- List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes
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This is a list of roots, suffixes, and prefixes used in medical terminology, their meanings, and their etymology. There are a few rules when using medical roots. Firstly, prefixes and suffixes, primarily in Greek, but also in Latin, have a droppable -o-. As a general rule, this -o- almost always acts as a joint-stem to connect two consonantal roots, e.g. arthr- + -o- + logy = arthrology. But generally, the -o- is dropped when connecting to a vowel-stem; e.g. arthr- + itis = arthritis, instead of arthr-o-itis. Secondly, medical roots generally go together according to language: Greek prefixes go with Greek suffixes and Latin prefixes with Latin suffixes. Although international scientific vocabulary is not stringent about segregating combining forms of different languages, it is advisable when coining new words not to mix different lingual roots.
Contents
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 Example(s) a-, an- Denotes an absence of, without Ancient Greek ἀ-/ἀν- (a-/an-), without, not Apathy, Analgia ab- away from Latin Abduction abdomin(o)- Of or relating to the abdomen Latin (abdōmen), abdomen, fat around the belly Abdomen -ac, -acal pertaining to Greek -ακός (-akos) cardiac, hydrophobiac, pharmacomaniacal acanth(o)- thorn or spine Ancient Greek ἄκανθα (akantha), thorn acanthion, acanthocyte, acanthoma, acanthulus acous(io)- Of or relating to hearing Greek ἀκουστικός (acoustikos), of or for hearing acoumeter, acoustician acr(o)- extremity, topmost Greek ἄκρον (akron), highest or farthest point Acrocrany, acromegaly, acroosteolysis, acroposthia -acusis hearing Greek ἀκουστικός (acoustikos), of or for hearing paracusis -ad toward, in the direction of dorsad ad- increase, adherence, motion toward, very Latin Adduction aden(o)-, aden(i)- Of or relating to a gland Ancient Greek ἀδήν, ἀδέν- (adēn, aden-), an acorn; a gland Adenocarcinoma, adenology, adenotome, adenotyphus adip(o)- Of or relating to fat or fatty tissue Latin (adeps, adip-), fat Adipocyte adren(o)- Of or relating to adrenal glands Latin adrenal artery -aemia (BrE) blood condition Greek ἀναιμία, without blood Anaemia aer(o)- air, gas Greek ἀήρ, ἀέρος Aerosinusitis aesthesio- (BrE) sensation Greek αἴσθησις Anesthesia -al pertaining to Latin -alis abdominal alb- Denoting a white or pale color Latin albus, white Albino alge(si)- pain Greek ἄλγος Analgesic -algia pain Greek Myalgia alg(i)o- pain Greek Myalgia allo- Denoting something as different, or as an addition Ancient Greek ἄλλος (allos), another, other Alloantigen, allopathy ambi- Denoting something as positioned on both sides; Describing both of two Latin (ambi-, ambo), both, on both sides Ambidextrous amnio- Pertaining to the membranous fetal sac (amnion) Greek ἄμνιον Amniocentesis amph-, amphi- on both sides Greek ἀμφί (amphi) Amphicrania, amphismela, amphomycin an- not, without Greek Analgesia ana- back, again, up Greek Anaplasia an(o) anus Latin andr(o)- pertaining to a man Greek ἀνήρ, ἀνδρ- Andrology, android angi(o)- blood vessel Greek ἀγγεῖον Angiogram aniso- Describing something as unequal Ancient Greek ἄνῑσος (anīsos), unequal Anisotropic, anisocytosis ankyl(o)-, ancyl(o)- Denoting something as crooked or bent Ancient Greek ἀγκύλος (ankýlos), crooked, curved Ankylosis ante- Describing something as positioned in front of another thing Latin (āntē), before, in front of antepartum anti- Describing something as 'against' or 'opposed to' another Ancient Greek αντι (anti), against Antibody, antipsychotic apo- separated from, derived from Ancient Greek ἀπό Apoptosis arch(i,e,o) first, primitive archinephron : first formed kidney arsen(o)- Of or pertaining to a male; masculine Greek (arsein) arteri(o)- Of or pertaining to an artery Ancient Greek ἀρτηρία (artēría), a wind-pipe, artery (used distinctly versus a vein) Artery, Arteriole arthr(o)- Of or pertaining to the joints, limbs Ancient Greek αρθρος (arthros), a joint, limb Arthritis articul(o)- joint Latin articulum Articulation -ary pertaining to Latin -arius bilary tract -ase enzyme Greek διάστασις, division Lactase -asthenia weakness Greek, ἀσθένεια Myasthenia gravis atel(o) imperfect or incomplete development atelocardia : imperfect development of the heart ather(o)- fatty deposit, Soft gruel-like deposit -ation process Latin Habitation[disambiguation needed 
], Lubricationatri(o)- an atrium (esp. heart atrium) atrioventricular aur(i)- Of or pertaining to the ear Latin (auris), the ear Aural aut(o)- self Greek αὐτο- Autoimmune aux(o)- increase; growth auxocardia : enlargement of the heart axill- Of or pertaining to the armpit [uncommon as a prefix] Latin (axilla), armpit Axilla azo(to) nitrogenous compound azothermia : raised temperature due to nitrogenous substances in blood B
