1.
1.
1.
Cardi/o, Cardi-
Cyt/o, -cyte
Ect/o, Ex/o, Extra-
1.
1.
1.
End/o, Ent/o
Enter/o, Enter-
Epi-
1.
1.
1.
Gastr/o, Gastr-
Hepat/o, Hepat-
Heter/o, Heter-
1.
1.
1.
Hist/o, Histi/o
Hom/o, Home/o
Macr/o, Macr-
1.
1.
1.
Micr/o, Micr-
Ossi-, Oste/o, Oste-
Path/o, path-, -pathy
Ect/o, ex/o
Cyt/o, -cyte
Cardi/o, Cardi-
Without, outside of
Examples:
Ectoderm – the outer layer of cells in a
developing embryo
Exocrine – external secretions of a gland,
which reach an epithelial surface
either directly or through a duct
Extracellular – outside the cell
Cell
Heart
Examples:
Cytology – the science which deals with the
formation, structure, and
function of cells
Osteocyte – a bone cell
Examples:
Cardiac – pertaining to the heart
Epi-, Ep-
Enter/o, Enter-
End/o, ent/o
On, upon, over
Examples:
Epigastric – pertaining to the region over
the pit of the stomach; the uppermiddle region of the abdomen
Epicardium – the serous membrane on the
surface of the myocardium
Intestine
Within, inner, inside
Examples:
Enteric – pertaining to the small intestine
Enteral – within or by way of the intestines
Parenteral – denotes any medication route
other than the alimentary canal (such
as intravenous, subcutaneous,
intramuscular, or mucosal)
Examples:
Endocarditis – inflammation of the
endocardium (inner lining of the
heart) or of the heart valves
Entocranial – within the skull; also called
endocranial or intracranial
Heter/o, Heter-
Hepat/o, Hepat-
Gastr/o, Gatr-
Other, different
Liver
Stomach
Examples:
Heterochromia – difference in coloration in
two structures or parts of a structure
which are normally alike in color
Heterocellular – composed of different
kinds of cells
Examples:
Hepatotoxic – relating to an agent that
damages the liver; or pertaining to
such an action
Hepatology – the study of the liver
Hepatolytic – agent/substance that is
destructive to tissues of the liver
Example:
Gastroenteritis – inflammation of both the
stomach and intestinal tract causing
vomiting, diarrhea, or both, and
which is commonly caused by viruses
or bacteria in food and water
Macr/o, Macr-
Hom/o, home/o
Hist/o, histi/o
Large
Like, similar, same
Tissue
Examples:
Macroscopic – large enough to be seen with
the naked eye
Macrocyte – an abnormally large erythrocyte
(exceeding 10 µm in diameter)
Examples:
Homogeneous – of uniform structure or
composition throughout
Homeostasis – the state of equilibrium in
the body with respect to various functions
and chemical compositions of the fluids
and tissues
Example:
Histology – the study of the microscopic
anatomy of cells, tissues, and
organs
Path/o, path-, -pathy
Ossi-, oste/o, oste-
Micr/o
Disease
Bone
Small
Examples:
Neuropathy – any disease of the nervous
system
Pathogen – a microorganism that is capable
of producing disease
Examples:
Ossicle – a small bone
Osteogenesis – the formation of bone
Osseous – pertaining to bone; also osteal
Osteitis – inflammation of a bone; also
ostitis
Examples:
Microcyte – abnormally small (5μm or less)
red blood cell; also a microerythrocyte
Microorganism – a living organism too
small to be seen with the naked
eye, such as a virus or bacterium
Cardiology – the study of the physiology
and pathology of the heart
1.
1.
1.
Peri-
Reno-, Reni-, Ren
Cell/i, Cellul/o
1.
1.
1.
-ac, -ar, -ary
-al, -eal
-e
1.
1.
1.
-ia, -y
-ic, -tic, -ical
-itis
1.
1.
1.
-ium
-m, -um
-logy, -ology
1.
1.
1.
-osis, -iasis
-sis, -asis, -esis
-stasis, -stasia
Cell/i, cellul/o
Reno-, Reni-, Ren
Peri-
Cell or compartment
Kidney
Around, near
Examples:
Cellulitis – a spreading inflammation of
subcutaneous and associated
connective tissues
Cellular – pertaining to, composed of, or
derived from cells
Examples:
Renal – pertaining to or of the kidney(s)
Renovascular – pertaining to the vascular
supply of the kidneys
Reniform – shaped like a kidney
Examples:
Periosteum – the thick fibrous membrane
covering the entire surface of a
bone except its articular
cartilage
Pericellular – around a cell
-e
-al, -eal
-ac, -ar, -ary
Often means instrument (noun-forming)
Pertaining to (adjective-forming)
Pertaining to (adjective-forming)
Example:
Microtome – an instrument for making thin
sections of biological tissue for
microscopic examination
Example:
Periosteal – relating to the Periosteum
Neural – pertaining to any part of the
nervous system
Examples:
Tonsillar – pertaining to the tonsils
Biliary – pertaining to the bile, bile ducts, or
gallbladder
Iliac – pertaining to the ilium of an os coxa
Ileac – pertaining to the ileum of the small
intestine
-itis
-ic, -tic, -ical
-ia, -y
Indicates the specific condition of
inflammation (noun-forming)
Pertaining to; having the property of
(adjective-forming)
Sometimes the name for a condition
(noun-forming)
Example:
Gastritis – inflammation of the stomach
Example:
Cephalic – pertaining to the head or head
end of the body
Necrotic – pertaining to dying cells/tissues
Pathological – pertaining to pathology;
morbid or diseased
Examples:
Bradycardia – abnormally slow heart rate
Cardia – region of the stomach where the
esophagus enters (near the heart)
Nephropathy – any disease/condition of the
kidney(s)
-logy, -ology
-m, -um
-ium
The science or study of (noun-forming)
Name of an object or place
(noun-forming)
Location; often denotes a membrane
(noun-forming)
Example:
Dorsum – the back; the upper or posterior
surface of a part of the body
Example:
Epithelium – the tissue or cellular
membrane that covers all free
surfaces of the body
-stasis, -stasia
-sis, -asis, -esis
-osis, -iasis
Indicates a state of standing still,
halting; stopping; controlling (nounforming)
Name for a condition or state of being
Examples:
Prognosis – prediction of the course and
end of a disease, and the
estimate of chance for recovery
Diagnosis – use of scientific or clinical
methods to establish the cause and
nature of a person’s illness
Abnormal condition or process (both)
indicates a slight increase in numbers
when referring to blood cells (-iasis)
Examples:
Leukocytosis – abnormally large increase in
the number of white blood cells
Nephrolithiasis – the presence of calculi in
the kidney; kidney stones
Example:
Physiology – the science of the functions of
living things
Example:
Hemostasis – the control and/or arrest of
bleeding
1.
