letter
Latin littera
alliteration, illiterate, literacy, literal, literary, literature, obliterate
lith-
stone
Greek λίθος (lithos)
lithic, lithosphere, megalith, Mesolithic, monolith, Neolithic, Paleolithic
loc-
place
Latin locus, locare
allocate, local, locality, locate, location, locomotion, locus
liter-
log-, logy
long-
loqu,locut-
luc-
lud,lus-
word, reason,
speech,
analogy, anthology, apology, biology, dialogue doxology, ecology, epilogue, etymology, eu
Greek λόγος (logos), λογία(logia)
though
logarithm,logic, logogram, meteorology, monologue, morphological, neologism, neurology,
psychology, tautology, terminology, theology, toxicology, trilogy, zoology
long
Latin longus
elongate, longitude
speak
Latin loqui
bright, light
Latin lux (genitive lucis),lucere
elucidate, lucid, Lucifer (bearer of light), lucubrate, noctilucent, pellucid, translucent
play
Latin ludere, lusus
allude, illusion
allocution, circumlocution, colloquial, colloquy, elocution, eloquent, eloquence, grandiloque
loquacity, magniloquent, obloquy, soliloquy
lumin-
lu-,luv,lut-
lun-
lysi,lyti-
light
Latin luminare, from lumen
illumination, luminary, luminous
wash
Latin
moon
Latin luna
luna, lunar, lunatic
dissolving
Greek λύσις (lusis)
analysis, analytic, cytolysis, hydrolysis, lysigeny
luere (see
alsodiluere, fluere andpluere)
ablution, alluvium, colluvium, diluvium, elute, elution, elluviation, eluvium, illuviation, illuvium
M[edit]
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
macer-
lean
Latin
macer
emaciate, meager
macro-
long
Greek
μακρός (makros)
macro, macroeconomics, macron
magn-
great, large
Latin
magnus
magnanimous, magnate, magnificent, magnify, magnitu
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
maj-
greater
Latin
major, majus
majesty, majority, majuscule
mal-
bad, wretched
Latin
malus
malfeasance, malicious, malignancy, malodorous
mamm-
breast
Latin
mamma
mammal, mammary gland
man-
flow
Latin
mānāre, manatus
emanate, emanationism, immanant, immanation
man-
stay
Latin
manēre, mansus
immanence, immanent, manse, permanence, permanen
man-, manu-
hand
Latin
manus
mand-, mend-
order, commit
Latin
mandāre, mandatus
emancipate, manacle, manage, maneuver, manual, ma
manifest,manuscript
command, commend, commendation, countermand, de
recommend, remand
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
mania
mental illness
Greek
μανία (manίā)
kleptomania, mania, maniac, pyromania
mar-
sea
Latin
mare, maris
marine, maritime
mascul-
male, man
Latin
masculus, masculi
emasculate, masculine
mater-, matr-
mother
Latin
mater, matris
maternal, maternity, matriarch, matriarchate, matrimony
maxim-
greatest
Latin
maximus
maximum
Greek
μηχανή (mēkhanē)
mechane, mechanics
Latin
medius, mediare
median, mediate, medieval, Mediterranean, mediocre, m
μέγας (megas)
megacycle, megaphone, megalopolis, megaton
mechan-
machine or
instrument
medi-, -midi-
middle
mega-
great, large, million Greek
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
mei-
less
Greek
μεῖον (meiōn)
meiosis
melan-
black, dark
Greek
μέλας (melas)
Melanesia, melanoma
melior-
better
Latin
mell-
honey
Latin
mel, mellis
mellifluous
memor-
remember
Latin
memor
commemorate, memoir, memorable, memorial, memoriz
mening-
membrane
Greek
μήνιγξ (meninx)
meningitis
mind
Latin
mens, mentis
men-, mens,ment-
meliorare "to improve",
from melior"better"
ameliorate, amelioration, meliorism
comment, dement, demented, mental, mentality, mentio
reminiscence
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
μήν (mēn)
English examples
men-
month
Greek
mend-
defect, fault
Latin
menstru-
monthly
Latin
menstruus
menstrual, menstruation
mensur-
measure
Latin
mensura "measurement"
commensurate
mer-
part
Greek
μέρος (meros)
polymer
merc-
reward, wages, hire Latin
merx, mercis
mercantile, mercenary, merchant
merg-, mers-
dip, plunge
Latin
mergere
emerge, immersion
mes-
middle
Greek
μέσος (mesos)
Mesolithic, mesozoic
mendax "lying, a liar",
from menda"defect, fault"
menopause
amend, amendment, mendacious, mendacity
Root
meter-, metr-
meta-
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
measure
above, among,
beyond
Etymology (root origin)
Greek
μέτρον (metron)
Greek
μετά (meta)
English examples
altimeter, barometer, calorimeter, centimeter, meter, me
metabolism, metamorphic, metamorphosis, metaphor, m
meteor, method
mic-
grain
Latin
mica
micelle
micro-
small
Greek
μικρός (mikros)
microcosm, microeconomics, micrometer, microphone,
migr-
wander
Latin
migrare
emigrant, immigrant, migrant, migrate, migration
milit-
soldier
Latin
miles, militis
military, militia
milli-
thousand
Latin
mille
millennium, million
millen-
thousand each
Latin
milleni
millenary
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
mim-
repeat
Greek
μίμος (mimos)
mime, mimic
min-
jut
Latin
minere
prominent
min-
less, smaller
Latin
minor, minus
minority, minuscule, minutiae
mina-
lead
Latin
minare, variant of minari
amenable, demeanor, menace, promenade
Latin
miror, mirari, miratus sum
admire, miracle, mirror
mir-
wonder,
amazement
mis-
hate
Greek
μῖσος (misos)
misandry, misogyny
misc-, mixt-
mix
Latin
miscere, mixtus
miscellaneous, mixture
miser-
unhappy, wretched Latin
miser
miser, miserable, miserly, misery
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
mit-, miss-
send
Latin
mittere, missus
commit, emit, intermittent, missile, mission, missionary,
mit-
thread
Greek
μίτος (mitos)
mitochondrion, mitosis
mne-
memory
Greek
μνήμη (mnēmē)
amnesia, mnemonic
mol-
grind
Latin
mola, molere, molitus
molar
moll-
soft
Latin
mollis
