MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

Medical terminology is a language for accurately describing the human

body and associated components, conditions, processes and process in a
science-based manner.
This systematic approach to word building and term comprehension is
based on the concept of:
1. Word roots
The word is a term derived from a source language such as Greek
or Latin and usually describes a body part.
2. Prefixes (modifiers)
These can be added in front of the term to modify the word root
by giving additional information about the location of an organ,
the number of parts, or time involved.
3. Suffixes
These are attached to the end of a word root to add meaning such
as condition, disease process, or procedure.
Medical Terminology Linguistics/ Language Mechanics
1. The word root is developed to include a vowel sound following the
term to add a smoothing action to the sound of the word when
applying a suffix. The result is the formation of a new term with a
vowel attached (word root + vowel) called a combining form.
a. In medical terminology, the word root is not usually capable
of standing alone as a complete word within a sentence. The
medical word root is taken from a different source language,
so it will remain meaningless as a stand-alone term in an
English sentence. A suffix or prefix must be added to make a
usable medical term.
For example the term for "concerning the heart" is "cardiacus",
from the Greek karda.
If a person is suffering from a heart related illness, the
statement, "The patient suffered a karda event," would not make
sense.
However, with the addition of a suffix -ac, the statement would
be modified to read, "The patient suffered a cardiac event" which
is an acceptable use of medical terminology.
b. Root words of different etymology (origin) can be commonly
combined to suffixes to form an idea.
For example, if a word was to be formed to indicate a condition
of kidneys, there are two primary roots one from Greek (
nephr(os)) and one from Latin (ren(es)).
Greek : Nephro + itis = Nephritis (Inflammation of the nephrons
of the kidneys)
Latin : Supra + renal = Suprarenal (Above the kidneys)
2. Prefixes do not normally require further modification to be added to
a word root because the prefix normally ends in a vowel or vowel
sound, although in some cases they may assimilate slightly and
an in- may change to im- or syn- to sym-.
3. Suffixes are categorized as either (1) needing the combining form,
or (2) not needing the combining form since they start with a vowel.
1

4. The most common vowel used in the formation of the combining form is
the letter -o-, (droppable o-) added to the word root.
a. The -o- almost always acts as a joint-stem to connect two
consonantal roots.
E.g. arthr- + -o- + logy = arthrology.
b. The -o- is dropped when connecting to a vowel-stem.
E.g. arthr- + itis = arthritis, instead of arthr-o-itis.
c. When more than one body part is used in the formation of a
medical term, the individual word roots are joined together by
using the combining form using the letter -o- to indicate the
joining together of various body parts.
E.g. Gastr-o-enter(o) + it is = Gastroenteritis
(Inflammation of the stomach and intestines)
5. Plural of a word must be done using the rules of forming the proper
plural form as used in the source language. Greek and Latin each have
differing rules to be applied when forming the plural form of the word
root. Often such details can be found using a medical dictionary.
6. Medical roots generally go together according to language: Greek
prefixes go with Greek suffixes and Latin Prefixes with Latin
Suffixes. Although it is technically considered acceptable to create
hybrid words, it is strongly preferred not to mix different lingual
roots. Examples of well-accepted medical words that do mix lingual
roots are neonatology and quadriplegia.
Prefixes and suffixes
The following is an alphabetical list of medical prefixes and
suffixes, along with their meaning, origin, and an English example.
A
Prefix/suffix

Meaning

a-, an-

Denotes an
absence of

ab-

away from

abdomin(o)-

Of or relating
to the Abdomen

-ac

pertaining to

acanth(o)-

thorn or spine

acous(o)-

Of or relating
to hearing

acr(o)-

extremity,
topmost

-acusis

hearing

-ad
ad-

toward, in the
direction of
increase,
adherence,
motion toward,

Origin language
and etymology
Ancient Greek
-/- (a-/an-),
without, not
Latin
Latin (abdmen),
abdomen, fat
around the belly
Greek -akos
Ancient Greek

(akantha), thorn
Greek
(acoustikos), of
or for hearing
Greek
(akron), highest
or farthest
point
Greek
(acoustikos), of
or for hearing

Example(s)
Apathy, Analgia
Abduction
Abdomen
cardiac
acanthocyte

Acromegaly

dorsad
Latin

Adduction

very
aden(o)-,
aden(i)-

adip(o)adren(o)-

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

-aemia (BrE)

blood condition

aer(o)aesthesio- (BrE)
-al

air, gas
sensation
pertaining to
Denoting a white
or pale color
pain
pain
pain
Denoting
something as
different, or as
an addition
Denoting
something as
positioned on
both sides;
Describing both
of two
Pertaining to
the membraneous
fetal sac
(amnion)
not, without
anus
pertaining to a
man
blood vessel
Describing
something as
unequal

albalge(si)-algia
alg(i)oallo-

ambi-

amnioanan(o)
andr(o)angi(o)anisoankyl(o)-,
ancyl(o)-

ante-

anti-

apoarteri(o)-

Denoting
something as
crooked or bent
Describing
something as
positioned in
front of another
thing
Describing
something as
'against' or
'opposed to'
another
separated from,
derived from
Of or pertaining
to an artery