1.
2.
Inter-
Intra-
Corpus, corpor/o, Corpus-
2.
2.
2.
Gluc/o
Glyc/o
Hydr/o
2.
2.
2.
Hyper-
Hypo-
a-, an-
2.
2.
2.
Chrom/o, chromat/o
Iso-
Lip/o
2.
2.
2.
Mono-
Oxy-, ox/i
Plasm/o, Plasm-, -plasm
Corpus, Corpor/o, Corpus-
Intra-
Inter-
Body
Within
Between
Examples:
Extracorporeal – outside of the body
Corpus – the principle part of any organ;
any mass or body
Corpuscle – 1. any small rounded body
2. an encapsulated sensory
nerve ending
Examples:
Intracellular – within a cell or cells
Intragastric – within the stomach
Intra-alveolar – inside of an alveolus
Examples:
Intercellular – Between or among cells
Intercostal – between the ribs
Intermembranous – between membranes
Hydr/o
Glyc/o
Gluc/o
Water
Sweet, sugars in general
Glucose
Example:
Hydrocephalus – condition marked by
excessive accumulation of
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the
ventricles of the brain; sometimes the
accumulated fluid leads to increased
intracranial pressure
Examples:
Glycolipid – a lipid containing a sugar
molecule found in the myelin
sheath of nerves
Glycolysis – the energy-yielding conversion
of glucose to 2 pyruvic acid
molecules in cells
Examples:
Glucogenic – giving rise to or producing
glucose
Glucometer – a device used to measure
levels of glucose in the blood, usually
sampled by sticking the finger
a-, an-
Hypo-
Hyper-
Without, lack, no
Below normal, under, deficient, beneath
Above normal, beyond, excessive
Examples:
Acardia – congenital absence of the heart
Apnea – temporary cessation of breathing
Anosmia – a loss of the sense of smell
Anoxemia – insufficient oxygenation of the
arterial blood
Example:
Hypertrophy – increase in the size of a
tissue or organ due to growth rather than
tumor formation; increase in size results
from an increase in cellular components
(such as proteins), NOT from an increase in
cell number.
Lip/o
Examples:
Hypotonic – 1. describes a solution having a
lower osmotic pressure than another
solution. 2. state of muscle having
less tension than normal
Hypoxia – an oxygen deficiency, short of
anoxia; decrease below normal
levels of O2 in inspired air
Iso-
Fat or lipid
Equal
Color
Example:
Hyperlipemia – the presence of an
abnormally high
concentration of fats in
the blood; also
hyperlipidemia
Example:
Isotonic – 1. describes a solution having the
same osmotic pressure as another
solution. 2. having equal tension.
3. type of muscular contraction in
which shortening occurs while
tension remains unchanged
Examples:
Chromosome – thread-like structures in the
nucleus that contain genes; forms a
darkly-staining body during cell division
Hypochromia – condition in which the
percentage of hemoglobin in the red
blood cells is below the normal range
Plasm/o, Plasm-, -plasm
Oxy-, ox/i
Mono-
The living substance of a cell; blood
plasma
Sharp, acid, acute, or oxygen
Examples:
Anoxia – absence of oxygen from inspired
gases, arterial blood, or tissues; often
used incorrectly to indicate hypoxia
Oxidation – 1. process of combining oxygen
with a substance 2. loss of electrons
in an atom, accompanied by increase
in positive valence
Single, one, alone
Examples:
Cytoplasm – the substance of a cell,
exclusive of the nucleus
Plasmolysis – shrinking of cytoplasm in a
living cell caused by loss of
water by osmosis
Chrom/o, chromat/o
Examples:
Monocyte – a type of white blood cell that
is relatively large and contains a
single oval-shaped nucleus; also
called mononuclear leukocyte.
Monoclonal – arising from a single cell
2.
2.
2.
Poly-
Reticul/o
Som/a, somat/o, -some
2.
2.
2.
Ton/o
-ase
-cle, -ule, -ole, -cule
2.
2.
2.
-lysis
-lytic
Phag/o, -phagy, -phagia, -phage
2.
2.
2.
-plasty
-plasia
-trophy
2.
2.
2.
-emia, -cemia
Erythr/o
Leuk/o, leuc/o
Som/a, somat/o, -some
Reticul/o
Poly-
Body
Network
Many
Examples:
Somatic – relating to the trunk, the wall of
the body cavity, or to the body in
general
Lysosome – membrane-bound cytoplasmic
organelle which contains
hydrolytic enzymes
Examples:
Reticulocyte – an immature red blood cell
with a network of precipitated
basophilic material in the cytoplasm
Reticulum – a network of tubules or blood
vessels (e.g endoplasmic reticulum)
Examples:
Polychromatophilic – pertaining to the
property of staining readily with acid,
neutral, and basic dyes, especially
certain red blood cells
Polyphagia – excessive eating, in multiple
sittings
-cle, -ule, -ole, -cule
-ase
Ton/o
Diminutive, small in size
Denotes an enzyme
Tone, tension
Examples:
Corpuscle – a small rounded body, esp. a
blood cell
Venule – a tiny vein that drains blood from
capillaries
Arteriole – a tiny artery that takes blood into
capillaries
Examples:
Cholinesterase – a family of enzymes
capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of
acylcholines (e.g. acetylcholinesterase)
Lipase – an enzyme capable of catalyzing
the hydrolysis of lipids
Example:
Atony – relaxation, flaccidity, or lack of tone
or tension
Phag/o, -phagy, -phagia, -phage
-lytic
-lysis
Eating, devouring
Pertaining to that which causes lysis or
to the process of lysis
Process of breaking down,
decomposing, or loosening
Examples:
Hemolytic – relating to that which is
destructive to red blood cells
Thrombolytic – describing an agent that
breaks up blood clots
Example:
Hemolysis – destruction of red blood cells
with liberation of hemoglobin
into the surrounding medium
-trophy
-plasia
-plasty
Nourishment, development, or growth
Process of cellular multiplication,
formation
Process of shaping, or the surgical
formation of a structure or part
Example:
Hyperplasia – the increased production and
growth of normal cells (not tumor cells) in a
tissue or organ, resulting in an abnormal
increase in size of the tissue or organ (e.g.