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) balano- Of the glans penis or glans clitoridis Greek βάλανος - balanos, acorn, glans Balanitis bi- twice, double Latin Binary[disambiguation needed ]bio- life Ancient Greek βίος Biology blast(o)- germ or bud Greek βλαστός Blastomere blephar(o)- Of or pertaining to the eyelid Ancient Greek βλέφαρον (blépharon), eyelid Blepharoplast brachi(o)- Of or relating to the arm Latin (brachium), from Ancient Greek βραχίων (brachiōn), arm Brachium of inferior colliculus brachy- Indicating 'short' or less commonly 'little' Ancient Greek βραχύς (brachys), short; little, shallow brachycephalic brady- 'slow' Ancient Greek βραδύς (bradys), slow Bradycardia bronch(i)- bronchus Bronchiolitis obliterans bucc(o)- Of or pertaining to the cheek Latin (bucca), cheek Buccolabial burs(o)- bursa (fluid sac between the bones) Latin Bursitis C
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) capill- Of or pertaining to hair Latin (capillus), hair Capillus capit- Pertaining to the head (as a whole) Latin (caput, capit-), the head Capitation[disambiguation needed ]carcin(o)- cancer Greek καρκίνος (karkinos), crab Carcinoma cardi(o)- Of or pertaining to the heart Ancient Greek καρδία (kardía), heart Cardiology carp(o)- Of or pertaining to the wrist Latin (carpus) < Ancient Greek καρπός (karpós), wrist; NOTE: This root should not be confused with the mirror root carp(o)- meaning fruit. Carpopedal cata- down, under Greek κατά (kata) Cataract -cele pouching, hernia Ancient Greek κήλη (kēlē) Hydrocele -centesis surgical puncture for aspiration Ancient Greek κέντησις (kentēsis) Amniocentesis cephal(o)- Of or pertaining to the head (as a whole) Ancient Greek κεφαλή (képhalē), the head Cephalalgy cerat(o)- Of or pertaining to the cornu[disambiguation needed ]; a hornAncient Greek κέρας, κερατ- (kéras, kerat-), a horn Ceratoid cerebell(o)- Of or pertaining to the cerebellum Latin (cerebellum), little brain Cerebellum cerebr(o)- Of or pertaining to the brain Latin (cerebrum), brain Cerebrology cervic- Of or pertaining to the neck, the cervix Latin (cervix, cervīc-), neck, cervix Cervicodorsal chem(o)- chemistry, drug Greek χημεία Chemotherapy chir(o)-, cheir(o)- Of or pertaining to the hand Ancient Greek χείρ, χειρο- (cheir, cheiro-), hand Chiropractor chlor(o)- Denoting a green color Ancient Greek χλωρός (chloros), green, yellow-green Chlorophyll chol(e)- Of or pertaining to bile Ancient Greek χολή (cholē), bile Cholaemia cholecyst(o)- Of or pertaining to the gallbladder Ancient Greek χοληκύστις (cholēkýstis), gallbladder < χολή (cholē), bile, gall + κύστις (kýstis), bladder Cholecystectomy chondr(i)o- cartilage, gristle, granule, granular Ancient Greek χονδρός (chondros) Chondrocalcinosis chrom(ato)- color Ancient Greek χρῶμα Hemochromatosis -cidal, -cide killing, destroying Latin bacteriocidal cili- Of or pertaining to the cilia, the eyelashes; eyelids < Latin (cilium), eyelash; eyelid Ciliary circum- Denoting something as 'around' another Latin (circum), around Circumcision cis- on this side Latin (cis) clast break Greek κλαστός osteoclast co- with, together, in association Latin coenzymes col-, colo-, colono- colon Colonoscopy colp(o)- Of or pertaining to the vagina Ancient Greek κόλπος (kólpos), bosom, womb; hollow, depth Colposcopy com- with, together Latin contra against Latin Contraindicate cor- with, together Latin cor-, core-, coro- Of or pertaining to eye's pupil Ancient Greek κόρη (kórē), girl, doll; pupil of the eye Corectomy cordi- Of or pertaining to the heart [Uncommon as a prefix] Latin (cor, cordi-), heart Commotio cordis cornu- Applied to processes and parts of the body describing them likened or similar to horns Latin (cornū), horn coron(o)- heart cost(o)- Of or pertaining to the ribs Latin (costa), rib Costochondral cox- Of or relating to the hip, haunch, or hip-joint Latin (coxa), hip Coxopodite crani(o)- Belonging or relating to the cranium Latin (cranium) < Ancient Greek κρᾱνίον (krānion), the cranium, skull, bones enclosing the brain Craniology -crine to secrete εκκρίνει ecrine Endocrine cry(o)- cold Greek κρύος Cryoablation cutane- skin Latin Subcutaneous cyan(o)- Denotes a blue color Ancient Greek κύανος, κυάνεος (kýanos, kyáneos), blue Cyanopsia cycl- circle, cycle Greek κύκλος (kuklos) cyph(o)- Denotes something as bent [uncommon as a prefix] Ancient Greek κυφός (kȳphós), bent, hunchback Cyphosis cyst(o)-, cyst(i)- Of or pertaining to the urinary bladder Ancient Greek κύστις (kýstis), bladder; cyst Cystotomy cyt(o)- cell Greek κύτος Cytokine -cyte cell Greek Leukocyte D