emollient, mollify
mon-
one
Greek
μόνος (monos)
monism, monolith, monopoly, monopsony, monotone
mon-
warn
Latin
monere
admonish, monitor, monster, monument, premonition, s
monil-
string of beads
Latin
monile
Moniliformida
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
monstra-
show
Latin
monstrare
demonstrate, muster, remonstrate
mont-
mountain
Latin
mons, montis
Montana
mor-
disposition
Latin
mos
moral, morose
mord-
bite
Latin
mordere, morsus
mordacious, morsel, remorse
moro-
foolish, dull
Greek
μωρός (moros) "foolish, dull"
moron, moronic, oxymoron, oxymoronic, sophomore, so
morph-
form, shape
Greek
μορφή (morphē)
amorphous, anthropomorphism, dimorphic, metamorpho
mort-
death
Latin
mors, mortis
immortal, mortal, mortality, mortician, mortuary
move, motion
Latin
movere, motus
mov-, mob,mot-
commotion, emotion, mobile, momentum, motile, motion
mutiny, promote, remove
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
mulg-, muls-
milk
Latin
mulgere
emulsion
multi-
many, much
Latin
multus
multifold, multilingual, multiple, multiplex, multiply, multit
mund-
world
Latin
mundus
anima mundi, map, mundane
mur-
wall
Latin
murus, muri
immured, mural
mus-
mouse
Greek
μῦς (mus)
musophobia
mus-
thief
Latin
mus, muris
mouse
musc-
fly
Latin
musca, muscae
Muscicapidae, Muscidae
mut-
change
Latin
mutare
immutable, mutation
Root
my-
myri-
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
to shut (the eyes)
countless, ten
thousand
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
Latin
myein
miosis, myopia, myopic, mystery
Greek
μυρίος (murios)
myriad, myriapod
myrmec-
ant
Greek
μύρμηξ (murmēx)
myrmecoid, Myrmidons
myth-
story
Greek
μῦθος (muthos)
mythic, mythology
myx-
slime
Greek
μύξα (muxa)
Myxini
myz-
suck
Greek
μυζάω (muzaō)
Myzopoda
N[edit]
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
nar-
nostril
Latin
naris
naris
narc-
numb
Greek
νάρκη (narkē)
narcolepsy, narcosis, narcotic
narr-
tell
Latin
narrare
narrative
nas-
nose
Latin
nasus
nasal
nasc-, nat-
born
Latin
naut-
ship
Greek
ναύτης (nautes)
Argonaut, astronaut, nautical
nav-
ship
Latin
navis
naval
ne-, neo-
new
Greek
νέος (neos)
Neolithic, neologism, neonate, neophyte
nascere, nasci (past
participle natus)
innate, nascent, natal, native, renaissance
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
neb-, nub-
cloud
Latin
nebula, nubes
nebula, nebulosity, nebulous, nuance, nubilous, obnubilate
necr-
dead
Greek
νεκρός (nekros)
necrophobia
nect-
swimming
Greek
νηκτός (nēktos)
nectopod
nect-, nex-
join, tie
Latin
nectere, nexus
connect, nexus
neg-
say no
Latin
negare
negative
nema-
hair
Greek
νῆμα (nēma)
nematode
nemor-
grove, woods
Latin
nemus, nemoris
nemoral
nephr-
kidney
Greek
νεφρός (nephros)
nephritis
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
nes-
island
Greek
νῆσος (nēsos)
Polynesia
neur-
nerve
Greek
νευρών (neurōn)
neural, neuritis, neurologist, neurology, neuron, neuropathic, n
nict-
beckon, wink
Latin
nictari
nictation
nigr-
black
Latin
niger
denigrate
nihil-
nothing
Latin
nihilum
annihilation
noct-
night
Latin
nox (genitive noctis)
equinox, noctambulist, noctilucent, nocturnal
nod-
knot
Latin
nodus
node, nodule
Greek
νόμος (nomos)
nom-
arrangement, law,
order
agronomy, astronomy, autonomous, autonomy, bionomics, eco
metronome, numismatic, taxonomy
Root
nomad-
nomen-
Meaning in English
those who let pasture
herds
Origin
language
Greek
Etymology (root origin)
νομάς, νομάδος
(nomas,nomados)
English examples
nomadic
name
Latin
nomen, nominis
nomenclature, nominate, nomination, ignominious, ignominy
non-
not
Latin
non
none
non-
ninth
Latin
nonus
nonary
nonagen-
ninety each
Latin
nonageni
nonagenary
nonagesim-
ninetieth
Latin
nonagesimus
nonagesimal
not-
back, south
Greek
νότος (notos)
notochord
,nomin-
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
not-
letter, note, paper
Latin
notare
annotation, notable
noth-
spurious
Greek
νόθος (nothos)
nothogenus
nov-
nine
Latin
novem
November, novennial
nov-
new
Latin
novus
innovate, innovation, nova, novel, novice, renovate
noven-
nine each
Latin
noveni
novenary
novendec-
nineteen
Latin
novendecim
novemdecillion
nox-, noc-
harmful
Latin
noxa
noxious
nu-
nod
Latin
nuere
innuendo
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
nub-, nupt-
to marry, to wed
Latin
nubes, nubis, nubere
connubial, nubile, prenuptial
nuc-
nut
Latin
nux, nucis
nucleus
nuch-
back of neck
Latin
nucha
nuchal cord
nud-
naked
Latin
nudus
denude, nudity
null-
none
Latin
nullus
nullify
numer-
number
Latin
numerus
enumerate, innumerable, numeral, numeration
nunci-
announce
Latin
nuntius
pronunciation
nutri-
nourish
Latin
nutrire
malnutrition, nutrient
O[edit]
Root
ob-, o-, oc-, of-, og-
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
obduracy, obdurate, obduration, obfuscate, obstinate, obstre
against
Latin
ob
oct-
eight
Greek
ὀκτώ (oktō)
octagon, octahedron, octode
oct-
eight
Latin
octō
octangular, octennial, octovir
octav-
eighth
Latin
octāvus
octaval
octogen-
eighty each
Latin
octogeni
octogenary
octogesim-
eightieth
Latin
octogesimus
octogesimal
octon-
eight each
Latin
octoni
octonary
ocul-
eye
Latin
oculus, oculare
ocular, oculus, ullage
,op-, os-
ostensible, ostentatious
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
od-
path, way
Greek
ὁδός (hodos)
anode, diode, odometer, pentode, tetrode, triode
odi-
hate
Latin
odium
odious
odont-
tooth
Greek
odor-
fragrant
Latin
odor
odorous
oeco-
house
Greek
οἶκος (oikos)
ecology
oed-
swollen
Greek
οἴδημα (oidēma)
oedema
oen-
wine
Greek
οἶνος (oinos)
oenology
oesophag-