increase in breast size during pregnancy)
Examples:
Chondroplasty – reparative or plastic
surgery of cartilage
Rhinoplasty – plastic surgery to change the
shape or size of the nose
Leuk/o, leuc/o
Erythr/o
-emia, cemia
White
Red
Blood
Examples:
Leukocyte – a white blood cell
Leukoderma – an absence, either partial or
total, of pigment in the skin
Example:
Erythrocyte – a red blood cell
Example:
Anemia – any condition in which the red
cell count, hemoglobin level, and/or
hematocrit are less than normal
Examples:
Phagocytosis – the process of ingestion and
digestion of solid substances (e.g.
bacteria or particulate matter) by cells
Hyperphagia – overeating, in a single sitting
Example:
Atrophy – wasting away of a normally
developed organ or tissue due to
degeneration of cells caused by
undernourishment, lack of use,
or aging
2.
2.
3.
Hem/o, hemat/o
Dys-
Embolus, emb/o
3.
3.
3.
Kary/o
Anti-, ant-
Mega-, megal/o, -megaly
3.
3.
3.
Morph/o
Myel/o
Nucle/o
3.
3.
3.
Pan-
Pro-
Thrombus, thromb/o
3.
3.
3.
-blast
Auto-
-gen
Embolus, emb/o
Dys-
Hem/o, hemat/o
A plug
Difficult, painful, bad
Blood
Examples:
Embolism – obstruction or occlusion of a
vessel by an embolus
Embolus – a plug composed of a detached
thrombus, mass of bacteria, or other
foreign body that travels through the
bloodstream and suddenly blocks a vessel
Examples:
Dysphagia – condition in which swallowing
is difficult or painful
Dysplasia – condition of abnormal tissue
development
Example:
Hematology – the study of blood and
blood-forming tissues, and
the disorders associated with
them
Mega-, megal/o, -megaly
Anti-, ant-
Kary/o
Large, oversized
Against, opposing
Nucleus of a cell
Examples:
Cardiomegaly or Megacardia – enlargement
of the heart
Megakaryocyte – A large cell in the bone
marrow that has an irregularlyshaped, multi-lobed nucleus,
and that produces platelets
Examples:
Anticonvulsant – agent that prevents or
reduces the severity of convulsions
Antimuscarinic – inhibiting or preventing
the actions of muscarine or the effects
of parasympathetic stimulation at
neuroeffector junctions (e.g. atropine)
Example:
Karyolysis – Dissolution of the cell nucleus
Nucle/o
Myel/o
Morph/o
Nucleus
Bone marrow OR spinal cord
Shape, form
Example:
Enucleated or Anuclear – having no nucleus
Examples:
Myelitis – 1. inflammation of the bone
marrow. 2. inflammation of the
spinal cord
Myeloid tissue – tissue in the bone marrow
in which the various classes of
blood cells are produced
Example:
Morphology – the science of the form and
structure of organisms and
their parts
Thrombus, thromb/o
Pro-
Pan-
Blood clot
Before, a precursor, for
All, entire
Examples:
Thrombosis – 1. the presence of an
intravascular clot at the site of its
formation. 2. formation of a
clot within a vessel or the heart.
Thrombus – a blood clot
Example:
Prothrombin – a substance found in blood
plasma that is the precursor
to (that is converted into)
thrombin in the coagulation
of blood
Examples:
Pancytopenia – a pronounced reduction in
all of the cellular elements
in blood
Panosteitis – inflammation of an entire bone
-gen
Auto-
-blast
Name of the agent that produces the
state or object indicated by the word
stem
Self, same
Immature precursor cell
Examples:
Autolysis – digestion of cells or tissues by
the cell’s own enzymes
Autotrophic – self-nourishing; pertaining to
the ability of an organism to
produce its own nutrients
from inorganic compounds
Example:
Fibroblast – an elongated cell in connective
tissue that is capable of
forming collagen fibers
Example:
Immunogen – substance which stimulates
the production of “active”
immunity, also called an
antigen.
3.
3.
3.
-genesis
-genous, -genic
-in, -ine
3.
3.
3.
-ism
-oid
-ous
3.
3.
3.
-penia
-philia, -phil
-phobia, -phobe
3.
3.
3.
-poiesis
-rrhage, -rrhagia
Kal/i
3.
3.
3.
Natr/i
Allo-
Drom/o-
-in, -ine
-genous, -genic
-genesis
Compound formed in the body or a drug
Pertaining to production, origin
Production, formation, or development
Examples:
Thrombin – an enzyme formed in the
plasma that is involved in blood coagulation
Acetylcholine – the neurotransmitter
substance that is released at the synapses of
parasympathetic nerves and at
neuromuscular junctions
Example:
Chondrogenic – giving rise to or forming
cartilage
Examples:
Histogenesis – the formation and
development of the tissues of
the body
Osteogenesis – the formation of bone
-ous
-oid
-ism
Pertaining to, made of, containing
Resembling, like, having the form of
Example:
Squamous – scale-like; relating to or covered
with scales
Examples:
Sigmoid – resembling the letter “S” or the
Greek sigma
Nucleoid – shaped like or having the
appearance of a nucleus
1. Medical condition or disease resulting
from or involving some specified thing.
