This document provides a list of medical prefixes with their meanings and origin languages. It includes prefixes from Ancient Greek, Latin, and other languages that are commonly used in medical terminology today. Each entry includes the prefix, its meaning, the origin language and etymology, and examples of medical terms that incorporate that prefix. In total, over 100 prefixes are defined.
This document provides a list of medical prefixes with their meanings and origin languages. It includes prefixes from Ancient Greek, Latin, and other languages that are commonly used in medical terminology today. Each entry includes the prefix, its meaning, the origin language and etymology, and examples of medical terms that incorporate that prefix. In total, over 100 prefixes are defined.
This document provides a list of medical prefixes with their meanings and origin languages. It includes prefixes from Ancient Greek, Latin, and other languages that are commonly used in medical terminology today. Each entry includes the prefix, its meaning, the origin language and etymology, and examples of medical terms that incorporate that prefix. In total, over 100 prefixes are defined.
etymology a-, an- not, without Ancient Greek ἀ-/ἀλ- (a- Analgesic, apathy /an-), not, without ab- from; away from Latin Abduction abdomin(o)- Of or relating to Latin abdōmen, abdomen, Abdomen the abdomen fat around the belly -ac, -acal pertaining to Greek -αθόο (-akos) cardiac, hydrophobiac acanth(o)- thorn or spine Ancient acanthion, acanthocyte, acanthoma, acanthulus Greek ἄθαλζα (akantha), thorn acous(io)- Of or relating Greek ἀθνπζηηθόο acoumeter, acoustician to hearing (acoustikos), of or for hearing acr(o)- extremity, Greek ἄθξνλ (akron), Acrocrany, acromegaly, acroosteolysis,acroposthia topmost highest or farthest point -acusis hearing Greek ἀθνπζηηθόο paracusis (acoustikos), of or for hearing -ad toward, in the dorsad direction of ad- at, increase, on, Latin Adduction toward aden(o)-, Of or relating to Ancient Greek ἀδήλ, ἀδέλ- Adenocarcinoma, adenology, adenotome,adenotyphus aden(i)- a gland (adēn, aden-), an acorn; agland adip(o)- Of or relating Latin (adeps, adip-), fat Adipocyte to fat or fatty tissue adren(o)- Of or relating Latin adrenal artery to adrenal glands -aemia (BrE) blood condition Greek ἀλαηκία, without Anaemia blood aer(o)- air, gas Greek ἀήξ, ἀέξνο Aerosinusitis aesthesio- sensation Greek αἴζζεζηο Anesthesia (BrE) -al pertaining to Latin -alis abdominal, femoral alb- Denoting a white Latin albus, white Albino or pale color alge(si)- pain Greek ἄιγνο Analgesic -algia,alg(i)o- pain Greek Myalgia all(o)- Denoting Ancient Alloantigen, allopathy something as Greek ἄιινο (allos), different, or as an another, other addition ambi- Denoting Latin (ambi-, ambo), both, Ambidextrous something as on both sides positioned on both sides; describing both of two amni- Pertaining to the Greek ἄκληνλ Amniocentesis membranous fetal sac (amnion) amph(i)-, on both sides Greek ἀκθί (amphi) Amphicrania, amphismela, amphomycin an- not, without Greek Analgesia ana- back, again, up Greek Anaplasia an- anus Latin anal andr(o)- pertaining to Greek ἀλήξ, ἀλδξ- Android, andrology, androgen a man angi(o)- blood vessel Greek ἀγγεῖνλ Angiogram aniso- Describing Ancient Greek ἄλῑζνο Anisocytosis, anisotropic something as (anīsos), unequal unequal ankyl(o)- Denoting Ancient Greek ἀγθύινο Ankylosis ,ancyl(o)- something as (ankýlos), crooked, curved crooked or bent ante- Describing Latin (āntē), before, in antepartum something as front of positioned in front of another thing anti- Describing Ancient Greek αληη (anti), Antibody, antipsychotic something as against 'against' or 'opposed to' another apo- away, separated Ancient Greek ἀπό Apoptosis from, derived from arch- first, primitive Ancient Greek archinephron arsen(o)- Of or pertaining Greek (arsein) arsenoblast to a male; masculine arteri(o)- Of or pertaining Ancient Arteriole, artery to an artery Greek ἀξηεξία (artēría), a wind-pipe, artery (used distinctly versus a vein) arthr(o)- Of or pertaining Ancient Greek αξζξνο Arthritis to the joints, (arthros), a joint, limb limbs articul(o)- joint Latin articulus Articulation -ary pertaining to Latin -arius biliary tract -ase enzyme Greek δηάζηασις, division Lactase -asthenia weakness Greek, ἀζζέλεηα Myasthenia gravis atel(o)- imperfect or atelocardia incomplete development ather(o)- fatty deposit, soft Atherosclerosis gruel-like deposit -ation process Latin medication atri(o)- an atrium (esp. Latin atrioventricular heart atrium) aur(i)- Of or pertaining Latin (auris), the ear Aural to the ear aut(o)- self Greek αὐην- Autoimmune aux(o)- increase; growth Auxocardia : enlargement of the heart, Auxology axill- Of or pertaining Latin (axilla), armpit Axilla to the armpit (uncommon as a prefix) azo(to)- nitrogenous azothermia : raised temperature due to nitrogenous compound substances in blood B Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) bacteri(o)- Pertaining to bacteria Latin ("bacterium"); Greek βαθηήξηνλ ("baktḗrion"), Bacteriophage, Bactericide “small staff” balano- Of the glans penis or glans Greek βάιαλνο (bálanos), acorn, glans Balanitis clitoridis bas(o)- Of or pertaining to base Greek βάζηο (básis), "foundation", "base" Basolateral bi- twice, double Latin Binary bio- life Ancient Greek βίνο (bíos) Biology blast(o)- germ or bud Greek βιαζηόο (blastós) Blastomere blephar(o)- Of or pertaining to the eyelid Ancient Greek βιέθαξνλ (blépharon), eyelid Blepharoplast brachi(o)- Of or relating to the arm Latin (bracchium), from Ancient Brachium of inferior Greek βξαρίσλ (brachiōn), arm colliculus