gullet
Greek
οἰσοφάγος (oisophagos)
oesophagus
ὀδούς, ὀδόντος
(odous,odontos)
odontology
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
ogdo-
eighth
Greek
ὄγδοος (ogdoos)
ogdoad
-oid
like
Greek
-οειδής (-oeidēs)
asteroid, mucoid, organoid
ole-
oil
Latin
oleum
oleosity
olecran-
skull of elbow
Latin from Greek ὠλέκρανον (ōlekranon)
olig-
few
Greek
ὀλίγος (oligos)
oligarchy, Oligocene, oligopoly, oligosaccharide, oligotrohic
oliv-
olive
Latin
oliva
olivaceous, olivary, olivette
Greek
-ωμα
melanoma
Latin
omasum
omasum
-oma
omas-
morbid growth,
tumor
paunch
olecranon
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
oment-
fat skin
Latin
omentum
omental
omin-
creepy
Latin
omen, ominis
abominable, ominous
omm-
eye
Greek
ὄμμα (omma)
ommatidium
omni-
all
Latin
omnis
omnipotence, omnipresent, omniscient, omnivore
omo-
shoulder
Greek
ὦμος (omos)
omohyoid
omphal-
navel
Greek
ὀμφαλός (omphalos)
omphalectomy
oner-
burden
Latin
onus, oneris
exonerate, onerous
onom-
name
Greek
όνομα (onoma)
onomatopoeia
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
ont-
existing
Greek
ὄντος (ontos)
ontogeny, ontology
-onym
name
Greek
ὄνυμα (onuma)
anonymous, antonym, pseudonym, synonym
oo-
egg
Greek
ᾠόν (oion)
oocyte
opac-
shady
Latin
opacus
opacity
oper-
work
Latin
opus, operis
cooperate, inoperable, opera, operate, opus
opercul-
little cover
Latin
operculum
operculum
ophi-
snake
Greek
ὄφις (ophis)
ophiophagy
ophthalm-
eye
Greek
ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos)
ophthalmology
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
opisth-
behind
Greek
ὄπισθεν (opisthen)
opoter-
either
Greek
ὁπότερος (hopoteros)
opt-
eye
Greek
ὀπτός (optos)
optical, panoptic
opt-
choose
Latin
optare
adopt, optional
optim-
best
Latin
optimus
optimum
or-
mouth
Latin
os, oris
oral, orator
orb-
circle
Latin
orbis
orbit
orch-
testicle
Greek
ὄρχις (orchis)
orchid
opisthosoma, opsimath
Root
ordin-
organ-
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
order
organ, instrument,
tool
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
Latin
ōrdō, ordinis
ordinal, ordinary
Greek
ὄργανον (organon)
organism
ori-, ort-
eastern
Latin
oriri, ortus
orient
orn-
decorate
Latin
ōrnāre
adorn, ornament, ornate
ornith-
bird
Greek
ὄρνις (ornis, ornithos)
ornithology
orth-
straight
Greek
ὀρθός (orthos)
orthodontist, orthodox, orthodoxy, orthopedic, orthosis, unort
oscill-
swing
Latin
oscillum
oscillation
oss-
bone
Latin
os, ossis
ossification
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
osteo-
bone
Greek
ὀστοῦν (ostoun)
osteoporosis
osti-
entrance
Latin
ostium
ostiole
ostrac-
shell
Greek
ὄστρακον (ostrakon)
ostracism, ostracoderm
ot-
ear
Greek
οὖς, ωτός (ous, ōtos)
otology
ov-
egg
Latin
ovum
oval, ovary, ovule
ovi-
sheep
Latin
ovis
ovine
oxy-
sharp, pointed
Greek
ὀξύς (oxus)
oxygen, oxymoron
P[edit]
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
pac-
peace
Latin
pax, pacis
appease, Pacific Ocean, pacifism, pacifist, pacify
pach-
thick
Greek
παχύς (pachus)
pachydermata, Pachypodium
paed-
child
Greek
παῖς (pais), genitive παιδός (paidos)
pagin-
page
Latin
pagina
pagination
pal-
stake
Latin
palus
impalement, pale
palae-, pale-
ancient, old
Greek
παλαιός (palaios)
Paleo Diet, Paleolithic era, paleomagnetism, paleon
palin-
back
Greek
πάλιν (palin)
palindrome
pall-
be pale
Latin
pallere
pallid, pallor
orthopedic, paediatric, page, pedagogue, pedagogy
pedophilia
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
palliare "to cover, cloak",
English examples
palli-
cloak
Latin
palm-
palm
Latin
palma
palmate
palustr-
in marshes
Latin
paluster
palustral
pan-, pam-
all
Greek
πᾶς, παντός (pas, pantos)
Pan-American, panacea, pandemic, pandemonium,
pand-, pans-
spread
Latin
pandere, pansus
expand, expansion
par-
equal
Latin
par
disparage, par, peer
para-
beside, near
Greek
παρά (para)
parallel, parameter
parc-, pars-
spare, save
Latin
parcere, parsus
parcity, parsimony
from pallium"cloak"
pall, palliate, palliative, pallium
Root
pare-
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
prepare, provide,
procure
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
Latin
parare
compare, disparate, empire, imperative, pare, prepa
parietal
pariet-
wall
Latin
paries, parietis
part-
part
Latin
pars, partis
parthen-
maiden
Greek
παρθένος (parthenos)
Parthenon, parthenogenesis
parv-
little
Latin
parvus
parvovirus
pasc-, past-
feed
Latin
pascere, pastus
pastor, pasture, repast
pass-
pace, step
Latin
passus
apart, bipartite, compartment, depart, impartial, parc
partisan, partition
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
passer-
sparrow
Latin
passer
passeriform, passerine
pat-
be open
Latin
patere
paten, patent
path-
feeling, disease
Greek
πάθος (pathos)
antipathy, apathy, empathy, pathetic, pathogen, pat
pater-, patr-
father
Latin
pater (genitive patris)
paternity, patrilocal, patriot, patron, patronage, patro
pater-, patr-
father
Greek
πατήρ, πατριά (patēr, patria)
patriarch
Latin
pati, passus
passion, passive, patience
pati-, pass-
suffer, feel, endure,
permit
pauc-
few
Latin
paucus
paucal, pauciloquent, paucity
pav-
beat
Latin
pavire
pave, pavement
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
pecc-
sin
Latin
peccare
impeccable
pect-
fixed
Greek
πηκτός (pēktos)
pectic, pectin
pector-
chest
Latin
pectus, pectoris
pectoral
pecu-
property
Latin
pecunia "property", from pecu "cattle"
peculiar, pecuniary, pecunious
ped-
foot
Latin
pes, pedis
centipede, impede, pedal, pedestrian
pejor-
worse
Latin
pejor
pejorative
pell-, puls-