Ancient Greek
, (adn, aden-),
an acorn; a
gland

Adenology

Latin (adeps,
adip-), fat

Adipocyte
adrenal artery

Greek ,
without blood

Anaemia
Aerosinusitis

Greek
Latin -alis
Latin albus,
white
Greek

abdominal
Albino
Analgesic
Myalgia
Myalgia

Ancient Greek
(allos),
another, other

Alloantigen,
allopathy

Latin (ambi-,
ambo), both, on
both sides

Ambidextrous

Greek

Amniocentesis

Greek

Analgesia

Greek
Ancient Greek
(ansos),
unequal
Ancient Greek

(anklos),
crooked, curved

Andrology,
android
Angiogram
Anisotropic

Ankylosis

Latin (nt),
before, in front
of

antepartum

Ancient Greek
(anti),
against

Antibody,
antipsychotic

Ancient Greek

Apoptosis

Ancient Greek

Artery,
Arteriology
3

arthr(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the joints,
limbs

articul(o)-ary
-ase

joint
pertaining to
enzyme

-asthenia

weakness

-ation

process
Of or pertaining
to the ear
self
Of or pertaining
to the armpit
[uncommon as a
prefix]

aur(i)aut(o)axill-

(artra), a
wind-pipe,
artery (used
distinctly
versus a vein)
Ancient Greek

(arthros), a
joint, limb
Latin
Latin -arius

Arthritis
Articulation
bilary tract
Lactase
Myasthenia
gravis

Latin
Latin (auris),
the ear
Greek

Aural

Latin (axilla),
armpit

Axilla

Autoimmune

B
Prefix/suffix
balanobibioblast(o)-

Meaning
Of the glans
penis or glans
clitoridis
twice, double
life
germ or bud

blephar(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the eyelid

brachi(o)-

Of or relating
to the arm

brachy-

Indicating
'short' or less
commonly
'little'

brady-

Indicating
'slow'

bronch(i)-

bronchus

bucc(o)burs(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the cheek
bursa

Origin language
and etymology
Greek balanos,
acorn, glans
Latin
Ancient Greek
Ancient Greek

(blpharon),
eyelid
Latin
(brachium), from
Ancient Greek

(brachin), arm
Ancient Greek

(brachys),
short; little,
shallow
Ancient Greek
(bradys),
slow

Example(s)
Balanitis
Biology
Blastomere
Blepharoplast

Brachium

brachycephalic

Bradycardia
Bronchiolitis
obliterans

Latin (bucca),
cheek

Buccolabial
Bursitis

C
Prefix/suffix
capillcapit-

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

Example(s)
Capillus
Capitation
4

carcin(o)-

cancer

cardi(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the heart

carp(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the wrist.

cata-

down

-cele

pouching, hernia

-centesis

surgical
puncture for
aspiration

cephal(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the head (as
a whole)

cerat(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the cornu; a
horn

cerebell(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the
cerebellum

cerebr(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the brain

chem(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the neck, the
cervix
chemistry, drug

chir(o)-,
cheir(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the hand

chlor(o)-

Denoting a green
color

chol(e)-

Of or pertaining
to bile

cholecyst(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the
gallbladder

cervic-

chondr(i)ochrom(ato)-

cartilage,
gristle,
granule,
granular
color

Carcinoma
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)
Ancient Greek
(kentsis)
Ancient Greek

(kphal), the
head
Ancient Greek
, (kras, kerat-),
a horn
Latin
(cerebellum),
little brain
Latin
(cerebrum),
brain
Latin (cervix,
cervc-), neck,
cervix

Cardiology

Carpopedal

Cataract
Hydrocele
Amniocentesis

Cephalalgy

Ceratoid

Cerebellum
Cerebrology
Cervicodorsal
Chemotherapy

Ancient Greek
, (cheir,
cheiro-), hand
Ancient Greek

(chloros),
green, yellowgreen
Ancient Greek
(chol),
bile
Ancient Greek

(cholkstis),
gallbladder <
(chol),
bile, gall +
(kstis),
bladder

Chiropractor

Chlorophyll

Cholaemia

Cholecystectomy

Ancient Greek
(chondros)

Chondrocalcinosis

Ancient Greek

Hemachromatosis
5

-cidal, -cide
cili-

circumcisclast
cocol-, colo-,
colono-

killing,
destroying
Of or pertaining
to the cilia,
the eyelashes;
eyelids
Denoting
something as
'around' another
on this side
break
with, together,
in association

Of or pertaining
to the vagina

comcontra
cor-

with, together
against
with, together

cor-, core-,
coro-

Of or pertaining
to eye's pupil

cornu-

cost(o)cox-

Of or pertaining
to the heart
[Uncommon as a
prefix]
Applied to
processes and
parts of the
body describing
them likened or
similar to horns
Of or pertaining
to the ribs
Of or relating
to the hip,
haunch, or hipjoint

crani(o)-

Belonging or
relating to the
cranium

-crine
cry(o)cutane-

to secrete
cold
skin

cyan(o)-

Denotes a blue
color

cyclcyph(o)cyst(o)-,

< Latin
(cilium),
eyelash; eyelid

Ciliary

Latin (circum),
around

Circumcision

Latin (cis)
Greek
Latin

colon

colp(o)-

cordi-

Latin

circle, cycle
Denotes
something as
bent [uncommon
as a prefix]
Of or pertaining

Colonoscopy
Ancient Greek
(klpos),
bosom, womb;
hollow, depth
Latin
Latin
Latin
Ancient Greek
(kr),
girl, doll;
pupil of the eye
Latin (cor,
cordi-), heart

