The following is an alphabetical list of medical prefixes and suffixes, along with their meanings, origin, and English examples.
| Affix |
Meaning |
Origin language and etymology |
Examples
|
| a-, an-
|
not, without
|
Ancient Greek ἀ-/ἀν- (a-/an-), not, without
|
Analgesic, apathy
|
| ab-
|
from; 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
|
| acanth(o)-
|
thorn or spine
|
ἄκανθα (akantha), thorn
|
acanthion, acanthocyte, acanthoma, acanthulus
|
| acous(io)-
|
hearing
|
Greek ἀκουστικός (acoustikos), of or for hearing
|
acoumeter, acoustician
|
| acr(o)-
|
extremity, topmost
|
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-
|
at, increase, on, toward
|
Latin
|
Adduction
|
| aden(o)-, aden(i)-
|
Of or relating to a gland
|
ἀδήν, ἀδέν- (adēn, aden-), an acorn; a gland
|
Adenocarcinoma, adenology, adenotome, adenotyphus
|
| adip(o)-
|
Of or relating to fat or fatty tissue
|
adeps, adip-), fat
|
Adipocyte
|
| adren(o)-
|
Of or relating to adrenal glands
|
Latin
|
adrenal artery
|
| BrE)
|
blood condition
|
Greek ἀναιμία, without blood
|
Anaemia
|
| aer(o)-
|
air, gas
|
ἀήρ, ἀέρος
|
Aerosinusitis
|
| aesthesio- (BrE)
|
sensation
|
αἴσθησις
|
Anesthesia
|
| -al
|
pertaining to
|
Latin -alis
|
abdominal, femoral
|
| alb-
|
Denoting a white or pale color
|
albus, white
|
Albino
|
| alge(si)-
|
pain
|
ἄλγος
|
Analgesic
|
| -algia, alg(i)o-
|
pain
|
Greek
|
Myalgia
|
| all(o)-
|
Denoting something as different, or as an addition
|
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
|
| amni-
|
Pertaining to the membranous fetal sac (amnion)
|
Greek ἄμνιον
|
Amniocentesis
|
| amph(i)-,
|
on both sides
|
ἀμφί (amphi)
|
Amphicrania, amphismela, amphomycin
|
| amylo-
|
starchy, carbohydrate-related
|
Latin amylum (starch)
|
Amylase, amylophagia
|
| an-
|
not, without
|
Greek
|
Analgesia
|
| ana-
|
back, again, up
|
Greek
|
Anaplasia
|
| an-
|
anus
|
Latin
|
anal
|
| andr(o)-
|
pertaining to a man
|
ἀνήρ, ἀνδρ-
|
Android, andrology, androgen
|
| angi(o)-
|
blood vessel
|
Greek ἀγγεῖον
|
Angiogram
|
| aniso-
|
Describing something as unequal
|
Ancient Greek ἄνῑσος (anīsos), unequal
|
Anisocytosis, anisotropic
|
| 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-
|
away, separated from, derived from
|
ἀπό
|
Apoptosis
|
| arch-
|
first, primitive
|
Ancient Greek
|
archinephron
|
| arsen(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to a male; masculine
|
Greek (arsein)
|
arsenoblast
|
| arteri(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to an artery
|
ἀρτηρία (artēría), a wind-pipe, artery (used distinctly versus a vein)
|
Arteriole, artery
|
| arthr(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the joints, limbs
|
Ancient Greek αρθρος (arthros), a joint, limb
|
Arthritis
|
| articul(o)-
|
joint
|
articulus
|
Articulation
|
| -ary
|
pertaining to
|
Latin -arius
|
biliary tract
|
| -ase
|
enzyme
|
Greek διάστασις, division
|
Lactase
|
| -asthenia
|
weakness
|
Greek, ἀσθένεια
|
Myasthenia gravis
|
| atel(o)-
|
imperfect or incomplete development
|
|
atelocardia
|
| ather(o)-
|
fatty deposit, soft gruel-like deposit
|
|
Atherosclerosis
|
| -ation
|
process
|
Latin
|
medication
|
| atri(o)-
|
an atrium (esp. heart atrium)
|
Latin
|
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, Auxology
|
| 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
|
| Affix |
Meaning |
Origin language and etymology |
Example(s)
|
| bacteri(o)-
|
Pertaining to bacteria
|
bacterium"); Greek wikt:βακτήριον#Ancient Greek|βακτήριον ("baktḗrion"), “small staff”
|