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) dacryo- tear Greek δάκρυ dactyl(o)- Of or pertaining to a finger, toe Ancient Greek δάκτυλος (dáktylos), finger, toe Dactylology de- away from, cessation Latin de- dent- Of or pertaining to teeth Latin (dens, dentis), tooth Dentist dermat(o)-, derm(o)- Of or pertaining to the skin Ancient Greek δέρμα, δέρματ- (dérma, démat-), skin, human skin Dermatology -desis binding Greek δέσις (desis) arthrodesis dextr(o)- right, on the right side Latin dexter Dextrocardia di- two Greek δι- Diplopia di- apart, separation Latin dia- (same as Greek meaning) Ancient Greek διά (diá), through, during, across Diacetyl dif- apart, separation Latin digit- Of or pertaining to the finger [rare as a root] Latin (digitus), finger, toe Digit -dipsia suffix meaning "(condition of) thirst"' polydipsia hydroadipsia, oligodipsia dis- separation, taking apart Latin dis- Dissection dors(o)-, dors(i)- Of or pertaining to the back Latin (dorsum), back dorsal, Dorsocephalad duodeno- duodenum, twelve: upper part of the small intestine (twelve inches long on average), connects to the stomach Latin duodeni Duodenal atresia dynam(o)- force, energy, power Greek δύναμις (dunamis) -dynia pain Vulvodynia dys- bad, difficult Greek δυσ- Dysphagia, dysphasia E
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) -eal pertaining to Latin ec- out, away Greek ἐκ- (ek-) ect(o)- outer, outside Greek ἐκτός Ectopic pregnancy -ectasis, -ectasia expansion, dilation Ancient Greek ἔκτασις Bronchiectasis, Telangiectasia -ectomy Denotes a surgical operation or removal of a body part. Resection, excision Ancient Greek ἐκτομή (ectomē), excision Mastectomy -emesis vomiting condition Greek ἕμεσις Hematemesis -emia blood condition (AmE) Greek ἀν-αιμία, without blood Anemia encephal(o)- Of or pertaining to the brain. Also see Cerebro. Ancient Greek ἐγκέφαλος (enképhalos), the brain Encephalogram endo- Denotes something as 'inside' or 'within' Ancient Greek ἐνδο- (endo-), inside, internal Endocrinology, Endospore eosin(o)- Red Eosin comes from Eos, the Greek word for 'dawn' and the name of the Greek Goddess of the Dawn. Eosinophil granulocyte enter(o)- Of or pertaining to the intestine Ancient Greek ἔντερον (énteron), intestine Gastroenterology epi- [Same as Greek meaning: on, upon] Ancient Greek ἐπι- (epi-), before, upon, on, outside, outside of Epistaxis, epicardium, episclera, epidural episi(o)- Of or pertaining to the pubic region, the loins Ancient Greek ἐπίσιον- (epísion), the pubic area, loins; vulva Episiotomy erythr(o)- Denotes a red color Ancient Greek ἐρυθρός (erythros), red Erythrocyte -esophageal, -esophago gullet (AmE) Greek οἰσοφάγος esthesio- sensation (AmE) Greek αἴσθησις eu- true, good, well, new Greek Eukaryote ex- out of, away from Latin Exophthalmos exo- Denotes something as 'outside' another Ancient Greek ἐξω- (exo-), outside of, external Exoskeleton extra- outside Latin Extradural hematoma F
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) faci(o)- Of or pertaining to the face Latin (faciēs), the face, countenance Facioplegic fibr(o) fiber Fibroblast filli- fine, hair like -form, -iform Used to form adjectives indicating 'having the form of' Latin (forma), form, shape Cuneiform fossa A hollow or depressed area; trench or channel Latin (fossa), ditch, pit fossa ovalis[disambiguation needed ]front- Of or pertaining to the forehead Latin (frōns, front-), the forehead Frontonasal G
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) galact(o)- milk Greek γάλα, γαλακτ- Galactorrhea gastr(o)- Of or pertaining to the stomach Ancient Greek γαστήρ (gastēr), γαστρ-, stomach, belly Gastric bypass -gen (1) Denotes the sense 'born in, from' (2) Denotes the sense 'of a certain kind' Ancient Greek -γενής (-genēs) < γεν-νάειν (gen-náein), to be born (1) Endogen; (2) Heterogenous -genic Formative, pertaining to producing Greek Cardiogenic shock genu- Of or pertaining to the knee Latin (genū), knee Genu valgum gingiv- Of or pertaining to the gums Latin (gingīva), gum Gingivitis glauc(o)- Denoting a grey or bluish-grey colour Ancient Greek γλαυκός (glaukos), grey, bluish-grey Glaucoma gloss(o)-, glott(o)- Of or pertaining to the tongue Ancient Greek γλῶσσα, γλῶττα (glōssa, glōtta), tongue Glossology gluco- glucose Greek γλυκός, sweet Glucocorticoid glyco- sugar Glycolysis gnath(o)- Of or pertaining to the jaw Ancient Greek γνάθος (gnáthos), jaw Gnathodynamometer -gnosis knowledge Greek diagnosis, prognosis gon(o)- seed, semen; also, reproductive Ancient Greek γόνος Gonorrhea -gram, -gramme record or picture Greek γράμμα (gramma) Angiogram -graph instrument used to record data or picture Ancient Greek -γραφία (-graphía), written, drawn, graphic interpretation Electrocardiograph -graphy process of recording Angiography gyn(aec)o- (BrE), gyn(ec)o- (AmE) woman Greek γυνή, γυναικ- Gynecomastia H