brachy- Indicating 'short' or less Ancient Greek βξαρύο (brachys), short, little, brachycephalic commonly 'little' shallow brady- 'slow' Ancient Greek βξαδύο (bradys), slow Bradycardia bronch(i)- of or relating to the bronchus Latin (bronchus); Ancient Greek βξόγρνο Bronchitis, bronchiolitis (brónkhos), windpipe obliterans bucc(o)- Of or pertaining to the cheek Latin (bucca), cheek Buccolabial burs(o)- bursa (fluid sac between the Latin (bursa), purse; Ancient Bursa, bursitis bones) Greek βύξζα (búrsa), hide, wine-skin C Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) capill- Of or pertaining to Latin (capillus), hair Capillus hair capit- Pertaining to the Latin (caput, capit-), the head Capitation head (as a whole) carcin(o)- cancer Greek θαξθίλνο (karkinos), crab Carcinoma cardi(o)- Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek θαξδία (kardía), heart Cardiology the heart carp(o)- Of or pertaining to Latin (carpus) < Ancient Greek θαξπόο Carpopedal the wrist (karpós), wrist; NOTE: This root should not be confused with the mirror root carp(o)- meaning fruit. cata- down, under Greek θαηά (kata) Cataract, catabolism -cele pouching, hernia Ancient Greek θήιε (kēlē) Hydrocele, Varicocele -centesis surgical puncture Ancient Greek θέληεζηο (kentēsis) Amniocentesis for aspiration cephal(o)- Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek θεθαιή (képhalē), the Cephalalgy,hydrocephalus the head (as a head whole) cerat(o)- Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek θέξαο, θεξαη- (kéras, Ceratoid the cornu; a horn kerat-), a horn cerebell(o)- Of or pertaining to Latin (cerebellum), little brain Cerebellum the cerebellum cerebr(o)- Of or pertaining to Latin (cerebrum), brain Cerebrology the brain cervic- Of or pertaining to Latin (cervix, cervīc-), neck, cervix Cervicodorsal the neck, the cervix chem(o)- chemistry, drug Greek ρεκεία Chemotherapy chir(o)-, Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek ρείξ, ρεηξν- (cheir, Chiropractor cheir(o)- the hand cheiro-), hand chlor(o)- Denoting a green Ancient Greek ρισξόο (chloros), Chlorophyll color green, yellow-green chol(e)- Of or pertaining Ancient Greek ρνιή (cholē), bile Cholaemia (UK)/Cholemia (US),Cholecystitis to bile cholecyst(o)- Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek ρνιεθύζηηο Cholecystectomy the gallbladder (cholēkýstis), gallbladder < ρνιή (cholē), bile, gall + θύζηηο (kýstis), bladder chondr(i)o- cartilage, gristle, Ancient Greek ρνλδξόο (chondros) Chondrocalcinosis granule, granular chrom(ato)- color Ancient Greek ρξῶκα (chrōma) Hemochromatosis -cidal, -cide killing, destroying Latin bacteriocidal cili- Of or pertaining to Latin (cilium), eyelash; eyelid Ciliary the cilia, the eyelashes; eyelids circum- Denoting something Latin (circum), around Circumcision as 'around' another cis- on this side Latin (cis) clast break Greek θιαζηόο "broken" osteoclast clostr- spindle Greek θισζηήξ (klōstēr) Clostridium difficile co- with, together, in Latin coenzymes association col-, colo-, colon θόινλ (kólon) Colonoscopy colono- colp(o)- Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek θόιπνο (kólpos), Colposcopy the vagina bosom, womb; hollow, depth com- with, together Latin contra against Latin Contraindicate cor- with, together Latin cor-, core-, Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek θόξε (kórē), girl, doll; Corectomy coro- eye's pupil pupil of the eye cordi- Of or pertaining to Latin (cor, cordi-), heart Commotio cordis the heart (uncommon as a prefix) cornu- Applied to Latin (cornū), horn Greater cornu processes and parts of the body describing them likened or similar to horns coron(o)- crown Latin corōna (“garland, crown”) coronary cost(o)- Of or pertaining to Latin (costa), rib Costochondral the ribs cox- Of or relating to the Latin (coxa), hip Coxopodite hip, haunch, or hip- joint crani(o)- Belonging or Latin (cranium) < Ancient Craniology relating to Greek θξᾱλίνλ (krānion), the cranium, the cranium skull, bones enclosing the brain -crine, to secrete εθθξίλεη ecrine Endocrine crin(o) cry(o)- cold Greek θξύνο Cryoablation cutane- skin Latin cutis Subcutaneous cyan(o)- Denotes a blue Ancient Greek θύαλνο, θπάλενο Cyanopsia color (kýanos, kyáneos), blue cycl- circle, cycle Greek θύθινο (kuklos) cyph(o)- Denotes something Ancient Greek θπθόο (kȳphós), bent, Cyphosis as bent (uncommon hunchback as a prefix) cyst(o)-, Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek θύζηηο θύζηηο (kýstis); Cystotomy cyst(i)- the urinary bladder bladder, cyst cyt(o)-, -cyte cell Greek θύηνο Cytokine, leukocyte D Affix Meaning Origin language and Example(s) etymology dacry(o)- Of or pertaining to tears Greek δάθξπ, tear Dacryoadenitis, dacryocystitis -dactyl(o)- Of or pertaining to a Ancient dactylology, polydactyly finger, toe Greek δάθηπινο (dáktylos), finger, toe de- from, down, or not Latin de- dehydrate dent- Of or pertaining to teeth Latin (dens, dentis), tooth Dentist dermat(o)- Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek δέξκα, Dermatology, epidermis, hypodermic, xeroderma , derm(o)- skin δέξκαηνο (dérma, dérmat-), skin, human skin -desis binding Greek δέζηο (désis) arthrodesis dextr(o)- right, on the right side Latin dexter Dextrocardia di- two Greek δη- Diplopia di- apart, separation Latin dilation, distal dia- through, during, across Ancient Greek δηά (diá), dialysis through, during, across dif- apart, separation Latin different digit- Of or pertaining to the Latin (digitus), finger, toe Digit finger [rare as a root] diplo- twofold Greek δηπιόνο (diplóos) diploid, diplosis -dipsia suffix meaning Greek δίςα (dípsa) dipsomania, hydroadipsia,oligodipsia, polydipsia "(condition of) thirst"' dis- separation, taking apart Latin dis- Dissection dors(o)-, Of or pertaining to the Latin (dorsum), back dorsal, dorsocephalad dors(i)- back dromo- running, conduction, Greek δξόκνο (drómos) Dromotropic, syndrome course duodeno- duodenum, twelve: Latin duodeni Duodenal atresia upper part of the small intestine (twelve inches long on average), connects to the stomach dynam(o)- force, energy, power Greek δύλακηο (dúnamis) Hand strength dynamometer -dynia pain Vulvodynia dys- bad, difficult, defective, Greek δπζ- (dus-) dysentery, dysphagia, dysphasia abnormal E Affix Meaning Origin language and Example(s) etymology -eal pertaining to Latin adenohypophyseal, corneal,esophageal, perineal ec- out, away Greek ἐθ- (ek-) Ectopia, ectopic pregnancy ect(o)- outer, outside Greek ἐθηόο (ektós) Ectoblast, ectoderm -ectasia, - expansion, dilation Ancient Greek ἔθηαζηο Bronchiectasis, telangiectasia ectasis (éktasis) -ectomy Denotes a surgical Ancient Greek ἐθηνκή Mastectomy operation or removal of (ektomḗ), excision a body part. Resection, excision -emesis vomiting condition Greek ἕκεζηο (émesis) Hematemesis -emia blood condition (Am Greek ἀλ-αηκία, without blood Anemia Engl) encephal(o)- Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek ἐγθέθαινο Encephalogram brain. Also see (enképhalos), the brain Cerebro. endo- Denotes something as ἐλδν- (endo-), inside, internal Endocrinology, endospore 'inside' or 'within' eosin(o)- Red Ancient Greek Eos, the Eosinophil granulocyte Greek word for 'dawn' and the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn. enter(o)- Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek ἔληεξνλ Gastroenterology intestine (énteron), intestine epi- on, upon Ancient Greek ἐπη- (epi-), Epicardium, epidermis, epidural,episclera, epistaxis before, upon, on, outside, outside of episi(o)- Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek ἐπίζηνλ- Episiotomy pubic region, the loins (epísion), the pubic area, loins; vulva erythr(o)- Denotes a red color Ancient Greek ἐξπζξόο Erythrocyte (erythrós), red - gullet (AmE) Greek νἰζνθάγνο Esophagus esophageal, (oisophágos) -esophago- esthesio- sensation (AmE) Greek αἴζζεζηο (aisthēsis) Esthesia eu- true, good, well, new εὖ (eû) Eukaryote ex- out of, away from Latin Excision exo- Denotes something as Ancient Greek ἐμσ- (exo-), Exophthalmos, exoskeleton 'outside' another outside of, external extra- outside Latin Extradural hematoma F Affix Meaning Origin language and Example(s) etymology faci(o)- Of or pertaining to the face Latin faciēs, the face, Facioplegic countenance fibr- fiber Latin fibra, fiber, filament, fibril, fibrin, fibrinous [1] entrails pericarditis, fibroblast filli- fine, hair-like Latin (filum), thread -form Used to form adjectives indicating 'having the Latin (forma), form, shape cruciform, cuneiform, falciform form of' fore- before or ahead foregut fossa A hollow or depressed area; trench or Latin (fossa), ditch, pit fossa ovalis channel front- Of or pertaining to the forehead Latin (frōns, front-), the frontonasal forehead G Affix Meaning Origin language and Example(s) etymology galact(o)- milk Greek γάια, γαιαθη- Galactorrhea gastr(o)- Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek γαζηήξ Gastric bypass the stomach (gastēr), γαζηξ-, stomach, belly -gen (1) Denotes the Ancient Greek -γελήο (- (1) Endogen; (2) Heterogenous sense 'born in, genēs), from γελ-λάεηλ from' (2) Denotes (gen-náein), to be born the sense 'of a certain kind' -genic Formative, Greek Cardiogenic shock pertaining to producing genu- Of or pertaining to Latin (genū), knee Genu valgum the knee -geusia Taste Ancient Ageusia, dysgeusia, hypergeusia,hypogeusia, parageusia Greek γεῦζηο (geusis) gingiv- Of or pertaining to Latin gingīva, gum Gingivitis the gums glauc(o)- Denoting a grey or Ancient Glaucoma bluish-grey colour Greek γιαπθόο (glaukos), grey, bluish-grey gloss(o)- Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek γιῶζζα, Glossology , glott(o)- the tongue γιῶηηα (glōssa, glōtta), tongue gluco- sweet Greek γιπθόο, sweet Glucocorticoid glyc(o)- sugar Ancient Greek Glycolysis gnath(o)- Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek γλάζνο Gnathodynamometer the jaw (gnáthos), jaw -gnosis knowledge Greek diagnosis, prognosis gon(o)- seed, semen; also, Ancient Greek γόλνο Gonorrhea reproductive -gram, - record or picture Greek γξάκκα (gramma) Angiogram gramme -graph instrument used to Ancient Greek -γξαθία (- Electrocardiograph record data or graphía), written, drawn, picture graphic interpretation -graphy process of Ancient Greek Angiography recording gyno- woman Greek γπλή, γπλαηθ- Gynecomastia , gynaeco- (BrE),gyneco- (AmE) H Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) halluc- to wander in mind Classical Latin to wander in mind Hallucinosis hemat-, haemato- Of or pertaining to blood Latin (hæma) < Ancient Greek αἵκα, Hematology, older (haem-, hem-) αἱκαη- (haima, haimat-), blood formHaematology hema- or hemo- blood (AmE) Greek Hemal, Hemoglobin hemangi or blood vessels Hemangioma hemangio- hemi- one-half Ancient Greek ἡκη- (hēmi-), "half" Cerebral hemisphere hepat- (hepatic-) Of or pertaining to the liver Ancient Greek ἥπαξ, ἡπαην- (hēpar, Hepatology hēpato-), the liver heter(o)- Denotes something as 'the other' (of Ancient Greek ἕηεξνο (héteros), the Heterogeneous two), as an addition, or different other (of two), another; different hidr(o)- sweat Greek ἱδξση- Hyperhidrosis hist(o)-, histio- tissue Greek ἱζηόο Histology home(o)- similar Ancient Greek ὅκνηνο (homoios) Homeopathy hom(o)- Denotes