A

Affix

Meaning

Origin language and

Examples

etymology
a-, an-

not, without

Ancient Greek -/- (a-

Analgesic, apathy

/an-), not, without

ab-

from; away from

Latin

Abduction

abdomin(o)-

Of or relating to

Latin abdmen, abdomen,

Abdomen

the abdomen

fat around the belly

-ac, -acal

pertaining to

Greek - (-akos)

cardiac, hydrophobiac

acanth(o)-

thorn or spine

Ancient

acanthion, acanthocyte, acanthoma, acanthulus

Greek (akantha),
thorn
acous(io)-

Of or relating

Greek

to hearing

(acoustikos), of or for

acoumeter, acoustician

hearing
acr(o)-

-acusis

extremity,

Greek (akron),

topmost

highest or farthest point

hearing

Greek

Acrocrany, acromegaly, acroosteolysis,acroposthia

paracusis

(acoustikos), of or for
hearing
-ad

toward, in the

dorsad

direction of
ad-

at, increase, on,

Latin

Adduction

Adenocarcinoma, adenology, adenotome,adenotyphus

toward
aden(o)-,

Of or relating to

Ancient Greek , -

aden(i)-

a gland

(adn, aden-), an acorn;

agland

adip(o)-

Of or relating

Latin (adeps, adip-), fat

Adipocyte

Latin

adrenal artery

Greek , without

Anaemia

to fat or fatty
tissue
adren(o)-

Of or relating
to adrenal glands

-aemia (BrE)

blood condition

blood
aer(o)-

air, gas

Greek ,

Aerosinusitis

aesthesio-

sensation

Greek

Anesthesia

-al

pertaining to

Latin -alis

abdominal, femoral

alb-

Denoting a white

Latin albus, white

Albino

(BrE)

or pale color
alge(si)-

pain

Greek

Analgesic

-algia,alg(i)o-

pain

Greek

Myalgia

all(o)-

Denoting

Ancient

Alloantigen, allopathy

something as

Greek (allos),

different, or as an

another, other

addition
ambi-

Denoting

Latin (ambi-, ambo), both,

something as

on both sides

positioned on
both sides;
describing both of

Ambidextrous

two
amni-

Pertaining to the

Greek

Amniocentesis

membranous
fetal sac (amnion)
amph(i)-,

on both sides

Greek (amphi)

Amphicrania, amphismela, amphomycin

an-

not, without

Greek

Analgesia

ana-

back, again, up

Greek

Anaplasia

an-

anus

Latin

anal

andr(o)-

pertaining to

Greek , -

Android, andrology, androgen

a man
angi(o)-

blood vessel

Greek

Angiogram

aniso-

Describing

Ancient Greek

Anisocytosis, anisotropic

something as

(ansos), unequal

unequal
ankyl(o)-

Denoting

Ancient Greek

,ancyl(o)-

something as

(anklos), crooked, curved

Ankylosis

crooked or bent
ante-

Describing

Latin (nt), before, in

something as

front of

antepartum

positioned in front
of another thing
anti-

Describing

Ancient Greek (anti),

something as

against

Antibody, antipsychotic

'against' or
'opposed to'
another
apo-

away, separated

Ancient Greek

Apoptosis

from, derived
from
arch-

first, primitive

Ancient Greek

archinephron

arsen(o)-

Of or pertaining

Greek (arsein)

arsenoblast

Of or pertaining

Ancient

Arteriole, artery

to an artery

Greek (artra), a

to a male;
masculine
arteri(o)-

wind-pipe, artery (used

distinctly versus a vein)
arthr(o)-

Of or pertaining

Ancient Greek

to the joints,

(arthros), a joint, limb

Arthritis

limbs
articul(o)-

joint

Latin articulus

Articulation

-ary

pertaining to

Latin -arius

biliary tract

-ase

enzyme

Greek , division

Lactase

-asthenia

weakness

Greek,

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

Latin (auris), the ear

Aural

Greek -

Autoimmune

heart atrium)
aur(i)-

Of or pertaining
to the ear

aut(o)-

self

aux(o)-

increase; growth

axill-

Of or pertaining

Auxocardia : enlargement of the heart, Auxology

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
bacteri(o)-

Meaning
Pertaining to bacteria

Origin language and etymology

Example(s)

Latin ("bacterium"); Greek ("baktrion"),

Bacteriophage, Bactericide

small staff
balano-

Of the glans penis or glans

Greek (blanos), acorn, glans

Balanitis

clitoridis
bas(o)-

Of or pertaining to base

Greek (bsis), "foundation", "base"

Basolateral

bi-

twice, double

Latin

Binary

bio-

life

Ancient Greek (bos)

Biology

blast(o)-

germ or bud

Greek (blasts)

Blastomere

blephar(o)-

Of or pertaining to the eyelid

Ancient Greek (blpharon), eyelid

Blepharoplast

brachi(o)-

Of or relating to the arm

Latin (bracchium), from Ancient

Brachium of inferior

Greek (brachin), arm

colliculus

Indicating 'short' or less

Ancient Greek (brachys), short, little,

brachycephalic

commonly 'little'

shallow

brady-

'slow'

Ancient Greek (bradys), slow

Bradycardia

bronch(i)-

of or relating to the bronchus

Latin (bronchus); Ancient Greek

Bronchitis, bronchiolitis

(brnkhos), windpipe

obliterans

brachy-

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 (brsa), hide, wine-skin

C
Affix
capill-

Meaning
Of or pertaining to

Origin language and etymology

Example(s)

