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Medical Terminology
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Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
Medical Terminology
Introduction
For a layperson, learning medical language may seem difficult, but it becomes
easier as one gets to know the origin and meaning of medical terms. For healthcare
professionals, it’s already second nature. The majority of the medical terms are
borrowed from Latin and Greek, but it’s unnecessary for you to learn these
languages to become experts in the use of and understanding of medical terms. All
you need to do is to study and learn word parts.
Definition
Is a science that deals with the proper use of medical terms. It is accurately
describing the human body and associated components and processes, conditions
and procedures in a science-based manner.
Simplified Medical Language
The building block for most medical terms is the word root, or the primary body of
a word.
At times, a medical term can be made up of compound words. A compound word
may consist of two-word roots, such as in the case of collarbone (collar + bone).
To facilitate the pronunciation of words, a combining vowel is placed in between
word roots. A significant number of medical terms use the vowel “o”. However,
it’s good to note that “o” isn’t the only vowel.
The following table demonstrates examples of roots and combining forms.
Word Root
acr
psych
chol
Combining
Vowel
+
o
+
o
+
e
Combining
Form
acr/o
psych/o
chol/e
Meaning
Use in a Word
extremity
mind
bile
acrocyanosis
psychology
cholesterase
It is critical that you have a strong working knowledge of medical terminology.
The language of medicine is primarily derived from Greek and Latin. Medical
terminology is used in international language, and it is also necessary for
1
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
communicating with other medical personnel. The wider your vocabulary base, the
more competent you seem to the rest of the medical community and the better the
patient care you will be able to provide. Understanding terminology involves
breaking words down into their separate components of prefix, suffix, and root
word and having a good working knowledge of those parts.
Medical Terminology for Health Careers provides the strong medical language
foundation that students need for jobs in the healthcare industry.
• Provides an overview of health care and anatomy and physiology of body system.
• Emphasizes visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning modes.
• Teaches word analysis techniques, core medical terms, and the essential
vocabulary of each body system.
• Offers stimulating, comprehensive exercises that require the recall of terms and
word structures as well as analysis and judgment within the context of medical
records.
• Presents anatomy, physiology, pathology, and diagnostic terms within a
framework of infant-to-seniors health care.
Medical term formation and Construction
A. Formation:
medical terms and words are usually composed of two or more components:
1. The root
2. The prefix
3. The suffix
-
The Root
The main part or stem of a word is called a root word. A root word conveys the
essential meaning of the word and frequently indicates a body part. With a
combining form, the root word and a combining vowel such as i, e, o, or a may be
combined with another root word, a prefix, or a suffix to describe a particular
structure or condition.. The word root is a term derived from a source language
such as Greek or Latin and usually describes a body part.
Example: Cysto: (Bladder). A frequently used term in EMS is CPR, which stands
for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. When we break it down, cardio is a root word
2
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
meaning “heart,” and pulmonary is a root word meaning “lungs.” By performing
CPR, we introduce air into the lungs and circulate blood by compressing the heart
to resuscitate the patient. Some root words may also be used as prefixes or
suffixes; those already appear in the earlier tables. table 3 lists common root words.
-
The Prefix
• The prefix can be added in front of the term to modify the word root by giving
additional information about the location of an organ, the number of parts, or time
involved. as well as in medical and scientific terminology. When a medical word
(ventilation) contains a prefix (hyper), the meaning of the word is altered
(hyperventilation). Not all medical terms have prefixes. By learning to recognize a
few of the more commonly used medical prefixes, you can figure out the meanings
of terms that may not be immediately familiar to you. table 1 lists common
prefixes.
-
The suffix
• Suffixes are attached to the end of a word root to add meaning or to change the
original meaning, such as condition, disease process, or procedure. A commonly
used suffix is -itis, which means “inflammation.” When this suffix is paired with
the prefix arthro-, meaning joint, the resulting word is arthritis, an inflammation of
the joints. Sometimes it is necessary to change the last letter or letters of the root
word or prefix when a suffix is added to make pronunciation easier. table 2 lists
common suffixes.