drive, push
Latin
pellere, pulsus
pen-
almost
Latin
paene
appulse, compel, compulsory, dispel, expel, expulsi
propellent, propulsor, pulsate, pulse, push, repel, re
peninsula, penultimate, penumbra
Root
pen-, poen-
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
punire "punish" (earlier poenire),
impune, impunity, pain, penal, penalize, penalty, pe
from poena "punishment"
penitentiary, pine, punish, punitive, repent, subpoen
punish
Latin
pend-, pens-
hang
Latin
pensare, frequentative of pendere
penn-, pinn-
feather
Latin
penna, pinna
pennate, pinnacle, pinnate, pinnule
pent-
five
Greek
πέντε (pente)
pentagon, pentagram, pentagrid, pentode
pentecost-
fiftieth
Greek
πεντηκοστός (pentēkostos)
pentecostalism
pept-
digest
Greek
πέσσειν, πεπτός (pessein, peptos)
dyspepsia, peptic, peptide, peptone
per-
thoroughly, through
Latin
per
perfection, permeate, persistence, peruse, pervade
,puni-
append, penchant, pendant, pending, pendulum, pe
suspense
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
peran-
across, beyond
Greek
πέραν (peran)
Perates
peri-
around
Greek
περί (peri)
perigee, perihelion, perimeter, peripheral, periscope
persic-
peach
Greek
περσικός (persikos)
pessim-
worst
Latin
pessimus
pessimal
pet-
strive towards
Latin
petere
appetite, competition, petition, petulant, repetition
petr-
rock
Greek
πέτρα (petra)
petroglyph
phae-
dark
Greek
φαιός (phaios)
phaeomelanin, pheochrome
phag-
eat
Greek
φαγεῖν (phagein)
bacteriophage, macrophage, phagocyte, sarcophag
Root
phalang-
phalar-
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
close formation of
troops, finger bones
having a patch of
white
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
Greek
φάλαγξ, φάλαγγος (phalanx,phalangos)
phalanges
Greek
φάλαρος (phalāros)[1]
phalarope
pharmacy
pharmac-
drug, medicine
Greek
φάρμακον (pharmakon)
phan-, phen-
to show, visible
Greek
φαινειν (phainein)
pher-, phor-
bear, carry
Greek
φέρω (pherō), φόρος (phoros)
metaphor, pheromone
phil-, -phile
love, friendship
Greek
φιλέω (phileō, philia)
bibliophile, hydrophile, philanthropy, philharmonic, p
phleg-
heat, inflammation
Greek
ϕλέγω (phlegein) "to burn", φλέγω(phlegō)
phlegm, phlegmatic
diaphanous, emphasis, epiphany, fantasy, phanero
phene, phenetic, phenology, phenomenon, photic, s
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
phloe-
tree bark
Greek
φλοιός (phloios)
phlobaphene, phloem
phob-
fear
Greek
φόβος (phobos)
acrophobia, claustrophobia, ergophobia, homophob
phon-
sound
Greek
φωνή (phōnē)
cacophony, euphony, homophone, microphone, pho
phos-, phot-
light
Greek
φῶς, φωτός (phōs, phōtos)
phragm-
fence
Greek
φράγμα (phragma)
diaphragm
phren-
diaphragm, mind
Greek
φρήν, φρενός (phrēn, phrenos)
frenetic, schizophrenia
phryn-
toad, toad-like
Greek
φρύνη (phrunē)
Phrynobatrachus
phyl-
tribe
Greek
φύλον (phulon)
phylogenetics, phylum
phosphor, phosphorus, photic, photo, photoelectric,
photosynthesis
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
phyll-
leaf
Greek
φύλλον (phullon)
chlorophyll, phyllotaxis
physi-
nature
Greek
φύσις (phusis)
physics
physalid-
bladder
Greek
φυσαλ(λ)ίς (phusal(l)is)
physalis
phyt-
plant
Greek
φυτόν (phuton)
neophyte, phytoplankton
pi-
kind, devout, pity
Latin
pius
expiate, impious, piety, pious, pity
pic-
pitch
Latin
pix, picis
piceous
pil-
hair
Latin
pilus
depilatory, epilator
pil-
pillar, ball
Latin
pila
pile, pill, pillar, pillory
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
pin-
drink
Greek
πίνειν (pinein)
pinocytosis
pin-
pine
Latin
pinus
pineal gland
ping-, pict-
paint
Latin
pingere, pictus
depiction, picture, pigment
pingu-
fat
Latin
pinguis
Pinguicula, pinguitude
pir-
pear
Latin
pirus
piriformis muscle
pisc-
fish
Latin
piscis
Pisces, piscivore
pis-
pea
Greek
πίσος (pisos)
plac-
plate, tablet
Greek
πλάξ, πλακός (plax, plakos)
duplex, duplicity
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
plac-
calm
Latin
placare, placatus
implacable, placable, placate, please, supple
plac-, plea-
please
Latin
placēre, placitus
complacent, displease, placebo, placid, plea, please
plagi-
oblique
Greek
πλάγιος (plagios)
plagiocephaly, plagioclase
plan-
flat
Latin
planus
explanation, planar, plane
Latin
plangere, planctus
plangent
plang-, planct-
plas-
mould
Greek
πλάθω (plathō)
plasma, plastic
platy-
flat, broad
Greek
πλατύς (platus)
platypus
approve, clap
Latin
plaudere, plausus
applaud, applause, explosion, implode, plaudits, pla
plaud-, -plod,plaus-, -plos-
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
ple-, plet-
fill
Latin
plere
complement, complete, deplete, implement, replete
pleb-
people
Latin
plebs, plebis
plebeian, plebs
plec-
interwoven
Greek
πλέκω (plekō)
plectics, symplectomorphism
plect-, plex-
plait
Latin
plectere, plexus
perplex
plen-
full
Latin
plenus
plenary, plenitude, plenty, replenish
plesi-
near
Greek
πλησίος (plēsios)
plesiosaur
pleth-
full
Greek
πλῆθος (plēthos)
plethora
pleur-
side
Greek
πλευρά (pleura)
pleuritis
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
appliance, application, apply, duplication, explicate,
plic-
fold
Latin
plicare, plicatus
plinth-
brick
Greek
πλίνθος (plinthos)
Plinthograptis
Latin
plorare
implore
plor-
ply, replicate, supplicant, supplicate, supplication
plu-
rain
Latin
pluere, see also pluvia
pluvial
plum-
feather
Latin
pluma
plumage, plumate
plumb-
lead
Latin
plumbum
plumber
plur-, plus-
more
Latin
plus, pluris
double, plural, pluralist, plus, quadruple, surplus, tri
plurim-
most
Latin
plurimus
plurimal
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
