal

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

rhinoceros, rhinoplasty Rhodophyte Hemorrhage

flowing, discharge rrhea(AmE) -rrhexis rupture

Galactorrhea, Diarrhea

flowing, discharge rrhoea(BrE) rubr(o)Of or pertaining to the red nucleus of the brain

Diarrhoea Rubrospinal

S
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Ancient Greek , -, (slpinx, salpingo-) trumpet (literally) Latin (sanguis, sanguin-), blood Greek , Greek (schistos) Ancient Greek ; Irregular Example(s)

salping(o)-

Of or pertaining to the fallopian tubes

Salpingectomy,Salpingopharyngeus muscle Sanguine sarcoma

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

Of or pertaining to blood muscular, fleshlike split, cleft Denoting something 'split' or 'double-sided'

Schizophrenia

formation of the verb (schizein), to cut, split scler(o)-sclerosis scoli(o)-scope -scopy semisial(o)sigmoid(o)sinistr(o)sinussitosomat(o)-, somaticospasmosperma-, spermo-, spermatosplanchn(i)-, splanchn(o)splen(o)hardness hardening of the skin twisted instrument for viewing use of instrument for viewing one-half, partly Greek Greek Greek (skolios) Greek - Greek - Latin Greek (sialos) Greek Latin Latin (sinus), a curve, bend, bay Greek Greek Greek Greek (sperma) Greek Greek , Greek / , (spndylos / sphndylos), the spine Latin (sqmsus), full of scales; scaly Greek Greek

atherosclerosis Multiple sclerosis scoliosis stethoscope endoscopy

saliva, salivary gland

sigmoid, sigmoid left, left side Of or pertaining to the sinus food, grain body, bodily

sialagogue

colon

Sinusitis

spasm semen, spermatozoa viscera spleen

Spermatogenesis

Splenectomy

spondyl(o)-

Of or pertaining to the spine, the vertebra

Spondylitis

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

Denoting something as 'full of scales' or 'scaly' stop, stand dripping, trickling

Squama

Denoting something as 'narrow in Ancient Greek shape' or pertaining to narrow (stenos), ness narrow; short Of or pertaining to the upper chest, chest, the area above the breast and under the neck Ancient Greek (stthos), chest, cuirass

Stenography

steth(o)-

Stethoscope

sthenostom(a)

strength, force, power mouth

Greek Greek Ancient Greek , (stma, stomat-), mouth Greek - Latin Latin Latin

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

stomat(o)-

Of or pertaining to the mouth

-stomy subsupersuprasy(l)-, sym-, syn-, sys-

creation of an opening beneath in excess, above, superior above, excessive

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

T
Prefix/suffix tachy-tension, -tensive tetanthecthel(e)-, thel(o)Meaning Denoting something as fast, irregularly fast Origin language and etymology Ancient Greek (tachys), fast, quickly Latin Example(s)

Tachycardia Hypertension tetanus

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

Ancient Greek (theke) Ancient Greek (thl), a teat, nipple

Intrathecal Theleplasty Thelygenous

thelytherm(o)thorac(i)-, thorac(o)-, thoracicothromb(o)thyr(o)thym(o)(ia)-tic toco-

Ancient Greek Denoting something as 'relating to (thlys), female, a woman, feminine' feminine heat Ancient Greek

Of or pertaining to the upper chest, Latin (thrx) < chest; the area above the breast Ancient Greek and under the neck (thrax), chest, cuirass Of or relating to a blood clot, clotting of blood Ancient Greek (thrmbos), lump, piece, clot of blood Greek - Greek: "thymos," spirit, soul; courage; breath, mind, emotions Greek - Greek

Thorax

Thrombus,Thrombocytopenia

thyroid
emotions pertaining to childbirth

dysthymia

-tome -tomy tono-tony top(o)tox(i)-, tox(o)-, toxicotrache(o)trachel(o)-

cutting instrument act of cutting; incising, incision tone, tension, pressure tension place, topical

Greek Greek - Greek Greek - Greek Greek Greek Ancient Greek (trchlos), neck

Gastrotomy

toxin, poison trachea

Of or pertaining to the neck

Toxoplasmosis

Tracheotomy
Transfusion

trans-

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

trich(i)-, trichia, Of or pertaining to hair, hair-like structure trich(o)-tripsy -trophy tympan(o)crushing nourishment, development

Trichocyst
Lithotripsy

Pseudohypertrophy Tympanocentesis

eardrum

U
Prefix/suffix -ula, -ule ultraumbilicunguiun(i)small 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 Meaning Origin language and etymology Latin Latin Latin (umbilcus), navel, belly-button Latin (unguis), nail, claw Latin (unus) Ancient Greek (ouron), urine Greek Latin (rna), urine < Ancient Greek (ouron), see above. Latin (uterus), womb, uterus Example(s) Nodule

Umbilical Unguiform,Ungual Unilateral hearing loss Urology

ur(o)uri(c)-, uricourinuter(o)-

uric acid
Of or pertaining to urine, the urinary system Of or pertaining to the uterus or womb