Latin (capillus), hair

Capillus

Latin (caput, capit-), the head

Capitation

hair
capit-

Pertaining to the
head (as a whole)

carcin(o)-

cancer

Greek (karkinos), crab

Carcinoma

cardi(o)-

Of or pertaining to

Ancient Greek (karda), heart

Cardiology

Of or pertaining to

Latin (carpus) < Ancient Greek

Carpopedal

the wrist

(karps), wrist; NOTE: This root

the heart
carp(o)-

should not be confused with the mirror

root carp(o)- meaning fruit.
cata-

down, under

Greek (kata)

Cataract, catabolism

-cele

pouching, hernia

Ancient Greek (kl)

Hydrocele, Varicocele

-centesis

surgical puncture

Ancient Greek (kentsis)

Amniocentesis

Ancient Greek (kphal), the

Cephalalgy,hydrocephalus

for aspiration
cephal(o)-

Of or pertaining to

the head (as a

head

whole)
cerat(o)-

cerebell(o)-

Of or pertaining to

Ancient Greek , - (kras,

the cornu; a horn

kerat-), a horn

Of or pertaining to

Latin (cerebellum), little brain

Cerebellum

Latin (cerebrum), brain

Cerebrology

Latin (cervix, cervc-), neck, cervix

Cervicodorsal

Ceratoid

the cerebellum
cerebr(o)-

Of or pertaining to
the brain

cervic-

Of or pertaining to
the neck, the cervix

chem(o)-

chemistry, drug

Greek

Chemotherapy

chir(o)-,

Of or pertaining to

Ancient Greek , - (cheir,

Chiropractor

cheir(o)-

the hand

cheiro-), hand

chlor(o)-

Denoting a green

Ancient Greek (chloros),

color

green, yellow-green

Of or pertaining

Ancient Greek (chol), bile

Cholaemia (UK)/Cholemia (US),Cholecystitis

Of or pertaining to

Ancient Greek

Cholecystectomy

the gallbladder

(cholkstis), gallbladder <

chol(e)-

Chlorophyll

to bile
cholecyst(o)-

(chol), bile, gall + (kstis),

bladder
chondr(i)o-

cartilage, gristle,

Ancient Greek (chondros)

Chondrocalcinosis

granule, granular
chrom(ato)-

color

Ancient Greek (chrma)

Hemochromatosis

-cidal, -cide

killing, destroying

Latin

bacteriocidal

cili-

Of or pertaining to

Latin (cilium), eyelash; eyelid

Ciliary

Latin (circum), around

Circumcision

the cilia, the

eyelashes; eyelids
circum-

Denoting something
as 'around' another

cis-

on this side

Latin (cis)

clast

break

Greek "broken"

osteoclast

clostr-

spindle

Greek (klstr)

Clostridium difficile

co-

with, together, in

Latin

coenzymes

colon

(klon)

Colonoscopy

Of or pertaining to

Ancient Greek (klpos),

Colposcopy

the vagina

bosom, womb; hollow, depth

com-

with, together

Latin

contra

against

Latin

cor-

with, together

Latin

cor-, core-,

Of or pertaining to

Ancient Greek (kr), girl, doll;

coro-

eye's pupil

pupil of the eye

cordi-

Of or pertaining to

Latin (cor, cordi-), heart

Commotio cordis

Latin (corn), horn

Greater cornu

association
col-, colo-,
colonocolp(o)-

Contraindicate

Corectomy

the heart
(uncommon as a
prefix)
cornu-

Applied to
processes and parts

of the body
describing them
likened or similar to
horns
coron(o)-

crown

Latin corna (garland, crown)

coronary

cost(o)-

Of or pertaining to

Latin (costa), rib

Costochondral

Latin (coxa), hip

Coxopodite

Belonging or

Latin (cranium) < Ancient

Craniology

relating to

Greek (krnion), the cranium,

the cranium

skull, bones enclosing the brain

to secrete

ecrine

Endocrine

cry(o)-

cold

Greek

Cryoablation

cutane-

skin

Latin cutis

Subcutaneous

cyan(o)-

Denotes a blue

Ancient Greek ,

Cyanopsia

color

(kanos, kyneos), blue

cycl-

circle, cycle

Greek (kuklos)

cyph(o)-

Denotes something

Ancient Greek (kphs), bent,

as bent (uncommon

hunchback

the ribs
cox-

Of or relating to the
hip, haunch, or hipjoint

crani(o)-

-crine,
crin(o)

Cyphosis

as a prefix)
cyst(o)-,

Of or pertaining to

Ancient Greek (kstis);

cyst(i)-

the urinary bladder

bladder, cyst

cyt(o)-, -cyte
D

cell

Greek

Affix

Meaning

Cystotomy

Cytokine, leukocyte

Origin language and

Example(s)

etymology
dacry(o)-

Of or pertaining to tears

Greek , tear

Dacryoadenitis, dacryocystitis

-dactyl(o)-

Of or pertaining to a

Ancient

dactylology, polydactyly

finger, toe

Greek (dktylos),
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 ,

Dermatology, epidermis, hypodermic, xeroderma

, derm(o)-

skin

(drma, drmat-),
skin, human skin

-desis

binding

Greek (dsis)

arthrodesis

dextr(o)-

right, on the right side

Latin dexter

Dextrocardia

di-

two

Greek -

Diplopia

di-

apart, separation

Latin

dilation, distal

dia-

through, during, across

Ancient Greek (di),

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 (diplos)

diploid, diplosis

-dipsia

suffix meaning

Greek (dpsa)