Bacteriophage, Bactericide
|
| balano-
|
Of the glans penis or glans clitoridis
|
βάλανος (bálanos), acorn, glans
|
Balanitis
|
| bas(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to base
|
βάσις (básis), "foundation", "base"
|
Basolateral
|
| bi-
|
twice, double
|
Latin
|
Binary
|
| bio-
|
life
|
βίος (bíos)
|
Biology
|
| blast(o)-
|
germ or bud
|
βλαστός (blastós)
|
Blastomere
|
| blephar(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the eyelid
|
Ancient Greek βλέφαρον (blépharon), eyelid
|
Blepharoplast
|
| brachi(o)-
|
Of or relating to the arm
|
bracchium), from Ancient Greek wikt:βραχίων#Ancient Greek|βραχίων (brachiōn), arm
|
Brachium of inferior colliculus
|
| brachy-
|
Indicating 'short' or less commonly 'little'
|
βραχύς (brachys), short, little, shallow
|
brachycephalic
|
| brady-
|
'slow'
|
βραδύς (bradys), slow
|
Bradycardia
|
| bronch(i)-
|
of or relating to the bronchus
|
bronchus); Ancient Greek βρόγχος (brónkhos), windpipe
|
Bronchitis, bronchiolitis obliterans
|
| bucc(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the cheek
|
bucca), cheek
|
Buccolabial
|
| burs(o)-
|
bursa (fluid sac between the bones)
|
bursa), purse; Ancient Greek wikt:βύρσα#Ancient Greek|βύρσα (búrsa), hide, wine-skin
|
Bursa, bursitis
|
| Affix |
Meaning |
Origin language and etymology |
Example(s)
|
| capill-
|
Of or pertaining to hair
|
capillus), hair
|
Capillus
|
| capit-
|
Pertaining to the head (as a whole)
|
caput, capit-), the head
|
Capitation
|
| carcin(o)-
|
cancer
|
καρκίνος (karkinos), crab
|
Carcinoma
|
| cardi(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the heart
|
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
|
κατά (kata)
|
Cataract, catabolism
|
| -cele
|
pouching, hernia
|
κήλη (kēlē)
|
Hydrocele, Varicocele
|
| -centesis
|
aspiration
|
Ancient Greek κέντησις (kentēsis)
|
Amniocentesis
|
| cephal(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the head (as a whole)
|
κεφαλή (képhalē), the head
|
Cephalalgy, hydrocephalus
|
| cerat(o)-
|
cornu; a horn
|
κέρας, κερατ- (kéras, kerat-), a horn
|
Ceratoid
|
| cerebell(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the cerebellum
|
cerebellum), little brain
|
Cerebellum
|
| cerebr(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the brain
|
cerebrum), brain
|
Cerebrology
|
| cervic-
|
Of or pertaining to the neck, the cervix
|
cervix, cervīc-), neck, cervix
|
Cervicodorsal
|
| chem(o)-
|
chemistry, drug
|
χημεία
|
Chemotherapy
|
| chir(o)-, cheir(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the hand
|
χείρ, χειρο- (cheir, cheiro-), hand
|
Chiropractor
|
| chlor(o)-
|
Denoting a green color
|
χλωρός (chloros), green, yellow-green
|
Chlorophyll
|
| chol(e)-
|
Of or pertaining to bile
|
χολή (cholē), bile
|
Cholaemia (UK)/ Cholemia (US), Cholecystitis
|
| 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
|
χονδρός (chondros)
|
Chondrocalcinosis
|
| chrom(ato)-
|
color
|
Ancient Greek χρῶμα (chrōma)
|
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
|
cis
|
cisgender
|
| clast
|
break
|
Greek κλαστός "broken"
|
osteoclast
|
| clostr-
|
spindle
|
Greek κλωστήρ (klōstēr)
|
Clostridium difficile
|
| co-
|
with, together, in association
|
Latin
|
coenzymes
|
| col-, colo-, colono-
|
colon
|
κόλον (kólon)
|
Colonoscopy
|
| colp(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the vagina
|
Ancient Greek κόλπος (kólpos), bosom, womb; hollow, depth
|
Colposcopy
|
| com-
|
with, together
|
Latin cum
|
|
| contra
|
against
|
Latin
|
Contraindicate
|
| cor-
|
with, together
