Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology
A103R04.02
Rev. 008
Researched and Compiled by Grant Walters. Updated Tue 09 Sep 2009.
Legend
Abbreviations
G
L
N
I
F
A
S
E
D
M
L
B
Greek
Latin
New Latin
Italian
French
Arabic
Sanskrit
English
German (Deutsch)
Example
muscle
ligament
bone
Symbols
»
›
•
~
×
¤
<
>
()
[]
{}
Word Root Symbology
genetive
derivative
diminutive
past participle
nominative plural
frequentative
Usage
before
after
Brackets
Association / separation
Origin/Meaning word link
Interesting side note
abc-xyz
abc
abcd
Root Abbrev.
ab/c
ab\cd
a\b\cd
-a\bc
Root Abbrev.
a\b/c
Prefix (can be combining)
Suffix (can be combining)
Underlined letter optional
Root in bold
2 Root Variations
Root 1
Root 2
ab (ab - c)
ac (ab - b + c)
ab (ab - cd)
abcd (ab + cd)
ab (a - bcd)
acd (a - b + cd)
abc (a + bc)
bc (- a + bc)
3 Root Variations
Root 1
Root 2
Root 3
a (a - b - c)
ab (a + b)
ac (a + c)
Simple Word Roots
A
Origin
Meaning
Example
a
G
G
L
L
G
G
L
G
G
G
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
G
L
G
G
G
G
L
L
L
L
G
G
G
G
L
G
G
G
G
G
L
G
G
G
L
G
G
L
L
G
L
L
G
G
L
G
G
without, not
See an
away from
[to conceal] stow away, cover
[sharp (point)] spine, thorn (of plant)
[vinegar] vinegar cup
berry, kernel
topmost, extremity
ray
hear
to: move toward, change, add, intensify
See ad
See ad
See ad
See ad
See ad
See ad
See ad
See ad
See ad
See ad
gland
fat
See haem: blood
air
sensation
contest
wing
armpit
white
nourish
pain
different, other
sausage
of one another
hollow cavity
[lamb] sac {caul = birth membrane}
change
on both sides of, double
a small jug
almond
anus
up (back, again)
See an
[crook] elbow
corner
vessel
strangling
a ring
goose
against
preceding, before
cave
[raise, lift up] hanger, strap
See aort
tip, extremity
away, from (off), unquite
See apo
acelous, agnatha, amoral
anapsid, anaemia, anaesthesia
abduction, abductor digiti minmi M
abdomen, rectus abdominis M
acanthodii, acanthocephalan, acanthus
acetabulum, acetic acid
acinar gland
acropolis, acromegaly, acromion,
actin, actinopterygii
acoustics
adduction, adorbital, adrenalin
ascend, aspect, aspersion, astatic, astigmatism
accessory, acknowledge, accident, acquire (as in AIDS)
afferent, affliction
agglutinin, aggressive
alleviate, allusion, alluvial
annulus fibrosus, annihilate, annotate
apprehension, approximate
arrector pili M, array
assembly reassure, assessment
attenuate, attribute, statement of attainment
adenopophysis, adenoid, adenoma, adenosine
adipose, adipocyte
anaemia, anemic
aerobic, anaerobic
anaesthetic, synaesthesia
agonist, antagonist, agony
alar foramen, aliform, alisphenoid B, sacral alae
axil, axilla, axillary border (of scapula)
corpus albicans, albino, linea alba
alimentary canal
neuralgia, neuralgic, analgesic
allotheria, allopathy
allantoic artery, allantos
alleles, parallel
alveolar, alveoli, alveolus
amnion, anamniote, amniocentesis
amoeba, amoeboid, amoebic dysentry
amphibian, amphicoelous, amphioxus, amphora
ampulla of Lorenzini, ampule
amygdaloid, amygdala
levator ani M, anal, anus, anilingus
anaphase, anatomy, anamnesis
anion
anconeus M, ankylosis
angle, depressor anguli oris M, angular
angiitis, angioma
angina pectoris
annulus fibrosus
pes anserinus
antagonist, antacid, anticoagulant
antebrachium, anterior, antemortem, anteriolateral
antrum, antra
aorta, aortic arch
arteriole, arteriosclerosis, artery
apex (of heart), apical lamina, apiculate
apophysis, apocrine, apoptosis, apomixis
aphelion, aphesis
an
ab
abdom
acanth
acet\abul
acinar
acro\m
actin
acoust
ad
a
ac
af
ag
al
an
ap
ar
as
at
aden
adip
-aem
aero
aesthes/t
agon
ala/i
axil
alb
aliment
alg
allo
allanto
allel
alveol
amnio
amoeb
amph
ampul
amygdal
an
ana
an
ancon/kyl
ang\ul
angi
angin
annul
anserin
ant\i
ante
antr
aort
arter
apic/ex
apo
ap
a- (< cons)
an- (< vowel)
ab[abdo] abdere › abdomen
[ake aketon] akantha
(L [acetum] › acetabulum)
acinus
akros akrom
aktin
akouo › akoustikos
ada- (< sc, sp, st)
ac- (< c, k, q)
af- (< f)
ag- (< g)
al- (< l)
an- (< n)
ap- (< p)
ar- (< r)
as- (< s)
at- (< t)
adenos
adeps adipis
(See haem) › aimia
aer » aeroaisthesis
agon » agonistes
ala
(See ala/i) • axilla
albus › albo
alere › alimentum
algos
allos
allas » allantos
allel
alveus • alveolus
[amnos] › amnios
amoibe
amphi
ampulla
amugdale
anus
ana- (< cons)
an- (< vowel)
[agkuloo] agkon
angulus
aggeion
agkhone
annulus
anser anserinus
antiante- anterior
antron
[aeiro] aorter
(See aort) arteria
apex × apicis
apo- (< cons)
ap- (< h, vowel)
Copyright © Grant Walters and MCPT
Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology
Page 1 of 12
-aps/t
aqu\a
arachn
arc\u
arch
areola
arthr
artic\ul
aryten
asper
astragal
ather
atla\no
atr
aur
auric\ul
auscult
auto
ave/i
ax\i
G
L
G
L
G
L
G
L
G
L
G
G
G
L
G
L
L
G
L
G
B
bar
basal
bin
bi
bio
bi
bil
blast
bol
bolus
brac\h
branch
brady
brevi
bronch
brux
bryo
bucc
bulla
burs
C
caec
calc
calic/yx
call
calor
caput
capit\ul
ceps
cipit
capill
carap
carb\unc
carcin\o
cardi
cardinal
carn
carot
carotid
carp
case
cata
caud
cav
cephal
cept
cerumen/in
cerat
cerca
cereb\r
cervic/x
chiasm
choan
chole
chondr
chord
chor
chrom
chyl/m
cid
cili
ciner
cingul
[hapto] › hapsis
aqua
arachne
[arcus] arcuare (F arche)
[arkhe] arkhaios
area • areola
arthron
artus • articulus
arytania
asper
astragalos (L astragalus)
athere
Atlas
atrium
aura
auris • auricula
auscultare › auscultatio
autos
avis × aves
[axon, axios] › axioma
[fasten] junction, vault {arch = join at top}
water
spider
[bow, curve] to bend like a bow
[beginning] ancient
vacant ground
joint
joint
ladle
rough
[gaming die] ankle bone
groats (crushed oats)
a god who holds up the heavens
entrance room, vestibule
breeze, breath
ear
listen to
self
bird
[axis, worthy] pivot
synapse, synaptic, anapsid
aqueous solution, aquatic
arachnid, arachnoid membrane
coracoarcual M, arcuate line (of illium), pubic arch
archinephros, archipallium, archaeology, menarche
areolar connective tissue, areola (of nipple)
arthropathy, arthritis
article, articular cartilage
arytenoid cartilage
linea aspera
astragalus B, astragalar
atherosclerosis
atlanoscapularis M, atlas
atrium (of heart)
aura
auricle, auricular surface (of ilium)
auscultatory method
autogenous
aves, aviary
axle, axon, axial skeleton
Origin
Meaning
Example
G
L
L
L
L
L
L
G
G
G
G
G
G
L
G
G
G
L
G
G
weight
a tread (of stairs), stepping, pedestal
[two] two together
See bin
life
See bio
bile
sprout
throw
[clod] lump (ball)
upper arm
gill
slow
short
windpipe
gnash the teeth
sell, grow
[cheek] trumpet
a bubble, seal
[hide, leather] bag, purse
baroceptors, barometer, hyperbaric, millibar
basal lamina
binocular, binate
biceps brachii M, biped
biochemistry, biosphere, biology
amphibian, microbial
bilirubin, bile duct
blastocyte, fibroblast, chondroblast, osteoblast
metabolic, catabolism, embolism
bolus
antebrachium, brachialis M, brachioradialis M, embrace
branchial, elasmobranchii
bradycardia
peroneus brevis M, abbreviate
bronchus, bronchiole, bronchi
bruxism
embryo, embryonic, bryophytes
buccolabial, buccal, buccinator M
tympanic bulla
bursae, bursitis, bursar
Origin
Meaning
Example
L
L
G
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
F
L
G
G
L
L
G
G
G
L
G
L
L
G
L
L
G
G
L
L
G
G
G
G
L
G
G
G
L
L
L
L
blind (gut)
lime, heel
cup
hard skin
heat
head
See caput
See caput
See caput
hair
a shell
[charcoal] little glowing embers
crab (zodiac sign)
heart
[hinge] principal {4 virtues for conduct}
flesh
carrot
stupefy {compress carotids = stupor}
wrist
cheese
down
tail
hollow