plut-
wealth
Greek
πλοῦτος (ploutos)
plutocracy
pneu-
air, breath, lung
Greek
pnein, πνεῦμα (pneuma)
apnoea, pneumatic, phneumonia
pod-
foot
Greek
πούς, ποδός (pous, podos)
antipode, podiatry, tripod
pogon-
beard
Greek
πώγων, πώγωνος (pōgōn, pōgōnos)
pogonotrophy
poie-
make
Greek
ποιέω (poieō)
poet, poiesis
pol-
pole
Greek
πόλος (polos)
dipole, polar
pole-, poli-
city
Greek
πόλις (polis)
acropolis, megalopolis, metropolis, police, policy, po
polem-
war
Greek
πόλεμος (polemos)
polemic
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
poli-
grey
Greek
πολιός (polios)
poliomyelitis
pollic-
thumb
Latin
pollex, pollicis
pollicate
pollin-
fine flour
Latin
pollen, pollinis
pollination
poly-
many
Greek
πολύς (polus)
polyandry, polygamy, polygon, polysaccharide, poly
pon-, posit-
put
Latin
ponere, positus
ponder-
weight
Latin
pondus, ponderis, ponderare
ponder, preponderance
pont-
bridge
Latin
pons, pontis
pontoon
popul-
people
Latin
populus, populare
population, popular, populous
apposite, component, deposit, exponent, expose, e
opponent, position, positive, postpone, posture, pro
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
por-
passage
Greek
πόρος (poros)
pore, porosity
porc-
pig
Latin
porcus
porcine, pork
porn-
prostitute
Greek
πόρνη (pornē)
pornography
porphyr-
purple
Greek
πορφύρα (porphura)
porphyrin
port-
carry
Latin
portare "to carry", porta "gate"
portion-
part, share
Latin portio
portion, proportion
post-
after, behind
Latin
post
pot-
power
Latin
potere "be powerful", from potis"powerful,
comportment, deport, export, import, port, portable,
purport, rapport, report, support, transport
posterior, posterity, postscript
despot, impotent, possess, potent, potentate, poten
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
able"
pot-
drink
Latin
potus, potare
potable, potion
potam-
river
Greek
ποταμός (potamos)
hippopotamus, Mesopotamia
prasin-
leek-green
Greek
πράσινος (prasinos)
prasinous
prat-
meadow
Latin
pratum
prav-
crooked
Latin
pravus
depravity
pre-
before
Latin
prae
previous
prec-
pray
Latin
precāri "to ask, beg, pray",
from prex"prayer"
deprecation, imprecation, pray, prayer, precarious
Root
pred-
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
prey
Latin
praeda, praedari
grasp
Latin
prehendere, prehensus
press
Latin
premere, pressus
pressure
presby-
old
Greek
πρέσβυς (presbus)
Presbyterianism
preter-
past
Latin
praeter
preterite, pretermission
preti-
price
Latin
pretium, pretiare
prim-
first
Latin
primus
prehend-,prend,prehens-
prem-, -prim,press-
predator
apprehend, comprehend, comprehensive, enterpris
prison, prize, reprehend, surprise
primacy, primal, primary, prime, primeval, primitive
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
prior-
former
Latin
prior
priority
priv-
separate
Latin
privus, privare, privatus
deprivation, privilege
pro-
before, in front of
Greek
πρό (pro)
prologue, prostate
pro-
for, forward
Latin
pro
procrastinate, propulsion
prob-
worthy, good
Latin
probare "prove to be worthy", probus
proct-
anus
Greek
πρωκτός (prōktos)
prodig-
waste
Latin
prodigus "wasteful", from prodigere"drive
away, waste"
approbation, approve, disapprobation, opprobrium,
proof, prove, reprobate, reprove
proctology
prodigal, prodigality
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Latin
Etymology (root origin)
prodigium "prodigy"
English examples
prodig-
prodigy
propri-
one's own, ownership Latin
pros-
forward
Greek
πρός (pros)
prosenchyma, prosthesis
prot-
first
Greek
πρῶτος (prōtos)
protagonist, Proterozoic, protocol, protoindustrial, p
proxim-
nearest
Latin
proximus, proximare
approximate, proximity
prun-
plum
Latin
prunus
prune
psamm-
sand
Greek
ψάμμος (psammos)
psammite, psammophyte, psammosere, psammous
pseud-
false
Greek
ψευδής (pseudēs)
pseudonym
proprietas "appropriateness, ownership",
from proprius "one's own"
prodigious, prodigy
appropriate, property, proprietary, proprietor, propri
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
psil-
bare
Greek
ψιλός (psilos)
epsilon, psilocybin
psych-
mind
Greek
ψυχή (psuchē)
psyche, psychiatry, psychology, psychosis
psychr-
cold
Greek
ψυχρός (psuchros)
psychrometer
pter-
wing, fern
Greek
πτερόν (pteron)
helicopter, pterodactyl
pto-
fall
Greek
πτῶσις (ptōsis)
ptosis
pty-
saliva
Greek
πτύον (ptuon)
ptyalin
ptych-
fold, layer
Greek
πτύξ, πτυχή (ptuchē)
triptych
pub-
sexually mature
Latin
pubes, puberis
pubescent, pubic
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
public-
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
Latin
publicus
publication, publicity
pude-
shame
Latin
pudere
impudent, pudendum, repudiate
pug-, pugn-
fight
Latin
pugnare "to fight", from pugnus "fist"
impugn, pugilism, pugnacious, repugnant
pulchr-
beautiful
Latin
pulcher, pulchri
pulchritude
pulmon-
lung
Latin
pulmo, pulmonis
pulmonary
pulver-
dust
Latin
pulvis, pulveris
pulverize
pung-, punct-
prick
Latin
pungere, punctus
pup-
doll
Latin
pupa
acupuncture, expunge, poignant, point, punch, punc
pungent
pupa, pupate, puppet
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
pur-
pure
Latin
purare "to purify", from purus "pure"
impurity, pure, puree, purge, purify, purity
purg-
cleanse
Latin
purgare
expurgate, purgatory, purge
purpur-
purple
Latin
purpura
purpurate, purpureal
put-
prune, reckon
Latin
putāre
amputation, compute, dispute, impute, putative, rep
pyg-
rump
Greek
πυγή (pugē)
callipygian, pygostyle
pyl-
gate
Greek
πυλών, πυλῶνος (pulōn, pulōnos)
pylon
pyr-
heat, fire
Greek
πῦρ, πυρός (pur, puros)
pyrolysis
Q[edit]
Root
Meaning in English