Colposcopy

Contraindicate

Corectomy

Commotio cordis

Latin (corn),
horn
Latin (costa),
rib

Costochondral

Latin (coxa),
hip

Coxopodite

Latin (cranium)
< Ancient Greek

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

Craniology

Endocrine
Cryoablation
Subcutaneous
Ancient Greek
,
(kanos,
kyneos), blue
Greek (kuklos)

Cyanopsia

Ancient Greek
(kphs),
bent, hunchback

Cyphosis

Ancient Greek

Cystotomy
6

cyst(i)cyt(o)-cyte

to the urinary
bladder
cell
cell

(kstis),
bladder; cyst
Greek
Greek

Cytokine
Leukocyte

D
Prefix/suffix

Meaning

dacrio-

tear

dactyl(o)-

Of or pertaining
to a finger, toe

dedent-

away from,
cessation
Of or pertaining
to teeth

dermat(o)-,
derm(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the skin

-desis

binding
right, on the
right side
two
apart,
separation

dextr(o)dididia-

(same as Greek
meaning)

Origin language
and etymology
Greek
Ancient Greek

(dktylos),
finger, toe
Latin (dens,
dentis), tooth
Ancient Greek
, (drma, dmat-),
skin, human skin
Greek (desis)
Latin dexter

Ancient Greek
(di),
through, during,
across

bad, difficult

Greek -

dacrio-

tear

Greek

dors(o)-,
dors(i)duodeno-

dynam(o)-

Dermatology
arthrodesis
Dextrocardia

Latin

dys-

dis-

Dentist

Greek

-dynia

digit-

Dactylology

Latin de-

apart,
separation
Of or pertaining
to the finger
[rare as a root]
separation,
taking apart
Of or pertaining
to the back
duodenum - upper
part of the
small intestine,
connects to the
stomach
force, energy,
power
pain

dif-

Example(s)

Diacetyl

Latin
Latin (digitus),
finger, toe

Digit

Latin dis-

Dissection

Latin (dorsum),
back

Dorsal,
Dorsocephalad

Latin duodeni

Duodenal atresia

Greek
(dunamis)
Dysphagia,
dysphasia

E
-eal
ec-

pertaining to
out, away

Origin language
and etymology
Latin
Greek (ek-)

ect(o)-

outer, outside

Greek

Ectopic
pregnancy

-ectasis

expansion,
dilation

Ancient Greek

Bronchiectasis

Prefix/suffix

Meaning

Example(s)

-ectomy

-emesis
-emia
encephal(o)-

endo-

Denotes a
surgical
operation or
removal of a
body part
vomiting
condition
blood condition
(AmE)
Of or pertaining
to the brain.
Also see
Cerebro.
Denotes
something as
'inside' or
'within'

enter(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the intestine

epi-

[Same as Greek
meaning: on,
upon]

episi(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the pubic
region, the
loins

erythr(o)-

Denotes a red
color

-esophageal,
-esophago
esthesioeuexexoextra-

Ancient Greek
(ectom),
excision

Mastectomy

Hematemesis
Greek ,
without blood
Ancient Greek

(enkphalos),
the brain
Ancient Greek
- (endo-),
inside, internal
Ancient Greek

(nteron),
intestine
Ancient Greek
- (epi-),
before, upon,
on, outside,
outside of
Ancient Greek
(epsion), the
pubic area,
loins; vulva
Ancient Greek

(erythros), red

Anemia
Encephalogram

Endocrinology,
Endospore

Gastroenterology
Epistaxis,
epicardium,
episclera,
epidural

Episiotomy

Erythrocyte

gullet (AmE)
sensation (AmE)
true, good,
well, new
out of, away
from
Denotes
something as
'outside'
another
outside

Greek
Greek

Eukaryote

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

Exoskeleton

F
Prefix/suffix
faci(o)fibr(o)
filli-form, -iform
front-

Meaning
Of or pertaining
to the face
fiber
fine, hair like
Used to form
adjectives
indicating
'having the form
of'
Of or pertaining
to the forehead

Origin language
and etymology
Latin (facis),
the face,
countenance

Example(s)
Facioplegic
Fibroblast

Latin (forma),
form, shape
Latin (frns,
front-), the

Cuneiform
Frontonasal
8

forehead
G
Prefix/suffix
galact(o)gastr(o)-

-gen

-genic
genugingiv-

Meaning
milk
Of or
pertaining to
the stomach
(1) Denotes the
sense 'born in,
from' (2)
Denotes the
sense 'of a
certain kind'
Formation
Of or
pertaining to
the knee
Of or
pertaining to
the gums

glauc(o)-

Denoting a
grey, bluishgrey color

gloss(o)-,
glott(o)-

Of or
pertaining to
the tongue

glucoglycognath(o)gon(o)-gram

glucose
sugar
Of or
pertaining to
the jaw
seed, semen;
also,
reproductive
record or
picture

Origin language
and etymology

Example(s)
Galactorrhea

Ancient Greek
(gastr),
stomach, belly

Gastric bypass

Ancient Greek
- (-gens)
< -
(gen-nein), to
be born

(1) Endogen; (2)

Heterogenous
Cardiogenic shock

Latin (gen),
knee

Genu valgum

Latin (gingva),
gum

Gingivitis

Ancient Greek

(glakos), grey,
bluish-grey
Ancient Greek
,
(glssa,
gltta), tongue

Glaucoma

Glossology
Glucocorticoid
Glycolysis

Ancient Greek

(gnthos), jaw

Gnathodynamometer

Ancient Greek

Gonorrhea
Angiogram

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

-graph

record or
picture

-graphy

process of
recording

Angiography

gyn(aec)o(BrE),
gyn(ec)o- (AmE)

woman

Gynecomastia

Electrocardiograph

H
Prefix/suffix

Meaning

halluc-

to wander in
mind

hemat-,
haemato(haem-, hem-)