head
take
wax
See kerat: horn
tail
brain
neck
cross
funnel
bile (anger)
cartilage
string
skin, afterbirth
colour
juice (infusion)
fall (cut)
eyelash, eyelid
[ashes] colour of ashes
girdle
caecum, ileocecal valve
calcaneus, calcify, calcium
calicivirus, calyx, renal calyx
callus, corpus callosum, callous
calories, calorimeter
caput
capital, capitulum, capitulate
triceps M, biceps brachialis M
occipital B, occipitalis M
capillary
carapace
carbon, carbohydrate, carbide, carbuncle
carcinogen, carcinoma
cardiotoxic, cardiovascular, cardiac, cardioid
cardinal vein
carnal, carnivore, trabeculae carnae
carotene
carotid artery
carpal, carpus, flexor carpi radialis M
vernix caseosa, casein, caseinogen
catabolism, catatonic
caudal, caudofemoralis M
cavity, vena cava, caveolae, cavern
cephalic, cephalochordate, holocephalic
perception
cerumen, ceruminous glands
ceratobranchial, ceratotrichia
cercaria, heterocercal fin
cerebrum, cerebral cortex, cerebrospinal, cerebellum
cervical, cleidocervicalis M, uterine cervix
optic chiasma
choana
ductus choledochus, cholesterol, cholera
chondrocyte, chondrify, chondrocranium
chordae tendineae, chordate, notochord
chorion, choroid layer (of eyeball), choroid plexus
chromosome, chromatid, chromatin
chyle, chyme, mesenchyme, ecchymosis
germicide, homicidal, accident, deciduous placenta
cilia, corrugator supercilii M, supercilious
incinerate, tuber cinereum
cingulate cortex
baros
basis
[bin-] bini (< vowel)
bi- (< cons)
bios bio- (< cons)
bi- (< vowel)
bilis
blastos
ballo › bole
[bolos] bolas
brachion
branchion
bradus
brevis
bronkos
brukhein
bruo
[bucca] buccina
bulla
[bursa] (L bursa byrsa)
caecus
calx » calcis
kalyx (L calyx)
callus
calor
caput
» capitis • capitulum
› -ceps
ciput
capillus
carapace
[carbo] • carbunculus
karkinos
kardia
[cardo] cardinalis
caro » carnis
karoton (L carota)
[karoo] karotides (L carotides)
karpos
caseus
kata
cauda
cavus
kephale
capere
cera
(See kerat) keras keratos
kerkos
cerebrum • cerebellum
cervix » cervicis
chiasma
choane
chole
chondros
chorda
khorion
Khroma
khulos khumos
cadere › -cidium
cilium × cilia
[cinis] cinereus
cingulum
Copyright © Grant Walters and MCPT
Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology
Page 2 of 12
circ\um
cistern
clast
clathr
clavi
cleido/th
clitor
cloac
cnem
co
col
con
com
cor
cocc
coccyg/x
cochl
coel
col\on
coll
colli
conch
condyl
contra
copr
corac
corn
coron
corp
cortex/ic
cost
coxa
crani
crea
cremat
cremast
cribr
cric
crin
crista
cross
cruc/x
crur/s
cryo
crypt
cucull
cune
cup
cusp
cut
cyan
cycl
cyst
cyt
L
G
G
G
L
G
G
L
G
L
L
L
L
L
G
G
G
G
G
L
L
G
G
L
G
G
L
L
L
L
L
L
G
G
G
G
L
G
G
L
G
L
L
G
G
L
L
L
L
L
G
G
G
G
[ring] about, round
[a box, basket] enclose
broken in pieces
lattice bars
key
[key] bar
small hill
sewer
shin, tibia
with (together, jointly)
See co
See co
See co
See co
berry
[cuckoo] shape of cuckoo’s bill
land snail
hollow
large intestine (colon)
neck
hill
sea shell
knuckle
against
dung
a raven, crow
horn
crown, something curved
body
bark
rib
hip bone
skull
flesh
burn
to hang (suspend)
sieve
ring
sift
ridge, crest
fringe
cross {religious symbol = important}
lower leg, shank
frost
hidden
cap, hood
wedge
cask, tub
point, apex
skin
dark blue
circle
bladder
hollow vessel, cell
circulation, circadian rhythm, circumduction, circumcision
terminal cisternae
osteoclast
clathrin, clathrate
clavicle, subclavian artery
cleidoic egg, sternocleidomastoideus M, cleithrum
clitoris, glans clitoris, clitoral
cloaca
gastrocnemius M, cnemial
cohesive, cogitate, cognitive
collateral L
concentric
comminuted (fracture)
corrective, corrugator supercilii M
coccidosis, streptococcus, staphylococcus
coccyx, sacrococcygeal
cochlea, vestibulocochlear nerve
acoela, coelum, neurocoele, celiac artery
colic, colon, colonic
collar, longus colli M
rostral colliculus
concha, conchology
epicondyle, occipital condyle, condylar
contraceptive, contraindication, contralateral
coprodeum, coprophagy, copralite
coracobrachialis M, coracoid process
cornea, cornify, hyoid cornua, stratum corneum
coronary arteries, coronal plane, coronoid process
corpse, corpus callosum, corpus luteum
cerebral cortex, corticospinal tract, hydrocortisone
costovertebral, external intercostal M
coxal, coxae
chondrocranium, cranial
pancreas, pancreatic
cremate, crematorium
cremasteric M
cribriform plate
cricoid cartilage
endocrinology, exocrine
crista galli, cristae
crossopterygian
anterior cruciate L, crucial
crus penis, abductor cruris M, crural fascia
cryogenics, cryosurgery
cryptomenorrhea, crypt, cryptosporidium
cucullaris M
cuneiform B, funiculus cuneatus
cup, cupula, cupule
cusp, bicuspid, tricuspid
cuticle, cutis, subcutaneous
cyanosis, cyanobacteria, cyanide
cyclic, cyclostomata, bicycle
cyst, cystic duct
lymphocyte, osteocyte, cytology
D
delt
dendr
dens/t
derm
desm
dex\t
di
dia
di
didym
digit
dips
dis
dif
de
diurn
dors
drom
duct
dura
dys
Origin
Meaning
Example
G
G
L
G
G
L
G
G
G
G
L
G
L
L
F
G
L
G
L
L
G
 (fourth letter of Greek alphabet)
tree
tooth
skin, leather
band, chain
right (side)
[twice] two
through (apart, across)
See dia
testicle
finger
thirst
off, from
See dis
See dis
day
back
[course, running] runner
[to lead, (draw)] a leading
[hard] endure
bad
deltoideus M, delta
dendrite (of neuron), telodendria, dendrochronology
dens, dentary B, dentine, dentist
dermal B, epidermis, ostracoderm
desmosome, syndesmoses, desmid
oculi dexter, dextral, dexedrine, dexterity
diapsid reptile, digastric M
diameter, diaphragm, diaphysis
diencephalon
epididymis
digit, digitigrade, extensor digitorum M, interdigitate
polydipsia, dipsomania
disinfect, discharge
differential, diffusion, diffract
deactivation, degenerative
diurnal
dorsum, dorsal, latissimus dorsi M
syndrome, dromedary, prodromal
abduction, duct, oviduct, ductus deferens
durable, dura mater, subdural
dyspepsia, dysfunction
E
Origin
ec\t
echo
elasm
en1
em
en2
em
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
Meaning
Example
[out of] outside
a sound
beaten metal (thin plate)
in, into, on
See en1
in, inside
See en2
ecchymosis, eccrine, ectopic pregnancy, ectoblast
echocardiogram, echoencephalography
elasmobranchii
enanthema, encapsulate, encysted, enlargement
embolism, embalm, emplacement
energy, encephalomyelitis, enuresis, enema, endermic
embryogenesis, emphatic, empyema
[circus] circa circum
[kiste] L cisterna
klastos
klethra (L clathri)
clavis • clavicula
[kleis » kleidos] kleithron
kleitoris » kleitoridos
cloaca
kneme (E cneow)
com- cum (< vowel, h, gn)
col- (< l)
con- (< other cons)
com- (< b, m, p, f, vowel)
cor- (< r)
kokkus
[kokkux] kokkyx
kokhlos
koilos
kolon
collum
collis • colliculus
konkhe
kondulos (L kondylus)
contra
kopros
korax » korakos
cornu
corona
corpus
cortex » corticis
costa
coxa
kranion
kreas
kremare
kremaster
cribrum
krikos
krino
crista
krossoi
crux crucis
crus × crura
kruos
kruptos › krupte
cucullus
cuneus
cupa • cupula
cuspis
cutis
kuanos › kuaneos
kyklos
kystis
kytos
delta
dendron
dens » dentis
derma
desmos
dexter
[dis] didia- (< cons)
di- (< vowel)
didymos
digitus
dipsa › dipsodisdif- (< f)
(See dis) dedies › diurnus
dorsum
[dromos] dromas
[ducere duct-] ductus
[durus] durare
dus-
[ek-] ektos › ektoekhe
elasmos
en- (L in-)
em- (< b, p)
enem- (< b, p)
Copyright © Grant Walters and MCPT
Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology
Page 3 of 12
end/t
enter
eo
epi
erg
eryth
ethm
eu
ex
e
ef
exter/ra
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
L
L
L
within
intestine
dawn