Origin language
Etymology (root origin)
Engl
quadr-
four
Latin
quattuor
quadrangle, quadrillion,
quadragen-
forty each
Latin
quadrageni
quadragenarian, quadra
quadragesim-
fortieth
Latin
quadragesimus
quadragesimal
quart-
fourth
Latin
quartus
quartary, quarter, quartil
quasi-
as if
Latin
quasi
quasar
quatern-
four each
Latin
quaterni
quaternary, quaternion
quati-, quass-
shake
Latin
quatere
quassation
quer-, -quir-, quesit-, -quisit-
search, seek
Latin
quaerere
Inquisition, query
qui-
rest
Latin
quies
quiet, requiem
Root
Meaning in English
Origin language
Etymology (root origin)
Engl
quin-
five each
Latin
quini
quinary
quindecim-
fifteenth
Latin
quindecimus
quindecimal
quinden-
fifteen each
Latin
quindeni
quindenary
quinque-
five
Latin
quinque
quinquennium
quint-
fifth
Latin
quintus
quintary, quintile
quot-
how many, how great
Latin
quotiens
quota, quotient
R[edit]
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
rad-, ras-
scrape, shave
Latin
radere, rasus
abrade, abrasion, erasure
radi-
beam, spoke
Latin
radius, radiare
radiance, radiation
radic-
root
Latin
rādix, rādīcis
eradicate, radical
ram-
branch
Latin
rāmus
ramification, ramose
ran-
frog
Latin
rana
Rana
Latin
rancere
rancid, rancor
ranc-
rancidness, grudge,
bitterness
rap-
turnip
Latin
rapum
rapeseed
raph-
seam
Greek
ῤαφή (rhaphē)
raphe, raphae
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
rar-
rare
Latin
rarus
rarity
rauc-
harsh, hoarse
Latin
raucus
raucous
re-, red-
again, back
Latin
re-
recede, redact
straight, direct
Latin
regere "to direct, lead straight, guide",
correct, direct, dirigible, erect, erection, ergo, rectan
relatedrectus "straight, right"
regent, regime, regimen, regiment, region, surge
reg-, rex-
king
Latin
rex (genitive regis)
anorexia, regal, regicide, rex, royal
regul-
rule
Latin
regula "to rule"
regular, regulate, regulation, rule
rem-
oar
Latin
remus
bireme, trireme
ren-
kidney
Latin
renes
renal
rect-, reg-, rig-
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
reneg-
deny
Latin
renegare
renegade, renege
rep-, rept-
crawl, creep
Latin
repere, reptus
reptile
ret-
net
Latin
rete
reticle, retina
retro-
backward, behind
Latin
retro
retrograde, retrospective, retrovirus
rhabd-
rod
Greek
ῥάβδος (rhabdos)
rhabdoid, rhabdom
spine
Greek
ῥάχις, ῥάχεως (rhachis)
rhachiodont
rhag-
tear, rent
Greek
ῥαγίζω
rhagades
rhe-
flow
Greek
ῥεῖν (rhein)
rheostat
rhach,rach-
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
rhig-
chill
Greek
ῥῖγος (rhigos)
rhigosaurus
rhin-
nose, snout
Greek
ῥίς, ῥινός (rhis, rhinos)
rhinoceros, rhinoplasty
rhiz-
root
Greek
ῥίζα (rhiza)
rhizome
rhod-
rose
Greek
ῥόδον (rhodon)
rhododendron
rhomb-
spinning top
Greek
ῥόμβος (rhombos)
rhombus
rhynch-
snout
Greek
ῥύγχος
Rhynchobatus
rid-, ris-
laugh
Latin
ridere "to laugh" (past participle risus)
deride, derision, ridicule, ridiculous, risible
robor-
oak, strength
Latin
roborare "to strengthen",
from robur, robus"strength"
corroborate, corroboration, robust
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
rod-, ros-
gnaw
Latin
rodere, rosus
rog-
ask
Latin
rogare
rostr-
beak, prow
Latin
rostrum
rostral, rostriform, rostrum
rot-
wheel
Latin
rota, rotare
rotation, rotunda
Latin
ruber
rubric, ruby
Latin
rudis
erudite, erudition, rude, rudimentary
Latin
ruga, rugare
corrugation
ruber-,rubr- red
rudi-
rug-
unskilled, rough,
unlearned
wrinkle
corrode, erosion, rodent
abrogate, arrogant, arrogate, derogatory, interroga
rogue, surrogate
Root
rumin-
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
throat
Latin
rumen, ruminis
rumination
rump-,rupt- break
Latin
rumpere, ruptus
abrupt, corruptible, disrupt, erupt, eruption, interrup
rur-
Latin
rus, ruris
rural
country
S[edit]
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
sacchar-
sugar
Greek
σάκχαρον (sakcharon)
saccharin
sacr-, -secr-
sacred
Latin
sacrare, from sacer(genitive sacri)
consecrate, desecrate, sacrament, sacred, sacrosanct
sagac-
wise
Latin
sagax, sagacis
sagacious, sagacity
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
sagitt-
arrow
Latin
sagitta
sagittal plane, Sagittaria
sal-
salt
Latin
sal, salis, salere
salinity
sali-, -sili-,salt-
jump
Latin
salire, saltus
resilient, salient, saltus
salic-
willow
Latin
salix, salicis
salicin
salu-
health, welfare
Latin
salus
salubrious, salubrity, salutary, salute
salv-
save
Latin
salvus, salvare
salvage, salvation, salve
san-
healthy
Latin
sanus
insane, sanity
sanc-
holy
Latin
sancire (past participlesanctus)
sacrosanct, saint, sanctify, sanction, sanctuary
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
sanguis, sanguinis
English examples
sanguin-
blood
Latin
sapi-, -sipi-
taste, wise
Latin
sapon-
soap
Latin
sapo, saponis
saponification
sarc-
flesh
Greek
σάρξ, σαρκός (sarx,sarkos)
sarcophagus
sart-
tailor
Latin
sartor "tailor", from sarcire"to mend"
sartorial
sati-
enough
Latin
satis
asset, sate, satiate, satiety, satisfy, saturate
saur-
lizard, reptile
Greek
σαῦρος (sauros)
dinosaur
sax-
rock
Latin
saxum
saxatile, saxicavous, saxicoline, saxifrage, saxifragous
sapere "to have a taste, be wise",
related to sapor"taste, flavor"
consanguinity, sanguinary, sanguine
insipid, insipience, sapient
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
scab-
scratch
Latin
scabere
scabies
scal-
ladder, stairs
Latin
scala
scalar, scale
scalen-
uneven
Greek
σκαληνός (skalēnos)
scalene muscles, scalene triangle
climb
Latin
scandere
ascend, descend, transcendent
Greek
σκάφη, σκάφος
scaphoid bone
scand-, -scend,scans-, -scens-
scaph-
anything hollow,
bowl, ship