Of or
pertaining to
blood

Origin language
and etymology
Classical Latin
to wander in
mind
Latin (hma) <
Ancient Greek
, (haima,

Example(s)]][[Media
Hallucinosis
Hematology, older
form Haematology

haimat-), blood
hema or hemo-

blood (AmE)

hemi-

one-half

hepat(hepatic-)

Of or
pertaining to
the liver

heter(o)-

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

hom(o)-

humer(o)hydr(o)hyper-

hyp(o)-

hyster(o)-

Denotes
something as
'the other' (of
two), as an
addition, or
different
sweat

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

(hteros), the
other (of two),
another;
different
Greek

tissue
similar
Denotes
something as
'the same' as
another or
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

Cerebral hemisphere

Hepatology

Heterogeneous

Hyperhidrosis
Histology

Ancient Greek

(homoios)

Homeopathy

Ancient Greek
- (homo-),
the same,
common

Homosexuality

Incorrect
Etymology <
Latin (umerus),
shoulder

Humerus

Greek
Ancient Greek
(hyper),
over, above;
beyond, to the
extreme
Ancient Greek
()- (hypo-),
below, under
Ancient Greek

(hystra), womb

Hydrophobe
Hypertension

Hypovolemia,

Hysterectomy

I
Prefix/suffix
-ia(sis)

iatr(o)-

-iatry

Meaning
condition
Of or pertaining
to medicine, or
a physician
[uncommon as a
prefix; common
as as suffix,
see -iatry]
Denotes a field
in medicine of a
certain body
component

Origin language
and etymology

Example(s)
Mydriasis

Ancient Greek
(itrs),
healer,
physician

Iatrochemistry

Ancient Greek
(itrs),
healer,
physician

Podiatry,
Psychiatry
10

-ic
-icle
-ics

pertaining to
small
organized
knowledge,
treatment

Greek (-ikos)

Greek ,
idios, "one's
own"

idio-

self, one's own

ileo-

ileum

infra-

below

Latin

inter-

between, among

Latin

intra-

within

Latin

irid(o)-

iris

ischio-

Of or pertaining
to the ischium,
the hip-joint

-ism
-ismus
iso-ist
-ite
-itis

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

Ancient Greek

(ischin), hipjoint, ischium

Hepatic artery
Ovarian follicle

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

Ancient Greek
(sos),
equal

Isotonic

Greek (-istes)

Pathologist
Hermaphrodite
Tonsillitis

K
Prefix/suffix

Meaning

karyo-

nucleus

kerat(o)-

cornea (eye or
skin)

kin(e)-, kin(o),
kinesi(o)koil(o)kyph(o)-

Origin language
and etymology
Greek ,
"nut"

Example(s)
Eukaryote
Keratoscope

movement

Greek

Kinesthesia

hollow
humped

Greek (koilos)

Koilocyte
Kyphoscoliosis

L
Prefix/suffix

Meaning

Origin language
and etymology
Latin (labium),
lip

Example(s)

labi(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the lip

lacrim(o)-

tear

Lacrimal
canaliculi

lact(i)-,
lact(o)

milk

Lactation

lapar(o)-

laryng(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the abdomenwall, flank
Of or pertaining
to the larynx,
the lower throat
cavity where the
voice box is

Ancient Greek
(lapr),
flank
Ancient Greek
, (lrynx,
laryng-),
throat, gullet

Labiodental

Laparotomy

Larynx
11

latero-

lateral

lei(o)-

smooth

-lepsis, -lepsy

attack, seizure

lept(o)-

light, slender

leuc(o)-,
leuk(o)-

Denoting a white
color

lingu(a)-,
lingu(o)lip(o)lith(o)log(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the tongue
fat
stone, calculus
speech

-logist

Denotes someone
who studies a
certain field:
_____-logy

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

Denotes the
academic study
or practice of a
certain field
lymph
dissolution
Destruction

Lateral pectoral
nerve
Leiomyoma
Epilepsy,
narcolepsy
Greek (leptos)
Ancient Greek
(leukos),
white, bright
Latin (lingua),
tongue

Leukocyte
Linguistics
Liposuction
Lithotripsy

Ancient Greek

(logists),
studier,
practitioner

Oncologist,
pathologist

Ancient Greek
o (logos)
study

hematology,
urology
Lymphedema
Lysosome
Paralysis

M
Prefix/suffix
macr(o)-malacia
mamm(o)-

Meaning
large, long
softening
Of or pertaining
to the breast

mammill(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the nipple

manu-

Of or pertaining
to the hand

mast(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the breast

meg(a)-,
megal(o)-,
megaly

enlargement

melan(o)-

Denoting a black
color

mening(o)-

membrane

mes(o)-

middle

meta-meter

after, behind
measurement
process of
measuring
Pertaining to
conditions or

-metry
metr(o)-

Origin language
and etymology

Example(s)
Macrophage
Osteomalacia

Latin (mamma),
breast; udder
Latin
(mammilla),
nipple
Latin (manus),
hand
Ancient Greek
(masts),
breast, women's
breast; man's
pectoral muscle

Mammogram

Manufacture

Mastectomy

Splenomegaly
Ancient Greek
, (melas,
melano-), black;
dark

Melanin
Meningitis

Ancient Greek
(mesos),
"middle"