|
Latin
|
corrective
|
| cor-
|
Of or pertaining to eye's pupil
|
Ancient Greek κόρη (kórē), girl, doll; pupil of the eye
|
Corectomy
|
| cord-
|
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"
|
Greater cornu
|
| coron(o)-
|
pertaining to heart
|
Latin corōna
|
coronary heart disease
|
| cost-
|
Of or pertaining to the ribs
|
costa), "rib"
|
Costochondral
|
| cox-
|
Of or relating to the hip, haunch, or hip-joint
|
coxa), hip
|
Coxopodite
|
| crani(o)-
|
cranium
|
cranium) < Ancient Greek wikt:κρᾱνίον#Ancient Greek|κρᾱνίον (krānion), the cranium, skull, bones enclosing the brain
|
Craniology
|
| -crine, crin(o)
|
to secrete
|
εκκρίνει ecrine
|
Endocrine
|
| cry(o)-
|
cold
|
κρύος
|
Cryoablation
|
| cutane-
|
skin
|
cutis
|
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
|
κύστις κύστις (kýstis); bladder, cyst
|
Cystotomy
|
| cyt(o)-, -cyte
|
cell
|
κύτος
|
Cytokine, leukocyte
|
| Affix |
Meaning |
Origin language and etymology |
Example(s)
|
| dacry(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to tears
|
δάκρυ, tear
|
Dacryoadenitis, dacryocystitis
|
| -dactyl(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to a finger, toe
|
δάκτυλος (dáktylos), finger, toe
|
dactylology, polydactyly
|
| de-
|
from, down, or not
|
Latin de-
|
dehydrate
|
| dent-
|
Of or pertaining to teeth
|
Latin (dens, dentis), tooth
|
Dentist
|
| dermat(o)-, derm(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the skin
|
δέρμα, δέρματος (dérma, dérmat-), skin, human skin
|
Dermatology, epidermis, hypodermic, xeroderma
|
| -desis
|
binding
|
Greek δέσις (désis)
|
arthrodesis
|
| dextr(o)-
|
right, on the right side
|
Latin dexter
|
Dextrocardia
|
| di-
|
two
|
Greek δι-
|
Diplopia
|
| di-
|
apart, separation
|
Latin
|
dilation, distal
|
| dia-
|
through, during, across
|
διά (diá), through, during, across
|
dialysis
|
| dif-
|
apart, separation
|
Latin
|
different
|
| digit-
|
Of or pertaining to the finger [rare as a root]
|
Latin (digitus), finger, toe
|
Digit
|
| diplo-
|
twofold
|
διπλόος (diplóos)
|
diploid, diplosis
|
| -dipsia
|
suffix meaning "(condition of) thirst"'
|
δίψα (dípsa)
|
dipsomania, hydroadipsia, oligodipsia, polydipsia
|
| dis-
|
separation, taking apart
|
Latin dis-
|
Dissection
|
| dors(o)-, dors(i)-
|
Of or pertaining to the back
|
Latin (dorsum), back
|
dorsal, dorsocephalad
|
| dromo-
|
running, conduction, course
|
δρόμος (drómos)
|
Dromotropic, syndrome
|
| 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
|
δύναμις (dúnamis)
|
Hand strength dynamometer
|
| -dynia
|
pain
|
|
Vulvodynia
|
| dys-
|
bad, difficult, defective, abnormal
|
Greek δυσ- (dus-)
|
dysentery, dysphagia, dysphasia
|
| Affix |
Meaning |
Origin language and etymology |
Example(s)
|
| -eal
|
pertaining to
|
Latin
|
esophageal, Perineum|perineal
|
| ec-
|
out, away
|
Greek ἐκ- (ek-)
|
Ectopia, ectopic pregnancy
|
| ect(o)-
|
outer, outside
|
Greek ἐκτός (ektós)
|
Ectoblast, ectoderm
|
| -ectasia, -ectasis
|
dilation
|
Ancient Greek ἔκτασις (éktasis)
|
Bronchiectasis, telangiectasia
|
| -ectomy
|
Denotes a surgical operation or removal of a body part. Resection, excision
|
Ancient Greek ἐκτομή (ektomḗ), excision
|
Mastectomy
|
| -emesis
|
vomiting condition
|
Greek ἕμεσις (émesis)
|
Hematemesis
|
| -emia
|
blood condition (Am Engl)
|
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'
|
ἐνδο- (endo-), inside, internal
|
Endocrinology, endospore
|
| eosin(o)-
|
Red
|
Ancient Greek Eos, the Greek word for 'dawn' and the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn.