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) halluc- to wander in mind Classical Latin to wander in mind Hallucinosis hemat-, haemato- (haem-, hem-) Of or pertaining to blood Latin (hæma) < Ancient Greek αἵμα, αἱματ- (haima, haimat-), blood Hematology, older form Haematology hema or hemo- blood (AmE) Greek Hematological malignancy hemangi or hemangio- blood vessels hemi- one-half Ancient Greek ἡμι- (hēmi-), "half" Cerebral hemisphere hepat- (hepatic-) Of or pertaining to the liver Ancient Greek ἥπαρ, ἡπατο- (hēpar, hēpato-), the liver Hepatology heter(o)- Denotes something as 'the other' (of two), as an addition, or different Ancient Greek ἕτερος (héteros), the other (of two), another; different Heterogeneous hidr(o)- sweat Greek ἱδρωτ- Hyperhidrosis hist(o)-, histio- tissue Greek ἱστός Histology home(o)- similar Ancient Greek ὅμοιος (homoios) Homeopathy hom(o)- Denotes something as 'the same' as another or common Ancient Greek ὁμο- (homo-), the same, common Homosexuality humer(o)- Of or pertaining to the shoulder (or [rarely] the upper arm) Incorrect Etymology < Latin (umerus), shoulder Humerus hydr(o)- water Greek ὕδωρ Hydrophobe hyper- Denotes something as 'extreme' or 'beyond normal' Ancient Greek ὑπέρ (hyper), over, above; beyond, to the extreme Hypertension hyp(o)- Denotes something as 'below normal' Ancient Greek ὑπ(ο)- (hypo-), below, under Hypovolemia, hyster(o)- Of or pertaining to the womb, the uterus Ancient Greek ὑστέρα (hystéra), womb Hysterectomy I
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) -i-asis condition Greek -ίασις Mydriasis iatr(o)- Of or pertaining to medicine, or a physician [uncommon as a prefix; common as as suffix, see -iatry] Ancient Greek ἰᾱτρός (iātrós), healer, physician Iatrochemistry -iatry Denotes a field in medicine of a certain body component Ancient Greek ἰᾱτρός (iātrós), healer, physician Podiatry, Psychiatry -ic pertaining to Greek -ικός (-ikos) Hepatic artery[disambiguation needed ]-icle small Latin Ovarian follicle -ics organized knowledge, treatment Latin -ica < Greek < -ικά Obstetrics idio- self, one's own Greek ἴδιος, idios, "one's own" Idiopathic ileo- ileum Greek ἰλεός Ileocecal valve infra- below Latin Infrahyoid muscles inter- between, among Latin Interarticular ligament intra- within Latin Intracranial hemorrhage irid(o)- iris Greek ἴρις Iridectomy ischio- Of or pertaining to the ischium, the hip-joint Ancient Greek ἰσχιόν (ischión), hip-joint, ischium Ischiorrhogic -ism condition, disease Dwarfism -ismus spasm, contraction Greek -ισμός Hemiballismus iso- Denoting something as being 'equal' Ancient Greek ἴσος (ísos), equal Isotonic[disambiguation needed ]-ist one who specializes in Greek -ιστής (-istes) Pathologist -ite the nature of, resembling Greek -ίτης Hermaphrodite -itis inflammation Tonsillitis -ium structure, tissue pericardium isch- Restriction Greek ἴσχω Ischemia K
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) kal/i potassium karyo- nucleus Greek κάρυον, "nut" Eukaryote kerat(o)- cornea (eye or skin) Greek Keratoscope kin(e)-, kin(o), kinesi(o)- movement Greek κινέω Kinesthesia koil(o)- hollow Greek κοῖλος (koilos) Koilocyte kyph(o)- humped Greek κυφός Kyphoscoliosis L
Prefix/suffix 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)-, lact(o) milk Latin Lactation lapar(o)- Of or pertaining to the abdomen-wall, flank Ancient Greek λαπάρᾱ (lapárā), flank Laparotomy laryng(o)- Of or pertaining to the larynx, the lower throat cavity where the voice box is Ancient Greek λάρυγξ, λαρυγγ- (lárynx, laryng-), throat, gullet Larynx latero- lateral Latin Lateral pectoral nerve lei(o)- smooth Greek λεῖος Leiomyoma -lepsis, -lepsy attack, seizure Greek λῆψις Epilepsy, narcolepsy lept(o)- light, slender Greek λεπτός (leptos) leuc(o)-, leuk(o)- Denoting a white color Ancient Greek λευκός (leukos), white, bright Leukocyte lingu(a)-, lingu(o)- Of or pertaining to the tongue Latin (lingua), tongue Linguistics lip(o)- fat Greek λίπος Liposuction lith(o)- stone, calculus Greek λίθος Lithotripsy log(o)- speech Greek λόγος -logist Denotes someone who studies a certain field: _____-logy Ancient Greek λογιστής (logistēs), studier, practitioner Oncologist, pathologist -logy Denotes the academic study or practice of a certain field; The study of Ancient Greek λόγoς (logos) study hematology, urology lymph(o)- lymph Greek λέμφος, λύμφη Lymphedema lys(o)-, -lytic dissolution Greek Lysosome -lysis Destruction, separation Greek λύσις Paralysis M