upon, above
work
red
sieve
good, true
out of, away from
See ex
See ex
outside
endoderm, endoskeleton, entotympanic B, entrance
enteron, mesentery
Eocene, eotheria
epicondyle, epidermis, epididymis, epithalamus
energy, synergist
erythema, erythrocyte, erythropoiesis
ethmoid B
eutherian, euaesthesia, eukaryote
exfoliate, exocytosis, exoskeleton, exit
eversion, enucleate
ductuli efferentes, efferent neuron
extracellular, extraneous, external rotation
F
falc/x
fasci\cul
fauc
fenestr
fer
ferr
fibr
fibul
fi\d\ss
fil
filt\r
fimbr
flagell
flamm
flacc
flat
flav
flec/x
flocc
foli
foll
fontan
foram
form
fornic/x
foss
front
fug
funicul
fund
fung
Origin
Meaning
Example
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
D
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
sickle
[band, door, frame] bundle
throat
window
to carry (bear), tend
iron
fibre
buckle, pin
to split (cleave)
thread
[felt] filter {felt used as filter}
fringe
to whip
flame
flabby
[blow] blowing
yellow
to bend
tuft of wool
leaf
bellows (a bag)
fountain
an opening
shape, rule
a vault, arch, brothel
[to dig] a ditch
forehead
put to flight (driving out)
cord, rope
bottom (piece of land)
mushroom
falciform L, falx cerebri
fascia, fascicle, fasciculus cuneatus
fauces, faucial
fenestra cochlea, temporal fenestra
afferent neuron, deferent duct, efferent artery
transferrin, ferritin, ferrous
fibre, fibrous, fibromyositis, fibroblast, fibril, fibrinogen
fibula
multifidus M, fissure, fissiparous, fission
filamentous, filiform papillae
filter, filtrum, filtration
fimbria (of hippocampus)
flagellum (of sperm), flagellate
inflammation, nevis flammeus
flaccid paralysis
flatus, flatulence, inflate
ligamenta flava, riboflavin, flavine
circumflex iliac artery, flexion, reflex, reflection
flocculonodular lobe
cerebellar folia, foliage, foliate papillae, folic acid
hair follicle
fontanels (of foetal skull)
foramen magnum
digitiform gland, falciform L, formula
fornicate, hippocampal fornix
fossil, fossorial, mandibular fossa, fossa ovalis of heart
frontal B, front
vermifuge, centrifugal, fugue
funiculi (of spinal cord), funicular
gastric fundus, flexor digitorum profundus M, fund
fungiform papilla, fungus
G
galli
gamet
gangli
gastr
gemin/el
gen
gen
geni
germ
ger\on
gest
glab
glauc
glen
glia
glomer
gloss/tt
gluc/yc
glut
glute
gnath
gnost
gompho
gon
grac\il
gubern\acul
gul
gust
gyr
Origin
Meaning
Example
L
G
G
G
L
L
G
G
L
G
L
L
G
G
G
L
G
G
L
G
G
L
G
G
L
L
L
L
G
[cock (rooster)] hen
[marriage] wife
a swelling, tumour
stomach
twin-born (Gemini)
knee {newborn accepted on father’s}
[be born, become] beget, race (kind)
[jaw] chin
sprout
[old age] old man
carry
smooth
dull grey-green
cavity, socket
glue
ball
tongue
sweet
glue
buttock
jaw
to know
a wedge-shaped nail, club
generation, seed
[pleasing] slender
[to steer] a rudder
throat
taste
circle, round
crista galli, gallivant, gallimimus
gametes, gametocyte
ganglion, gangliform
digastric M, gastric glands, gastrocnemius M
gemellus superior M, trigeminal nerve, gemini
geniculate bodies, genuflect, genu varus
congenial, congenital, genetics, pathogen, progeny
genioglossus M
germ, germinate, germinal epithelium (of gonads)
geriatrics, gerontology
gestation
glabella (of frontal B), glabrous (of skin)
glaucoma
glenoid fossa
neuroglia, glial cells
glomeruli, glomerulosclerosis
genioglossus M, hypoglossal nerve, epiglottis
glucose, glucogenesis, glycoproteins, glycogens
gluten, glutamic acid, agglutinate
gluteus maximus M
agnatha, gnathostome, prognathos
gnostic sense (of self), agnostic
gomphosis
gonads, gonorrhoea
graceful, fasciculus gracilis, gracile, gracilis M
gubernatorial, gubernaculum (of testis)
gular, gullet
gustatory sense (of taste), gusto
cerebral gyri, gyrate, gyroscope
H
Origin
Meaning
Example
endon entos
enteron
eos
epiergon
eruthros
ethmos
euex- (L ex-)
e- (< some cons)
ef- (< f)
exterus extra
falx » falcis
[fascia] fascis • fasciculus
fauces
fenestra
ferre
ferrum
fibra • fibrilla
fibula
findere ~ fissus
filum • filamentum
[felt] L filtrum filtrare
fimbria
flagellare
flamma
flaccus flaccidus
[flare] flatus › flatulentus
flavus
flectere ~ flexus
floccus
folium
follis • folliculus
fons × fontis
foramen
forma
fornix
[fodere ~ fossus] fossa
frons » frontis
fugare › -fugus
funis • funiculus
fundus
fungus
[gallus] gallina
[gamos] gamete
gagglion
gaster
geminus
genu
[gignomai] (L genere genus)
[genus] geneion
germen • germinis
[geras] geron
gerere › gestare
glaber • glabellus
glaukos
glene
glia
glomus glomerglossa glotta
glukus
gluten glutinis
gloutus
gnathos
gignosko › gnomon
gomphos
gonos
[gratus › gratia] gracilis
[gubernare] • gubernaculum
gula (F goule • gullet)
gustus
gyros
haben
L haben • habenula
haem
G haima
halluc/x
L hallux
ham
L hamus • hamulus
hapt
G (See –aps/t) [hapto] haptikos
hemi
G hemi
hepar/t
G hepar » hepatos
hes/r
L haes haerere
Copyright © Grant Walters and MCPT
habenula of epithalamus
a strap
haemorrhage, haematocyst, hemal arch
blood
flexor hallucis longus M, hallux
big toe
hamate B, hamulus (of pterygoid B)
a hook
hapten, haptic
[fasten] able to touch
hemibranch, hemichordate, hemisphere
half
heparin, hepatic duct, hepatic portal vein, hepatitis
liver
adhesion, adhere
stick
Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology
Page 4 of 12
hetero
hiat
hipp
hirsut
hist
holo
homo
hormon
humer
humor
hyal
hydr\o
hy\o
hyper
hypno
hypo
hyp
hyster
G
L
G
L
G
G
G
G
L
L
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
other, different
gape
horse
hairy, shaggy
tissue, web
whole, entire
alike, the same
impel
shoulder
liquid {body fluid affecting disposition}
glass
water
upsilon ()
above, over
sleep
under, beneath
See hypo
womb {women are hysterical}
heterocercal, heterogeneity
hiatus (of diaphragm), sacral hiatus
hippocampus, hippeastrum
hirsutism
histology, histiocytes
holocephalic, holonephros, holostei, hologram
homodont, homology, homoeostasis, homogeneous
hormones, hormonal
humerus, glenohumeral joint
aqueous humour, humoral immunity
hyaline cartilage
dehydration, hydrogen, hydrophobic, hydrophilic
hyoid B, hyoglossus M
hyperactive, hypertrophy
hypnosis, hypnotherapy
hypoglossal nerve, hypothalamus
hypaxial, hyponychium
hysterectomy, hysterodynia, hysteria
I
-iatric
ict
ictus
ichthy
ili/e
in1
il
im
ir
in2
il
im
ir
-in
index/ic
ipsi
incus
ineum
infra/er
inguin
inter
intr
iris/d
isc
isch
-ism
iso
-itis
Origin
Meaning
Example
G
G
L
G
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
G
L
L
L
L
G
G
G
G
G
G
doctor
jaundice
blow, strike
fish
ilium (upper bone of pelvis)
not, without, lacking
See in1
See in1
See in1
in, on, into, towards, within
See in2
See in2
See in2
organic products, derived substances
forefinger, informer, sign {banned books}
self
an anvil
to excrete
[below, beneath] that is below
[of the groin] groin
between, among
within, inside
rainbow
keep back (stop)
hip (joint)
state (condition)
equal, same
inflammatory diseases
geriatrics, paediatrician
kernicterus, icterus
ictus
osteoichthyes
iliacus M, iliopsoas M, ilium, ileum, gastroileal reflex
inflammable, indivisible
illicit, illegal
imbalance, immedicable, immunity, impermeable
irreducible, irremediable, irruption
induce
illuminate, disillusion
imbibe, imbrue, immigrate, impregnate, implant
irradiate, irrigation,
melanin, serotonin, fibrin, medicine
extensor indicis M, index finger
ipsilateral
incus (of ear)
perineum
infraspinatus M, inferior, depressor labii inferioris M
inguinal canal
intercostal M, interparietal B
intracellular