|
Eosinophil granulocyte
|
| enter(o)-
|
intestine
|
Ancient Greek ἔντερον (énteron), intestine
|
Gastroenterology
|
| epi-
|
on, upon
|
Ancient Greek ἐπι- (epi-), before, upon, on, outside, outside of
|
epidermis, epidural, episclera, epistaxis
|
| 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 (erythrós), red
|
Erythrocyte
|
| -esophageal, -esophago-
|
gullet (AmE)
|
Greek οἰσοφάγος (oisophágos)
|
Esophagus
|
| esthesio-
|
sensation (AmE)
|
Greek αἴσθησις (aisthēsis)
|
Esthesia
|
| eu- |
true, good, well, new |
εὖ (eû) |
Eukaryote
|
| ex-
|
out of, away from
|
Latin
|
Excision
|
| exo-
|
Denotes something as 'outside' another
|
Ancient Greek ἐξω- (exo-), outside of, external
|
Exophthalmos, exoskeleton
|
| extra-
|
outside
|
Latin
|
Extradural hematoma
|
| Affix |
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), from 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
|
| -geusia
|
Taste
|
γεῦσις (geusis)
|
Ageusia, dysgeusia, hypergeusia, hypogeusia, parageusia
|
| gingiv-
|
Of or pertaining to the gums
|
Latin gingīva, gum
|
Gingivitis
|
| glauc(o)-
|
Denoting a grey or bluish-grey colour
|
γλαυκός (glaukos), grey, bluish-grey
|
Glaucoma
|
| gloss(o)-, glott(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the tongue
|
γλῶσσα, γλῶττα (glōssa, glōtta), tongue
|
Glossology
|
| gluco-
|
sweet
|
Greek γλυκός, sweet
|
Glucocorticoid
|
| glyc(o)-
|
sugar
|
Ancient Greek
|
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
|
Ancient Greek
|
Angiography
|
| gyno-, gynaeco- (BrE), gyneco- (AmE)
|
woman
|
Greek γυνή, γυναικ-
|
Gynecomastia
|
| Affix |
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
|
Hemal, Hemoglobin
|
| hemangi or hemangio-
|
blood vessels
|
|
Hemangioma
|
| 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)
|
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, Hysteria
|
| Affix |
Meaning |
Origin language and etymology |
Example(s)
|
| macr(o)-
|
large, long
|
Greek μακρός
|
Macrophage
|
| -malacia
|
softening
|
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
|
mammillaplasty, mammillitis
|
| 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, million
|
Greek μέγας
|
Splenomegaly, megameter
|
| 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
|
| men(o)-
|
month, menstrual cycle
|
μήν (mḗn), month
|
menopause, menorrhagia,
|
| mero-
|
part
|
Greek μέρος (meros), part
|
merocrine, meroblastic
|
| mes(o)-
|
middle
|
Ancient Greek μέσος (mesos), "middle"
|
Mesoderm
|
| meta-
|
after, beyond or change
|
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, millionth
|
Ancient Greek μικρός (mikros), small
|
Microscope
|
| milli-
|
thousandth
|
Latin mille, thousand
|
milliliter
|
| mon(o)-
|
single
|
Greek μονός (monos)
|
Infectious mononucleosis
|
| morph(o)-
|
form, shape
|
Greek μορφή (morphē)
|
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 or spinal cord
|
Ancient Greek μυελόν (myelon), marrow; bone-marrow
|
Myeloblast
|
| myl(o)-
|
Of or relating to molar teeth or lower jaw
|
Greek (myle)
|
Mylohyoid nerve
|
| myri-
|
ten thousand
|
Ancient Greek μύριοι (mýrioi), myriad
|
myriad
|
| myring(o)-
|
eardrum
|
Latin myringa
|
Myringotomy
|
| myx(o)-
|
mucus
|
Greek μύξα
|
Myxoma
|
| Affix |
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
|
oesophagus
|
| -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)-
|
shoulder
|
Ancient Greek ὠμός (ōmos), shoulder
|
Omoplate
|
| -oma (singular), -omata (plural)
|
tumor, mass, fluid collection
|
Greek -ωμα
|
Sarcoma, teratoma
|
| omphal(o)-
|
umbilicus
|
Ancient Greek ὀμφαλός (omphalós), navel, belly-button
|
Omphalotomy
|
| onco-
|
tumor, bulk, volume
|
Greek ὄγκος
|
Oncology
|
| -one
|
|
|
hormone
|