something as 'the same' as Ancient Greek ὁκν- (homo-), the Homosexuality another or common same, common humer(o)- Of or pertaining to the shoulder (or Incorrect Etymology < Latin (umerus), Humerus [rarely] the upper arm) shoulder hydr(o)- water Greek ὕδσξ Hydrophobe hyper- Denotes something as 'extreme' or Ancient Greek ὑπέξ (hyper), over, Hypertension 'beyond normal' above; beyond, to the extreme hyp(o)- Denotes something as 'below normal' Ancient Greek ὑπ(ν)- (hypo-), below, Hypovolemia, under hyster(o)- Of or pertaining to the womb, the Ancient Greek ὑζηέξα (hystéra), Hysterectomy, Hysteria uterus womb I Affix Meaning Origin language and Example(s) etymology -i-asis condition, formation, or presence of Greek -ίαζηο Mydriasis iatr(o)- Of or pertaining to medicine, or a physician [uncommon as a Ancient Greek ἰᾱηξόο Iatrochemistry prefix; common as a suffix, see -iatry] (iātrós), healer, physician -iatry Denotes a field in medicine of a certain body component Ancient Greek ἰᾱηξόο Podiatry, Psychiatry (iātrós), healer, physician -ic pertaining to Greek -ηθόο (-ikos) Hepatic artery -icle small Latin Ovarian follicle -ics organized knowledge, treatment Latin -ica < Greek < -ηθά Obstetrics idio- self, one's own Greek ἴδηνο, idios, "one's Idiopathic own" ileo- ileum Greek ἰιεόο Ileocecal valve infra- below Latin Infrahyoid muscles inter- between, among Latin Interarticular ligament intra- within Latin intramural ipsi- same Latin Ipsilateral irid(o)- iris Greek ἴξηο Iridectomy isch- restriction Greek ἴζρσ Ischemia ischio- Of or pertaining to the ischium, the hip-joint Ancient Greek ἰζρηόλ Ischioanal fossa (ischión), hip-joint, ischium -ism condition, disease Dwarfism -ismus spasm, contraction Greek -ηζκόο Hemiballismus iso- Denoting something as being 'equal' Ancient Greek ἴζνο (ísos), Isotonic equal -ist one who specializes in Greek -ηζηήο (-istes) Pathologist -ite the nature of, resembling Greek -ίηεο Hermaphrodite -itis inflammation Tonsillitis -ium structure, tissue pericardium J Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) Juxta (iuxta) Near to, alongside or next to Latin Juxtaglomerular apparatus K Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) kal- potassium Hyperkalemia karyo- nucleus Greek θάξπνλ, "nut" Eukaryote kerat(o)- cornea (eye or skin) Greek Keratoscope kin(e)-, kin(o), kinesi(o)- movement Greek θηλέσ Kinesthesia koil(o)- hollow Greek θνῖινο (koilos) Koilocyte kyph(o)- humped Greek θπθόο Kyphoscoliosis L Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) labi(o)- Of or pertaining to the lip Latin (labium), lip Labiodental lacrim(o)- tear Latin Lacrimal canaliculi lact(i)-, milk Latin Lactation lact(o) lapar(o)- Of or pertaining to the abdomen-wall, flank Ancient Greek ιαπάξᾱ (lapárā), Laparotomy flank laryng(o)- Of or pertaining to the larynx, the lower throat Ancient Greek ιάξπγμ, ιαξπγγ- Larynx cavity where the voice box is (lárynx, laryng-), throat, gullet latero- lateral Latin Lateral pectoral nerve lei(o)- smooth Greek ιεῖνο Leiomyoma -lepsis, - attack, seizure Greek ιῆςηο Epilepsy, narcolepsy lepsy lept(o)- light, slender Greek ιεπηόο (leptos) Leptomeningeal leuc(o)-, Denoting a white color Ancient Greek ιεπθόο (leukos), Leukocyte leuk(o)- white, bright lingu(a)-, Of or pertaining to the tongue Latin (lingua), tongue Linguistics lingu(o)- lip(o)- fat Greek ιίπνο (lipos) Liposuction lith(o)- stone, calculus Greek ιίζνο (lithos) Lithotripsy log(o)- speech Greek ιόγνο (logos) -logist Denotes someone who studies a certain field: Ancient Greek ινγηζηήο (logistēs), Oncologist,pathologist _____-logy; a specialist; one who treats studier, practitioner -logy Denotes the academic study or practice of a Ancient Greek ιόγoο (logos) study hematology, urology certain field; The study of lymph(o)- lymph Greek ιέκθνο, ιύκθε Lymphedema lys(o)-, - dissolution Greek Lysosome lytic -lysis Destruction, separation Greek ιύζηο Paralysis M Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) macr(o)- large, long Greek καθξόο Macrophage -malacia softening Greek καιαθία Osteomalacia mamm(o)- Of or pertaining to the breast Latin (mamma), breast; udder Mammogram mammill(o)- Of or pertaining to the nipple Latin mammilla, nipple mammillaplasty, mammillitis manu- Of or pertaining to the hand Latin (manus), hand Manufacture mast(o)- Of or pertaining to the breast Ancient Greek καζηόο (mastós), breast, Mastectomy women's breast; man's pectoral muscle meg(a)-, enlargement, million Greek κέγαο Splenomegaly, megal(o)-, - megameter megaly melan(o)- black color Ancient Greek κέιαο, κειαλν- (melas, Melanin melano-), black; dark melos extremity Ancient Greek κέινο erythromelalgia mening(o)- membrane Greek κῆληγμ, κεληγγ- Meningitis men(o)- month, menstrual cycle Ancient Greek κήλ (mḗn), month menopause,menorrhagia, mero- part Greek κέξνο (meros), part merocrine, meroblastic mes(o)- middle Ancient Greek κέζνο (mesos), "middle" Mesoderm meta- after, beyond or change Greek κεηά Metacarpus -meter instrument used to measure or Greek κέηξνλ Sphygmomanometer count -metry process of measuring Greek -κεηξία Optometry metr(o)- Pertaining to conditions or Ancient Greek κήηξᾱ (mētrā), womb, uterus Metrorrhagia instruments of the uterus micro- denoting something as small, or Ancient Greek κηθξόο (mikros), small Microscope relating to smallness, millionth milli- thousandth Latin mille, thousand milliliter mon(o)- single Greek κνλόο (monos) Infectious mononucleosis morph(o)- form, shape Greek κνξθή (morphē) Morphology muscul(o)- muscle Latin Musculoskeletal system my(o)- Of or relating to muscle Ancient Greek κῦο, κπ- (mys, my-), muscle; Myoblast mouse; mussel