B. Construction:
The way in which medical terms are constructed can be illustrated by the following
examples:
1. Prefix, Root and suffix (Pericarditis)
2. Tow roots and a suffix (Osteo-myelitis)
3. Prefix and root (Dyspnea)
4. Root and suffix (Cystitis)
5. Prefix and suffix (Epistaxis)
3
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
Table 1 Common Prefixes
aananteantiautobradycontradedysendoepiesoeuexexoextraheterohomohydrohyperhypoininterintramacromicromyoneopanparaperperipostprepropseudo4
without, away from
without
before, in front of
against
self
slow
against
without
painful,
difficult,
abnormal
within, inner
upon, over
inward
normal, good
external, outward
outward
outside of
different
same
water
over, above
under, below
not, inward
among, between
within, inside
large
small
to shut
new
all
beside, near, abnormal
through
around
after
before, in front of
before
false
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
retrosubsupratachytransultraun-
backward, behind
below, under
above
fast
through, across
beyond, excess
not
Table 2 Number Prefixes
bihemimonomultinullipolyprimiquadrisemitetratri-
two
half
one
many
none
many
first
four
partial, half
four
three
Table 3 Common Suffixes
algia
-cele
-cyte
-dynia
-ectasis
-gen
-genesis
-genic
-ia
-iasis
-iatry
-ism
-itis
-logist
5
pain
hernia, protrusion
cell
pain
dilatation
that which produces
produces, generates
producing, produced by
state, condition
abnormal condition
medical treatment
state of
inflammation
one who studies
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
-logy
-lysis
-lytic
-malacia
-megaly
-oid
-oma
-osis
-pathy
-phobia
-plasia
-plasm
-ptosis
-rrhage
-rrhagia
-rrhea
-rrhexis
-sclerosis
-stenosis
-therapy
-trophy
-ule
study of
destruction
destruction
abnormal softening
enlargement, large
resembling
tumor, mass
abnormal condition
disease
fear
development, growth
formation, development
drooping
excessive, abnormal flow
abnormal flow condition
discharge, flow
rupture
hardening
narrowing
treatment
nourishment, development
small
Table 4 Adjective Suffixes
ac
-al
-an
-ar
-ary
-atic
6
-eal
-iac
-ic
-ile
-ine
-ior
-nic
-ory
-ose
-ous
-tic
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
Table 5 Surgical Suffixes
-centesis
-ectomy
-ostomy
-otomy
-pexy
-plasty
-rrhaphy
puncture to withdraw fluid
surgical removal
surgically create an opening
cutting into
surgical fixation
surgical repair
suture
Table 6 Procedural Suffixes
-gram
-graph
-graphy
-meter
-metry
-scope
-scopy
record or picture
instrument for recording
process of recording
instrument for measuring
process of measuring
instrument for viewing
process of visually examining
Medical Symbols
Some examples:
> greater than
< less than
↑ higher, elevate, up
↓ lower, down
# pound or number
‘ foot, minute
“ inch, second
° degree
F female
M male
Word Building
 Putting together several parts to form a variety of terms to convey the
necessary information
 Begins with knowing the meaning of the various word parts in order to
select the correct ones
 Always remember the rules regarding the location of each word part
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Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
 For example:
o hypo- = below or under
o derm/o = meaning the skin
o -ic = meaning pertaining to
 Combine to form the term:
o Hypodermic
o Meaning: pertaining to under the skin
Interpreting Medical Terms
• Term to be translated
 gastroenterology
• Divide the term into its word parts
 gastr / o / enter / o / logy
• Define each word part
 gastr = stomach
 o = combining vowel, no meaning
 enter = small intestine
 o = combining vowel, no meaning
 -logy = study of
• Combine the meanings of the word parts
 study of the stomach and small intestine
Pronunciation
• Will differ according to place of birth and education
• When in doubt, ask for spelling
• New terms in the book are introduced in boldface type, with phonetic
spelling in parentheses
8
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
• Stressed syllable will be in capital letters:
pericarditis (per ih car DYE tis)
some Hints:
– ch sounds like k.