| 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); ώψ (opsi), vision. Cognate with Latin oculus, relating to the eye
|
Opticochemical, biopsy
|
| or(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the mouth
|
Latin (ōs, or-), mouth
|
Oral
|
| -or
|
one who
|
|
doctor
|
| orchi(o)-, orchid(o)-, orch(o)-
|
testis
|
Greek ὀρχις (orkhis, orkhi-)
|
Orchiectomy, orchidectomy
|
| orth(o)-
|
Denoting something as straight or correct
|
Ancient Greek ὀρθός (orthós), straight, correct, normal
|
Orthodontist
|
| -osis
|
a condition, disease or increase
|
Greek -ωσις
|
Harlequin type ichthyosis, psychosis, osteoporosis
|
| osse-
|
bony
|
Latin
|
Osseous
|
| 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
|
Otology
|
| -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(oxus)
|
|
| Affix |
Meaning |
Origin language and etymology |
Examples
|
| 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; diminutive 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
|
Ancient Greek παρά (para)
|
paracyesis
|
| -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
|
| pauci-
|
Few
|
Latin paucus
|
Pauci-immune
|
| pector-
|
breast or chest
|
Latin pectus
|
pectoralgia, pectoriloquy, pectorophony
|
| ped-, -ped-, -pes
|
Of or pertaining to the foot; -footed
|
pēs, pēd-, foot
|
Pedoscope
|
| ped-, pedo-
|
Of or pertaining to the child
|
Ancient Greek παιδός, child
|
pediatrics. pedophilia
|
| 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
|
percutaneous
|
| 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
|
hematophagy
|
| phallo-
|
phallus
|
Greek φαλλός (phallos)
|
Aphallia
|
| pharmaco-
|
drug, medication
|
Greek φάρμακον
|
pharmacology
|
| pharyng(o)-
|
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, aversion
|
Greek φόβος
|
arachnophobia
|
| phon(o)-
|
sound
|
Greek φωνή
|
phonograph, symphony
|
| 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
|
φρήν, φρεν-
|
diaphragm
|
| phyt-
|
to grow
|
|
hydrophyte
|
| piri-
|
Pear
|
Latin pirum, pear
|
Piriformis muscle
|
| -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-
|
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
|
| pne-, pneum-
|
air, breath, lung
|
πνεῖν (pneîn), wikt:πνεῦμα#Ancient Greek|πνεῦμα, πνεύματος (pneûma), πνεύμων (pneúmōn)
|
apnea, pneumatology, pneumonocyte, pneumonia
|
| 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
|
πόρος (póros)
|
pore
|
| 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
|
Premature birth
|
| presby(o)-
|
old age
|
Greek
|
Presbyopia, presbycusis
|
| prim-
|
Denotes something as 'first' or 'most-important'
|
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'
|
πρωτος (prōtos), first; principal, most important
|
Protoneuron
|
| pseud(o)-
|
Denotes something false or fake
|
Ancient Greek
|
Pseudoephedrine
|
| psych(e)-, psych(o)
|
Of or pertaining to the mind
|
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, nephroptosis
|
| -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
|
pulmo, pulmōn-, usually used in plural), a lung
|
pulmonary
|
| pyel(o)-
|
pelvis
|
Ancient Greek (pyelos)
|
Pyelonephritis
|
| pykno-
|
to thicken (as the nucleus does in early stages of cell death)
|
Greek πυκνωνω, to thicken/condense
|
Pyknosis
|
| py(o)-
|
pus
|
Greek πύον
|
Pyometra
|
| pyr(o)-
|
fever
|
Greek πῦρ, πυρετός
|
Antipyretic
|
| Affix |
Meaning |
Origin language and etymology |
Example(s)
|
| salping(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to tubes e.g. 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, sarcoidosis
|
| schist(o)-
|
split, cleft
|
Greek σχιστός (schistos)
|
schistocyte
|
| schiz(o)-
|
Denoting something 'split' or 'double-sided'
|
Ancient Greek σχιζω; irregular formation of the verb σχίζειν (schizein), to cut, split
|
Schizophrenia