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 (drmos)

Dromotropic, syndrome

Latin duodeni

Duodenal atresia

Greek (dnamis)

Hand strength dynamometer

course
duodeno-

duodenum, twelve:
upper part of the small
intestine (twelve inches
long on average),
connects to the stomach

dynam(o)-

force, energy, power

-dynia

pain

dys-

bad, difficult, defective,

Vulvodynia
Greek - (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 - (ek-)

Ectopia, ectopic pregnancy

ect(o)-

outer, outside

Greek (ekts)

Ectoblast, ectoderm

-ectasia, -

expansion, dilation

Ancient Greek

Bronchiectasis, telangiectasia

ectasis
-ectomy

(ktasis)
Denotes a surgical

Ancient Greek

operation or removal of

(ektom), excision

Mastectomy

a body part. Resection,

excision
-emesis

vomiting condition

Greek (mesis)

Hematemesis

-emia

blood condition (Am

Greek -, without blood

Anemia

Of or pertaining to the

Ancient Greek

Encephalogram

brain. Also see

(enkphalos), the brain

Engl)
encephal(o)-

Cerebro.
endo-

Denotes something as

- (endo-), inside, internal

Endocrinology, endospore

Ancient Greek Eos, the

Eosinophil granulocyte

'inside' or 'within'
eosin(o)-

Red

Greek word for 'dawn' and

the name of the Greek
goddess of the dawn.
enter(o)-

epi-

Of or pertaining to the

Ancient Greek

intestine

(nteron), intestine

on, upon

Ancient Greek - (epi-),

Gastroenterology

Epicardium, epidermis, epidural,episclera, epistaxis

before, upon, on, outside,

outside of
episi(o)-

Of or pertaining to the

Ancient Greek -

pubic region, the loins

(epsion), the pubic area,

Episiotomy

loins; vulva
erythr(o)-

Denotes a red color

Ancient Greek

Erythrocyte

(erythrs), red
esophageal,
-esophago-

gullet (AmE)

Greek
(oisophgos)

Esophagus

esthesio-

sensation (AmE)

Greek (aisthsis)

Esthesia

eu-

true, good, well, new

(e)

Eukaryote

ex-

out of, away from

Latin

Excision

exo-

Denotes something as

Ancient Greek - (exo-),

Exophthalmos, exoskeleton

'outside' another

outside of, external

outside

Latin

extraF
Affix

Extradural hematoma

Meaning

Origin language and

Example(s)

etymology
faci(o)-

Latin facis, the face,

Of or pertaining to the face

Facioplegic

countenance
fibr-

Latin fibra, fiber, filament,

fiber

entrails

[1]

fibril, fibrin, fibrinous

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

fossa

A hollow or depressed area; trench or

foregut
Latin (fossa), ditch, pit

fossa ovalis

Latin (frns, front-), the

frontonasal

channel
front-

Of or pertaining to the forehead

forehead
G
Affix

Meaning

Origin language and

Example(s)

etymology
galact(o)-

milk

Greek , -

Galactorrhea

gastr(o)-

Of or pertaining to

Ancient Greek

Gastric bypass

the stomach

(gastr), -,
stomach, belly

-gen

(1) Denotes the

Ancient Greek - (-

sense 'born in,

gens), from -

from' (2) Denotes

(gen-nein), to be born

(1) Endogen; (2) Heterogenous

the sense 'of a

certain kind'
-genic

Formative,

Greek

Cardiogenic shock

Latin (gen), knee

Genu valgum

Ancient

Ageusia, dysgeusia, hypergeusia,hypogeusia, parageusia

pertaining to
producing
genu-

Of or pertaining to
the knee

-geusia

Taste

Greek (geusis)
gingiv-

Latin gingva, gum

Gingivitis

Denoting a grey or

Ancient

Glaucoma

bluish-grey colour

Greek (glaukos),

Of or pertaining to
the gums

glauc(o)-

grey, bluish-grey
gloss(o)-

Of or pertaining to

Ancient Greek ,

, glott(o)-

the tongue

(glssa, gltta),

Glossology

tongue
gluco-

sweet

Greek , sweet

Glucocorticoid

glyc(o)-

sugar

Ancient Greek

Glycolysis

gnath(o)-

Of or pertaining to

Ancient Greek

Gnathodynamometer

the jaw

(gnthos), jaw

-gnosis

knowledge

Greek

diagnosis, prognosis

gon(o)-

seed, semen; also,

Ancient Greek

Gonorrhea

record or picture

Greek (gramma)

Angiogram

instrument used to

Ancient Greek - (-

Electrocardiograph

record data or

grapha), written, drawn,

picture

graphic interpretation

process of

Ancient Greek

Angiography

Greek , -

Gynecomastia

reproductive
-gram, gramme
-graph

-graphy

recording
gyno-

woman

, 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 (hma) < Ancient Greek ,

Hematology, older

- (haima, haimat-), blood

formHaematology

Greek

Hemal, Hemoglobin

(haem-, hem-)
hema- or hemo-

blood (AmE)

hemangi or

blood vessels

Hemangioma

hemangiohemi-

one-half

Ancient Greek - (hmi-), "half"