• Chyme, Cholecystectomy, Chronic
– ps sounds like s.
• Psychiatric, Psychology, Psoriasis
– pn sounds like n.
• Pneumonia, Pneumatic
– c sounds like a soft s when it comes before e, i, and y.
• Cycle, Cytoplasm, Centrifuge
– g sounds like j when it comes before e, i, and y.
• Giant, Gestation, Generic, Gyration
– i sounds like “eye” when added to the end of a word to form a plural.
• Glomeruli, Villi, Alveoli, Bacilli
Spelling
• Only one correct way to spell a term
• Changing one letter can change the meaning of a word
 abduction (moving away) versus adduction (moving towards)
 ileum (small intestine) versus ilium (hip bone)
Same Sounds Spelled Differently
• Sounds like si
9
 psy
psychiatry
 cy
cytology
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
• Sounds like dis
 dys
dyspepsia
 dis
dislocation
Singular and Plural Endings
• Many medical terms come from Greek or Latin words
• Rules for forming plurals for these languages are different from English
 Plural of atrium is atria, not atriums
• Other words will use English rules
 Plural of ventricle is ventricles
Word Ends In
-a
-ax
-ex or -ix
-is
-ma
-nx
-on
-um
-us
-y
10
Singular
vertebra
thorax
appendix
metastasis
sarcoma
phalanx
ganglion
ovum
nucleus
biopsy
Plural
vertebrae
thoraces
appendices
metastases
sarcomata
phalanges
ganglia
ova
nuclei
biopsies
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
Table 7 Common Root
aer/o
air
algesi/o
blast/o
sensitivity to pain
embryonic form
cancer/o,
carcin/o
cancer
cephal/o
head
cry/o
cold
. electr/o
electricity
fibr/o
fiber
hist/o
tissue
myc/o
fungus
narc/o
stupor
necr/o
dead
Oncooptic/o, opt/o
mass / tumour
vision
phag/o
eat, ingest eating
pharmac/o,
drugs or medicine
pharmaceuti/i
phon/o
voice
11
phot/o
light
py/o
pus
Aerobic microorganisms are those that
need oxygen in order to survive.
analgesic
Erythroblasts are immature red blood
cells.
malignant Carcinogenic means any
substance or agent that can cause
cancer.
Cephalohematoma is the collection of
blood under the skull.
Cryosurgery utilizes extreme cold
temperature to destroy or remove
diseased tissue
Electrocardiography is a test that detects
problems with the electrical activity of
the heart.
Fibrous pertains to anything that
contains, resembles, or consists of fiber.
Histology is the study of the
microanatomy of cells and tissues of
plants and animals.
The branch of botany that focuses on the
study of fungi is mycology.
Narcotics may cause stupor or
insensibility.
Necropsy or autopsy is the examination
of a person who has died.
oncology = the study of cancer
The optic nerve carries electrical
impulses from the eye to the brain.
phagocytosis
pharmacokinetics
Bronchophony refers to the normal
voice sounds heard over the bronchus.
Phototherapy or light therapy pertains to
treatment using a special kind of light.
Pyogenesis refers to pus formation.