iris (of eye), iridescent
ischaemia
ischial, ischium
hyperthyroidism
isothermal, isometric, isomer
gastritis, peritonitis, appendicitis
J
jact
jejun
jug\ul
junc
juxta
Origin
Meaning
Example
L
L
L
L
L
[throw] boast
fasting (empty)
join [yoke] collar bone, throat
a joining
next, near, beside
jactitation (of muscle)
jejunum (usually empty when dissected), jejune
conjugal, conjugation, jugular vein
junction, conjunctiva, conjunctivitis
juxtaglomerular apparatus, juxtapose
K
karyo
kel
kerat
keto\n
kilo
kinae
kymo
kypho
Origin
Meaning
Example
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
kernel
claw
See cerat: horn
See acet\abul
thousand
[move] movement
wave
bent
eurkaryote, prokaryote, karyokenesis
keloid
keratin, keratinised, keratosis, radial keratotmy (of eye)
ketosis, ketone, ketonuria
kilocalorie, kilogram
kinaesthesia, kinetic energy, kinematics
kymograph
thoracic hyperkyphosis, kyphotic
L
labi/r
labyrinth
lacer
lachrim/ym
lact
lacun
lagen
lamina/ell
lat
laten
lax
lemma
lemnisc
lens/t
lep
leuc/k
lev
lien
Origin
Meaning
Example
L
G
L
L
L
L
G
L
L
L
L
G
G
L
G
G
L
L
[to fall] lip
maze
torn
[tear] weep
[milk] suckle
[lake] pool
flask
layer, thin plate
side, wide
be hidden
loose
[to peel] sheath, husk
ribbon
a lentil
[take] disposed to take
white
to raise
spleen
labium, labile (of cells), glenoid labrum, labret
labyrinthodontia
foramen lacerum, laceration
lacrymation, nasolacrimal duct, lachrymose
lactose, lactate, lacteal, lactescence
lacunae
lagena
lamina terminalis, delaminate, lamellar B
tensor fascia latae M, lateral, latissimus dorsi M
latent heat, latency
relaxed, laxative
sarcolemma, plasmalemma
lateral lemniscus
lens, lentiform nucleus, lentigo
organoleptic, epilepsy
leucoma, leukocyte, leukaemia
levator labii superioris M, elevate, alleviate
lienogastric artery
heteros
hirare
hippos
hirsutus
histos
holos
homos homoios
hormao ~ hormon
humerus
humor
haulos
hudor › hudro
hu
hyperhupnos
hypo- (< cons)
hyp- (< vowel)
hustera husterikos
iatros
ikterus ikteros
icere
ichthys » ichthyos
ilium ileum
inil- (< l)
im- (< b, m, p)
ir- (< r)
inil- (< l)
im- (< b, m, p)
ir- (< r)
-ina (F -ine)
index indicis
ipse
incus
inan
[infra-] inferus
[inguinalis] inguen
interintrairis › iridos
iskho
iskhion
-izo › -isma › -ismos
isos
-ites › -itis
[jactare] ¤ jactitare
jejunus
jug- [jugum] • jugulum
jungere junctjuxta-
karuon
khele
(See cerat) keros keratos
aketon (D keton)
khilioi (F kilo)
[kineo] kinesis
kuma
kuphos kuphosis
[labi] labium
laburinthos (L labyrinthus)
lacer › lacerare
[lacrima] lacrimare
[lac lactis] lactare
[lacus] lacuna
lagenos
lamina • lamella
latus » lateris
latere latentlaxus
[lep -ein] L lemma
lemniskos (L lemniscus)
lens » lentis
[lambano] leptikos
leukos
levare
lien (cf splen)
Copyright © Grant Walters and MCPT
Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology
Page 5 of 12
liga
limb
ling
lip
liss
lith
lordo
luci
lumba
lumbr
lumen/in
lun\ul
lute
lymph
lys/t
L
L
L
G
G
G
G
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
G
[ligare] ligamentum
limbus
lengua • lingula
lipos
lissos
lithos
lordos lordosis
[lucere] lucidus
lumbus
lumbricus
lumen luminis
luna • lunula
[luteum] luteus
lympha
[luo] lusis
[bind] bond
edge, border
tongue
fat
smooth
stone
bent backwards
[shine] clear
loin
earthworm
light, an opening
moon
[egg yolk] yellow
water
[loosen] loosening (break down)
ligamentum nuchae, ligand, ligature
limbic lobe
lingualis M, lingual nerve, sublingual gland, anilingus
lipophage, bilipid, lipase, liposuction
lissamphibia
lithosphere, otolith
lumbar hypolordosis, lordotic
stratum lucidum, septum pellucidum, lucifer
lumbar artery, thoracolumbar fascia, lumbago
lumbrical M
lumen, illuminate, luminescent
lunate B, lunatic, semilunar valve, lunula (of nail)
corpus luteum, lutein, luteous
endolymph, lymphocyte, lymphatic system
hydrolysis, lysis, lysosome, analysis, hydrolytic
M
Origin
Meaning
Example
macro
macula
magn
mal
malac
mall
mamm/i
mani
manu\br
marsup
mass
masseter
mastic
mast
mast
mater/ri
mea
medi
medull
mega
mei
melan
men
menisc
mens
mening/x
mental
mer
mes
meta
metr
micro
mict
minim
miss/tt
mito
mitr
mnes/m
mon
morph
multi
mural
musc
muta
myel
myo
myl
G
L
L
L
G
L
L
G
L
L
G
G
G
G
E
L
L
L
L
G
G
G
G
G
L
G
L
G
G
G
G
G
L
L
L
G
L
G
G
G
L
L
L
L
G
G
G
long, large
spot, mesh
great
[ill] bad
soft
hammer
breast
be mad
[hand] handle
purse, pouch
[barley-cake] knead (dough)
chew
gnash teeth
breast
[food (meat)] fattening, feeding
mother
[run, flow] passage
middle
marrow
great
less
black
moon
crescent
[month] menstrual
membrane
chin
a part, share
middle
beside, with, after
uterus
small
to make water
smallest, least
send
thread
girdle
mindful
alone
shape
many
wall
mouse {muscles = little mice under skin}
change
marrow
muscle
millstone, molar
macromolecule, macrophage
macula lutea, immaculate
foramen magnum, magnify, adductor magnus M
malfunction, malnutrition, grand mal
osteomalacia, chondromalacia patella
mallet, malleus, malleolus
mammalian, mammary glands, mamillary body
erotomania, manic
manual, manus, manubrium
marsupialia, marsupium
mass, massage, masseur, masseuse
masseter M
mastication, mastic
mastoid process, mastectomy, neuromast, mastodon
neuromast, mast cell
maternal, dura mater, pia mater, matriarch
permeable, acoustic meatus, external auditory meatus
medial, median plane, mediastinum, vastus medialis M
medulla oblongata, renal medulla
megakaryocyte, acromegaly
meiosis
melancholy, melanin, melanocytes
menarche
lateral meniscus
menses, menstruation, premenstrual
meninges, meninx, meningitis
mental foramen, mentalis M
merocrine glands, polymerase
mesencephalon, mesentery, mesoderm, mesonephros
metacarpal, metanephros, metatherian
endometrium, mesometrium, metroscope
microscope
micturition, miction
minimal, abductor digiti minimi M, adductor minimus M
rostral commissure (of brain), mittent
mitochondria, mitosis, mitotic
mitral valve, mitre
amnesia, anamnesis, mnemonic
monarch, monotremata, monospasm
elasmobranchiomorphi, morphology
multifidus M, multiple sclerosis, multinuclear
intramural ganglion
muscle, muscular, musculoskeletal system
mutation, mutagenic
myelencephalon, myelin, myeloblasts
myology, myomere, myotome, myofibril, myotherapist
mylohyoid M
N
Origin
Meaning
Example
nano
nar
narco
nasal
natal
natri
nav
necro
neo
nephr
neur\o
nex
nict
noc/x
noe
nom
nomin
noto
nucl\e
nucha
G
L
G
L
L
G
L
G
G
G
G
G
L
L
G
G
L
G
L
A
dwarf
nostril
make numb
nose
[be born] nation
[saltpetre] sodium
ship
corpse
new, recent
kidney
tendon, nerve
bond
to wink
[harm] harmful
[understand] intellectual
[arrange, manage] law (govern)
name {Roman’s second}
back
pit, kernel, little nut
[spinal marrow] nape of neck
nanometre, nanotechnology
naris, external nares
narcotic, narcosis, narcolepsy
nasal B, nasalis M
prenatal development, natal
atrial natriuretic factor, natrium (sodium)
navicular B, navy
necrosis, necrotising fasciitis
neoplasm, neopallium
mesonephros, nephron, protonephridia, nephritis
neurocoele, neuromast, aneurysm, neurophysiology
nexus
nictitating membrane
nociceptors, noxious
noetic, nous, anoesis
autonomic nervous system, astronomy
innominate artery, innominate B, nominal
notochord
nucleus, nucleolus, nuclide
nuchal crest, ligamentum nuchae
makros
macula
magnus
male (F mal-)
malakos
malleus
mamma » mammalis • mamilla
mainomai
[manus] manubrium
marsupium
[maza] masso (L massa)
masaomai › maseter
mastikhao (L masticare)
mastos
[mete] D mast
mater matris › maternus
[meare] meatus
medius › medialis
medulla
megas