Cerebral hemisphere

hepat- (hepatic-)

Of or pertaining to the liver

Ancient Greek , - (hpar,

Hepatology

hpato-), the liver

Denotes something as 'the other' (of

Ancient Greek (hteros), the

two), as an addition, or different

other (of two), another; different

hidr(o)-

sweat

Greek -

Hyperhidrosis

hist(o)-, histio-

tissue

Greek

Histology

home(o)-

similar

Ancient Greek (homoios)

Homeopathy

hom(o)-

Denotes something as 'the same' as

Ancient Greek - (homo-), the

Homosexuality

another or common

same, common

Of or pertaining to the shoulder (or

Incorrect Etymology < Latin (umerus),

[rarely] the upper arm)

shoulder

hydr(o)-

water

Greek

Hydrophobe

hyper-

Denotes something as 'extreme' or

Ancient Greek (hyper), over,

Hypertension

'beyond normal'

above; beyond, to the extreme

Denotes something as 'below normal'

Ancient Greek ()- (hypo-), below,

heter(o)-

humer(o)-

hyp(o)-

Heterogeneous

Humerus

Hypovolemia,

under
hyster(o)-

Of or pertaining to the womb, the

Ancient Greek (hystra),

uterus

womb

Hysterectomy, Hysteria

I
Affix

Meaning

Origin language and

Example(s)

etymology
-i-asis

condition, formation, or presence of

Greek -

Mydriasis

iatr(o)-

Of or pertaining to medicine, or a physician [uncommon as a

Ancient Greek

Iatrochemistry

prefix; common as a suffix, see -iatry]

(itrs), healer, physician

Denotes a field in medicine of a certain body component

Ancient Greek

-iatry

Podiatry, Psychiatry

(itrs), healer, physician

-ic

pertaining to

Greek - (-ikos)

Hepatic artery

-icle

small

Latin

Ovarian follicle

-ics

organized knowledge, treatment

Latin -ica < Greek < -

Obstetrics

idio-

self, one's own

Greek , idios, "one's

Idiopathic

own"
ileo-

ileum

Greek

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

Iridectomy

isch-

restriction

Greek

Ischemia

ischio-

Of or pertaining to the ischium, the hip-joint

Ancient Greek

Ischioanal fossa

(ischin), hip-joint, ischium

-ism

condition, disease

-ismus

spasm, contraction

Greek -

Hemiballismus

iso-

Denoting something as being 'equal'

Ancient Greek (sos),

Isotonic

Dwarfism

equal
-ist

one who specializes in

Greek - (-istes)

Pathologist

-ite

the nature of, resembling

Greek -

Hermaphrodite

-itis

inflammation

Tonsillitis

-ium
J

structure, tissue

pericardium

Affix

Meaning

Juxta (iuxta)
K

Origin language and etymology

Near to, alongside or next to

Affix

Latin

Meaning

Example(s)
Juxtaglomerular apparatus

Origin language and etymology

Example(s)

kal-

potassium

karyo-

nucleus

Greek , "nut"

Eukaryote

kerat(o)-

cornea (eye or skin)

Greek

Keratoscope

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

movement

Greek

Kinesthesia

koil(o)-

hollow

Greek (koilos)

Koilocyte

kyph(o)L

humped

Greek

Kyphoscoliosis

Affix

Meaning

Hyperkalemia

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

Of or pertaining to the abdomen-wall, flank

Ancient Greek (lapr),

Laparotomy

lact(o)
lapar(o)-

flank
Of or pertaining to the larynx, the lower throat

Ancient Greek , -

cavity where the voice box is

(lrynx, laryng-), throat, gullet

latero-

lateral

Latin

Lateral pectoral nerve

lei(o)-

smooth

Greek

Leiomyoma

-lepsis, -

attack, seizure

Greek

Epilepsy, narcolepsy

lept(o)-

light, slender

Greek (leptos)

Leptomeningeal

leuc(o)-,

Denoting a white color

Ancient Greek (leukos),

Leukocyte

laryng(o)-

Larynx

lepsy

leuk(o)lingu(a)-,

white, bright
Of or pertaining to the tongue

Latin (lingua), tongue

Linguistics

lingu(o)lip(o)-

fat

Greek (lipos)

Liposuction

lith(o)-

stone, calculus

Greek (lithos)

Lithotripsy

log(o)-

speech

Greek (logos)

-logist

Denotes someone who studies a certain field:

Ancient Greek (logists),

_____-logy; a specialist; one who treats

studier, practitioner

Denotes the academic study or practice of a

Ancient Greek o (logos) study

hematology, urology

-logy

Oncologist,pathologist

certain field; The study of

lymph(o)-

lymph

Greek ,

Lymphedema

lys(o)-, -

dissolution

Greek

Lysosome

Destruction, separation

Greek

Paralysis

lytic
-lysis
M
Affix

Meaning

Origin language and etymology

Example(s)

macr(o)-

large, long

Greek

Macrophage

-malacia

softening

Greek

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 (masts), breast,

Mastectomy

women's breast; man's pectoral muscle

meg(a)-,

enlargement, million

Greek

megal(o)-, -

Splenomegaly,
megameter

megaly
melan(o)-

black color

Ancient Greek , - (melas,

Melanin

melano-), black; dark

melos

extremity

Ancient Greek

erythromelalgia

mening(o)-

membrane

Greek , -

Meningitis

men(o)-

month, menstrual cycle

Ancient Greek (mn), month

menopause,menorrhagia,

mero-

part

Greek (meros), part

merocrine, meroblastic

mes(o)-

middle

Ancient Greek (mesos), "middle"