myc(o)- fungus Greek κύθεο, κπθεη- Onychomycosis myel(o)- Of or relating to bone marrow or Ancient Greek κπειόλ (myelon), marrow; Myeloblast spinal cord bone-marrow myl(o)- Of or relating to molar teeth or Greek (myle) Mylohyoid nerve lower jaw myri- ten thousand Ancient Greek κύξηνη (mýrioi), myriad myriad myring(o)- eardrum Latin myringa Myringotomy myx(o)- mucus Greek κύμα Myxoma N Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) narc(o)- numb, sleep Greek λάξθε narcolepsy nas(o)- Of or pertaining to the nose Latin (nāsum), nose nasal necr(o)- death Greek λεθξόο Necrosis, necrotizing fasciitis neo- new Greek λένο Neoplasm nephr(o)- Of or pertaining to the kidney Ancient Greek λεθξόο (nephrós), Nephrology kidney nerv- Of or pertaining to nerves and the nervous Latin (nervus), tendon; nerve; Nerve, nervous system [Uncommon as a root: neuro- mostly Cognate with the Greek λεπξνλ system always used] (neuron) (see below) neur(i)-, Of or pertaining to nerves and the nervous Ancient Greek λεῦξνλ (neuron), Neurofibromatosis neur(o)- system tendon, sinew; nerve normo- normal Latin Normocapnia O Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) ocul(o)- Of or pertaining to the Latin (oculus), the eye Oculist eye odont(o)- Of or pertaining to Ancient Greek ὀδνύο, ὀδνλη- (odoús, odont- orthodontist teeth ), tooth odyn(o)- pain Greek ὀδύλε stomatodynia -oesophageal, gullet Greek νἰζνθάγνο oesophagus oesophago- (BrE) -oid resemblance to Greek -νεηδήο Sarcoidosis ole small or little Latin olig(o)- Denoting something Ancient Greek ὀιίγνο (oligos), few Oligotrophy as 'having little, having few' om(o)- shoulder Ancient Greek ὠκόο (ōmos), shoulder Omoplate - tumor, mass, fluid Greek -σκα Sarcoma, teratoma oma (singular), - collection omata (plural) omphal(o)- Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek ὀκθαιόο (omphalós), navel, Omphalotomy navel, theumbilicus belly-button onco- tumor, bulk, volume Greek ὄγθνο Oncology -one hormone onych(o)- Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek ὄλπμ, ὀλπρν- (ónyx, ónycho-), Onychophagy nail (of a finger or toe) nail; claw; talon oo- Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek ᾠόλ, ᾠν- (ōón, ōo-), egg, Oogenesis an (egg), a woman's ovum egg, the ovum oophor(o)- Of or pertaining to the Neoclassical Greek ᾠνθόξνλ (ōophóron), Oophorectomy woman's (ovary) ovary, egg-bearing ophthalm(o)- Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek ὀθζαικόο (ophthalmós), the Ophthalmology (eye) eye optic(o)- Of or relating to Middle French (optique) < Greek ὀπηηθόο Opticochemical, biopsy chemical properties of (optikós); ώς (opsi), vision. Cognate with the eye Latin oculus, relating to the eye or(o)- Of or pertaining to the Latin (ōs, or-), mouth Oral mouth -or one who orchi(o)-, testis Greek ὀξρηο (orkhis, orkhi-) Orchiectomy, orchidectomy orchid(o)-, orch(o)- orth(o)- Denoting something Ancient Greek ὀξζόο (orthós), straight, Orthodontist as straight or correct correct, normal -osis a condition, disease Greek -σζηο Harlequin type or increase ichthyosis,psychosis, osteoporosis osse- bony Latin Osseous ossi- bone Latin Peripheral ossifying fibroma ost(e)-, oste(o)- bone Greek ὀζηένλ Osteoporosis ot(o)- Of or pertaining to the Ancient Greek νὖο, ὠη- (ous, ōt-), the ear Otology ear -ous pertaining to Latin -osus ovari(o)- Of or pertaining to the Latin (ōvarium), ovary Ovariectomy ovaries ovo-, ovi-, ov- Of or pertaining to the Latin (ōvum), egg, ovum Ovogenesis eggs, the ovum oxo- addition of oxygen Greek ὀμύο oxy- sharp, acid, acute, Greek ὀμύο(oxus) oxygen P Affix Meaning Origin language and Example(s) etymology pachy- thick Greek παρύο pachyderma palpebr- Of or pertaining to the Latin (palpebra), eyelid Palpebra eyelid [uncommon as a root] pan-, Denoting something as 'complete' Ancient Greek πᾶο, παλ- (pas, panophobia, panopticon pant(o)- or containing 'everything' pan-), all, every papill- Of or pertaining to the nipple (of Latin (papilla), nipple; diminutive papillitis the chest/breast) of papula (see below) papul(o)- Indicates papulosity, a small Latin (papula), pimple, pustle; a Papulation elevation or swelling in the skin, a small elevation or swelling in the pimple, swelling skin para- alongside of, abnormal Ancient Greek παξά (para) paracyesis -paresis slight paralysis Greek πάξεζηο hemiparesis parvo- small Latin parvus Parvovirus path(o)- disease Greek πάζνο Pathology -pathy Denotes (with a negative sense) a Ancient Greek πάζνο (pathos), sociopathy, neuropathy disease, or disorder suffering, accident pauci- Few Latin paucus Pauci-immune pector- breast Latin pectus pectoralgia,pectoriloquy,pectorophony ped-, -ped-, Of or pertaining to the foot; - Latin pēs, pēd-, foot Pedoscope -pes footed ped-, pedo- Of or pertaining to the child Ancient Greek παηδόο, child pediatrics. pedophilia pelv(i)-, hip bone Latin Pelvis pelv(o)- -penia deficiency Greek πελία osteopenia peo- Of or pertaining to the penis Greek πένο (peos) Peotomy -pepsia Denotes something relating to Ancient Greek πεπηόο (peptós) Dyspepsia digestion, or the digestive tract. cooked, digested < πέζζσ (péssō) I boil, cook; digest per- through Latin peri- Denoting something with a Ancient Greek πεξί (peri), Periodontal position 'surrounding' or 'around' around another -pexy fixation Greek πῆμηο Nephropexy phaco- lens-shaped Greek θαθόο phacolysis, phacometer, phacoscotoma -phage, - Forms terms denoting conditions Ancient Greek θαγία (phagía) Sarcophagia phagia relating to eating or ingestion eating < θαγεῖλ (phagein) to eat -phago- eating, devouring Greek -θάγνο phagocyte phagist- Forms nouns that denote a Ancient Greek θαγηζηήο Lotophagi