scel-
leg, thigh
Greek
σκέλος, σκέλεος (skelos)
isosceles
schem-
plan
Greek
σχῆμα (schēma)
schematic
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
schis-
split
Greek
σχίζω, σχίσμα (schisma)
schism
sci-
know
Latin
scire
conscience, conscious, conscientious, omniscious, omni
scind-, sciss-
split
Latin
scindere
rescind, scissors
scler-
hard
Greek
σκληρός (sklēros)
scleroderma, sclerosis
scoli-
crooked
Greek
σκολιός (skolios)
scoliosis
Greek
σκέπτομαι, σκοπός(skopos)
horoscope, kaleidoscope, microscope, periscope, scope
scop-, scept-
look at, examine,
view, observe
scrib-, script-
write
Latin
scribere, scriptus
describe, inscribe, manuscript, prescribe, scribble, scribe
scrupl-
uneasiness
Latin
scrupus "sharp stone"
scruple, scrupulous, unscrupulous
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
sculp-
carve
Latin
sculpere, sculptus
sculpture
scut-
shield
Latin
scutum
scute
scyph-
cup
Greek
σκύφος (skyphos)
Scyphozoa
se-, sed-
apart
Latin
se
secede, sedition
seb-
tallow
Latin
sebum
sebaceous, sebum
sec-, sect-,seg-
cut
Latin
secare
secant, section, segment
sed-
settle, calm
Latin
sedare, sedatus
sedative
sed-, -sid-,sess-
sit
Latin
sedere, sessus
assiduous, insidious, obsession, possess, preside, presid
sedulity, sedulous, session, subside, supersede
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
sedec-
sixteen
Latin
sedecim
sedecimal
seget-
in cornfields
Latin
segetum
sei-
shake
Greek
σείω, σεισμός (seismos)
seismograph
selen-
moon
Greek
σελήνη (selēnē)
Selene, selenium
sell-
saddle, seat
Latin
sella
sella turcica
sema-
sign
Greek
σῆμα (sēma)
semantics, semaphore
semi-
half
Latin
semis
semifinal
semin-
seed
Latin
semen, seminis
insemination
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
sen-
old man
Latin
senex, senis
senator, senescent, senile, senility, senior
sen-
six each
Latin
seni
senary
senti-, sens-
feel
Latin
sentire, sensus
Latin
saeptum
transept
sept-
fence, partition,
enclosure
assent, consensus, consent, dissent, resent, scent, sens
sensory, sentence, sentient, sentience, sentiment
sept-
seven
Latin
septem
septennial
septen-
seven each
Latin
septeni
septenary
septim-
seventh
Latin
septimus
septimal, septime
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
septuagen-
seventy each
Latin
septuageni
septuagenary
septuagesim-
seventieth
Latin
septuagesimus
septuagesima, septuagesimal
septuagint-
seventy
Latin
septuaginta
Septuagint
sequ-, secut-
follow
Latin
sequere, from sequi, see also secutus
ser-, sat-
cultivate
Latin
serere, satus
sative
ser-
body fluid
Latin
serum
serous
ser-
late
Latin
serus
serein, serotine
serp-
crawl, creep
Latin
serpere, serptus
serpent
consecutive, consequence, ensue, non sequitur, obsequ
sequel, sequence, subsequent
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Latin
Etymology (root origin)
serra, serrare
English examples
serr-
saw, saw-toothed
serration
serv-
save, protect, serve Latin
servare
sesqui-
one and a half
Latin
sesqui
sesquicentennial
set-
bristle, hair
Latin
saeta
seta, setose
sever-
stern, strict, serious Latin
severus
severity
sex-, se-
six
Latin
sex
semester, sexangle, sexennium
sexagen-
sixty each
Latin
sexageni
sexagenary
sexagesim-
sixtieth
Latin
sexagesimus
sexagesimal
conserve, deserve, observe, preserve, reserve, servant,
subservient
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
sext-
sixth
Latin
sextus
sextant
sibil-
hiss
Latin
sibilus, sibilare
sibilance
sicc-
dry
Latin
siccus
desiccation
sider-
star
Latin
sidus, sideris
sidereal
sign-
sign
Latin
signum
design, designate, insignia, signal, signature, significant
sil-
quiet or still
Latin
silere
silence
silv-
forest
Latin
silva
silviculture
simi-
ape, monkey
Latin
simia
simian
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
assimilate, dissimilate, dissemble, ensemble, resemble,
simil-, simul-
likeness, imitating
Latin
simulare "to emulate", fromsimilis "alike" similitude, simulacrum, simular, simulate, simulation, sim
verisimilitude
singul-
one each
Latin
singulus
singular
sinistr-
left
Latin
sinister, sinistri
sinistral
sinu-
(to draw) a line
Latin
sinuare
insinuate
sinus-
hollow, bay
Latin
sinus
sinusoidal
siph-
tube
Greek
σίφων (siphōn)
siphon
sist-
cause to stand
Latin
sistere
assist, consist, desist, exist, insist, persist, resist, solstice
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
sit-
food, grain, wheat
Greek
σῖτος (sitos)
sitology
soci-
group
Latin
socius, sociare
associate, social
sol-
sun
Latin
sol, solis
solar, solstice
Latin
solari
consolation, console, solace
sol-
console, comfort,
soothe
sol-
alone, only
Latin
solus
desolate, sole, soliloquy, solipsism, solitaire, solitary, soli
solen-
pipe, channel
Greek
σωλήν (sōlēn)
solenoid
solv-, solut-
loosen, set free
Latin
solvere, solutus
absolute, absolve, dissolute, dissolve, resolute, resolve,
solvent
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
soma-
body
Greek
σῶμα, σώματος (sōma,sōmatos)
somatic
somn-
sleep
Latin
somnus
insomnia, somnambulist, somnolent
somni-
dream
Latin
somnium
somnial
son-
sound
Latin
sonus
resonance
soph-
wise
Greek
σοφός (sophos)
philosophy, sophism, sophist, sophisticate, sophomore, s
sopor-
deep sleep
Latin
sopor
sopor, soporific
sorb-, sorpt-
suck
Latin
sorbere
absorb, absorption
sord-
dirt
Latin
sordes, sordere
sordid
Root
soror-
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
English examples
Latin
soror
sorority
sparse-', -sperse sprinkle
Latin
spargere
asperse, aspersion, disperse, intersperse, sparse
spati-
space
Latin
spatium
spatial
look
Latin