Uriniferous Uterus

V
Prefix/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) veins, a vein [used in terms pertaining to the vascular system ] Of or pertaining to the belly; the stomach cavities Of or pertaining to the bladder Of or pertaining to the internal organs, the viscera Origin language and etymology Latin (vgna), sheath, scabbard Latin Latin Latin Latin (vna), blood-vessel, vein Latin (venter), the belly, the stomach; the womb Latin (vsca), bladder; blister Latin (viscera), internal organs; plural of (viscerum), internal organ Example(s)

Vagina
varicose

vasoconstriction

Vein,Venospasm Ventrodorsal Vesica Viscera

ventr(o)vesic(o)viscer(o)-

X
Prefix/suffix xanth(o)xen(o)Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) Denoting a yellow color, an abnormally yellow Ancient Greek (xanths), color yellow Foreign, different Greek (xenos), stranger

Xanthopathy Xenograft

Y
Prefix/suffix -y Meaning condition or process of Origin language and etymology Latin -ia < Greek - Example(s)

Surgery

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

fermentation, enzyme

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

Roots of the Body

Roots of Bodily Concepts
Bodily Concept Digestion Disease -pepsia -pathy Greek Root Latin Root Other Root

Eating

-phagia

Roots of body parts and components

(Internal Anatomy, External Anatomy, Body Fluids, Body Substances)

Body Part/Component abdomen aorta 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 lapar(o)aort(o)-

Greek Root

Latin Root abdominaort(o)axilldorsallicvesic(o)-

Other Root

brachi(o)arteri(o)cyst(o)-

haemat-, hemat- (haem-, hem-) sangui-, sanguinethromb(o)angi(o)somat-, somoste(o)myel(o)encephal(o)mast(o)steth(o)ot(o)ooophthalm(o)blephar(o)salping(o)lip(o)dactyl(o)cholecyst(o)gon(o)-, phall(o)aden(o)balan(o)vascul-, vascorporossimedullcerebr(o)mamm(o)buccaurovocul(o)cili-; palpebrfaci(o)adipdigitfront(o)fell-

optic(o) [French] -

gums hair hand head heart hip, hip-joint horn intestine 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

trich(o)cheir(o)-, chir(o)cephal(o)cardi(o)cerat(o)enter(o)gnath(o)nephr(o)goncheil(o)-, chil(o)hepat(o)- (hepatic-) episi(o)pneumonmyel(o)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)-

gingivcapillmanucapit(o)cordicoxcornurengenulabi(o)jecorpudend-

pulmon(i)- (pulmo-) medullmentorunguiumbiliccervicnervpapill-, mammillnasovari(o)pelv(i)cost(o)humer(o)sinuscut-, cuticulventr(o)-

testis throat (upper throat cavity)

orchi(o)-, orchid(o)pharyng(o)-

pollicdent(i)lingu(a)digittumureter(o)-

throat (lower throat cavity/voice box]) laryng(o)thumb tooth tongue toe tumour ureter urethra urine, urinary System uterine tubes uterus vagina vein vulva womb wrist odont(o)gloss-, glottdactyl(o)cel-, onc(o)ureter(o)urethr(o)-, urethr(a)ur(o)sarping(o)hyster(o)-, metr(o)colp(o)phleb(o)episi(o)hyster(o)-, metr(o)carp(o)-

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

Roots of Color
Color black blue gray, grey green purple red red-yellow white yellow Greek Root in English melanocyanopoliochlor(o)porphyr(o)erythr(o)-, rhod(o)cirrh(o)leuc-, leukxanth(o)nigrvirpurpur-, purpureorub-, rubralbflavLatin Root in English jaun - [French] Other Root

Roots of description
Description bad, incorrect bent, crooked big Greek Root in English cac(o)-, dysankyl(o)mega-, megal(o)Latin Root in English mal(e)prav(i)magn(i)Other Root

biggest broad, wide cold dead equal false female, feminine flat good, well great hard heavy hollow huge incorrect, bad irregular large; extremely large largest long male, masculine narrow new normal, correct old sharp short small smallest slow fast soft straight thick varied, various well, good wide, broad

megisteurycry(o)necr(o)is(o)pseud(o)thelyplatyeumega-, megal(o)scler(o)bar(o)coel(o)megal(o)cac(o)-, dyspoikil(o) megamegistmacr(o)arsenosten(o)neoorth(o)paleooxybrachymicr(o)bradytachymalac(o)orth(o)pachypoikiloeueury-

maximlat(i)frig(i)mortequ(i)fals(i)plan(i)ben(e)-, bon(i)magn(i)dur(i)grav(i)cav(i)magn(i)mal(e)magn(i)maximlong(i)virangust(i)nov(i)rect(i)veteracbrev(i)parv(i)- (rare) minimtard(i)celermoll(i)rect(i)crass(i)variben(e)lat(i)-

Roots of position
Description around left middle right Greek Root in Latin Root in English English Other Root -

perilevomes(o)dexi(o)-

circumlaev(o)-, sinistrmedidextr(o)circum-

surrounding peri-

Roots of quantity
(Amount, Quantity)

Description double equal few half many, much twice

Greek Root in Latin Root in English English diploisooligohemipolydisdupliequipaucisemimultibis-

Other Root

demi(French) -