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) macr(o)- large, long Greek μακρός Macrophage -malacia softening Greek μαλακία 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 manu- Of or pertaining to the hand Latin (manus), hand Manufacture mast(o)- Of or pertaining to the breast Ancient Greek μαστός (mastós), breast, women's breast; man's pectoral muscle Mastectomy meg(a)-, megal(o)-, -megaly enlargement Greek μέγας Splenomegaly melan(o)- black color Ancient Greek μέλας, μελανο- (melas, melano-), black; dark Melanin melos extremity Ancient Greek μέλος erythromelalgia mening(o)- membrane Greek μῆνιγξ, μηνιγγ- Meningitis mero- part Greek μέρος (meros), part merocrine, meroblastic mes(o)- middle Ancient Greek μέσος (mesos), "middle" Mesoderm meta- after, behind Greek μετά Metacarpus -meter instrument used to measure or count Greek μέτρον Sphygmomanometer -metry process of measuring Greek -μετρία Optometry metr(o)- Pertaining to conditions or instruments of the uterus Ancient Greek μήτρᾱ (mētrā), womb, uterus Metrorrhagia micro- denoting something as small, or relating to smallness Ancient Greek μικρός (mikros), small Microscope mon(o)- single Greek μονός Infectious mononucleosis morph(o)- form, shape Greek μορφή Morphology muscul(o)- muscle Latin Musculoskeletal system my(o)- Of or relating to muscle Ancient Greek μῦς, μυ- (mys, my-), muscle; mouse; mussel Myoblast myc(o)- fungus Greek μύκης, μυκητ- Onychomycosis myel(o)- Of or relating to bone marrow Ancient Greek μυελόν (myelon), marrow; bone-marrow Myeloblast myring(o)- eardrum Latin myringa Myringotomy myx(o)- mucus Greek μύξα Myxoma N
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) narc(o)- numb, sleep Greek νάρκη narcolepsy nas(o)- Of or pertaining to the nose Latin (nāsum), nose nasal necr(o)- death Greek νεκρός Necrotizing fasciitis neo- new Greek νέος Neoplasm nephr(o)- Of or pertaining to the kidney Ancient Greek νεφρός (nephrós), kidney Nephrology nerv- Of or pertaining to nerves and the nervous system [Uncommon as a root: neuro- mostly always used] Latin (nervus), tendon; nerve; Cognate with the Greek νευρον (neuron) (see below) Nerve neur(i)-, neur(o)- Of or pertaining to nerves and the nervous system Ancient Greek νεῦρον (neuron), tendon, sinew; nerve Neurofibromatosis normo- normal Latin Normocapnia O
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) ocul(o)- Of or pertaining to the eye Latin (oculus), the eye Oculist odont(o)- Of or pertaining to teeth Ancient Greek ὀδούς, ὀδοντ- (odoús, odont-), tooth orthodontist odyn(o)- pain Greek ὀδύνη stomatodynia -oesophageal, oesophago- (BrE) gullet Greek οἰσοφάγος -oid resemblance to Greek -οειδής Sarcoidosis ole small or little Latin olig(o)- Denoting something as 'having little, having few' Ancient Greek ὀλίγος (oligos), few Oligotrophy om(o)- Of or pertaining to the shoulder Ancient Greek ὠμός (ōmos), shoulder Omoplate -oma (singular), -omata (plural) tumor, mass, collection Greek -ωμα Sarcoma, Teratoma omphal(o)- Of or pertaining to the navel, the umbilicus Ancient Greek ὀμφαλός (omphalós), navel, belly-button Omphalotomy onco- tumor, bulk, volume Greek ὄγκος Oncology onych(o)- Of or pertaining to the nail (of a finger or toe) Ancient Greek < ὄνυξ, ὀνυχο- (ónyx, ónycho-), nail; claw; talon Onychophagy oo- Of or pertaining to the an egg, a woman's egg, the ovum Ancient Greek ᾠόν, ᾠο- (ōón, ōo-), egg, ovum Oogenesis oophor(o)- Of or pertaining to the woman's ovary Neoclassical Greek ᾠοφόρον (ōophóron), ovary, egg-bearing Oophorectomy ophthalm(o)- Of or pertaining to the eye Ancient Greek ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmós), the eye Ophthalmology optic(o)- Of or relating to chemical properties of the eye Middle French (optique) < Greek ὀπτικός (optikós); Cognate with Latin oculus, relating to the eye Opticochemical or(o)- Of or pertaining to the mouth Latin (ōs, or-), mouth Oral orchi(o)-, orchid(o)-, orch(o)- testis Greek ὀρχις (orkhis, orkhi-) Orchiectomy, Orchidectomy orth(o)- Denoting something as straight or correct Ancient Greek ὀρθός (orthos), straight, correct, normal Orthodontist -osis a condition, disease or increase Greek -ωσις Harlequin type ichthyosis, Psychosis, osteoperosis osseo- bony Latin ossi- bone Latin Peripheral ossifying fibroma ost(e)-, oste(o)- bone Greek ὀστέον Osteoporosis ot(o)- Of or pertaining to the ear Ancient Greek οὖς, ὠτ- (ous, ōt-), the ear Otopathy -ous pertaining to Latin -osus ovari(o)- Of or pertaining to the ovaries Latin (ōvarium), ovary Ovariectomy ovo-, ovi-, ov- Of or pertaining to the eggs, the ovum Latin (ōvum), egg, ovum Ovogenesis oxo- addition of oxygen Greek ὀξύς oxy- sharp, acid, acute, oxygen Greek ὀξύς P