2. A practice, doctrine
-phobia, -phobe
-philia, -phil
-penia
Unfounded fear, have an aversion to
To love, have an affinity for
Condition of lack, deficiency
Example:
Hematophobia - also called hemophobia,
this is an unfounded and
morbid (abnormal) fear of
blood and/or bleeding
Example:
Eosinophil – also called an eosinophilic
leukocyte, this is a white
blood cell whose cytoplasmic
granules stain readily with an
acidic dye called eosin
Example:
Granulocytopenia – A condition in which
the number of granulocytes in the blood is
lower than normal
Kal/i
-rrhage, -rrhagia
-poiesis
Potassium
Condition of excessive or abnormal
discharge, esp. bleeding
Making or producing
Examples:
Hyperkalemia – A condition in which there
is a greater than normal concentration of
potassium ions in the circulating blood
Kaluretic – relating to, causing, or
characterized by the increased
excretion of potassium in the urine
Example:
Hemorrhage – excessive bleeding; a flow of
blood, esp. profuse
Example:
Hypnotism – the process or act of inducing
a condition resembling sleep,
in which the subject is
susceptible to suggestion
Example:
Hematopoiesis – also hemopoiesis, this is
the process of formation
and development of the
various types of blood
cells and other formed
elements in the plasma
Drom/o
Allo-
Natr/i
A running
Other, different from normal
Sodium
Example:
Dromic – relating to the propagation of a
nerve impulse along an axon in
the normal direction
Example:
Allograft – also called a homograft, this is
the transplant of tissue from one
member of a given species to a
non-identical member of the
same species
Examples:
Hypernatremia – an abnormally high
concentration of sodium ions in the plasma
Natriuretic – a substance, such as a diuretic,
that increases excretion of sodium, usu. as a
result of decreased tubular reabsorption of
sodium ions from glomerular filtrate
4.
4.
Derm/a, derm/o, dermat/o, -derma
Ec-, ex-, e(sometimes “e” with the consonant
the word root begins with, as “ef-”
in efferent)
4.
Electro-
4.
4.
4.
Febrile
Ad-, a(sometimes “a” with the consonant
the word root begins with, as “af-”
in afferent)
Myo-, my-
4.
4.
4.
Asthenia, -asthenia
Neur/o, neur/i, nerv/o, nerv/i
Phylaxis, -phylaxis
4.
4.
4.
Puri-, puro-
Py/o
Pyret/o
4.
4.
4.
Pyro-
Sarc/o
Sepsis, septic/o, -septic
Electro-
Ec-, ex-, e-
Derm/a, derm/o, dermat/o, -derma
Electricity
Out of, away from, outside
Skin
Example:
Electromyogram – a graphic representation
of the electrical currents associated
with muscular contraction,
obtained by inserting electrodes
into the muscle fibers
Examples:
Efferent – conducting ouward, away from
Ectopic – out of place; in an abnormal
location
Exocrine – denoting a gland that secretes
outwardly through ducts
Examples:
Pyodermatitis – also called pyoderma, this is
a pus-producing inflammation of the skin
Dermatology – the medical specialty
concerned with diagnosis
and treatment of skin
disorders
Myo-, my-
Ad-, a-
Febrile
Muscle
To, toward, near
Denoting or relating to a fever; feverish;
having a fever; pyretic
Examples:
Myositis – inflammation of muscle tissue,
esp. voluntary muscles
Myalgia – pain in the muscles
Examples:
Afferent – bringing toward or into
Adduct – to move a limb or any other part
toward the midline of the body
Phylaxis, -phylaxis
Neur/o, neur/i, nerv/o, nerv/i
Asthenia, -asthenia
Protection against infection; to guard
Nerve, nervous tissue, nervous system
Weakness
Example:
Prophylaxis – the prevention of disease;
preventative treatment
Example:
Neurospasm – muscular spasm or twitching
caused by a disordered nerve supply
Neurology – the branch of medical science
concerned with the nervous system
and its disorders
Example:
Myasthenia – muscular weakness
Pyret/o
Py/o
Puri-, puro-
Fever
Pus
Pus
Example:
Antipyretic –relieving or reducing fever, or a
substance/agent that has such
an action
Examples:
Pyogenesis – producing pus
Pyogen – an agent that causes the formation
of pus
Examples:
Puriform – resembling pus
Purulent – containing, consisting of, or
forming pus
Sepsis, septic/o, -septic
Sarc/o
Pyro-
The presence of various pus-forming
and other pathogenic organisms, or their
toxins, in the blood or tissues;
putrifaction
Denotes a muscular substance or a
resemblance to flesh
Heat, fire, fever, or produced by fire
Examples:
Aseptic – condition in which living pathogens are
absent
Antiseptic – substance/agent capable of preventing
infection by inhibiting growth of infectious agents
Examples:
Sarcolemma – the plasma membrane sheath
enveloping a muscle fiber
Sarcomere – the basic contractile unit of
striated muscle; the segment of a
myofibril between two adjacent z-lines
Examples:
Pyrogen – a fever-producing substance
Pyrosis – also called heartburn; substernal
pain or burning sensation, usu.
associated with regurgitation of
gastric juices into the esophagus
4.
4.
4.
Sept-, septo-, sept/i
Spasm, -spasm, spasm/o
Syn(appears as Sym- in word roots
beginning with b, p, ph, or m)
4.
4.
4.
Tetan/o
-ferent, -ferous
-lemma
4.
4.
4.
-gram
-graph
-graphy
4.
5.
5.
Clonus, -clonus, clon/o
Algesi/o, alge-, algo-, -algia
Audi/o
5.
5.
5.