meion › meiosis
melas
mene
• meniskos
[mensis] menstrualis
menigx
mentum
meros
mesos
meta
metra
mikros
mict- minct- mingere
minimus
mittere missmitos
mitra mitralis
mnemon › mnemoikos
monos
morphe
multus
murus › muralis
mus • musculus
mutare › mutatio
myelos
mys
myle
nanos
naris × nares
narkoo
nasus
[nasci nat-] natalis
[nitron] A natrum
navis • navicula
nekros
neos
nephros
neuron
neksus
nictare
[noxa] noxius
[noeo] nous noetos
[nemo] nomos
nomen
notos
nux • nucella
[nuka] L nucha
Copyright © Grant Walters and MCPT
Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology
Page 6 of 12
nul\l
nunci
nutri
L nullus
L nuncius
L nutrire
none
messenger
nourish
annulus fibrosus, nullabor, nullipara
internuncial neuron, nuncio, renunciate
nutrition, nutrient
O
Origin
Meaning
Example
ob
oc
of
op
obliqu
ocul\i
odon\t
odyn
oedem
oeso
oestr
-oid
-ploid
olfac
olig\o
om\o
-oma
oment
oncho
onych
oo
op\t
oper
ophthalm
opisth
orb
orchi
organ
ortho
os/r
os\s
-osis
osmi
osmo
ost
ost\eo
ostrac
ot
ov
oxy
ox
L
L
L
L
L
L
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
L
G
G
G
L
G
G
G
G
L
G
G
L
G
G
G
L
L
G
G
G
L
G
G
G
L
G
G
against, in the way of
See ob
See ob
See ob
slanting, crooked
eye
tooth
pain
swell
within?
gadfly, frenzy
[of form] resembles
See -oid
to smell
[small] few
shoulder
[result of verbal action] tumour
membrane
a mass, barb
nail, claw
egg
[eye] of sight
to cover
eye
behind
circle
testicle
tool
straight
mouth
bone
process, condition (Pathology: state)
smell, odour
pushing
door, opening
bone
shell, potsherd {used as voting ballot}
pertaining to the ear
egg
[sharp] acidic {acidifying principle}
See oxy
obstruction, obstetrics
occipital B, occipitalis M
offensive
opposition, opponens pollicis M
oblique, obliquus externus abdominis M
bulbus oculi, orbicularis oculi M, monocular
labyrinthodont, thecodont, orthodontist, mastodon
coccygodynia, anodyne
oedema, lymphoedemia
oesophagus
oestrogen, oestrus
sphenoid, rhomboideus major M, mastoid process
haploid, polyploid
olfactory organ
oligodendrocytes, oligosaccharide, oligarchy
metacromion, omohyoid M, omotransversarius
lymphoma, carcinoma
greater omentum
onchocerciasis, oncology, oncogene
eponychium, hyponychium, onychophoran
epoophoron, oogenesis, oocyte
optic nerve, myopia, myopic
operculum
ophthalmic nerve, ophthalmologist
opisthonephros, opisthotic
orb, orbicularis oculi M, orbit, orbicularis oris M
mesorchium, orchid (shape of root)
organism, organ, organelle
orthopaedic, orthoptics, orthodox
ostium (of oviduct), oral, orbicularis oris M
os coxa, ossicle, ossify, palmar interossei M
mitosis, necrosis, acidosis, thrombosis, neurosis
anosmia, osmic
osmosis, osmotic
ostium
osteoichthyes, teleost, osteocyte
ostracoderm, ostracise
otic capsule, otolith, parotid gland, otoscope
ovary, oviduct, oviparous, ovum
oxygenation, oxygen
hypoxia
P
Origin
Meaning
Example
palae
palat
palli
palm
palp\ebr
pampin
pan
pap\ill
par
par\a
pariet
patella
pater/ri
path
pectoral
pectin
ped/s
pel\l
p\el\uls
pelvi
peni
pend
penn/inn
pent
peps/t
per
pel
peri
perone
petr
phas/t
phag
pharyng/x
phalang/x
phall
phan
phen
phil
G
L
L
L
L
L
G
L
L
G
L
G
G
G
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
G
G
L
L
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
ancient
[palace] roof of mouth {emporer’s voice}
[cloak] to cloak
palm (of hand)
[touch gently] eyelid
tendril, vine shoot
all
[pimple] nipple
to bring forth
beside
wall
[a plate] shallow dish
father
[suffering] sensitive, liable to suffer
breast, chest
comb
foot
skin
drive, beat {drum made with skin?}
basin
a tail, penis
hang
feather, wing, fin
five
digestion
through, completely, destroy
See per
around, about
pin, fibula
rock
[speak] speech, spoken
eat
pharynx
a line of soldiers
penis
appear
shine (illuminative substance), show
dear, loving
palaeontology, paleopallium
palate, palatine B
neopallium, palliative care
palmar, palmaris longus M, palmiped
palpate, palpitate, levator palpebrae superioris M
pampiniform plexus
pancreas, panpacific
papule, dermal papillae, papilloma
oviparous, parturition, viviparous
parotid, parallel, paradidymis, parapophysis, paraplegic
parietal peritoneum
patella B, patellae, patellate
paternal, patriotheria, patriarch
pathology, sympathetic nervous system
pectoral girdle, pectoralis major M
pectinate muscles (of heart), pectineus M
bipedal, cerebral peduncle, pedicle, pes anserinus
pelt, pellagra, pellicle
compel, impeller, pulse, pulsimeter
pelvic girdle, renal pelvis
penis, penile urethra
appendage, appendicular
unipennate (muscles), pinna of external ear
pentose, pentagon
pepsin, peptic ulcer, dyspepsia
semipermeable, perspiration
septum pellucidum, pellucid
perineum, periosteum, peritoneum
peroneal nerve, peroneus (fibularis) longus M
petrify, petrosal B, petrous region (of temporal B)
aphasia, phatic
phagocyte, sarcophagus
glossopharyngeal nerve, pharynx
phalanges, phalanx
phallic, phallus
tryptophan
phenotype, phenyl, phenomenon
hydrophilic, philoprogenitive
oboc- (< c)
of- (< f)
op- (< p)
obliquus (F oblique)
oculs
odous odontodune
oideo › oidema
oiso
oistros
[oeidos] N -oid (> cons)
-ploid (> vowel)
olfacere
[oligos] oligoi
omos
[-oma] N -oma
omentum
ogkos
onux onukh
oon
[optos] optikos
operire
ophthalmos
opisthen
orbis • orbiculus
orchis (L orchido-)
organon
orthos
os oris
os » ossis • ossiculum
-osis
osme
osmos
ostium
osteon
ostrakon
otikos
ovum
[oxus] F oxygene (< cons)
ox- (< vowel)
palaios
[palatium] palatum
[pallium] palliare
palma
[palpare › palpitare] palpebra
pampinus
pan
[papula] • papilla
pareo ~ partus
para
paries » parietis
[patane] L patina • patella
pater
[pathos] pathetikos
pectus pectoris
pecten
ped • pedunculus
pelle pellis
pellere pulspelvis
penis
pendere
penna
pente
pepsis
perpel- (< l)
periperone
petros
[phemi- phan-] phatos
phagein phag- phagos
pharugx » pharyng- (L pharynx)
phalanx » phalngos
phallus
phaino › -phan
phaino
philos
Copyright © Grant Walters and MCPT
Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology
Page 7 of 12
phim
phleb
phlegm
phob
phon
phor
phragm
phren
phys
phylax
pia
pil
pine
pino
piri
pisi
plac
plant
plas
plasm
plast
-plast
plat\y
pleg/c
pleur
plex
pne\um
pod
poll
poly
pon
poplite
por
porphyr
pos\t
post
prax
pre
prep
prim
pro
pron
prot
proct
prop\r
pseud
psoa
psych
pto
pteryg
pub
pudend
pulmon
pulvin
pylor
pyo
pyro
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
L
L
L
G
L
L
G
L
G
G
L
G
G
G
G
L
G
G
L
G
L
L
G
G
L
L
G
L
L
L
G
L
G
G
L
G
G
G
G
G
L
L
L
L
G
G
G
muzzling
vein
burn
fear
[sound, voice] speak
to bear, bring
fence, partition
diaphragm, mind
[of nature] a growth
[guard] guarding
tender
hair
[pine tree] pine cone
drink
pear
pea
flat plate
sole of foot
formation (growth)
to shape
to daub on
mould
flat, broad
strike
side (of body), rib
[plait] an interweaving network
[breathe] wind
foot
thumb (sometimes nonhuman’s big toe)
[many] much
bridge
hollow
passage, pore
purple
place
[after] following
action
before, in front
the foreskin
first
before, in front of, for, on behalf of
forwards, bending, leaning forward
first
the anus
one’s own, special
[false] falsehood
muscle of loin
breath, life, soul
fall
wing, fin
young adult
[ashamed] external genitals
lung
cushion
gate keeper
pus
fire
phimosis, phimotic
phlebitis
phlegm, phlegmatic
hydrophobic, phobia
aphonia
epoophoron, spermatophore, phosphorous
diaphragm
phrenic nerve, phrenology
physiotherapy, apophysis, epiphyses, hypophysis
anaphylaxis
pia mater
arrector pili M, depilate
pineal gland, pineapple
pinocytosis