person who 'feeds on' the first (phagistēs) eater; see -phagia element or part of the word -phagy Forms nouns that denotes Ancient Greek θαγία (phagia) hematophagy 'feeding on' the first element or eating; see -phagia part of the word phallo- phallus Greek θαιιόο (phallos) Aphallia pharmaco- drug, medication Greek θάξκαθνλ pharmacology pharyng(o)- Of or pertaining to the pharynx, Ancient Greek θάξπγμ, θαξπγγ- Pharyngitis,Pharyngoscopy the upper throat cavity (phárynx, pháryng-), throat, windpipe; chasm -phil(ia) attraction for Greek θηιία Hemophilia phleb(o)- Of or pertaining to the (blood) Ancient Greek θιές, θιεβ- Phlebography,Phlebotomy veins, a vein (phleps, phlebo-), blood-vessel, vein -phobia exaggerated fear, sensitivity Greek θόβνο arachnophobia phon(o)- sound Greek θσλή phonograph, symphony phos- Of or pertaining to light or its Ancient Greek θῶο, θση- (phōs, Phosphene chemical properties, now historic phōt-), light and used rarely. See the common root phot(o)- below. phot(o)- Of or pertaining to light Ancient Greek θῶο, θση- (phōs, Photopathy phōt-), light phren(i)-, the mind Greek θξήλ, θξελ- Phrenic phren(o)-, nerve,schizophrenia,diaphragm phrenico phyt- to grow hydrophyte piri- Pear Latin pirum, pear Piriformis muscle -plasia formation, development Greek πιάζηο Achondroplasia -plasty surgical repair, reconstruction Greek πιαζηόο rhinoplasty -plegia paralysis Greek πιεγή paraplegia pleio- more, excessive, multiple Greek pleion pleiomorphism pleur(o)-, Of or pertaining to the ribs Latin (pleura) from Ancient Pleurogenous pleur(a) Greek πιεπξόλ (pleurón), rib, side of the body -plexy stroke or seizure Greek πιῆμηο Cataplexy pneum(o)- Of or pertaining to the lungs Ancient Greek πλεύκσλ, Pneumonocyte,Pneumonia πλεπκνλ- (pneumōn, pneumon- ), lung < πλεῦκα (pneuma), wind, spirit pneumat(o)- air, lung Ancient Greek pod-, -pod-, Of or pertaining to the foot, - Ancient Greek πνύο, πνδ- Podiatry -pus footed (poús, pod-), foot -poiesis production hematopoiesis polio- Denoting a grey color Ancient Greek πνιηόο (poliós), Poliomyelitis grey poly- Denotes a 'plurality' of something Ancient Greek πνιπο (polys), Polymyositis much, many por(o)- pore, porous porphyr(o)- Denotes a purple color Ancient Greek πνξπύξα Porphyroblast (porphýra), purple post- Denotes something as 'after' or Latin (post), after, behind Postoperation,Postmortem 'behind' another pre- Denotes something as 'before' Medieval Latin (pre-) < Premature birth another (in [physical] position or (Classical) Latin (præ), before, time) in front of [2] presby(o)- old age Greek Presbyopia,presbycusis prim- Denotes something as 'first' or Latin prīmus, first, most Primary 'most-important' important pro- Denotes something as 'before' Ancient Greek πξν (pro), before, Procephalic another (in [physical] position or in front of time) proct(o)- anus, rectum proctology prosop(o)- face Greek (prosopon), face, mask Prosopagnosia prot(o)- Denotes something as 'first' or Ancient Greek πξσηνο (prōtos), Protoneuron 'most important' first; principal, most important pseud(o)- Denotes something false or fake Ancient Greek Pseudoephedrine psych(e)-, Of or pertaining to the mind Ancient Greek ςπρή (psyché), Psychology, psychiatry psych(o) breath, life, soul pterygo- Pertaining to a wing Greek Lateral pterygoid plate psor- Itching Psoriasis -ptosis falling, drooping, downward Apoptosis, nephroptosis placement, prolapse -ptysis (a spitting), spitting, hemoptysis, hemoptysis the spitting of blood derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes pulmon-, Of or relating to the lungs. Latin (pulmo, pulmōn-, usually pulmonary pulmo- used in plural), a lung pyel(o)- pelvis Ancient Greek (pyelos) Pyelonephritis pykno- to thicken (as the nucleus does in Greek ππθλσλσ, to Pyknosis early stages of cell death) thicken/condense py(o)- pus Greek πύνλ Pyometra pyr(o)- fever Greek πῦξ, ππξεηόο Antipyretic Q Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) quadr(i)- four Latin quadriceps R Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) radio- radiation Latin radiowave re- again, backward Latin relapse rect(o)- rectum Latin ren(o)- Of or pertaining to the kidney Latin (rēnes), kidney renal reticul(o)- net Latin reticulocyte retro- backward, behind Latin retroversion, retroverted rhabd(o)- rod shaped, striated Greek ῥάβδνο rhabdomyolysis rhachi(o)- spine Greek ῥάρηο rachial, rachialgia, rachidian, rachiopathy rhin(o)- Of or pertaining to the nose Ancient Greek ῥίο, ῥῑλν- (rhīs, rhinoceros, rhinoplasty rhīno-), nose rhod(o)- Denoting a rose-red color Ancient Greek ῥόδνλ (rhódon), rhodophyte rose -rrhage burst forth Greek -ξξαγία Hemorrhage -rrhagia rapid flow of blood Greek -ξξαγία menorrhagia -rrhaphy surgical suturing Greek ῥαθή - flowing, discharge Greek -ξξνηα Galactorrhea, Diarrhea rrhea (AmE) -rrhexis rupture Greek ῥῆμηο Karyorrhexis - flowing, discharge Greek -ξξνηα diarrhoea rrhoea (BrE) rubr(o)- Of or pertaining to the red nucleus of Latin (ruber), red Rubrospinal the brain -rupt Break or burst Latin Erupt, Interrupt S Affix Meaning Origin language Example(s) and etymology salping(o)- Of or pertaining to tubes e.g. fallopian Ancient Greek Salpingectomy,salpingopharyngeus muscle tubes ζάιπηγμ, ζαιπηγγ-, (sálpinx, salpingo-) trumpet (literally) sangui-, Of or pertaining to blood Latin (sanguis, Sanguine sanguine- sanguin-), blood sarco- muscular, fleshlike Greek ζάξμ, ζαξθ- sarcoma, sarcoidosis schist(o)- split, cleft Greek ζρηζηόο schistocyte (schistos) schiz(o)- Denoting something 'split' or 'double- Ancient Greek Schizophrenia sided' ζρηδσ; irregular formation of the verb ζρίδεηλ (schizein), to