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Medical terminology often uses words created using prefixes and suffixes in Latin and Ancient Greek. In medicine, their meanings, and their etymology, are informed by the language of origin. Prefixes and suffixes, primarily in Greek—but also in Latin, have a droppable -o-.
This is a list of roots, suffixes, and prefixes used in medical terminology, their meanings, and their etymologies. Most of them are combining forms in Neo-Latin and hence international scientific vocabulary. There are a few general rules about how they combine.
AffixMeaningOrigin Language And EtymologyExample (s)a-, an-not, without (alpha privative)Greek ἀ-/ἀν- (a-/an-), not, withoutanalgesic, apathy, anencephalyab-from; away fromLatinabduction, abdomenabdomin-of or relating to the abdomenLatin abdōmen, abdomen, fat around the ...abdomen, abdominal-acpertaining to; one afflicted withGreek -ακός (-akós)cardiac, celiacAug 25, 2024 · Medical terms can be divided into three categories of terms, based on the origin of their components: Terms built from word components of Greek and Latin origin; Terms NOT built from word components of Greek and Latin origin; Terms that look like they are made from word parts but are not easily translated
Definitions of medical terms built from word components of Greek and Latin origin can be easily identified by analyzing the components, defining each component, and then building the meaning of the term based on the meaning of its components.
Jan 7, 2021 · Some widely used medical terms such as bypass, clearance, screening, scanning, antidepressant, side effects, ultrasound, etc., are etymologically rooted in English and other languages, including Greek and Latin. However, they have now entered the realm of general use not only by English native speakers but also by speakers of other languages.
Three standard word elements—roots, prefixes, and suffixes—are used to construct most medical terms. The definition of each term is drawn from the meaning of its constituent parts. By recognizing common word parts and their meanings, you'll be able to decipher the definitions of hundreds of medical terms.
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Definitions of medical terms built from word components of Greek and Latin origin can be easily identified by analyzing the components, defining each component, and then building the meaning of the term based on the meaning of its components.