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
scop/o
therm/o
top/o
trache/o
tox/o
troph/o
to examine, to view microscope bronchoscopy
instrument used for
viewing
heat
heat Thermometer is an instrument used
to measure temperature.
position, place
A topical medication is applied to the
skin.
trachea
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure
that
poison
toxicology
nutrition
hypertrophy
Table 8 Color in terminology:
Alb-
White
Albino/o
White
Chlor/o
Cirrh/o
Cyan/o
Eosin/o
Erythr/o
Glauc/o
Jaund/o
Lute/o
Leuk/o
12
albino (person who has a marked deficiency of
pigment in the eyes, hair, and skin; has abnormally
white skin)
albinism (condition of abnormally white skin;
characterized by absence of pigment in the skin, hair,
and eyes)
Green
chlorophyll (green pigment in plants that
accomplishes photosynthesis)
Yellow, cirrhosis (chronic degenerative disease of the liver
tawny
with resultant yellowness of the liver and of the skin)
Blue
cyanoderma (slightly bluish, grayish, slatelike, or
dark discoloration of the skin)
Red, rosy eosinophil (bilobed leukocyte that stains a red, rosy
color with an acid dye)
Red
erythrocyte (mature red blood cell)
Gray,
glaucoma (disorder of the eye due to an increase in
silver
intraocular pressure; creates a dull gray gleam of the
affected eye)
Yellow
jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin)
Yellow
corpus luteum (a yellow glandular mass on the
surface of the ovary that forms after the ovarian
follicle ruptures and releases a mature ovum)
White
leukoplakia (white, hard, thickened patches firmly
attached to the mucous membrane in areas such as
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
the mouth, vulva, or penis)
Melan/o
Poli/o
Black
Gray
melanoma (darkly pigmented cancerous tumor)
poliomyelitis (inflammation of the gray matter of the
spinal cord)
Purpur/o
Purple
purpura (collection of blood beneath the skin in the
form of pinpoint hemorrhages appearing as
red/purple skin discolorations)
Rube-
Red
Xanth/o
Yellow
rubella (contagious viral disease characterized by
fever, coldlike symptoms, and a diffuse, fine, red
rash)color medical terms
xanthoderma (yellow coloration of the skin)
Table 9 Body parts in terminology
13
Stomato
Dento
Glosso/linguo
Gingivo
Encephalo
Gastro
Entero
Colo
Procto
Hepato
Nephro/rene
Orchido
Oophoro
= mouth
= teeth
= tongue
= gums
= brain
= stomach
= intestine
= large intestine
= anus/rectum
= liver
= kidney
= testis
= ovary
Hystero/metro
Salpingo
Dermo
=uterus
= uterine tubes
= skin
Masto/mammo
Osteo
Cardio
= breast
= bones
= heart
stomatitis
dentist
glossitis, lingual nerve
gingivitis
encephalitis
gastritis
gastroenteritis
colitis, megacolon
proctitis, proctologist
hepatitis, hepatomegaly
nephrosis, renal artery
orchiditis, orchidectomy
oophorectomy
hysterectomy,
endometritis
hysterosalpingogram
dermatitis
mammography,
mastectomy
osteoporosis
electrocardiogram (ECG)
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
Cysto
Rhino
Phlebo/veno
Pneumo/pulmo
Hemo/emia
CytoNephroNeuroOsteoSarco-
= bladder
= nose
= veins
= lung
= blood
cell
kidney
nerves
bone/bony tissue
tissue
cystitis
rhinitis (runny nose!)
phlebitis, phlebotomy
pneumonitis, pulmonologist
hematologist, anemia
cytotoxic
nephrotoxic
neurob1ast
osteosarcoma
sarcoma
Abbreviations
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase. Abbreviations can be in
the form of:
 Letters: The abbreviation for chest x-ray is CXR.
 Shortened words: The abbreviation “tab” is short for “tablet.”
 Acronyms: The acronym CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Note: Abbreviations and symbols should be used cautiously, especially when
medications are involved. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)
and The Joint Commission (TJC) provide a list of unsafe abbreviations and
symbols.
Abbreviations take the place of words to shorten notes or documentation. When
you are using abbreviations in patient care reports, remember to use only standard,
accepted abbreviations to avoid confusion and errors. table 4 lists commonly used
abbreviations. This list is intended to help you decipher documents written by other
health care professionals. Before using any abbreviations in your own reports, you
should be familiar with accepted use of abbreviations in your local jurisdiction or
service area.