cut, split scler(o)- hard Greek ζθιεξόο Scleroderma -sclerosis hardening Greek ζθιήξσζηο Atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis scoli(o)- twisted Greek ζθνιηόο scoliosis (skolios) -scope instrument for viewing Greek -ζθόπνο stethoscope -scopy use of instrument for viewing Greek -ζθνπία endoscopy scoto- darkness Greek ζθόηνο scotopic vision (skotos) semi- one-half, partly Latin semiconscious sial(o)- saliva, salivary gland Greek ζίαινο sialagogue (sialos) sigmoid(o)- sigmoid, S-shaped curvature Greek ζηγκνεηδήο sigmoid colon sinistr(o)- left, left side Latin sinus- Of or pertaining to the sinus Latin (sinus), a Sinusitis curve, bend, bay sito- food, grain Greek ζῖηνο (sitos) Sitophobia somat(o)-, body, bodily Greek ζῶκα (sōma) somatic somatico- -spadias slit, fissure Greek ζπάδσλ hypospadias, epispadias spasmo- spasm Greek ζπαζκόο Spasmodic dysphonia sperma-, semen, spermatozoa Greek ζπέξκα Spermatogenesis spermo-, (sperma) spermato- splanchn(i)-, viscera Greek ζπιάγρλνλ splanchnology splanchn(o)- splen(o)- spleen Greek ζπιήλ, Splenectomy ζπιελ- spondyl(o)- Of or pertaining to the spine, Greek ζπόλδπινο / Spondylitis the vertebra ζθόλδπινο, (spóndylos, sphóndylos), the spine squamos(o)- Denoting something as 'full of scales' or Latin sqāmōsus, full Squamous cell 'scaly' of scales; scaly -stalsis contraction Greek ζηάιζηο Peristalsis -stasis stopping, standing Greek ζηάζηο Cytostasis, homeostasis -staxis dripping, trickling Greek ζηάμηο, ζηαθηόο sten(o)- Denoting something as 'narrow in Ancient Greek Stenography shape' or pertaining to narrowness ζηελόο (stenos); narrow, short -stenosis abnormal narrowing in a blood vessel Ancient Greek Restenosis, stenosis or other tubular organ or structure ζηέλσζηο (stenōsis) steth(o)- Of or pertaining to the upper chest, Ancient Greek Stethoscope chest, the area above the breast and ζηῆζνο (stēthos), under the neck chest,cuirass stheno- strength, force, power Greek ζζέλνο stom(a) mouth Greek ζηόκα stomat(o)- Of or pertaining to the mouth Ancient Greek Stomatogastric,stomatognathic system ζηόκα, ζηνκαη- (stóma, stomat-), mouth -stomy creation of an opening Greek -ζηνκία colostomy sub- beneath, under Latin subcutaneous tissue super- in excess, above, superior Latin superior vena cava supra- above, excessive Latin supraorbital vein sy, syl-, Indicates similarity, likeness, or being Ancient Greek ζπλ- Symptom, synalgia,synesthesia, syssarcosis sym-, syn-, together; assimilates before some (syn), with, together sys- consonants: before l to syl-, s to sys-, before a labial consonant to sym-. T Affix Meaning Origin language and Example(s) etymology tachy- Denoting something as fast, irregularly fast Ancient Greek ηαρύο (tachys), Tachycardia fast, quickly -tension, - pressure Latin Hypertension tensive tetan- rigid, tense Ancient Greek tetanos tetanus thec- case, sheath Ancient Greek ζήθε (thēkē) Intrathecal thel- Of or pertaining to a nipple (uncommon as Ancient Greek ζειή (thēlē), a Theleplasty, thelarche a prefix) teat, nipple thely- Denoting something as 'relating to a Ancient Greek ζῆιπο (thēlys), Thelygenous woman, feminine' female, feminine therap- treatment Ancient Greek (therapeía) hydrotherapy, therapeutic therm(o)- heat Ancient Greek ζεξκόο (thermós) thorac(i)-, Of or pertaining to the upper chest, chest; Latin (thōrāx) < Ancient Greek Thorax thorac(o)-, the area above the breast and under the ζώξαμ (thōrax), chest, cuirass thoracico- neck thromb(o)- Of or relating to a blood clot, clotting of Ancient Greek ζξόκβνο Thrombus,thrombocytopenia blood (thrómbos), lump, piece, clot of blood thyr(o)- thyroid Greek ζπξεν-εηδήο thym- emotions Greek: "thymos", spirit, soul; dysthymia courage; breath, mind, emotions -tic pertaining to Greek -ηηθόο toco- childbirth Greek ηόθνο -tome cutting instrument Greek ηνκή (tomē) -tomy act of cutting; incising, incision Greek -ηνκία Gastrotomy tono- tone, tension, pressure Greek ηόλνο (tonos) -tony tension Greek -ηνλία top(o)- place, topical Greek ηόπνο (topos) Topical anesthetic tort(i)- twisted Latin tortus Torticollis tox(i)-, tox(o)-, toxin, poison Greek ηνμηθόλ Toxoplasmosis toxic(o)- trache(a)- trachea Greek ηξαρεία Tracheotomy trachel(o)- Of or pertaining to the neck Ancient Greek ηξάρεινο tracheloplasty (tráchēlos), neck trans- Denoting something as moving or situated Latin trāns, across, through Transfusion 'across' or 'through' tri- three Latin triangle trich(i)-, Of or pertaining to hair, hair-like structure Ancient Greek ζξίμ, ηξηρ(ν)- Trichocyst trichia, (thríx, trich(o)-), hair trich(o)- -tripsy crushing Greek ηξίςηο Lithotripsy -trophy nourishment, development Greek -ηξνθία, ηξνθή Pseudohypertrophy tympan(o)- eardrum Greek ηύκπαλνλ Tympanocentesis U Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) -ula, - small Latin Nodule ule ultra- beyond, Latin ultra Ultrasound, ultraviolet excessive umbilic- Of or Latin umbilīcus, navel, belly-button Umbilical pertaining to the navel, the umbilicus ungui- Of or Latin unguis, nail, claw Unguiform, Ungual pertaining to the nail, a claw un(i)- one Latin unus Unilateral hearing loss ur- Of or Greek νὐξεῖλ (oureîn); νὖξνλ (oûron), antidiuretic, diuresis, diuretic, dysuria, pertaining to urine; νὐξεηήξ(ourētḗr); νὐξήζξα (ourḗthra) enuresis, polyurea, polyuria,uraemia/uremia, urine, the uremic, ureter, urethra, urology urinary system uric- uric acid Greek νὐξηθόο urin- Of or Latin ūrīna, urine < Ancient Greek νπξνλ Uriniferous pertaining to (ouron), see above. urine, the urinary system uter(o)- Of or Latin (uterus), womb, uterus Uterus pertaining to the uterus or womb V Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Examples