piriform lobe, piriformis M
pisiform B
placoderm, placoid scale
plantaris M, plantigrade, plantar flexion
hyperplasia
plasma, plasmid, cytoplasm
epiplastron, plaster, plastron
angioplasty, rhinoplastic
platform, platelet, duckbill platypus, platysma M
paraplegia, quadraplegic plectrum
metapleural fold, pleural cavity, pleurisy
brachial plexus, perplex
apnoea, pneumothorax, pneumatic
podiatry, arthropod
abductor pollicis M, pollex
polymorphism, polysaccharide
brachium pontis, pons
popliteal fossa, popliteus M
sweat pore, porous, osteoporosis
porphyria, porphyrin
positive, posture, postlude (muscle)
posterior, postorbital process
apraxia, echopraxia, parapraxia
precaval vein, premaxillary B, prenatal
prepuce
primates, primitive
pronephros, prosencephalon, protraction, prostate
pronator teres M, prone
protonephridium, protoplasm, prototheria
proctodeum, proctoscope
proprioception, propriety, property
pseudobranch, pseudostratified epithelium, pseud
psoas major M, iliopsoas M, psoas parvus M
psychogram, psychiatry, psychology
renal ptosis, apoptosis, ptotic
actinopterygii, metapterygium, pterygoid process
puberty, pubic hair, pubis
pudendal artery, pudendum
pulmonary artery, cardiopulmonary resuscitation
pulvinar
pyloric region of stomach, pylorus
pyocyst, pyorrhoea
pyrogen
Q
quadr
quali
quant
Origin
Meaning
Example
L [quadrus] quadrare ~ quadratus
L quails qualitas qualificare
L quantus quantum
[square] to make square
of what kind, such as
how much
quadrate B, quadriceps femoris M, quadriplegia
quality, qualification
quantity, quantum
R
Origin
Meaning
Example
rad
radic/x
ram
raph
re
rect
ren
reptil
rest
resti
ret\in
retinacul
retro
ris\or
rhoe
rheum
rhag
rhin
rhomb
rostr
rug
L
L
L
G
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
G
G
G
G
G
L
L
staff, spoke, ray
root
branch
[needle] seam
backward, again
[straight] straight
kidneys
to creep
remain, stop, stand
rope
net, network
[hold back] band, holdfast
backwards, behind
[to laugh] laughter
flow, flux
stream
burst
nose
rhombus (oblique parallelogram)
[gnaw] ship’s prow (beak) {trophy room}
fold, wrinkle
corona radiata, radius, radial, radon, radiology
radix (of aorta), radical
ramus, ramify, ramification
raphe, raphae
retractor M, reinfect
rectangular, rectum, rectus abdominus M, arrector pili M
renal artery, adrenaline, renin
reptilian, reptile
cardiac arrest, restive
restiform body
rete mirabile, reticular formation, retina
extensor retinaculum
retroperitoneal, retrogression, retrosternal
risible, risorius M
diarrhoea, diarrheic, rheology
rheum, rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis
metrorrhagia, uterine haemorrhage
rhinal fissure, rhinarium, rhinitis, rhinoceros
rhombencephalon, rhomboideus M
rostral, rostrum
gastric rugae, corrugator supercilii M, rugose
phimosis
phleps phlebos
phlego › phlegma
phobos
[phone] phoneo
phoros » pherein
phragma
phren
[phusis phusike] physis
[phulasso] phulaxis
pia
pilus
[pinus] pinea
pino
pirum
pisum
plax • plakos
planta
plasis
plasso › plasma
abbr: emplassein ~ emplastros
plasso › plastikos
platus platys
plesso plektron
pleura
[plectere] ~ plexus
[pneo] pneuma
pous podos
pollex • pollicis
[polloi] polus
pons • pontis
poples • poplitis
poros
porphura
ponere posit[post] posterus
praxia
praepraeputium
primus
pro- (L pro-)
(See pro) pronus
protos
proktos
proprius
[pseudes] pseudos
psoa
psukhe
pipto › ptosis
pterygion • pterygos
puber
[pudere] pudendum
pulmo • pulmonis
pulvinus
pylorus
puo- puon
pur › puro- (L pyra)
radius
radix × radices
ramus
[raphis raphix-] raphe
re[rectus] rectum
renes
reptare ~ reptum
restare
restis
rete • reticulum
[retinere] • retinaculum
retro
[ridere ris-] ?
rheo rhoia
rheuma
rhegnumi
rhis » rhin
rhombus
[rodere ros-] rostrum
ruga rugare
Copyright © Grant Walters and MCPT
Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology
Page 8 of 12
S
Origin
sac\c
sacr
sagitta
salpi\ng/x
salt\at
sanguin
sapro
sarco
sartor
scal
scaph
scler
scoli
scalen
scrot
seb
sella
semen/in
semi
sens
seps/t
sept
sept
ser
serr
sesam
sin\u
sinist
sole
som\at
somn
sperm
sphen
sphinc/g/x
sphygm
spin
spir
splanchn
sple\n
splen
spondyl
squam
stalsis
stape
staphyl
st\as/t
sten
stern
sthen
stigma
-stit
stol
stom
strat
striat
stroma
styl
sub
suc
suf
sug
sup
sur
sus
sucr
sudor
sulc
sup\ra
sur
sura
sutur
syn
sym
L
L
L
G
L
L
G
G
L
L
G
G
G
G
L
L
L
L
S
G
G
L
L
L
L
G
L
L
L
G
L
G
G
G
G
L
L
G
G
G
G
L
G
L
G
G
G
G
G
G
L
G
G
L
L
G
G
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
F
L
L
L
F
L
L
G
G
Meaning
Example
bag
[holy] sacred bone {soul resides here}
[arrow] archer
trumpet
leap
blood (red)
putrid
[flesh] become fleshy
[to patch] tailor {sits cross-legged}
[ladder, staircase] climb
bowl, boat
hard
bent
unequal { shape, 3 unequal sides}
pouch, scrotum
tallow (as grease)
saddle, seat
[to sow] seed, sperm
partly, half
feel
make rotten
seven
[hedge] enclose
whey (of milk)
saw
sesame plant seed
[bosom, recess] to curve
left (side)
[bottom, pavement, sole] sandal, sill
body
sleep
seed, semen
wedge
bind (draw) tight
[to throb] pulse
thorn, backbone
breathe
viscus (organ, entrail)
gloom {spleen = organ responsible}
bandage
spine, vertebra
scale, flat
place
stirrup
bunch of grapes
[set up, stand] stationary
narrow
breast, chest
strength
a dot, a brand {made with pointer = stick}
stand
place
[mouth] gullet
layer
to make furrows, stripes
coverlet
[column] pillar, stalk (stake)
beneath, below, close to, towards
See sub
See sub
See sub
See sub
See sub
See sub
sugar
[sweat] perspire
furrow
above, upon, beyond
See sup\ra
calf (of leg)
[sew] seam
together, with
See syn
sacculus, sack, air sacs (of lungs)
sacral nerve, sacrum, sacrosanct, sarcous
sagittal plane, sagittarius
mesosalpinx, salpiglossis, salpingitis
saltatory conduction, saltigrade
consanguineous, exsanguination
saprophyte, saprophagous
sarcophagus, sarcopterygii, sarcomere
sartorius M, sartorial
scala vestibule, scale
scaphoid B
sclera (of eyeball), sclerous, arteriosclerosis
scoliosis
scalene (triangle), scalenus M
scrotum, scrota
sebum, sebaceous gland, seborrhoea
sella turcica
semen, seminal vesicle
semicircular canal, semispinalis M, semitendinosus M
sensation, sensory
sepsis, antiseptic, septicaemia
septuagenarian, septenate
nasal septum, septate
serological, serous fluid, serum
serrated, serratus anterior M, serrulate
sesamoid B, sesame
sinus venosus, sinusoid, insinuate, sine wave
oculi sinister, sinistral, sinistrorse
sole (of foot), soleus M
soma, somatic nervous system, somatopleure, ribosome
insomnia, somnambulate
sperm, spermatic fascia
sphenoid B
sphincter urethrae M, sphinx, sphingid
sphygmograph, sphygmology, sphygmomanometer
spine, erector spinae M, supraspinatus M, spinifex
respire, inspiration
splanchnic nerve, splanchnopleure
spleen, splenic, splenitis
splenial B, splenius capitus M
spondylosis, ankylosing spondylitis
squamate, squamosal B, squamous epithelium
peristalsis
stapedius M, stapes B
staphylococcus
system, homoeostasis, haemostasis, stasis, static
stenocoriasis, stenosis
sternebrae, sternocleidomastoideus M, xiphisternal
myasthenia gravis, callisthenics
stigma, astigmatism
interstitial fluid
systolic, diastolic
cyclostomata, stomochord, stomach, colostomy
stratum corneum, stratified epithelium
corpus striatum, striated muscle
stroma, stromatalite
endostyle, hyostylic, styloid process, stylomastoid
subscapularis M, insubstantial
succour, succussion, succinic acid
suffering, suffocation, suffuse
suggestive
suppurate, suppository, support
surr?