Mesoderm

meta-

after, beyond or change

Greek

Metacarpus

-meter

instrument used to measure or

Greek

Sphygmomanometer

count
-metry

process of measuring

Greek -

Optometry

metr(o)-

Pertaining to conditions or

Ancient Greek (mtr), womb, uterus

Metrorrhagia

Ancient Greek (mikros), small

Microscope

instruments of the uterus

micro-

denoting something as small, or

relating to smallness, millionth

milli-

thousandth

Latin mille, thousand

milliliter

mon(o)-

single

Greek (monos)

Infectious mononucleosis

morph(o)-

form, shape

Greek (morph)

Morphology

muscul(o)-

muscle

Latin

Musculoskeletal system

my(o)-

Of or relating to muscle

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

Myoblast

mouse; mussel
myc(o)-

fungus

Greek , -

Onychomycosis

myel(o)-

Of or relating to bone marrow or

Ancient Greek (myelon), marrow;

Myeloblast

spinal cord

bone-marrow

Of or relating to molar teeth or

Greek (myle)

myl(o)-

Mylohyoid nerve

lower jaw
myri-

ten thousand

Ancient Greek (mrioi), myriad

myriad

myring(o)-

eardrum

Latin myringa

Myringotomy

myx(o)N

mucus

Greek

Myxoma

Affix

Meaning

Origin language and etymology

Example(s)

narc(o)-

numb, sleep

Greek

narcolepsy

nas(o)-

Of or pertaining to the nose

Latin (nsum), nose

nasal

necr(o)-

death

Greek

Necrosis, necrotizing
fasciitis

neo-

new

Greek

Neoplasm

nephr(o)-

Of or pertaining to the kidney

Ancient Greek (nephrs),

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

system

always used]

(neuron) (see below)

neur(i)-,

Of or pertaining to nerves and the nervous

Ancient Greek (neuron),

neur(o)-

system

tendon, sinew; nerve

normoO

normal

Latin

Affix
ocul(o)-

Meaning
Of or pertaining to the

Neurofibromatosis

Normocapnia

Origin language and etymology

Example(s)

Latin (oculus), the eye

Oculist

Of or pertaining to

Ancient Greek , - (odos, odont-

orthodontist

teeth

), tooth

odyn(o)-

pain

Greek

stomatodynia

-oesophageal,

gullet

Greek

oesophagus

-oid

resemblance to

Greek -

Sarcoidosis

ole

small or little

Latin

olig(o)-

Denoting something

Ancient Greek (oligos), few

Oligotrophy

eye
odont(o)-

oesophago(BrE)

as 'having little,
having few'
om(o)-

shoulder

Ancient Greek (mos), shoulder

Omoplate

tumor, mass, fluid

Greek -

Sarcoma, teratoma

oma (singular), -

collection

Of or pertaining to the

Ancient Greek (omphals), navel,

Omphalotomy

navel, theumbilicus

belly-button

tumor, bulk, volume

Greek

omata (plural)
omphal(o)-

onco-one
onych(o)-

oo-

Oncology
hormone

Of or pertaining to the

Ancient Greek , - (nyx, nycho-),

nail (of a finger or toe)

nail; claw; talon

Of or pertaining to the

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

an (egg), a woman's

ovum

Onychophagy

Oogenesis

egg, the ovum

oophor(o)-

ophthalm(o)-

Of or pertaining to the

Neoclassical Greek (ophron),

woman's (ovary)

ovary, egg-bearing

Of or pertaining to the

Ancient Greek (ophthalms), the

(eye)

eye

Oophorectomy

Ophthalmology

optic(o)-

or(o)-

Of or relating to

Middle French (optique) < Greek

chemical properties of

(optiks); (opsi), vision. Cognate with

the eye

Latin oculus, relating to the eye

Of or pertaining to the

Latin (s, or-), mouth

Oral

Opticochemical, biopsy

mouth
-or

one who

orchi(o)-,

testis

Greek (orkhis, orkhi-)

Orchiectomy, orchidectomy

Denoting something

Ancient Greek (orths), straight,

Orthodontist

as straight or correct

correct, normal

a condition, disease

Greek -

orchid(o)-,
orch(o)orth(o)-

-osis

Harlequin type

or increase

ichthyosis,psychosis, osteoporosis

osse-

bony

Latin

Osseous

ossi-

bone

Latin

Peripheral ossifying fibroma

ost(e)-, oste(o)-

bone

Greek

Osteoporosis

ot(o)-

Of or pertaining to the

Ancient Greek , - (ous, t-), the ear

Otology

ear
-ous

pertaining to

Latin -osus

ovari(o)-

Of or pertaining to the

Latin (varium), ovary

Ovariectomy

Latin (vum), egg, ovum

Ovogenesis

ovaries
ovo-, ovi-, ov-

Of or pertaining to the
eggs, the ovum

oxo-

addition of oxygen

Greek

oxy-

sharp, acid, acute,

Greek (oxus)

oxygen
P
Affix

Meaning

Origin language and

Example(s)

etymology
pachy-

thick

Greek

pachyderma

palpebr-

Of or pertaining to the

Latin (palpebra), eyelid

Palpebra

panophobia, panopticon

eyelid [uncommon as a root]

pan-,

Denoting something as 'complete'