Dia-
Esthesi/o, -esthesia
Kines/i
Syn-, sym-
Spasm, -spasm, spasm/o
Sept-, septo-, sept/i
With, together
A sudden, involuntary muscular
contraction, convulsion
1. septum (dividing wall) 2. seven
Examples:
Syndrome – the aggregate of signs and
symptoms associated with any
disease
Sympathomimetic – denotes mimicking of
the actions of the sympathetic
nervous system
Example:
Spasmolytic – an agent that relieves smooth
muscle spasms
Example:
Septal – relating to a septum
-lemma
-ferent, -ferous
Tetan/o
Sheath or envelope
To convey, produce, or bear
Convulsive tension
Example:
Neurolemma – also neurilemma; the sheath
encasing the axon of a nerve fiber
Example:
Ossiferous – containing or producing bone;
bony
Example:
Tetanus – 1. acute infectious disease marked
by tonic spasms, esp. of jaw and back
muscles. 2. sustained muscular contraction
caused by a series of nerve stimuli repeated
resulting in a sustained/continuous
contraction of muscle (no twitching)
-graphy
-graph
-gram
Process of recording, writing or
description
An instrument that records; sometimes a
writing
A recording, record, or tracing
Example:
Electrocardiography – (EKG or ECG) – the
process of recording electrical currents
from the heart; the study and
interpretation of such recordings
Example:
Electrocardiograph – instrument used for
recording the potential of the electrical
currents that traverse the heart and
initiate its contraction
Audi/o
Algesi/o, alge-, algo-, -algia
Clonus, -clonus, clon/o
The sense of hearing
Pain or painful condition
Rapid alteration between contraction
and relaxation of muscle
Example:
Audiology – also otology; the study of
hearing disorders through the
identification and measurement of loss
of hearing function as well as the
rehabilitation of people with hearing
Impairments
Example:
Algesimeter – also algesiometer; instrument
used for measuring the degree of
sensitivity to a painful stimulus
Kines/i
Esthesi/o, -esthesia
Dia-
Motion, movement
Sensation, perception
Through, throughout, across,
completely
Examples:
Kinesia – any form of motion sickness
Kinesiology – the science or the study of
movement, and the active and
passive structures involved
Examples:
Anesthesia – loss of sensation
Kinesthesia –sense that allows the brain to be
constantly aware of the position and
movement of muscles in different parts
of the body (without this, coordinated
movements with your eyes closed would
be impossible)
Example:
Electrocardiogram – the graphic record/
representation of the heart’s
electrical activity
Example:
Blepharoclonus – alternate contraction and
relaxation of the muscles
of the eyelids
Example:
Diapedesis – passage of blood cells through
the unruptured walls of capillaries
into the tissue spaces (an
important part of the
inflammatory response mechanism)
5.
5.
5.
Litho-, lith-
Metr/o, metri/o
Muc/o, myx/o, muci-
5.
5.
5.
Myco-, mycet-, -myces, -mycin
Myring-, Myring/o
Osmo-, olfact/o
5.
5.
5.
Ot-, ot/o, auri-
Hemi-
Para-
5.
5.
5.
Presby-, presbyo-, gero-
Salping/o
Stereo-
5.
5.
5.
Tinnitus
Tympan-, tympan/o, tympani-
Vertigo
Muc/o, myx/o, muci-
Metr/o, metri/o
Lith/o, -lith
Mucus or mucous
1. Uterus 2. Measurement
Stone or calculus
Examples:
Myxedema – accumulation of mucus-like
material under the skin
Mucoenteritis – inflammation of the
intestinal mucosa
Mucus – viscous fluid secreted by mucous
membranes that functions to protect
and lubricate the membrane
Examples:
Endometrium – the mucous membrane that
lines the inner wall of the uterus
Hypermetria – condition in which voluntary
movements overreach their goal, due to
an inability to control the distance,
power, and speed of the movement
Example:
Lithotomy – an incision into an organ or
duct for the removal of a
calculus (stone), especially from
the urinary bladder
Osm/o, olfact/o
Myring-, myring/o
Myco-, mycet-, -myces, -mycin
1. Smell, odor 2. Osmosis
Tympanic membrane (eardrum)
Fungus
Example:
Osmometer – Instrument for measuring
osmotic pressure
Olfactometer – Instrument for testing sense
of smell
Myringoscope – Instrument for examining
the tympanic membrane (eardrum)
Myringoplasty – surgical repair of a
damaged tympanic membrane
Mycosis – any disease induced by fungus
Mycetism – also called Mycetismus;
poisoning by certain species of
mushrooms
Para-
Hemi-
Ot-, ot/o, auri-
1. Adjacent, alongside, near, beside
2. Involvement of a pair or two like parts
3. Abnormal
One-half
Ear
Examples:
Hemisphere – Half of any spherical
structure; lateral half of the
cerebrum or of the cerebellum
Hemiplegia – Paralysis of one side of the
body, due to brain injury on
the opposite side
Examples:
Otitis – inflammation of the ear
Otitis media – inflammation of the middle
ear (the chamber containing
the auditory ossicles)
Stereo-
Salping/o
Presby-, presby/o, gero-
Three-dimensionality; a solid
A tube (usually either the uterine or
auditory tubes)
Old age
Examples:
Paravertebral – alongside or near a vertebra or
the vertebral column
Paraplegia – paralysis of both lower extremities
and generally the lower trunk, due
to lumbar spinal cord injury
Example:
Astereognosis – The inability to recognize
objects by touch alone,
even though there is
normal sensation in the
hands
Example:
Salpingotomy – Incision into the uterine
tube
Salpingostomy – establishment of an artificial
opening in a uterine tube,
primarily as surgical treatment
for ectopic preganacy
Examples:
Presbyopia – the physiologic loss of
accommodation in the eyes due to
advancing age
Geriatrics – the branch of medicine concerned
with the medical problems and
treatment/care of the aged
Vertigo
Tympan-, tympan/o, tympani-
Tinnitus
A disabling sensation in which the
subject/patient feels that either himself
or his surroundings are in a state of
constant movement (usually spinning);
not the same as faintness
1. The tympanic membrane (ear drum)
2. The middle ear
Noises in the ears, such as ringing,
buzzing, whistling, roaring, etc.
Example:
Tympanitis – inflammation of the tympanic
membrane (ear drum)
Tympanoplasty – surgical correction of a
damaged middle ear
5.
5.
5.
-meter
-metry
-odynia
5.
5.
5.
-osmia
-phasia
-plegia
5.
5.
6.
Tax/o, -taxia, -taxis, -taxy
Acous/o, -cusis, -acusis, -acousis
Cephal/o
6.
6.
6.
Cortic/o, cortex
Cycl/o
Encephal/o
6.
6.
6.