susceptible, suspensory, sustenance
sucrose
sudoriferous glands
sulcus (of brain), sulcate
superior, superficial, supine, supinate, supraspinatus M
surangular B, surcharge, surrogate
sural, triceps surae M, sural artery
lambdoidal suture, sutural
synaesthesia, synovial, synchondrosis
symbiosis, symmetrical, sympathy
T
tachy
tact
tal
tapes/t
tars
tect
tegument
tele
tela
telo/e
Origin
Meaning
Example
G
L
L
G
G
L
L
G
L
G
swift
touch
ankle, heel
carpet
flat surface, sole (of foot), rim (of eyelid)
[to cover] roof
See tect
far off, distant
weblike membrane
end, complete
tachycardia, tachyphylaxis
tactile sense, tactual
talus B, talon, talipes
tapestry, tapetum lucidum
metatarsal B, tarsus, tarsal plate (of eyelid)
optic tectum, tectrix
integumentary system, tegument
telencephalon, television, telaesthesia, telegony
tela choroidea
telophase, teleology, teleost
saccus • sacculus
[sacer sacri] os sacrum
[sagitta] sagittarius
salpigx salpiggos
salire › saltere
sanguis › sanguineus
sapros
[sarx » sarkos] sarkoo
[sarcire sart-] sartor
[scala] scandere
skaphe
skleros
skolios
(See scoli) skalenos
scrotum
sebum › sebaceus
sella
[serere] semen seminus
sami (G hemi-) (L semi-)
sentire senssepo › sepsis
septem
[saepus] septum
serum › serosus
serra • serrula
sesamon sesame (L sesamum)
[sinus] sinuare
sinister
[solum] solea
soma » somatos
somnus
sperma » spermatos
sphen
sphiggo › sphigx (L sphinx)
[sphuzo] sphugmos
spina
spirare › spirant
splagkhna (L splanchnicus)
splen (cf lien)
splenion
spondulos (L spondylus)
squama
stello
stapes
staphule
[sta-] statos
stenos
sternon
sthenos
stigma
sistere stitstol[stoma » stomatos] stomakhos
stratum
striare ~ striatus
stroma
[stulos] L stylos
subsuc- (< cons)
suf- (< f)
sug- (< g)
sup- (< p)
sur- (< r)
sus- (< c, p, t)
sucre
[sudor] sudare
sulcare sulcus
super suprasursura suralis
[surere sut-] sutura
sun › synsym- (< b, m, p)
takhus
tangere › tactus
talus
tapes • tapetion
tarsos
[tegere tect-] tectorium
(See tect) › tegumentum
tele
tela
telos teleo-
Copyright © Grant Walters and MCPT
Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology
Page 9 of 12
temp
ten
teres/t
tert
test
tetan
thalam
thec
thel
then
ther
therap
therm
thorac/x
thromb
thym
thyr
-tom\y
ton
tors/t
trabe\cul
trach
tract
tran\s
trapez
tremat
trich
tri\quetr
troch
trochlea
tropic
troph
trud/s
tuber
tunic
turb\in
tympan
L
L
L
L
L
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
L
L
G
L
L
G
G
G
L
G
G
G
G
L
L
L
L
L
time {gray hairs on side of head}
to stretch
round, smooth (cylindrical)
third
a witness {originally only adult male}
[stretch] muscular spasm
inner chamber
[case] sheath
teat
palm (of hand), sole (of foot)
wild beast
healing
heat
chest
lump, blood clot
[akin to thyme (herb)] thymus
an oblong shield
[to cut] cutting
something stretched
[twist] crooked
beam, timber
rough
to pull, draw
across, beyond, through
table
hole
hair
[three] three-cornered (triangular)
[wheel] to run
pulley
[to turn] a rout {gives weapons etc.}
[nourish] nourishment
to thrust
hump, bump, lump (swelling)
[covering] clothe
spinning top, whirlwind
drum
temple (of head), temporal B, temporalis M
extend, neoteny, tendon, tensor M, tent, tentorium
teres major M, ligamentum teres, terete
peroneus tertius M, tertiary
testify, testicular, testes, testament
tetanus (of muscles)
epithalamus, thalamus
theca, intrathecal, thecodont
endothelium, epithelial
thenar muscles, athenar muscles, thenad
eutherian, prototheria
massage therapist, pyschotherapy
exothermic, thermometer, hypothermia
thoracic, thorax
thrombocyte, thrombus, thrombosis
thymine, thymus
thyrohyal M, thyroid cartilage
anatomy, appendectomy, subatomic
peritoneum, tone, tonus, tonicity, hypertonic
torticollis, torsion
basitrabecular, trabeculae carnae, trabeation
trachea, trachoma, tracheotomy, trachyte
neuron tract, protractor M, retraction
transcend, transverse plane, transversus thoracis M
trapezius M, trapezoid B, trapeze
monotremata, pretrematic nerve, trematode
trichosiderin, trichosis, trichosthaesia
triceps brachii M, tricuspid valve, trigeminal, triquetrum B
greater trochanter (of femur), troche
trochlea (of humerus), trochlear nerve
tropic hormones, tropical, trophy
trophoblast, atrophy
detrusor M, protrude, extrusion
tuber cinereum, tuberculum (of rib), tibial tuberosity
tunica albuginea, tunicate
turbo, turbinate B, turbine
tympanic membrane
U
ultra/er
ultima
un
unci
ur
ur
utric\ul
uter
Origin
Meaning
Example
L
L
E
L
G
G
L
L
[beyond] further, more distant
last
not, reverse, undone, released
hook
tail
urine
leather bag, bottle
womb
ultraviolet radiation, ultramicroscopic, ultrasound, ulterior
ultima, penultimate
uncertified, uncoordinated, undigested
uncinate, unciform
anura, urochordata, urodele
urea, ureter, diuretic, urogenital, uraemia ketonuria
utricle, utriculus (of ear)
uterus, uterine
V
Origin
vacc
vag\u
vagin
valen
vall\ecul
valgus
varus
vas\cul
vast
vel
vent
ventr
ver
vert
vertebra
vermi\cul
verruc
vesic\ul
vestibul
vestig
vibr
vill
visc\er
vita
vitell
vitr
viv
vomer
vor
vulv
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
Meaning
Example
cow
wandering, undecided
a sheath, scabbard {insert sword}
be well, strong
[valley] to surround with a rampart
bandy-legged
knock-kneed
[vessel] small vessel
large area, immense
sail, curtain, veil, covering
wind
belly, womb
turn
whirlpool, crown of head
jointed
worm {ground cinnabar = brilliant red}
wart
bladder (sac)
entrance chamber (court), porch
footprint
to agitate (shake), quiver, swing
shaggy hair
[birdlime (sticky)] an entrail, organ
life
yolk
glass
to live
ploughshare (plough cutting blade)
to devour
womb
vaccine
vagrant, vagotomy, vague, vagus nerve
vagina, vaginal L, processus vaginalis
valence shells (of atoms)
valley, vallate papilla, vallecula
genu valgus, hallux valgus
genu varus, hallux varus
vas deferens, vasectomy, vasodilation, avascular
vast, vastus lateralis M
medullary velum
pulmonary ventilation, Ventolin
ventral, ventricle, ventriloquism
eversion, invert
vertical, vertigo
vertebral column, intervertebral disc, vertebrae
vermicelli, vermiform, vermillion, vermiculate
verruca, verrucous
vesicle, vesica fellea, vesicular gland
vestibule, vestibulocochlear nerve
vestigial appendix, vestige
vibrate, vibrissae, vibrio
villus, microvilli
viscosity, viscous, visceral, viscerinhibitory
vitamin, vitality
vitellus, vitelline veins
vitreous body (of eye), vitriform, vitriol
in vivo, vivisection, viviparous
vomer B
carnivore, voracious, herbivorous
vulva, vulvitis
tempus » temporis
tendere, tentus
teres
tertius › tertiorius
testis
[teino] tetanos
thalamus (L thalamus)
[theke] (L theca)
thele
thenar
ther therion
therapeia (L therapia)
therme, thermos
thorax » thorakos