Ancient Greek , - (pas,

pant(o)-

or containing 'everything'

pan-), all, every

papill-

Of or pertaining to the nipple (of

Latin (papilla), nipple; diminutive

the chest/breast)

of papula (see below)

Indicates papulosity, a small

Latin (papula), pimple, pustle; a

elevation or swelling in the skin, a

small elevation or swelling in the

pimple, swelling

skin

para-

alongside of, abnormal

Ancient Greek (para)

paracyesis

-paresis

slight paralysis

Greek

hemiparesis

parvo-

small

Latin parvus

Parvovirus

path(o)-

disease

Greek

Pathology

-pathy

Denotes (with a negative sense) a

Ancient Greek (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 ps, pd-, foot

Pedoscope

-pes

footed

ped-, pedo-

Of or pertaining to the child

Ancient Greek , child

pediatrics. pedophilia

papul(o)-

papillitis

Papulation

pelv(i)-,

hip bone

Latin

Pelvis

-penia

deficiency

Greek

osteopenia

peo-

Of or pertaining to the penis

Greek (peos)

Peotomy

-pepsia

Denotes something relating to

Ancient Greek (pepts)

Dyspepsia

digestion, or the digestive tract.

cooked, digested <

pelv(o)-

(pss) I boil, cook; digest

per-

through

Latin

peri-

Denoting something with a

Ancient Greek (peri),

position 'surrounding' or 'around'

around

Periodontal

another
-pexy

fixation

Greek

Nephropexy

phaco-

lens-shaped

Greek

phacolysis, phacometer,
phacoscotoma

-phage, -

Forms terms denoting conditions

Ancient Greek (phaga)

phagia

relating to eating or ingestion

eating < (phagein) to eat

-phago-

eating, devouring

Greek -

phagocyte

phagist-

Forms nouns that denote a

Ancient Greek

Lotophagi

person who 'feeds on' the first

(phagists) eater; see -phagia

Sarcophagia

element or part of the word

-phagy

Forms nouns that denotes

Ancient Greek (phagia)

'feeding on' the first element or

eating; see -phagia

hematophagy

part of the word

phallo-

phallus

Greek (phallos)

Aphallia

pharmaco-

drug, medication

Greek

pharmacology

pharyng(o)-

Of or pertaining to the pharynx,

Ancient Greek , -

Pharyngitis,Pharyngoscopy

the upper throat cavity

(phrynx, phryng-), throat,

windpipe; chasm

-phil(ia)

attraction for

Greek

Hemophilia

phleb(o)-

Of or pertaining to the (blood)

Ancient Greek , -

Phlebography,Phlebotomy

veins, a vein

(phleps, phlebo-), blood-vessel,

vein

-phobia

exaggerated fear, sensitivity

Greek

arachnophobia

phon(o)-

sound

Greek

phonograph, symphony

phos-

Of or pertaining to light or its

Ancient Greek , - (phs,

Phosphene

chemical properties, now historic

pht-), light

and used rarely. See the common

root phot(o)- below.
phot(o)-

Of or pertaining to light

Ancient Greek , - (phs,

Photopathy

pht-), light
phren(i)-,

the mind

Greek , -

phren(o)-,

Phrenic
nerve,schizophrenia,diaphragm

phrenico
phyt-

to grow

piri-

Pear

Latin pirum, pear

Piriformis muscle

-plasia

formation, development

Greek

Achondroplasia

-plasty

surgical repair, reconstruction

Greek

rhinoplasty

-plegia

paralysis

Greek

paraplegia

pleio-

more, excessive, multiple

Greek pleion

pleiomorphism

pleur(o)-,

Of or pertaining to the ribs

Latin (pleura) from Ancient

Pleurogenous

hydrophyte

Greek (pleurn), rib,

pleur(a)

side of the body

-plexy

stroke or seizure

Greek

Cataplexy

pneum(o)-

Of or pertaining to the lungs

Ancient Greek ,

Pneumonocyte,Pneumonia

- (pneumn, pneumon), lung < (pneuma),

wind, spirit
pneumat(o)-

air, lung

Ancient Greek

pod-, -pod-,

Of or pertaining to the foot, -

Ancient Greek , -

-pus

footed

(pos, pod-), foot

-poiesis

production

polio-

Denoting a grey color

Podiatry

hematopoiesis
Ancient Greek (polis),

Poliomyelitis

grey
poly-

Denotes a 'plurality' of something

Ancient Greek (polys),

Polymyositis

much, many
por(o)-

pore, porous

porphyr(o)-

Denotes a purple color

Ancient Greek

Porphyroblast

(porphra), purple
post-

Denotes something as 'after' or

Latin (post), after, behind

Postoperation,Postmortem

Denotes something as 'before'

Medieval Latin (pre-) <

Premature birth

another (in [physical] position or

(Classical) Latin (pr), before,

time)

in front of

presby(o)-

old age

Greek

Presbyopia,presbycusis

prim-

Denotes something as 'first' or

Latin prmus, first, most

Primary

'most-important'

important

Denotes something as 'before'