Gangli/o, ganglion/o
Gli/o, -glia
Gnos/o, -gnosis
-odynia
-metry
-meter
Pain in (a specified part)
Measuring or measurement
Measure or Instrument to measure
Example:
Cardiodynia – also cardialgia; pain in the
heart
Example:
Craniometry – measurement of the skull
and the study of its
topography
Examples:
-plegia
-phasia
-osmia
Paralysis, stroke
Speech
Smell, odor
Example:
Quadriplegia – paralysis affecting all four
extemities, due to injury at
the cervical level of the
spinal cord
Example:
Aphasia – a disorder of language in which
the generation and comprehension
of speech is impaired or absent,
and which is commonly also
accompanied by difficulties in
reading and writing
Example:
Anosmia – loss or lack of the sense of smell
Cephal/o
Acous/o, -cusis, -acusis, -acousis
Tax/o, -taxia, -taxis, -taxy
Head
Hearing
Arrangement, coordination, order
Examples:
Cephalocaudad – proceeding toward the tail
from the head
Cephalodynia – headache
Examples:
Hyperacusis – abnormally acute sensitivity
to sounds
Acusis – the ability to perceive sound
normally
Acoustic – pertaining to hearing and the
perception of sound
Example:
Encephal/o
Cycl/o
Cortic/o, cortex
Brain
A cycle, circular, or relating to the ciliary
body of the eye
Outer region; outer portion of an organ
Example:
Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain
Example:
Cycloplegia – paralysis of the ciliary muscle,
causing loss of accommodation; is usually
accompanied by paralysis of the muscles of
the pupil, resulting in mydriasis
Thermometer – instrument for measuring
temperature
Diameter – the length of a straight line
connecting the center of a circle with
two points on its perimeter (or the
center of a sphere with two points
on its surface)
Ataxia – Inability to coordinate muscle
activity during voluntary
movements, resulting in
shaky/tremor-like movements
Taxonomy – the systemic classification of
organisms based on degrees of similarity
or presumed evolutionary relationships
Example:
Corticospinal – pertaining to the cerebral
cortex and the spinal cord
Gnos/o, -gnosis
Gli/o, -glia
Gangli/o, ganglion/o
Knowledge
Glue; neurological tissue (supportive
tissue of the nervous system)
Ganglion, knot, swelling, collection of
nerve cell bodies
Example:
Neuroglia – non-conducting cells of
nervous tissue with supportive
and metabolic functions
Example:
Post-ganglionic – distal to or beyond a
ganglion (a cluster of nerve cell bodies
outside of the CNS); referring to
nerve fibers originating from cells in
an autonomic ganglion
Example:
Prognosis – foreknowledge; forecast of the
probable outcome/result of a disease
or attack
Diagnosis – process of determining the nature of
a disorder by considering the signs,
symptoms, medical history, etc. of a
patient
6.
6.
6.
Ker/a, kerat/o
Lacrim/o
Medull/o, medulla
6.
6.
6.
Mes-, mes/o
Met/a
Mio-, meio-
6.
6.
6.
Mydriasis
Myopia
Nystagmus
6.
6.
6.
Ophthalm/o
Opt/o, optic/o
-ptosis, ptosis
6.
6.
6.
Scler-, scler/o
Tel-, tel/e, telo-
-ectomy
Medull/o, medulla
Lacrim/o
Ker/a, kerat/o
Soft, inner part; any soft, marrow-like
structure, esp. in the center of a part or
organ
Tear, tears
1. hard, horny tissue or cells
2. cornea
Example:
Medullary – pertaining to the marrow or to
any medulla (as medulla oblongata or
adrenal medulla)
Examples:
Lacrimation – secretion of tears, esp. in
excess
Lacrimal – relating to the tears, their
secretion, the secretory glands,
and the drainage apparatus
Mio-, meio-
Met/a
Mes-, mes/o
Less or smaller
1. after, beyond, between, distal to, over
2. change, transformation
1. middle, partial
2. mesentery or mesentery-like
Examples:
Metaphysis – the flared portion of a long bone,
between the diaphysis (shaft) and the
epiphyseal plate
Metastasis – literally meaning, beyond control, this is
the transfer of disease from one organ or
tissue to another that is not directly
connected to it
Examples:
Mesencephalon – the midbrain
Mesocolon – the mesentery (folds of
peritoneum) that attach the
colon to the posterior wall of
the abdominal cavity
Nystagmus
Myopia
Mydriasis
An involuntary, rhythmic oscillation of
the eyeballs; may be lateral, vertical, or
rotary
Nearsightedness; the condition in which
parallel rays of light are brought into
focus in front of the retina, rather than
on it
Dilation of the pupil of the eye
-ptosis, ptosis
Opt/o, optic/o
Ophthalm/o
A falling, downward displacement,
prolapse
Relationship to the eye or to vision
Eye
Example:
Gastroptosis – downward displacement of
the stomach
Example:
Optometrist – a non-medical specialist who
measures powers of vision and fits
corrective lenses to correct visual
defects
Examples:
Ophthalmoptosis – also exophthalmos; the
abnormal protrusion of the eyeball
Ophthalmologist – a physician specializing
in diagnosis and medical and
surgical treatment of diseases and
defects of the eye
-ectomy
Tel-, tel/e, telo-
Scler-, scler/o
Excision; surgical removal of a segment
of or an entire part or organ
1. end or ending 2. distance 3. complete
1. hardness
2. relationship to the sclera of the eye
Examples:
Miosis – constriction of the pupil
Meiosis – cell division comprising two
nuclear divisions in rapid
succession, which results in
halving of the number of
chromosomes; makes gametes
Example:
Gastrectomy – surgical removal of the
stomach
Appendectomy – surgical removal of the
vermiform appendix
Examples:
Telencephalon – the anterior portion of the
brain, including the cerebral hemispheres
and lamina terminalis
Telophase – the final stage of mitosis or
meiosis
Telomere – the distal end of a chromosome
Examples:
Keratinization – also cornification; keratin
formation, or the development
of a horny layer of tissue, esp.
in the epidermis
Keratitis – inflammation of the cornea
Example:
Sclerosis – also induration; the process of
becoming extremely firm or hard,
or having such properties
Scleritis – inflammation of the sclera
6.