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) pachy- thick Greek παχύς pachyderma palpebr- Of or pertaining to the eyelid [uncommon as a root] Latin (palpebra), eyelid Palpebra pan-, pant(o)- Denoting something as 'complete' or containing 'everything' Ancient Greek πᾶς, παν- (pas, pan-), all, every panophobia, panopticon papill- Of or pertaining to the nipple (of the chest/breast) Latin (papilla), nipple; dimunitive of papula (see below) Papillitis papul(o)- Indicates papulosity, a small elevation or swelling in the skin, a pimple, swelling Latin (papula), pimple, pustle; a small elevation or swelling in the skin Papulation para- alongside of, abnormal Ancient Greek παρά (para) -paresis slight paralysis Greek πάρεσις hemiparesis parvo- small Latin parvus Parvovirus path(o)- disease Greek πάθος Pathology -pathy Denotes (with a negative sense) a disease, or disorder Ancient Greek πάθος (pathos), suffering, accident sociopathy, neuropathy ped-, -ped-, -pes Of or pertaining to the foot; -footed Latin pēs, pēd-, foot Pedoscope pelv(i)-, pelv(o)- hip bone Latin Pelvis -penia deficiency Greek πενία osteopenia peo- Of or pertaining to the penis Greek πέος (peos) Peotomy -pepsia Denotes something relating to digestion, or the digestive tract. Ancient Greek πεπτός (peptós) cooked, digested < πέσσω (péssō) I boil, cook; digest Dyspepsia per- through Latin peri- Denoting something with a position 'surrounding' or 'around' another Ancient Greek περί (peri), around Periodontal -pexy fixation Greek πῆξις Nephropexy phaco- lens-shaped Greek φακός phacolysis, phacometer, phacoscotoma -phage, -phagia Forms terms denoting conditions relating to eating or ingestion Ancient Greek φαγία (phagía) eating < φαγεῖν (phagein) to eat Sarcophagia -phago- eating, devouring Greek -φάγος phagocyte phagist-: Forms nouns that denote a person who 'feeds on' the first element or part of the word Ancient Greek φαγιστής (phagistēs) eater; see -phagia Lotophagi -phagy Forms nouns that denotes 'feeding on' the first element or part of the word Ancient Greek φαγία (phagia) eating; see -phagia Anthropophagy[disambiguation needed ]phallo- phallus Greek φαλλός (phallos) Aphallia pharmaco- drug, medication Greek φάρμακον pharmacology pharyng(o)- Of or pertaining to the pharynx, the upper throat cavity Ancient Greek φάρυγξ, φαρυγγ- (phárynx, pháryng-), throat, windpipe; chasm Pharyngitis, Pharyngoscopy -phil(ia) attraction for Greek φιλία Hemophilia phleb(o)- Of or pertaining to the (blood) veins, a vein Ancient Greek φλέψ, φλεβ- (phleps, phlebo-), blood-vessel, vein Phlebography, Phlebotomy -phobia exaggerated fear, sensitivity Greek φόβος arachnophobia phon(o)- sound Greek φωνή phos- Of or pertaining to light or its chemical properties, now historic and used rarely. See the common root phot(o)- below. Ancient Greek φῶς, φωτ- (phōs, phōt-), light Phosphene phot(o)- Of or pertaining to light Ancient Greek φῶς, φωτ- (phōs, phōt-), light Photopathy phren(i)-, phren(o)-, phrenico the mind Greek φρήν, φρεν- Phrenic nerve, schizophrenia, diaphragm -plasia formation, development Greek πλάσις Achondroplasia -plasty surgical repair, reconstruction Greek πλαστός rhinoplasty -plegia paralysis Greek πληγή paraplegia pleio- more, excessive, multiple Greek pleion pleiomorphism pleur(o)-, pleur(a) Of or pertaining to the ribs Latin (pleura) from Ancient Greek πλευρόν (pleurón), rib, side of the body Pleurogenous -plexy stroke or seizure Greek πλῆξις Cataplexy pneum(o)- Of or pertaining to the lungs Ancient Greek πνεύμων, πνευμον- (pneumōn, pneumon-), lung < πνεῦμα (pneuma), wind, spirit Pneumonocyte, Pneumonia pneumat(o)- air, lung Ancient Greek pod-, -pod-, -pus Of or pertaining to the foot, -footed Ancient Greek πούς, ποδ- (poús, pod-), foot Podiatry -poiesis production hematopoiesis polio- Denoting a grey color Ancient Greek πολιός (poliós), grey Poliomyelitis poly- Denotes a 'plurality' of something Ancient Greek πολυς (polys), much, many Polymyositis por(o)- pore, porous porphyr(o)- Denotes a purple color Ancient Greek πορπύρα (porphýra), purple Porphyroblast post- Denotes something as 'after' or 'behind' another Latin (post), after, behind Postoperation, Postmortem pre- Denotes something as 'before' another (in [physical] position or time) Medieval Latin (pre-) < (Classical) Latin (præ), before, in front of Prematurity[disambiguation needed ]presby(o)- old age Greek Presbyopia prim- Denotes something as 'first' or 'most-important' Latin prīmus, first, most important Primary pro- Denotes something as 'before' another (in [physical] position or time) Ancient Greek προ (pro), before, in