Ancient Greek (pro), before,

another (in [physical] position or

in front of

'behind' another
pre-

pro-

[2]

Procephalic

time)
proct(o)-

anus, rectum

prosop(o)-

face

Greek (prosopon), face, mask

Prosopagnosia

prot(o)-

Denotes something as 'first' or

Ancient Greek (prtos),

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 (psych),

Psychology, psychiatry

psych(o)

proctology

breath, life, soul

pterygo-

Pertaining to a wing

psor-

Itching

Psoriasis

-ptosis

falling, drooping, downward

Apoptosis, nephroptosis

Greek

Lateral pterygoid plate

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.

pulmo-

Latin (pulmo, pulmn-, usually

pulmonary

used in plural), a lung

pyel(o)-

pelvis

Ancient Greek (pyelos)

Pyelonephritis

pykno-

to thicken (as the nucleus does in

Greek , to

Pyknosis

early stages of cell death)

thicken/condense

py(o)-

pus

Greek

Pyometra

pyr(o)-

fever

Greek ,

Antipyretic

Q
Affix

Meaning

quadr(i)R

four

Affix

Origin language and etymology

Example(s)

Latin
Meaning

quadriceps
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 (rnes), kidney

renal

reticul(o)-

net

Latin

reticulocyte

retro-

backward, behind

Latin

retroversion, retroverted

rhabd(o)-

rod shaped, striated

Greek

rhabdomyolysis

rhachi(o)-

spine

Greek

rachial, rachialgia, rachidian,

rachiopathy

rhin(o)-

Of or pertaining to the nose

Ancient Greek , - (rhs,

rhinoceros, rhinoplasty

rhno-), nose
rhod(o)-

Denoting a rose-red color

Ancient Greek (rhdon),

rhodophyte

rose
-rrhage

burst forth

Greek -

Hemorrhage

-rrhagia

rapid flow of blood

Greek -

menorrhagia

-rrhaphy

surgical suturing

Greek

flowing, discharge

Greek -

Galactorrhea, Diarrhea

-rrhexis

rupture

Greek

Karyorrhexis

flowing, discharge

Greek -

diarrhoea

Of or pertaining to the red nucleus of

Latin (ruber), red

Rubrospinal

Latin

Erupt, Interrupt

rrhea (AmE)

rrhoea (BrE)
rubr(o)-

the brain
-rupt
S

Break or burst

Affix

Meaning

Origin language

Example(s)

and etymology
salping(o)-

Of or pertaining to tubes e.g. fallopian

Ancient Greek

tubes

, -,

Salpingectomy,salpingopharyngeus muscle

(slpinx, salpingo-)
trumpet (literally)
sangui-,

Of or pertaining to blood

sanguine-

Latin (sanguis,

Sanguine

sanguin-), blood

sarco-

muscular, fleshlike

Greek , -

sarcoma, sarcoidosis

schist(o)-

split, cleft

Greek

schistocyte

(schistos)
schiz(o)-

Denoting something 'split' or 'double-

Ancient Greek

sided'

; irregular

Schizophrenia

formation of the
verb
(schizein), to cut,
split
scler(o)-

hard

Greek

Scleroderma

-sclerosis

hardening

Greek

Atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis

scoli(o)-

twisted

Greek

scoliosis

(skolios)

-scope

instrument for viewing

Greek -

stethoscope

-scopy

use of instrument for viewing

Greek -

endoscopy

scoto-

darkness

Greek

scotopic vision

(skotos)
semi-

one-half, partly

Latin

semiconscious

sial(o)-

saliva, salivary gland

Greek

sialagogue

(sialos)
sigmoid(o)-

sigmoid, S-shaped curvature

Greek

sinistr(o)-

left, left side

Latin

sinus-

Of or pertaining to the sinus

Latin (sinus), a

sigmoid colon

Sinusitis

curve, bend, bay

sito-

food, grain

Greek (sitos)

Sitophobia

somat(o)-,

body, bodily

Greek (sma)

somatic

-spadias

slit, fissure

Greek

hypospadias, epispadias

spasmo-

spasm

Greek

Spasmodic dysphonia

sperma-,

semen, spermatozoa

Greek

Spermatogenesis

somatico-

spermo-,

(sperma)

spermatosplanchn(i)-,

viscera

Greek

splanchnology

spleen

Greek ,

Splenectomy

splanchn(o)splen(o)-

spondyl(o)-

Of or pertaining to the spine,

Greek /

the vertebra

Spondylitis

(spndylos,
sphndylos), the
spine
Denoting something as 'full of scales' or

Latin sqmsus, full

'scaly'

of scales; scaly

-stalsis

contraction

Greek

Peristalsis

-stasis

stopping, standing

Greek

Cytostasis, homeostasis

-staxis

dripping, trickling

Greek ,

squamos(o)-

Squamous cell

sten(o)-

Denoting something as 'narrow in

Ancient Greek

shape' or pertaining to narrowness

(stenos);

Stenography

narrow, short
-stenosis

abnormal narrowing in a blood vessel

Ancient Greek

or other tubular organ or structure

(stensis)

