Learning Prefixes and Suffixes in Biology
Name:_______________Hr:__
INTRODUCTION
____/10Pts
Understanding many common prefixes and suffixes that appear in scientific writing will help
you obtain new vocabulary. Some of these prefixes and suffixes you many already know from
words you commonly use. If you learn what more prefixes and suffixes mean then you will have
an advantage understanding Biology!
What is a prefix or a suffix anyway?
A prefix comes before the root word. To help you remember where prefixes go think about
how you take a pretest before a real test. Examine the example below. The prefix “exo” is
underlined, which means outer or external. If you didn’t know what an exoskeleton is can you
see how learning prefixes helps you understand vocabulary?
Example 1: Exoskeleton.
A suffix is at the end of a root word. Examine the example below of a suffix. “Cide” means killer
or killing.
Example 2: Pesticide
TASK
Search through a textbook or around the classroom to complete this worksheet. You may also
use words you already know. Find words with corresponding suffixes or prefixes and then
define the word.
1. Find two words with a prefix “a” or “an.” This prefix means without or not.
Word:_____________________ Definition:____________________________________
Word:_____________________ Definition:____________________________________
2. Find a word with the prefix “bio,” which means life.
Word:_____________________ Definition:____________________________________
3. Find a word with a suffix “derm,” which means skin layer.
Word:_____________________ Definition:____________________________________
4. Find a word with a suffix “pod.” Pod refers to feet or the word foot.
Word:_____________________ Definition:____________________________________
5. Find a word with the prefix “macro.” Marco means big or large.
Word:_____________________ Definition:____________________________________
6. Find a word with the prefix “poly.” Poly means many.
Word:_____________________ Definition:____________________________________
7. Find a word with the prefix “lysis.” Lysis is used in words to mean bursting or releasing.
Word:_____________________ Definition:____________________________________
8. Find a word with the suffix “vor,” which means to feed or eat.
Word:_____________________ Definition:____________________________________
9. Find a word with the prefix “micro.” Micro means small or tiny.
Word:_____________________ Definition:____________________________________
10. Find a word with the prefix “anti.” Anti means against.
Word:_____________________ Definition:____________________________________
Show what you know:
List below any prefixes or suffixes you already know the meaning of in the spaces provided.
Prefix/Suffix:___________________ .. Means: ______________________________________
Prefix/Suffix:___________________ .. Means: ______________________________________
Prefix/Suffix:___________________ .. Means: ______________________________________
Prefix/Suffix:___________________ .. Means: ______________________________________
Prefix/Suffix:___________________ .. Means: ______________________________________
Prefix/Suffix:___________________ .. Means: ______________________________________
Prefix/Suffix:___________________ .. Means: ______________________________________
Prefix/Suffix:___________________ .. Means: ______________________________________