Mesoderm
Metacarpus
Sphygmomanometer
Optometry

Ancient Greek
(mtr),

Metrorrhagia
12

micro-

instruments of
the uterus
denoting
something as
small, or
relating to
smallness

mon(o)-

single

morph(o)-

form, shape

muscul(o)-

muscle

my(o)-

Of or relating
to muscle

myc(o)-

fungus

myel(o)-

Of or relating
to bone marrow

myring(o)myx(o)-

eardrum
mucus

womb, uterus
Ancient Greek
(mikros),
small

Microscope
Infectious
mononucleosis
Morphology
Musculoskeletal
system

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

Myoblast
Onychomycosis

Ancient Greek
(myelon),
marrow; bonemarrow

Myeloblast
Myringotomy
Myxoma

N
numb, sleep
Of or pertaining
to the nose

Origin language
and etymology
Greek
Latin (nsum),
nose

necr(o)-

death

Greek

neo-

new

nephr(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the kidney

Greek
Ancient Greek

(nephrs),
kidney

Prefix/suffix
narc(o)nas(o)-

nerv-

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

Meaning

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

Example(s)
narcolepsy
nasal
Necrotizing
fasciitis
Neoplasm
Nephrology

Latin (nervus),
tendon; nerve;
Cognate with the
Greek
(neuron) (see
below)

Nerve

Ancient Greek
(neuron),
tendon, sinew;
nerve

Neurofibromatosis
Normocapnia

O
Prefix/suffix

Meaning

ocul(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the eye

odont(o)-

Of or pertaining
to teeth

odyn(o)-oesophageal,
oesophago- (BrE)

pain

Origin language
and etymology
Latin (oculus),
the eye
Ancient Greek
, (odos, odont-),
tooth

Example(s)
Oculist
orthodontist
stomatodynia

gullet
13

-oid
ole
olig(o)-

resemblance to
small or little
Denoting
something as
'having little,
having few'

Sarcoidosis
Ancient Greek
(oligos),
few

Oligotrophy

Ancient Greek
(mos),
shoulder

Omoplate

om(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the shoulder

-oma (singular),
-omata (plural)

tumor

omphal(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the navel,
the umbilicus

onco-

tumor, bulk,
volume

onych(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the nail (of
a finger or toe)

Ancient Greek <

, (nyx, nycho-),
nail; claw;
talon

Onychophagy

oo-

Of or pertaining
to the an egg, a
woman's egg, the
ovum

Ancient Greek
, - (n,
o-), egg, ovum

Oogenesis

oophor(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the woman's
ovary

ophthalm(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the eye

optic(o)-

Of or relating
to chemical
properties of
the eye

or(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the mouth

orchi(o)-,
orchido-

testis

Sarcoma,
Teratoma
Ancient Greek

(omphals),
navel, bellybutton

Omphalotomy

Oncology

Ancient Greek

(phron),
ovary, eggbearing
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

Oophorectomy

Ophthalmology

Opticochemical

Oral
Orchiectomy,
Orchidectomy

osseo-

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

ossi-

bone

Peripheral
ossifying
fibroma

bone

Osteoporosis

orth(o)-

-osis

ost(e)-,
oste(o)ot(o)-

Of or pertaining

Orthodontist
Harlequin type
ichthyosis

Ancient Greek

Otopathy
14

to the ear
-ous
ovari(o)ovo-, ovi-, ovoxooxy-

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

, - (ous,
t-), the ear
Latin (varium),
ovary

Ovariectomy

Latin (vum),
egg, ovum

Ovogenesis

P
Prefix/suffix
pachypalpebr-

pan-, pant(o)-

papill-

papul(o)-

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

-pepsia

perperi-

Meaning
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
disease
Denotes (with a
negative sense)
a disease, or
disorder
Of or pertaining
to the foot;
-footed

Origin language
and etymology

Example(s)
pachyderma

Latin
(palpebra),
eyelid

Palpebra

Ancient Greek
, - (pas,
pan-), all,
every

panophobia,
panopticon

Latin (papilla),
nipple;
dimunitive of
papula (see
below)
Latin (papula),
pimple, pustle;
a small
elevation or
swelling in the
skin

Papillitis

Papulation

Ancient Greek
hemiparesis
Pathology
Ancient Greek
(pathos),
suffering,
accident

sociopathy,
neuropathy

Latin (ps,
pd-), foot

Pedoscope

hip bone

Pelvis

deficiency
Of or pertaining
to the penis
Denotes
something
relating to
digestion, or
the digestive
tract.
through
Denoting
something with a

osteopenia
Greek (peos)

Peotomy

Ancient Greek
(pepts)
cooked, digested
< (pss)
I boil, cook;
digest

Dyspepsia

Ancient Greek
- (peri-),

Periodontal
15

-pexy
phaco-

-phage, -phagia

phago-

-phagist:

-phagy
phallopharmaco-

position
'surrounding' or
'around' another
fixation
lens-shaped
Forms terms
denoting
conditions
relating to
eating or
ingestion
eating,
devouring
Forms nouns that
denote a person
who 'feeds on'
the first
element or part
of the word
Forms nouns that
denotes 'feeding
on' the first
element or part
of the word
phallus
drug, medication

pharyng(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the pharynx,
the upper throat
cavity

-phil(ia)

attraction for

phleb(o)-

phob(o)phon(o)-

phos-

Of or pertaining
to the (blood)
veins, a vein
exaggerated
fear,
sensitivity
sound
Of or pertaining
to light or its
chemical
properties, now
historic and
used rarely. See
the common root
phot(o)- below.