6.
6.
-ist
-opia, -opsia, -opsy
-ostomy, -stomy
6.
6.
7.
-otomy, -tomy
Blephar/o
Arthr/o
7.
7.
7.
Carcin/o, carcin-
Chondr/o, chondri/o
Eu-
7.
7.
7.
Ascites
Ecchymosis
Edema, -edema
7.
7.
7.
Iatr/o
Idio-
Mal-
-ostomy, -stomy
-opia, -opsia, -opsy
-ist
To furnish with a mouth; an artificial or
surgical opening
1. condition of vision (-opia and –opsia)
2. process of viewing, to view (-opsy)
One who specializes in
Examples:
Gastrostomy – establishing an artificial opening into
the stomach
Colostomy – surgical operation in which a part of the
colon is brought through the abdominal wall
and opened in order to drain or decompress
the intestine; may be temporary or
Permanent
Examples:
Hyperopia – farsightedness
Autopsy – post-mortem examination of a
body to determine cause of death
or to study pathological changes
present at death
Arthr/o
Blephar/o
-otomy, -tomy
A joint or articulation
Eyelid
An incision or cutting into
Example:
Arthritis – inflammation of one or more
joints, or a state characterized by
such inflammation
Examples:
Blepharoptosis – drooping of the upper
eyelid
Blepharedema – edema of the eyelids,
causing swelling and an
often baggy appearance
Examples:
Enterotomy – incision into the intestine
Laparotomy – also celiotomy; a
transabdominal incision into
the peritoneal cavity
Eu-
Chondr/o, chondri/o
Carcin/o, carcin-
Good, well, normal, well-being
1. cartilage or cartilaginous
2. granular or gritty substance
Cancer
Example:
Pharmacist – individual who is licensed to
prepare and dispense drugs
and has extensive knowledge
of their properties
Examples:
Eukinesia – normal movement
Euphoria – exaggerated feeling of
well-being; elation
Example:
Chondrocyte – a cartilage cell, found in the
lacunae of the matrix of cartilage
Examples:
Carcinogen – an agent that causes cancer
Carcinogenesis – the production,
development, or origin of
cancer
Edema, -edema
Ecchymosis
Ascites
An accumulation of an excessive
amount of fluid in cells, tissues, or
serous cavities
A purplish patch caused by hemorrhage
under the skin from injury or
spontaneous leaking from blood vessels;
ecchymoses are the same as petechiae,
except they are larger
Also abdominal dropsy or
hydroperitoneum; an abnormal
accumulation of serous fluid in the
peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal
swelling
Mal-
Idio-
Iatr/o
Bad, a disorder
1. unknown
2. peculiar, distinctive, individual
Treatment
Examples:
Malformation – defective or abnormal
formation or development
Malaise – vague feeling of bodily discomfort
Examples:
Idiopathic – denotes a disease or condition
which arises spontaneously , or of which
the cause is unknown
Idiosyncracy – an abnormal/unexpected effect of
a drug that is peculiar to an individual
Examples:
Iatrogenic – unexpected side effects
resulting from treatment by a
physician
Podiatry – the branch of medicine
concerned with the treatment of
diseases and injuries of the feet
7.
7.
7.
Necr-, necr/o
Neo-
Onco-, oncho-
7.
7.
7.
Splanchn/o, splanchni-
Pariet/o
Ped/o
7.
7.
7.
Pre-
Post-
Pod/o, -pod
7.
7.
7.
Petechiae
Purpura
Pruritus
7.
7.
7.
Stom-, stomat/o, stoma
Uresis, -uresis
Urticaria
Onco-, oncho-
Neo-
Necr-, necr/o
A tumor, bulk, mass
New or recent
Death, dead
Examples:
Oncology – branch of medicine dealing with
tumors
Oncolytic – pertaining to, characterized by,
or causing the destruction of a
tumor or neoplasm
Example:
Neoplasm – tissue that grows more rapidly
than normal and continues to
grow even after the stimuli that
initiated the growth cease, and
that serves no useful function
Examples:
Necrosis – pathologic death of one or more
cells, usually in a localized area
Necrology – the science of the collection,
classification, and interpretation
of mortality statistics
Ped/o
Pariet/o
Splanchn/o, splanchni-
1. Child (from Greek: pais, paid)
2. Foot (from Latin: pes, pedis)
1. a wall 2. a parietal bone
The viscera (internal organs)
Example:
Parietal – relating to the wall of any cavity or
to the parietal bone of the skull
Example:
Splanchnic – also visceral; pertaining to or
supplying the viscera (as in the
splanchnic nerves)
Pod/o, -pod
Post-
Pre-
Foot or foot-shaped
(from Greek: pous, podos)
Behind, after
Before (in time or space), in front of
Examples:
Postsynaptic – situated beyond or distal to a
synapse (after the synapse is crossed)
Postprandial – following a meal
Example:
Presynaptic – situated before or proximal to
a synapse (before a synapse is crossed)
Pruritus
Purpura
Petechiae
Itching
A condition characterized by multiple
pinpoint hemorrhages and accumulation
of blood under the skin, producing
purplish discoloration of the skin;
merging ecchymoses and petechiae over
any part of the body
Pinpoint to pinhead-sized hemorrhagic
spots under the skin; smaller versions of
ecchymoses
Urticaria
Uresis, -uresis
Stom-, stomat/o, stoma
Also hives; an acute allergic reaction in
which round wheals (welts) develop on
the skin, usually accompanied by
intense itching
Excretion in urine (-uresis)
Urination (uresis)
Mouth, opening; an artificial opening
between two cavities or canals or
between such and the surface of the
body
Example:
Pediatrics – medical specialty concerned
with the study and treatment of
children, from birth through
adolescence
Pedal – relating to the feet
Example:
Podiatrist – medical doctor concerned with
the diagnosis and/or treatment
of disorders of the feet
Example:
Natriuresis – Excretion of sodium in the
urine; although this is normal, this term
usually applies to greater than normal
sodium excretion.
Example:
Stomatitis – inflammation of the mucous
membrane lining the mouth
7.
7.
7.