front of Procephalic proct(o)- anus, rectum proctology prosop(o)- face Greek (prosopon), face, mask Prosopagnosia prot(o)- Denotes something as 'first' or 'most important' Ancient Greek πρωτος (prōtos), first; principal, most important Protoneuron pseud(o)- Denotes something false or fake Ancient Greek psych(e)-, psych(o) Of or pertaining to the mind Ancient Greek ψυχή (psyché), breath, life, soul Psychology, psychiatry pterygo- Pertaining to a wing Greek Lateral pterygoid plate psor- Itching Psoriasis -ptosis falling, drooping, downward placement, prolapse Apoptosis -ptysis (a spitting), spitting, hemoptysis, the spitting of blood derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes hemoptysis pulmon-, pulmo- Of or relating to the lungs. Latin (pulmo, pulmōn-, usually used in plural), a lung pulmonary pyel(o)- pelvis Ancient Greek (pyelos) Pyelonephritis pyo- pus Greek πύον Pyometra pyro- fever Greek πῦρ, πυρετός Antipyretic Q
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) quadr(i)- four Latin quadriceps R
Prefix/suffix 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 ῥάβδος rhabdomyolysis rhachi(o)- spine Greek ῥάχις rachial, rachialgia, rachidian, rachiopathy rhin(o)- Of or pertaining to the nose Ancient Greek ῥίς, ῥῑνο- (rhīs, rhīno-), nose rhinoceros, rhinoplasty rhod(o)- Denoting a rose-red color Ancient Greek ῥόδον (rhódon), rose rhodophyte -rrhage burst forth Greek -ρραγία Hemorrhage -rrhagia rapid flow of blood Greek -ρραγία -rrhaphy surgical suturing Greek ῥαφή -rrhea (AmE) flowing, discharge Greek -ρροια Galactorrhea, Diarrhea -rrhexis rupture Greek ῥῆξις -rrhoea (BrE) flowing, discharge Greek -ρροια diarrhoea rubr(o)- Of or pertaining to the red nucleus of the brain Latin (ruber), red Rubrospinal S
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) salping(o)- Of or pertaining to the fallopian tubes Ancient Greek σάλπιγξ, σαλπιγγ-, (sálpinx, salpingo-) trumpet (literally) Salpingectomy, Salpingopharyngeus muscle sangui-, sanguine- Of or pertaining to blood Latin (sanguis, sanguin-), blood Sanguine sarco- muscular, fleshlike Greek σάρξ, σαρκ- sarcoma schist(o)- split, cleft Greek σχιστός (schistos) schiz(o)- Denoting something 'split' or 'double-sided' Ancient Greek σχιζω; Irregular formation of the verb σχίζειν (schizein), to cut, split Schizophrenia scler(o)- hardness Greek σκληρός atherosclerosis -sclerosis hardening of the skin Greek Multiple sclerosis scoli(o)- twisted Greek σκολιός (skolios) scoliosis -scope instrument for viewing Greek -σκόπος stethoscope -scopy use of instrument for viewing Greek -σκοπία endoscopy semi- one-half, partly Latin sial(o)- saliva, salivary gland Greek σίαλος (sialos) sialagogue sigmoid(o)- sigmoid, sigmoid colon Greek σιγμοειδής sinistr(o)- left, left side Latin sinus- Of or pertaining to the sinus Latin (sinus), a curve, bend, bay Sinusitis sito- food, grain Greek σῖτος somat(o)-, somatico- body, bodily Greek σῶμα spasmo- spasm Greek σπασμός Spasmodic dysphonia sperma-, spermo-, spermato- semen, spermatozoa Greek σπέρμα (sperma) Spermatogenesis splanchn(i)-, splanchn(o)- viscera Greek σπλάγχνον splen(o)- spleen Greek σπλήν, σπλην- Splenectomy spondyl(o)- Of or pertaining to the spine, the vertebra Greek σπόνδυλος / σφόνδυλος, (spóndylos / sphóndylos), the spine Spondylitis squamos(o)- Denoting something as 'full of scales' or 'scaly' Latin (sqāmōsus), full of scales; scaly Squama[disambiguation needed ]-stasis stop, stand Greek στάσις -staxis dripping, trickling Greek στακτός sten(o)- Denoting something as 'narrow in shape' or pertaining to narrow-ness Ancient Greek στενός (stenos), narrow; short Stenography -stenosis abnormal narrowing in a blood vessel or other tubular organ or structure Ancient Greek στενός (stenos), narrow; short Stenosis, Restenosis steth(o)- Of or pertaining to the upper chest, chest, the area above the breast and under the neck Ancient Greek στῆθος (stēthos), chest, cuirass Stethoscope stheno- strength, force, power Greek σθένος stom(a) mouth Greek στόμα stomatognathic system stomat(o)- Of or pertaining to the mouth Ancient Greek στόμα, στοματ- (stóma, stomat-), mouth Stomatogastric -stomy creation of an opening Greek -στομία colostomy sub- beneath Latin subcutaneous tissue super- in excess, above, superior Latin superior vena cava supra- above, excessive Latin supraorbital vein sy, syl-, sym-, syn-, sys- Indicates similarity, likeness, or being together; Assimilates before some consonants: before l to syl-, s to sys-, before a labial consonant to sym-. Ancient Greek συν- (syn), with, together Synalgia, Synesthesia, Syssarcosis T