phot(o)-

Of or pertaining
to light

phren(i)-,
phren(o)-,
phrenico

diaphragm

-plasia
-plasty
-plegia

formation,
development
surgical repair,
reconstruction
paralysis

around
Nephropexy
Ancient Greek
(phaga)
eating <
(phagein) to eat

Sarcophagia

phagocyte
Ancient Greek

(phagists)
eater; see
-phagia

Lotophagis

Ancient Greek
(phagia)
eating; see
-phagia

Anthropophagy

Greek (phallos)
Ancient Greek
, (phrynx,
phryng-),
throat,
windpipe; chasm

Aphallia
pharmacology
Pharyngitis,
Pharyngoscopy
Hemophilia

Ancient Greek
, (phleps,
phlebo-), bloodvessel, vein

Phlebography,
Phlebotomy

arachnophobia

Ancient Greek
, (phs, pht-),
light

Phosphene

Ancient Greek
, (phs, pht-),
light

Photopathy

Phrenic nerve
Achondroplasia
rhinoplasty
paraplegia
16

pleur(o)-,
pleur(a)

Of or pertaining
to the ribs

-plexy

stroke or
seizure

pneum(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the lungs

pneumat(o)-

air, lung

pod-, -pod-,
-pus

Of or pertaining
to the foot,
-footed

-poiesis

production

poliopolypor(o)porphyr(o)-

post-

pre-

presby(o)prim-

pro-

proct(o)-

Denoting a grey
color
Denotes a
'plurality' of
something
pore, porous
Denotes a purple
color
Denotes
something as
'after' or
'behind' another
Denotes
something as
'before' another
(in [physical]
position or
time)
old age
Denotes
something as
'first' or
'most-important'
Denotes
something as
'before' another
(in [physical]
position or
time)
anus, rectum

prot(o)-

Denotes
something as
'first' or
'most-important'

psych(e)-,
psych(o)

Of or pertaining
to the mind

Latin (pleura) <

Ancient Greek

(pleurn), rib,
side of the body

Pleurogenous

Cataplexy
Ancient Greek
,
(pneumn,
pneumon-), lung
<
(pneuma), wind,
spirit

Pneumonocyte,
Pneumonia

Ancient Greek
, (pos, pod-),
foot

Podiatry
hematopoiesis

Ancient Greek
(polis),
grey
Ancient Greek
(polys),
much, many

Poliomyelitis
Polymyositis

Ancient Greek

(porphra),
purple

Porphyroblast

Latin (post),
after, behind

Postoperation,
Postmortem

Medieval Latin
(pre-) <
(Classical)
Latin (pr),
before, in front
of

Prematurity

Presbyopia
Latin (prmus),
first, most
important

Primary

Ancient Greek
(pro),
before, in front
of

Procephalic

proctology
Ancient Greek
(prtos),
first;
principle, most
important
Ancient Greek
(psych),
breath, life,

Protoneuron
Psychology,
Psychiatry
17

soul
-ptosis

-ptysis

falling,
downward
placement,
prolapse
(a spitting),
spitting,
hemoptysis, the
spitting of
blood derivied
from the lungs
or bronchial
tubes

pulmon-, pulmo-

Of or relating
to the lungs.

pyel(o)-

pelvis

pyopyro-

pus
fever

Apoptosis

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

pulmonary
Pyelonephritis
Pyometra
Antipyretic

Q
Prefix/suffix
quadr(i)-

Meaning

Origin language
and etymology

four

Example(s)
quadriceps

R
Prefix/suffix
rachi(o)radiorerect(o)ren(o)reticul(o)retrorhabd(o)-

Meaning
spine
radiation,
again, backward
rectum
Of or pertaining
to the kidney
net
backward, behind
rod shaped,
striated

rhin(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the nose

rhod(o)-

Denoting a rosered color

-rrhage
-rrhagia
-rrhaphy
-rrhea (AmE)
-rrhexis
-rrhoea (BrE)
rubr(o)-

burst forth
rapid flow of
blood
surgical
suturing
flowing,
discharge
rupture
flowing,
discharge
Of or pertaining
to the red
nucleus of the
brain

Origin language
and etymology

Latin (rnes),
kidney

Example(s)

Renal
retroverted

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

Rhinoceros

Rhodophyte
Hemorrhage

Galactorrhea
Diarrhoea
Latin (ruber),
red

Rubrospinal

18

S
Prefix/suffix

salping(o)-

sangui-,
sanguinesarcoschist(o)-

schiz(o)-

scler(o)scoli(o)-scope
-scopy
semisial(o)sigmoid(o)sinistr(o)sinus-sis
sitosomat(o)-,
somaticospasmosperma-,
spermo-,
spermatosplanchn(i)-,
splanchn(o)splen(o)-

spondyl(o)-

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

Meaning

Of or pertaining
to the fallopian
tubes
Of or pertaining
to blood
muscular,
fleshlike
split, cleft
Denoting
something
'split' or
'double-sided'
hardness
twisted
instrument for
viewing
use of
instrument for
viewing
one-half, partly
saliva, salivary
gland
sigmoid, sigmoid
colon
left, left side
Of or pertaining
to the sinus
condition of
food, grain

Origin language
and etymology
Ancient Greek
,
-,
(slpinx,
salpingo-)
trumpet
[literally]
Latin (sanguis,
sanguin-), blood