Of or pertaining to the upper chest,

Ancient Greek

chest, the area above the breast and

(stthos),

under the neck

chest,cuirass

stheno-

strength, force, power

Greek

stom(a)

mouth

Greek

stomat(o)-

Of or pertaining to the mouth

Ancient Greek

steth(o)-

Restenosis, stenosis

Stethoscope

Stomatogastric,stomatognathic system

, (stma, stomat-),
mouth
-stomy

creation of an opening

Greek -

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 -

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 (tachys),

Tachycardia

fast, quickly
-tension, -

pressure

Latin

Hypertension

tetan-

rigid, tense

Ancient Greek tetanos

tetanus

thec-

case, sheath

Ancient Greek (thk)

Intrathecal

thel-

Of or pertaining to a nipple (uncommon as

Ancient Greek (thl), a

Theleplasty, thelarche

a prefix)

teat, nipple

Denoting something as 'relating to a

Ancient Greek (thlys),

woman, feminine'

female, feminine

therap-

treatment

Ancient Greek (therapea)

therm(o)-

heat

Ancient Greek

tensive

thely-

Thelygenous

hydrotherapy, therapeutic

(therms)
thorac(i)-,

Of or pertaining to the upper chest, chest;

Latin (thrx) < Ancient Greek

thorac(o)-,

the area above the breast and under the

(thrax), chest, cuirass

thoracico-

neck

thromb(o)-

Of or relating to a blood clot, clotting of

Ancient Greek

blood

(thrmbos), lump, piece, clot of

Thorax

Thrombus,thrombocytopenia

blood
thyr(o)-

thyroid

Greek -

thym-

emotions

Greek: "thymos", spirit, soul;

dysthymia

courage; breath, mind,

emotions
-tic

pertaining to

Greek -

toco-

childbirth

Greek

-tome

cutting instrument

Greek (tom)

-tomy

act of cutting; incising, incision

Greek -

tono-

tone, tension, pressure

Greek (tonos)

-tony

tension

Greek -

top(o)-

place, topical

Greek (topos)

Topical anesthetic

tort(i)-

twisted

Latin tortus

Torticollis

tox(i)-, tox(o)-,

toxin, poison

Greek

Toxoplasmosis

trache(a)-

trachea

Greek

Tracheotomy

trachel(o)-

Of or pertaining to the neck

Ancient Greek

tracheloplasty

Gastrotomy

toxic(o)-

(trchlos), neck
trans-

Denoting something as moving or situated

Latin trns, across, through

Transfusion

'across' or 'through'
tri-

three

Latin

triangle

trich(i)-,

Of or pertaining to hair, hair-like structure

Ancient Greek , ()-

Trichocyst

trichia,

(thrx, trich(o)-), hair

trich(o)-tripsy

crushing

Greek

Lithotripsy

-trophy

nourishment, development

Greek -,

Pseudohypertrophy

tympan(o)U

eardrum

Greek

Tympanocentesis

Affix
-ula, -

Meaning

Origin language and etymology

Example(s)

small

Latin

Nodule

beyond,

Latin ultra

Ultrasound, ultraviolet

Latin umbilcus, navel, belly-button

Umbilical

Latin unguis, nail, claw

Unguiform, Ungual

ule
ultra-

excessive
umbilic-

Of or
pertaining to
the navel,
the umbilicus

ungui-

Of or
pertaining to
the nail, a claw

un(i)-

one

Latin unus

Unilateral hearing loss

ur-

Of or

Greek (ouren); (oron),

antidiuretic, diuresis, diuretic, dysuria,

pertaining to

urine; (ourtr); (ourthra)

enuresis, polyurea, polyuria,uraemia/uremia,

urine, the

uremic, ureter, urethra, urology

urinary system
uric-

uric acid

Greek

urin-

Of or

Latin rna, urine < Ancient Greek

pertaining to

(ouron), see above.

Uriniferous

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 (vgna), sheath, scabbard

Vagina

varic(o)-

swollen or twisted vein

Latin varix

varicose

vas(o)-

duct, blood vessel

Latin

vasoconstriction

vasculo-

blood vessel

Latin vsculum

ven-

Of or pertaining to the veins, venous blood,

Latin (vna), blood-vessel, vein

Venule, Venospasm

Of or pertaining to the belly; the stomach

Latin (venter), the belly, the stomach; the

Ventrodorsal

cavities

womb

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

turning

Latin versi

anteversion,

and the vascular system

ventr(o)-

ventricul(o)-

-version

retroversion
vesic(o)-

Of or pertaining to the bladder

Latin (vsca), 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

etymology

Example(s)

Denoting a yellow color, an abnormally yellow

Greek (xanths),

color

yellow

xen(o)-

Foreign, different

Greek (xnos), stranger

Xenograft

xer(o)-

dry, desert-like

Greek (xrs), dry

Xerostomia, xeroderma

xiph-

sword

Greek (xphos), sword

xiphisternum, xiphoid,

xanth(o)-

Xanthopathy

xiphoidalgia
Y
Affix

Meaning

-y
Z

Origin language and etymology

condition or process of
Affix

Latin -ia < Greek -

Meaning

zo(o)-

animal, animal life

zym(o)fermentation
English meanings

Example(s)
Surgery

Origin language and etymology

Example(s)

Greek

zoology

Greek

enzyme, lysozyme

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
Roots of color

carp(o)-

carp(o)-

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-

flav-

jaun [French]

yellow
xanth(o)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
Roots of position

eury-

lat(i)-

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
Prefixes of quantity

peri-

circum-

(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-