14
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
Table 10 Common Abbreviations
Abbreviation Meaning
AIDS
acquired
immunodeficiency
syndrome
ant
anterior
Aq
water
ARDS
adult respiratory distress
syndrome
ASAP
as soon as possible
bid
twice daily
BP
BS
BSA
bx
°C
Ca
CA
COLD
COPD
CP
CPR
CSF
CVP
15
Abbreviation Meaning
CAD
coronary
disease
CBC
cc
CC or C/C
complete blood count
cubic centimeter
chief complaint
CCU
CHF
coronary care unit
congestive
heart
failure
chloride
centimeter
blood pressure
Cl—
blood
sugar,
breath cm
sounds, bowel sounds,
bachelor of
science (degree)
body surface area
cm3
biopsy
CNS
degrees
(centigrade)
calcium
Celsius c/o
cancer, cardiac arrest,
chronologic age, coronary
artery, cold agglutinin
chronic obstructive
lung disease
chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease
chest pain, chemically
pure, cerebral palsy
cardiopulmonary
resuscitation
cerebrospinal fluid
central venous pressure
artery
CO
cubic centimeter
central
nervous
system
complaining of
CO2
cardiac
output,
carbon
monoxide
carbon dioxide
ECG
electrocardiogram
eg
for example,
ENT
ears, nose, and throat
ETOH
ethyl alcohol
FBS
Fe
fasting blood sugar
iron
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
CXR
DM
DOA
DON
DOS
DPT
chest x-ray
diabetes mellitus
dead-on arrival
director of nursing
dead on scene
diphtheria, pertussis,
and tetanus toxoids
vaccine
diagnosis
drop(s)
glucose tolerance test
hour
headache
hemoglobin
hematocrit
Human immunodeficiency
virus
hour
hypertension
history
intensive care unit
FHx
fl, fld
g
GB
GI
gr
family history
fluid
gram
gallbladder
gastrointestinal
grain
gm
IM
IV
L
lb
L/M
mcg
mg
N
NKA
insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus
no apparent distress, no
appreciable disease
nasal cannula
neonatal intensive care
unit
no known allergies
gram
intramuscular
intravenous
liter
pound
liters per minute
microgram
milligram is a former
symbol
minute
milliliter
millimeter
motor
vehicle
accident
normal
NS
normal saline
PVD
N/V
N/V/D
nausea and vomiting
nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea
neck vein distention
obstetrics
Dx
gtt
GTT
h
H/A
Hb
Hct
HIV
hr
HTN
Hx
ICU
IDDM
NAD
NC
NICU
NVD
OB
16
min
mL
mm
MVA
PID
pt
PT
PVC
q
and qd
qh
qid
pelvic inflammatory
disease
patient
physical therapy
premature ventricular
complex, polyvinyl
chloride
peripheral vascular
disease
every
every day
every hour
four times a day
Professor Doctor Osama Nadhom Nijris Uni. of Samarra, College of Applied Science
Medical Terminology 2021
OD
OP
OR
pH
ss
S/S
stat
STD
Sx
sym
tab
TB
tid
TPR
Tx
URI
UTI
17
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overdose, right eye,
RBC
optical density, outside
diameter,
doctor
of
optometry
outpatient
Rh
operating room
Rx
hydrogen ion
SC
concentration
half
signs and symptoms
immediately
sexually transmitted
disease
symptoms
symptoms
tablet
tuberculosis
three times a day
temperature,
pulse,
respiration
treatment
upper respiratory
infection
urinary tract infection
red blood cell
vol
w/
WBC
WNL
Rhesus blood factor
prescription
subcutaneous,
secretory
component
volume
with
white blood cell
within normal limits
w/o
wt
yo
without
weight
year old