Salpingectomy

Greek

sarcoma

Greek (schistos)
Ancient Greek;
Irregular
formation of the
verb
(schizein), to
cut, split
Greek
Greek (skolios)
Greek

Example(s)

Sanguine

Schizophrenia

atherosclerosis
scoliosis
stethoscope
endoscopy

Latin
Greek (sialon)
Greek
Latin
Latin (sinus), a
curve, bend, bay
Greek

body, bodily

Greek

spasm

Greek

semen,
spermatozoa

Greek (sperma)

Sinusitis
osteoperosis

viscera
spleen
Of or pertaining
to the spine,
the vertebra
Denoting
something as
'full of scales'
or 'scaly'
stop, stand
dripping,
trickling
Denoting
something as

Splenectomy
Greek
/
,
(spndylos /
sphndylos), the
spine

Spondylitis

Latin
(sqmsus), full
of scales; scaly

Squama

Greek
Greek
Ancient Greek
(stenos),

Stenography
19

steth(o)-

stheno-

'narrow in
shape' or
pertaining to
narrow-ness
Of or pertaining
to the upper
chest, chest,
the area above
the breast and
under the neck
strength, force,
power

narrow; short

Ancient Greek

(stthos),
chest, cuirass

Stethoscope

stom(a)

mouth

Greek

stomatognathic
system

stomat(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the mouth

Ancient Greek
, (stma,
stomat-), mouth

Stomatogastric

-stomy

creation of an
opening

sub-

beneath

Latin

super-

in excess,
above, superior

Latin

supra-

above, excessive

Latin

sy(l)-, sym-,
syn-, sys-

Indicates
similarity,
likeness, or
being together;
Assimilates
before some
consonants:
before l to
syl-, s to sys-,
before a labial
to sym-.

Ancient Greek
- (syn),
with, together

colostomy
subcutaneous
tissue
superior vena
cava
supraorbital
vein

Synalgia,
Synesthesia,
Syssarcosis

T
Prefix/suffix

Meaning

tachy-

Denoting
something as
fast,
irregularly fast

-tension,
-tensive

blood pressure

thel(e)-,
thel(o)-

thelytherm(o)thorac(i)-,
thorac(o)-,
thoracico-

Of or pertaining
to a nipple
[uncommon as a
prefix]
Denoting
something as
'relating to a
woman, feminine'
heat
Of or pertaining
to the upper
chest, chest;
the area above
the breast and
under the neck

Origin language
and etymology
Ancient Greek
(tachys),
fast, quickly

Example(s)
Tachycardia
Hypertension

Ancient Greek
(thl), a
teat, nipple

Theleplasty

Ancient Greek
(thlys),
female, feminine

Thelygenous

Latin (thrx) <

Ancient Greek
(thrax),
chest, cuirass

Thorax

20

thromb(o)thyr(o)-tic
toco-tome
-tomy
tono-tony
top(o)tox(i)-,
tox(o)-, toxicotrache(o)-

Of or relating
to a blood clot,
clotting of
blood

Ancient Greek

(thrmbos),
lump, piece,
clot of blood

thyroid
pertaining to
childbirth
cutting
instrument
cutting
operation
tone, tension,
pressure
tension
place, topical

Thrombus,
Thrombocytopenia

Cystotomy

toxin, poison

Toxoplasmosis

trachea

trachel(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the neck

Ancient Greek

(trchlos),
neck

trans-

Denoting
something as
moving or
situated
'across' or
'through'

Latin (trns),
across, through

Transfusion

trich(i)-,
trichia,
trich(o)-

Of or pertaining
to hair, hairlike structure

Ancient Greek
, ()(trx,
trich(o)-), hair

Trichotomy

-tripsy

crushing

-trophy

tissue,

-trophy
tympan(o)-

Tracheotomy

Lithotripsy
Muscular
Dystrophy

nourishment,
development
eardrum

U
Prefix/suffix
-ula, -ule
ultra-

Meaning
small
beyond,
excessive

Origin language
and etymology
Latin

Example(s)
Nodule

Latin

umbilic-

Of or pertaining
to the navel,
the umbilicus

Latin
(umbilcus),
navel, bellybutton

Umbilical

ungui-

Of or pertaining
to the nail, a
claw

Latin (unguis),
nail, claw

Unguiform,
Ungual

un(i)-

one

Latin (unus)

ur(o)-

Of or pertaining
to urine, the
urinary system;
(specifically)
pertaining to
the
physiological

Ancient Greek
(ouron),
urine

Unilateral
hearing loss
Urology

21

uri(c)-, urico-

chemistry of
urine
uric acid

urin-

Of or pertaining
to urine, the
urinary system

Latin (rna),
urine < Ancient
Greek
(ouron), see
above.