vagin- Of or pertaining to the vagina Latin (vāgīna), sheath, scabbard Vagina varic(o)- swollen or twisted vein Latin varix varicose vas(o)- duct, blood vessel Latin vasoconstriction vasculo- blood vessel Latin vāsculum ven- Of or pertaining to the veins, venous blood, Latin (vēna), blood-vessel, vein Venule, Venospasm and the vascular system ventr(o)- Of or pertaining to the belly; the stomach Latin (venter), the belly, the stomach; the Ventrodorsal cavities womb ventricul(o)- Of or pertaining to the ventricles; any Latin (venter), the ventricles of the heart, Cardiac hollow region inside an organ the ventricles of the brain ventriculography -version turning Latin versiō anteversion, retroversion vesic(o)- Of or pertaining to the bladder Latin (vēsīca), bladder; blister vesical arteries viscer(o)- Of or pertaining to the internal organs, Latin (viscus, pl. viscera), internal Viscera the viscera organ(s) X Affix Meaning Origin language and Example(s) etymology xanth(o)- Denoting a yellow color, an abnormally yellow Greek μαλζόο (xanthós), Xanthopathy color yellow xen(o)- Foreign, different Greek μέλνο (xénos), stranger Xenograft xer(o)- dry, desert-like Greek μεξόο (xērós), dry Xerostomia, xeroderma xiph- sword Greek μίθνο (xíphos), sword xiphisternum, xiphoid, xiphoidalgia Y Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) -y condition or process of Latin -ia < Greek -ία Surgery Z Affix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) zo(o)- animal, animal life Greek δῷνλ zoology zym(o)- fermentation Greek δύκε enzyme, lysozyme 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 Greek root in English Latin root in English Other root in English Digestion -pepsia - - Disease -pathy - - Eating -phagia - - Roots of body parts and components (Internal anatomy, external anatomy, body fluids, body substances) Body part or component Greek root Latin root Other root Abdomen lapar(o)- abdomin- - Aorta aort(o)- aort(o)- - Arm brachi(o)- - - Armpit - axill- - Artery arteri(o)- - - Back - dors- - big toe - allic- - Bladder cyst(o)- vesic(o)- - Blood haemat-, hemat- (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)-, pector- - Breast mast(o)- mamm(o)- - Chest steth(o)- - - Cheek -Zygomatic bucc- - Ear ot(o)- aur(i)- - eggs, ova oo- ov- - Eye ophthalm(o)- ocul(o)- optic(o)- [French] Eyelid blephar(o)- cili-, palpebr- - Face prosop(o)- faci(o)- - fallopian tubes salping(o)- - - fat, fatty tissue lip(o)- adip- - Finger dactyl(o)- digit- - Forehead - front(o)- - Gallbladder cholecyst(o)- fell- - genitals, sexually undifferentiated gon(o)-, phall(o)- - - Gland aden(o)- - - glans penis or clitoridis balan(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 gon- genu- - Lip cheil(o)-, chil(o)- labi(o)- - Liver hepat(o)-, (hepatic-) jecor- - loins, pubic region episi(o)- pudend- - Lungs pneumon- pulmon(i)-, (pulmo-) - marrow, bone marrow myel(o)- medull- - Mind psych- ment- - 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-, mammill- - Nose rhin(o)- nas- - Ovary oophor(o)- ovari(o)- - Pelvis pyel(o)- pelv(i)- - Penis pe(o)- - - pupil (of the eye) cor-, core-, coro- - - Rib pleur(o)- cost(o)- - rib cage thorac(i)-, thorac(o)- - - Shoulder om(o)- humer(o)- - Sinus - sinus- - Skin dermat(o)-, (derm-) cut-, cuticul- - Skull crani(o)- - - Stomach gastr(o)- ventr(o)- – Testis orchi(o)-, orchid(o)- - – throat (upper throat cavity) pharyng(o)- - – throat (lower throat cavity/voice box]) laryng(o)- - – Thumb - pollic- – Tooth odont(o)- dent(i)- – Tongue gloss-, glott- lingu(a)- – Toe dactyl(o)- digit- – Tumour cel-, onc(o)- tum- – 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)- – Roots of color Color Greek root in English Latin root in English Other root black melano- nigr- – blue cyano- – – gray, grey polio- – – green chlor(o)- vir- – purple porphyr(o)- purpur-, purpureo- – red erythr(o)-, rhod(o)- rub-, rubr- – red-orange cirrh(o)- – – white leuc-, leuk- alb- – yellow xanth(o)- flav- jaun – [French] Roots of description (Size, shape, strength, etc.) Description Greek root in English Latin root in English Other root bad, incorrect cac(o)-, dys- mal(e)- mis- bent, crooked ankyl(o)- prav(i)- – Big mega-, megal(o)- magn(i)- – Biggest megist- maxim- – broad, wide eury- lat(i)- – Cold cry(o)- frig(i)- – Dead necr(o)- mort- – Equal is(o)- equ(i)- – False pseud(o)- fals(i)- – female, feminine thely- - – Flat platy- plan(i)- – good, well eu- ben(e)-, bon(i)- – Great mega-, megal(o)- magn(i)- – Hard scler(o)- dur(i)- – Heavy bar(o)- grav(i)- – Hollow coel(o)- cav(i)- – Huge megal(o)- magn(i)- – incorrect, bad cac(o)-, dys- mal(e)- mis- Irregular poikil(o) – – large; extremely large mega- magn(i)- – Largest megist- maxim- – Long macr(o)- long(i)- – male, masculine arseno- vir- – Narrow sten(o)- angust(i)- – New ne(o)- nov(i)- – normal, correct orth(o)- rect(i)- – Old paleo- veter- – Sharp oxy- ac- – Short brachy- brev(i)- – Small micr(o)- parv(i)- (rare) – Smallest - minim- – Slow brady- tard(i)- – Fast tachy- celer- – Soft malac(o)- moll(i)- – Straight orth(o)- rect(i)- – Thick pachy- crass(i)- – varied, various poikilo- vari- – well, good eu- ben(e)- – wide, broad eury- lat(i)- – Roots of position Description Greek root in English Latin root in English Other root around peri- circum- – left levo- laev(o)-, sinistr- – middle mes(o)- medi- – right dexi(o)- dextr(o)- – surrounding peri- circum- – Prefixes of quantity (Amount, quantity) Description Greek root in English Latin root in English Other root double diplo- dupli- – equal iso- equi- – few oligo- pauci- – half hemi- semi- demi- (French) many, much poly- multi- – twice dis- bis- –