Viscer/o, viscera
Phor-, phor/o, -phoria
-oma
8.
8.
8.
Angi-, angi/o
Arteri/o
Athero-
8.
8.
8.
Arrhythmia
Brady-
Tachy-, tacho-
8.
8.
8.
Aneurysm/o, aneurysm
Auscultate
Coronary
8.
8.
8.
Cost/o
Chron/o
Ino-
-oma
Phor-, phor/o, -phoria
Viscer/o, viscera
A tumor or neoplasm
Carrying, bearing, feeling
Internal organs
Examples:
Sarcoma – a connective tissue tumor, usu.
highly malignant, formed by
proliferation of embryonic
mesodermal cells
Carcinoma – a malignant neoplasm derived
from epithelial tissue
Examples:
Dysphoria – a feeling of unpleasantness or
discomfort; feeling ill at ease
Exophoria – tendency for one eye to deviate
outward when fusion (the blending
of slightly different images from
each eye into a single perception) is
suspended
Example:
Visceromotor – relating to or controlling
movement in the internal organs, esp. the
intestines
Athero-
Arteri/o
Angi-, angi/o
Deposit of soft, pasty material; porridge
Artery
1. Blood or lymph vessels
2. A covering/enclosure
Example:
Atherosclerosis – a common form of
arteriosclerosis characterized by irregularly
distributed lipid deposits in the tunica
intima/interna of large and medium-sized
arteries, that will eventually lead to
blockage of blood flow
Example:
Arteriosclerosis – collection of several
pathological conditions in which the
walls of blood vessels, esp. arteries,
become thickened and hardened,
losing their elasticity
Examples:
Angiogram – an x-ray of blood vessels following
injection with radio-opaque material
Angioscopy – insertion of a fiberoptic catheter through
a peripheral artery to view the interior of
blood vessels, esp. pulmonary arteries
Tachy-
Brady-
Arrhythmia
Rapid, quick
Slow
Example:
Tachycardia – abnormally rapid heartbeat
(usually applied to heart rates
faster than 100 bpm)
Example:
Bradycardia – abnormally slow heartbeat
(usually applied to heart rates
slower than 60 bpm)
Loss/lack of rhythm; any deviation from
the normal (sinus) rhythm of the heart;
an irregularity of the heartbeat
Coronary
Auscultate
Aneurysm/o, aneurysm
Relating to or resembling a crown; term
is usually applied to the arteries that
encircle and supply blood to the
myocardium (the coronary arteries)
To examine, by listening (usually with
the aid of a stethoscope), to sounds
produced by the movement of gases or
liquids within the body, as a means of
diagnosis
A localized, balloon-like dilation or
swelling in the wall of an artery or
cardiac chamber
Ino-
Chrono-
Cost/o, costa
An obsolete prefix for fiber or fibrous;
replaced in most terms by fibro-
Time
Rib or ribs
Example:
Chronic – relating to a health-related state
or condition persisting over a
long period of time (3 months or
longer); may also refer to longterm or prolonged exposure
Examples:
Costa – the ribs
Costochondral – also chondrocostal;
pertaining to cartilage that
is attached to the ribs
Example:
Inotropic – influencing the contractility of
muscle cells (fibers)
8.
8.
8.
Veno-, veni-, vene-, Phleb/o
Vas/o, vasculo-
Varico-
8.
8.
8.
Coro-, core-, coreo-
Sphygm/o
Sten/o
8.
8.
8.
Top/o
Ortho-
Isch/o
8.
8.
8.
-tropic
-malacia
Infarct
8.
8.
8.
Vascular
Paroxysm
Syncope
Varico-
Vas/o, vasculo-
Veno-, veni-, vene-, Phleb/o
1. A dilated vein
2. An enlarged and tortuous (twisted)
vein, artery, or lymphatic vessel
Blood vessel
Veins
Example:
Vasomotor – Causing dilation or
constriction of the blood
vessels, or denoting nerves
with such action
Examples:
Venous – pertaining to a vein or the veins
Venesection – also venipuncture and
phlebotomy; the puncture of a
vein, usually to withdraw
blood or inject a solution
Sten/o
Sphygm/o
Coro-, core-, coreo-
Narrowness, constriction
Pulse
The pupil of the eye
Example:
Stenosis – the abnormal narrowing of a
passage or opening, such as a
blood vessel or heart valve
Example:
Sphygmomanometer – an instrument for
measuring arterial blood pressure
Example:
Corestenoma – A narrowing or partial
occlusion of the pupil
Isch/o
Ortho-
Top/o
To restrain, hold back, or repress
1. straight, correct 2. normal
Place, location, position
Example:
Ischemia – Local and temporary lack of
blood flow due to the mechanical
obstruction of the circulation to a
part of the body; may result in
infarct if the circulation is
withheld too long
Example:
Orthostatic – pertaining to the upright
position of the body: used when describing
this posture or a condition caused by it,
such as Orthostatic Hypotension (a drop in
blood pressure upon standing)
Examples:
Ectopic – in an abnormal location; out of place
Topical – pertaining to a definite place or locality:
used to describe the route of
administration of a drug that is applied
directly to the surface of the part being
treated
Infarct
-malacia
-tropic
An area of necrosis (tissue death) due to
sudden, localized ischemia
Softening
Changing, a turning forward, having an
affinity for
Example:
Varicose – pertaining to varices –
abnormally distended, tortuous
vessels, especially veins
Syncope
A sudden, and generally temporary, loss
of consciousness and postural tone, due
to inadequate flow of oxygenated blood
to the brain (Fainting)
Examples:
Malacia – a softening or loss of consistency
and contiguity in any organ or tissue
Osteomalacia – a disease characterized by a
gradual softening and bending of
the bones, accompanied by
varying severity of pain
Examples:
Chronotropic – affecting the rate of rhythmic
movements, such as the heartbeat
Chronotropism – modification of the rate of a
periodic movement, such as the
heartbeat, via some external
influence
Paroxysm
Vascular
1.
2.
A sudden, violent attack, esp. a
spasm or convulsion
The abrupt onset or worsening
of symptoms or recurrence of a
disease
Pertaining to or containing blood
vessels; indicative of a copious blood
supply