Uriniferous

uter(o)-

Of or pertaining
to the uterus or
womb

Latin (uterus),
womb, uterus

Uterus

V
Prefix/suffix
vaginvaric(o)vas(o)vasculo-

ven-

ventr(o)vesic(o)-

viscer(o)-

Meaning
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

Example(s)
Vagina
varicose
vasoconstriction

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

Vein, Venospasm

Ventrodorsal
Vesica

Viscera

X
Prefix/suffix
xanth(o)xen(o)-

Meaning
Denoting a
yellow color, an
abnormally
yellow color
Foreign,
different

Origin language
and etymology
Ancient Greek

(xanths),
yellow
Greek (Xenos),
stranger

Example(s)
Xanthopathy
Xenograft

Y
Prefix/suffix
-y

Meaning

Origin language
and etymology

condition or
process of

Example(s)
Surgery

Z
Prefix/suffix
zo(o)-

Meaning
animal, animal

Origin language
and etymology
Greek

Example(s)

22

zym(o)-

life
fermentation,
enzyme

English meanings
This section contains lists of different root classification). 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
Greek Root
Digestion
-pepsia
Disease
-pathy
Eating
-phagia

Latin Root
-

Other Root
-

Roots of body parts and components

(Internal Anatomy, External Anatomy, Body Fluids, Body Substances)
Body
Greek Root
Latin Root
Other Root
Part/Component
abdomen
lapar(o)abdominaorta
aort(o)aort(o)arm
brachi(o)armpit
axillartery
arteri(o)back
dorsbig toe
allicbladder
cyst(o)vesic(o)haemat-, hematsangui-,
blood
(haem-, hem-)
sanguineblood clot
thromb(o)blood vessel
angi(o)vascul-, vasbody
somat-, somcorporbone
oste(o)ossibone marrow,
myel(o)medullmarrow
brain
encephal(o)cerebr(o)breast
mast(o)mamm(o)chest
steth(o)cheek
buccear
ot(o)aureggs, ova
ooovoptic(o)
eye
ophthalm(o)ocul(o)[French]
eyelid
blephar(o)cili-; palpebrface
faci(o)fallopian tubes
salping(o)fat, fatty
lip(o)adiptissue
finger
dactyl(o)digitforehead
front(o)gallbladder
cholecyst(o)fellgenitals,
gon(o)-,
sexually
phall(o)undifferentiated
gland
aden(o)glans penis or
balan(o)clitoridis
23

gums
hair

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-)

gingivcapill-

manu-

capit(o)cordicoxcornurengenu-

labi(o)-

jecor-

loins, pubic
region

episi(o)-

pudend-

lungs

pneumon-

pulmon(i)(pulmo-)

myel(o)-

medull-

psychstomat(o)my(o)onych(o)omphal(o)trachel(o)-

mentorunguiumbiliccervic-

neur(o)-

nerv-

hand
head
heart
hip, hip-joint
horn
intestine
jaw
kidney
knee
lip
liver

marrow, bone
marrow
mind
mouth
muscle
nail
navel
neck
nerve; the
nervous system
nipple, teat

thele-

nose
ovary
pelvis
penis
pupil (of the
eye)
rib

rhin(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)-

rib cage
shoulder
sinus
skin
skull
stomach
testis
throat (upper
throat cavity)
throat (lower
throat
cavity/voice
box])
thumb
tooth
tongue
toe
tumour
ureter

papill-,
mammillnasovari(o)pelv(i)-

cost(o)-

humer(o)sinus-

cut-, cuticul-

ventr(o)-

pharyng(o)-

laryng(o)-

odont(o)gloss-, glottdactyl(o)cel-, onc(o)ureter(o)-

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

24

urethr(o)-,
urethr(a)-

urethr(o)-,
urethr(a)-

ur(o)-

urin(o)-

sarping(o)hyster(o)-,
metr(o)colp(o)phleb(o)episi(o)hyster(o)-,
metr(o)carp(o)-

sarping(o)-

uter(o)-

vaginvenvulv-

uter(o)-

carp(o)-

black
blue
gray, grey
green

Greek Root in
English
melanocyanopoliochlor(o)-

purple

porphyr(o)-

Latin Root in
English
nigrvirpurpur-,
purpureorub-, rubr-

albflav-

jaun - [French]

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

red
red-yellow
white
yellow

erythr(o)-,
rhod(o)cirrh(o)leuc-, leukxanth(o)-

Roots of Description [Size, Shape, Strength, etc.]

Greek Root in
Latin Root in
Description
English
English
bad, incorrect
cac(o)-, dysmal(e)bent, crooked
ankyl(o)prav(i)big
mega-, megal(o)- magn(i)biggest
megistmaximbroad, wide
eurylat(i)cold
cry(o)frigdead
necr(o)mortequal
is(o)equ(i)false
pseud(o)fals(i)female, feminine thelyflat
platyplan(i)good, well
euben(e)-, bon(i)great
mega-, megal(o)- magn(i)hard
scler(o)dur(i)heavy
bar(o)grav(i)hollow
coel(o)cavhuge
megal(o)magn(i)incorrect, bad
cac(o)-, dysmal(e)large; extremely
megamagn(i)large
largest
megistmaximlong
macr(o)long(i)male, masculine
arsenovirnarrow
sten(o)angust(i)new
neonov(i)normal, correct;
orth(o)rectstraight
old
paleovetersharp
oxyac-

Other Root

Other Root
25

short
small
smallest
slow
fast
soft
straight,
normal, correct
thick
varied, various
well, good
wide, broad

brachymicr(o)bradytachymalac(o)-

brev(i)parv(i)- (rare)
minimtard(i)celermoll(i)-

orth(o)-

rect(i)-

pachypoikiloeueury-

crass(i)variben(e)lat(i)-

Greek Root in
English
perimes(o)dexi(o)peri-

Latin Root in
English
circumsinistrmedidextr(o)circum-

Roots of Position
Description
around
left
middle
right
surrounding

Roots of quantity (Amount, Quantity)

Greek Root in
Latin Root in
Description
English
English
double
diplodupliequal
isoequifew
oligopaucihalf
hemisemimany, much
polymultitwice
disbis-

Other Root
-

Other Root
demi- (French)
-

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