thrombos
[thymon] thymus
thyreos
[temno] -tomia
tonos
[tort-] tortus torsio
trabs • trabecula
trakhus trakheia (N trachia)
trahere ~ tractus
trans
trapeza
trema
trikos
[tri] triquetrus
[trokhos] trekho › trokhanter
(See troch) trokhilia (L trochlea)
[trepo] › tropikos
[trepho] trophe tropheia
trudere
tuber • tuberculum
[tunica] tunicare
turbo » turbinis
tympanum
[ultra] ulterior
ultima
un- (rel L in-) onuncinus uncinatus
oura
ouron (L urina)
uter • utriculus
uterus
vacca › vaccinus
vagus
vagina
valere › valentia
[vallis • vallecula] vallare
valgus
varus
[vas] • vasculum
vastus
velum
ventus
venter ventr- • ventriculus
vertere
vertex
vertebratus
vermis vermiculus
verruca
vesica • vesicula
vestibulum
vestigium
vibrare vibratvillus
[viscum viscus] × viscera
vita ~ vitalis
vitellus
vitrum vitreus
vivre
vomer
vorare vorax -vorus
vulva
W
Origin
Meaning
Example
X
Origin
Meaning
Example
Copyright © Grant Walters and MCPT
Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology
Page 10 of 12
xiph
Z
G xiphos
Origin
zyg\om
zym
G zugon › zugo- zugoma
G zume
sword
xiphihumeralis M, xiphisternum, xiphoid process
Meaning
Example
yoke (union, pair)
leaven (ferment)
azygous vein, zygapophysis, zygote, zygomatic arch
enzyme, zymotic, zymase
Compound Word Roots
Root
Origin
Meaning
Combined Origin
Comb. Meaning
Example
adhes
adren
aneurysm
anastomos
apnoea
append
apopt
apraxia
arrect
asthen
atom
azyg
commissur
conjun/g
corrug
decid
dialys
diastol
diur
duoden
-ectomy
ejacul
embol
encephal
epiplo
extrins
hyo\id
impet
infer
infundibul
ischaem
mictur
obturat
occiput
oesophag
olecran
opponen
pellucid
permea
profund
prostat
sudorifer
syst
systol
L
L
G
G
G
L
G
G
L
G
G
G
L
L
L
L
G
G
G
N
G
L
G
G
G
L
G
L
L
L
G
L
L
L
G
G
L
L
L
L
G
L
G
G
to + stick
to + kidney
change + wide
up + mouth
not + breathe
from + hang
away from + fall
not + action
to + direct
not + strong
not + cutting
not + yoke
with + send
together + join
with + fold
away + fall (cut)
through + set free
apart + place
to + urine
2 + 10
out + cut
to + dart
inside + clod
in + head
above + ?
outside + beside
upsilon + form of
within + seek
within + bring
in + pour
stop + blood
make water + urine
against + hard?
towards + head
within? + eat
elbow + head
against + place
through + shine
through + flow
before + bottom
before + standing
sweat + carry
together + stand
together + place
adhhaesio
adrenes
aneuruno
anastomosis
[apnous] apnoia
appendere
apoptosis
apraxia
arregere
asthenes
atomos (L atomus)
azugos
commisura
conjungere ~ conjunctus
corrugare
decidere
dialusis
diastello
dioureo
duodeni
ektomie
ejaculari
embolos
enkephalos
epiploon epipleein?
extrinsecus
hyoeides
impetere
inferre
infundere › infundibulum
iskhaimos
mingere › micturire
obturare ~ obturatus
occiput » occipitis
oisophagos
ole(no)kranon
opponere
perlucere › pellucidis
permeare
profundus
prostates
sudorifer
sustema
[stello] sustello › sustole
to stick
toward the kidney
make wide, widen out
an opening
[breathless]
hang from
falling off
inaction
set up
weak
indivisible
unyoked
join, entrust (junction)
to join together
wrinkled
to fall (cut) off
separate
stand apart
urinate
12 {finger’s breadth}
excision
shoot forth
peg, stopper
brain
to sail, float on
operate from outside
shape of upsilon ()
assail
deduce
a funnel
lack of blood
urinate
to close by stopping up
back of the head
the gullet
elbow tip
opposition
to shine through
pass through
deep
one who stands before
carry sweat
stand together (a whole)
[put] to contract
adhesion
adrenal gland, adrenaline
aortic aneurysm
subsupracardinal anastomosis
apnoea
appendage, appendicular, appendix
apoptosis
apraxia
arrector pili M
myasthenia gravis, asthenia
subatomic particle
azygous vein
rostral commissure (of brain)
conjugal, conjunctiva (of eye)
corrugator supercilii M, corrugated
deciduous placenta, decide
kidney dialysis
cardiac diastole, diastolic pressure
diuretic, diuresis
duodenal, duodenum, duodenitis
appendectomy
ejaculation
embolus, embolism
encephalitis, mesencephalon
epiploic foramen, epiploon
extrinsic finger flexors (M)
hyoid B, hyoglossus M
impetigo, impetus
inference
infundibulum of the uterine tube
ischaemia
micturition
obturator foramen, obturator internus M
occipital B, occipitalis M
oesophagus
olecranon process
opponens pollicis M
pellucid, septum pellucidum
permeate, permeable
flexor digitorum profundis M, profound
prostate (stands before bladder)
sudoriferous glands
organ system, systemic
systole, systolic pressure
ad + haes
ad + renes
an (ad) + eurus
ana + stoma
a + pneo
ap + pend
apo + pipto
a + praxia
ar (ad) + regere
a + sthenes
a + tomia
a + zugon
com + miss
con + jungcor + rugare
de + caedere
dia + juo
dia + stello
dia + ouron
duo + deni
ek (ec) + tommo
e (ex) + jaculum
em + bolos
en + kephale
epi + plo?
exter + secus
hyo + oeide
im + petere
in + ferre
in + fundere
isko + haima
mict + urina
ob + dura?
oc (ob) + ciput
oiso + phagos
olene + kranion
op + ponere
per + lucere
per + meare
pro + fundus
pro + statos
sudor + fer
syn + stasyn + stol
Copyright © Grant Walters and MCPT
Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology
Page 11 of 12
Word Root Research
Simple Word Roots
?
Origin
Meaning
Example
ach
agra
aps (apsid?)
aur
auror
-daeum?
-ia
pann
pha
ple
E
?
G
L
L
G
G
?
G
L
pain?
?
a loop? See -aps?
gold
dawn
on the way
Med: condition
rag
mouth?
[to fold]
stomachache, achy
chiragra, podagra, pellagra
anapsid skull?, synapse?
auric, aurum
aurora
proctodeum, stomodeum, urodeum, coprodeum?
insomnia, more? –iac (one with condition)
pannus (of ear)?
?
quintuple (quintuplex?)
pulver
saphen
sole
L pulvis pulveris
A [safin] L saphena
? ?
dust
[vein deep in arm] visible, clear?
fish
pulverise, pulverulent
great saphenous vein, saphenal nerve
soleus M
turcic (turc?)
vell
vernix
viti
L
L
L
L
[Turk] Turk’s hat
wool, fleece
fragrant, resin (varnish) sandarac?
[a vine (winding)] tetter? pustule?
sella turcica
vellus hair, vellum
vernix caseosa
vitiligo, vital?
æce acan
?
apsis » apsidos
aurum
aurora
hodaios
?
?
pha[plicare] plex?
[Turcus] turcicus
vitulus • vitellus vellum?
veronix
[vitis] vitiligo
Compound or Simple Word Roots?
?
Origin
Meaning
Combined Origin
Comb. Meaning
Example
coagul
demi
palsy
prehend/s
quarant
L
L
G
L
I
together + ?
from + middle
beside + loosen
before + hand?
four + ?
coagulum coagulare
dimidius dimedius
paralyse?
prehendere
[quaranta] quarantina
rennet (curdled milk)
half
?
to grasp (understand)
[forty] forty days
coagulant, coagulation
demifacet, demigod
cerebral palsy
comprehend, prehensile, apprehend
quarantine
co + a + glut?
dis? + medius
para + lys
pre + hendere?
quarto + ?
Copyright © Grant Walters and MCPT
Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology
Page 12 of 12