|
| scler(o)-
|
hard
|
Greek σκληρός
|
Scleroderma
|
| -sclerosis
|
hardening
|
Greek σκλήρωσις
|
Atherosclerosis, 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
|
| scoto-
|
darkness
|
Greek σκότος (skotos)
|
scotopic vision
|
| semi-
|
one-half, partly
|
Latin
|
semiconscious
|
| sial(o)-
|
saliva, salivary gland
|
Greek σίαλος (sialos)
|
sialagogue
|
| sigmoid(o)-
|
sigmoid, S-shaped curvature
|
Greek σιγμοειδής
|
sigmoid colon
|
| 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 (sitos)
|
Sitophobia
|
| somat(o)-, somatico-
|
body, bodily
|
Greek σῶμα (sōma)
|
somatic
|
| -spadias
|
slit, fissure
|
Greek σπάδων
|
hypospadias, epispadias
|
| spasmo-
|
spasm
|
Greek σπασμός
|
Spasmodic dysphonia
|
| sperma-, spermo-, spermato-
|
semen, spermatozoa
|
Greek σπέρμα (sperma)
|
Spermatogenesis
|
| splanchn(i)-, splanchn(o)-
|
viscera
|
Greek σπλάγχνον
|
splanchnology
|
| 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
|
Squamous cell
|
| -stalsis
|
contraction
|
Greek στάλσις
|
Peristalsis
|
| -stasis
|
stopping, standing
|
Greek στάσις
|
Cytostasis, homeostasis
|
| -staxis
|
dripping, trickling
|
Greek στάξις, στακτός
|
|
| sten(o)-
|
Denoting something as 'narrow in shape' or pertaining to narrowness
|
Ancient Greek στενός (stenos); narrow, short
|
Stenography
|
| -stenosis
|
abnormal narrowing in a blood vessel or other tubular organ or structure
|
Ancient Greek στένωσις (stenōsis)
|
Restenosis, stenosis
|
| 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; an artificially created opening
|
Greek στόμα
|
|
| stomat(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the mouth
|
Ancient Greek στόμα, στοματ- (stóma, stomat-), mouth
|
Stomatogastric, stomatognathic system
|
| -stomy
|
creation of an opening
|
Greek -στομία
|
colostomy
|
| sub-
|
beneath, under
|
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
|
Symptom, synalgia, synesthesia, syssarcosis
|
| Affix |
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
|
| terato-
|
Monster
|
Ancient Greek teras(s) terata(pl)
|
teratoma, teratogen
|
| tetan-
|
rigid, tense
|
Ancient Greek tetanos
|
tetanus
|
| thec-
|
sheath
|
Ancient Greek θήκη (thēkē)
|
Intrathecal
|
| thel-
|
Of or pertaining to a nipple (uncommon as a prefix)
|
Ancient Greek θηλή (thēlē), a teat, nipple
|
Theleplasty, thelarche
|
| thely-
|
Denoting something as 'relating to a woman, feminine'
|
Ancient Greek θῆλυς (thēlys), female, feminine
|
Thelygenous
|
| therap-
|
treatment
|
Ancient Greek (therapeía)
|
hydrotherapy, therapeutic
|
| therm(o)-
|
heat
|
Ancient Greek θερμός (thermós)
|
|
| 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
|
thoracic, 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-
|
emotions
|
Greek: "thymos", spirit, soul; courage; breath, mind, emotions
|
dysthymia
|
| -tic
|
pertaining to
|
Greek -τικός
|
|
| toco-
|
childbirth
|
Greek τόκος
|
|
| -tome
|
cutting instrument
|
Greek τομή (tomē)
|
|
| -tomy
|
act of cutting; incising, incision
|
Greek -τομία
|
Gastrotomy
|
| ton-
|
tone, tension, pressure
|
Greek τόνος (tonos)
|
|
| -tony
|
tension
|
Greek -τονία
|
|
| top(o)-
|
place, topical
|
τόπος (topos)
|
Topical anesthetic
|
| tort(i)-
|
twisted
|
tortus
|
Torticollis
|
| tox(i)-, tox(o)-, toxic(o)-
|
toxin, poison
|
Greek τοξικόν
|
Toxoplasmosis
|
| trache(a)-
|
trachea
|
Greek τραχεία
|
Tracheotomy
|
| trachel(o)-
|
Of or pertaining to the neck
|
Ancient Greek τράχηλος (tráchēlos), neck
|
tracheloplasty
|
| trans-
|
Denoting something as moving or situated across or through
|
trāns, "across, through"
|
Transfusion
|
| tri-
|
three
|
Latin
|
triangle, triceps
|
| 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
|
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.