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) tachy- Denoting something as fast, irregularly fast Ancient Greek ταχύς (tachys), fast, quickly Tachycardia -tension, -tensive pressure Latin Hypertension tetan- rigid, tense tetanus thec- case, sheath Ancient Greek θήκη (theke) Intrathecal thel(e)-, thel(o)- Of or pertaining to a nipple [uncommon as a prefix] Ancient Greek θηλή (thēlē), a teat, nipple Theleplasty thely- Denoting something as 'relating to a woman, feminine' Ancient Greek θῆλυς (thēlys), female, feminine Thelygenous therm(o)- heat Ancient Greek θερμός thorac(i)-, thorac(o)-, thoracico- Of or pertaining to the upper chest, chest; the area above the breast and under the neck Latin (thōrāx) < Ancient Greek θώραξ (thōrax), chest, cuirass Thorax thromb(o)- Of or relating to a blood clot, clotting of blood Ancient Greek θρόμβος (thrómbos), lump, piece, clot of blood Thrombus, Thrombocytopenia thyr(o)- thyroid Greek θυρεο-ειδής thym(o)(ia)- emotions Greek: "thymos," spirit, soul; courage; breath, mind, emotions dysthymia -tic pertaining to Greek -τικός toco- childbirth Greek τόκος -tome cutting instrument Greek τομή -tomy act of cutting; incising, incision Greek -τομία Gastrotomy tono- tone, tension, pressure Greek τόνος -tony tension Greek -τονία top(o)- place, topical Greek τόπος tox(i)-, tox(o)-, toxico- toxin, poison Greek τοξικόν Toxoplasmosis trache(o)- trachea Greek τραχεία trachel(o)- Of or pertaining to the neck Ancient Greek τράχηλος (tráchēlos), neck Tracheotomy trans- Denoting something as moving or situated 'across' or 'through' Latin (trāns), across, through Transfusion trich(i)-, trichia, trich(o)- Of or pertaining to hair, hair-like structure Ancient Greek θρίξ, τριχ(ο)- (thríx, trich(o)-), hair Trichocyst -tripsy crushing Greek τρίψις Lithotripsy -trophy nourishment, development Greek -τροφία, τροφή Pseudohypertrophy tympan(o)- eardrum Greek τύμπανον Tympanocentesis U
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) -ula, -ule small Latin Nodule ultra- beyond, excessive Latin umbilic- Of or pertaining to the navel, the umbilicus Latin (umbilīcus), navel, belly-button Umbilical ungui- Of or pertaining to the nail, a claw Latin (unguis), nail, claw Unguiform, Ungual un(i)- one Latin (unus) Unilateral hearing loss ur(o)- Of or pertaining to urine, the urinary system; (specifically) pertaining to the physiological chemistry of urine Ancient Greek οὖρον (ouron), urine Urology uri(c)-, urico- uric acid Greek οὐρικός urin- Of or pertaining to urine, the urinary system Latin (ūrīna), urine < Ancient Greek ουρον (ouron), see above. Uriniferous uter(o)- Of or pertaining to the uterus or womb Latin (uterus), womb, uterus Uterus V
Prefix or suffix 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 (blood) veins, a vein (used in terms pertaining to the vascular system) Latin (vēna), blood-vessel, vein Vein, Venospasm ventr(o)- Of or pertaining to the belly; the stomach cavities Latin (venter), the belly, the stomach; the womb Ventrodorsal ventricul(o)- Of or pertaining to the ventricles; any hollow region inside an organ Latin (venter), the ventricles of the heart, the ventricles of the brain Cardiac ventriculography -version turning Latin versiō anteversion, retroversion vesic(o)- Of or pertaining to the bladder Latin (vēsīca), bladder; blister Vesica[disambiguation needed ]viscer(o)- Of or pertaining to the internal organs, the viscera Latin (viscera), internal organs; plural of (viscerum), internal organ Viscera X
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) xanth(o)- Denoting a yellow color, an abnormally yellow color Ancient Greek ξανθός (xanthós), yellow Xanthopathy xen(o)- Foreign, different Greek ξένος (xenos), stranger Xenograft xer(o)- dry, desert-like Greek ξερός (xeros), dry Xerostomia Y
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) -y condition or process of Latin -ia < Greek -ία Surgery Z
Prefix/suffix Meaning Origin language and etymology Example(s) zo(o)- animal, animal life Greek ζῷον zym(o)- fermentation, enzyme Greek ζύμη 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 Latin root Other root 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)- - breast mast(o)- mamm(o)- - chest steth(o)- - - cheek - 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-yellow 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)- - 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)- - 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 neo- 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- - Roots 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- - See also
Categories:- Medical terms
- Medical lists
- Scientific nomenclature
- Scientific terminology
- Word coinage
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