A

Affix Meaning Origin language and Examples

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