specere
spect-
watch, look at
Latin
spectare
spectator
specul-
observe
Latin
speculari
speculation
sper-
hope
Latin
spes, sperare
desperation, esperance
sperm-
seed
Greek
σπέρμα (sperma)
angiosperm
spec-, -spic,spect-
sister
Etymology (root origin)
aspect, conspicuous, expect, inspect, introspective, pros
species, specific, specimen, specious, speculate, specta
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
sphen-
wedge
Greek
σφήν (sphēn)
sphenoid
spher-
ball
Greek
σφαῖρα (sphaira)
hemisphere, sphere, spheroid, stratosphere
sphinct-
closing
Greek
σφίγγα
sphincter
spic-
spike
Latin
spica
spicule
spin-
thorn
Latin
spina
spine
spir-
breathe
Latin
spirare
aspire, conspire, expire, inspire, perspire, respiration, spi
Latin
spondere, sponsus
respond
a surety, guarantee;
spond-,spons-
give assurance,
promise solemnly
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
spondyl-
vertebra
Greek
σπόνδυλος (spondylos)
spondylosis
spu-, sput-
spew, spit
Latin
spuere
sputum
squal-
scaly, dirty, filthy
Latin
squalere
squalid, squalor
squam-
scale
Latin
squama
squamous
squarros-
spreading at tips
Latin
squarrosus
squarrose
stare "to stand", also causative
circumstance, consist, constant, constitute, distant, extan
form statuere "to enact, set",
stamina, stance, stanchion, stanza, state, static, station,
from status"condition, position"
staunch, stay, substance, substitute, superstition
stagnare
stagnant
st-
stagn-
stand
pool of standing
water
Latin
Latin
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
σταλακτός (stalaktos)
stala-
dripping, trickling
Greek
andσταλαγμός (stalagmos), both
stalactite, stalagmite
from σταλάζειν(stallassein) "to drip"
stann-
tin
Latin
stannum
stannous
stasi-
standing, discord
Greek
στάσις (stasis)
static
statu-, -stitu-
stand
Latin
statuere
institution, statute
stear-
fat, tallow
Greek
στέαρ, στέατος (stear,steatos)
stearic acid
steg-
covering
Greek
στέγη (stegē), στεγανός (steganos)
steganography, Stegosaurus
stell-
star
Latin
stella
constellation, stellar
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
stell-
send
Greek
στέλλω (stellein)
apostle, epistle, stole
sten-
stand
Greek
στεναί (stenai)
apostasy, apostate
sten-
narrow
Greek
στενός (stenos)
stenography, stenosis
stere-
solid
Greek
στερεός (stereos)
stereometry
stern-, strat-
spread, strew
Latin
sternere, stratus
stratify
stern-
breastbone
Greek
στέρνον (sternon)
sternum
stich-
line, row
Greek
στίχος (stichos)
distich
stigmat-
mark, puncture
Greek
στίγμα (stigma)
astigmatic, stigma
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
still-
drip
Latin
stilla, stillare
distillation
stimul-
goad, rouse, excite
Latin
stimulus
stimulate
stin-
stand
Latin
stinare
destination, obstinate
stingu-,stinct-
apart
Latin
stinguere
distinction, distinguish
stoch-
aim
Greek
στόχος (stochos)
stochastic
stom-
mouth
Greek
στόμα (stoma)
stomatoplasty
streper-
noise
Latin
strepere
obstreperous
strept-
twisted
Greek
στρεπτός (streptos)
Streptococcus
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
strig-
compress
Latin
strix, strigis
strigogyps
strigos-
having stiff bristles
Latin
strigosus from striga
strigose
string-, strict-
tight, upright, stiff
Latin
stringere, strictus
astringent, constrain, constrict, constringe, restrict, strain
stroph-
turning
Greek
στροφή (strophē)
apostrophe
stru-, struct-
to make up, build
Latin
struere, structus
construct, construction, construe, destroy, destruct, instru
stud-
dedication
Latin
studere
student
stup-
wonder
Latin
stupere
stupid, stupor
styl-
column, pillar
Greek
στῦλος (stulos)
Stylites
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
su-, sut-
sew
Latin
suere, sutus
couture, suture
suad-, suas-
urge
Latin
suadere, suasus
persuasion
suav-
sweet
Latin
suavis
assuage, suave, suavity
below
Latin
sub
submarine, submerge, suffix, suggest, support
subter-
under
Latin
subter
subterfuge
sucr-
sugar
Latin
succarum
sucrose
sud-
sweat
Latin
sudare
exude, sudoriferous
sui-
self
Latin
sui
sui generis, suicide
sub-, su-, suf, sug-, sup-,sus-
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
sulc-
furrow
Latin
sum-
sum
Latin
sum-, sumpt-
take
Latin
Etymology (root origin)
sulcus
summare "to sum up",
fromsumma "sum"
sumere, sumptus
English examples
sulcus
consummate, consummation, sum, summa cum laude, s
assume, assumption, consume, consumption, presumpti
insuperable, soprano, sovereign, summit, superable, sup
superficial, superfluous, superheat, superimpose, superio
super-
above, over
Latin
super
supernal, supernatural, supernova, superposition, superp
supersonic, superstition, supervene, supervise, supreme
surround, survive
supin-
lying back
Latin
supinus
supination, supine
supra-
above, over
Latin
supra
supranationalism
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
surd-
deaf
Latin
surdus
absurdity
surg-
rise
Latin
surgere
resurgent
with
Greek
σύν (sun)
symbol, symmetry, sympathy, synchronous, synonym, sy
pipe
Greek
σύριγξ, σύριγγος (syrinx,syringos)
syringe
syn-, sy-, syl,sym-
syring-
T[edit]
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
tac-, -tic-
be silent
Latin
tacere, tacitus
reticent, reticence, tacit, taciturn
tach-
swift
Greek
ταχύς (tachus)
tachometer, tachycardia
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
taeni-
ribbon
Greek
ταινία (tainia)
taenidium, taeniodont, Taeniolabis
tal-
ankle
Latin
talus
talus bone
touch
Latin
tangere (past participle tactus)
tapet-
carpet
Latin
tapete, tapetis
tapestry, tapetum, tapis
tard-
slow
Latin
tardus
retard, tardigrade, tardy
tars-
ankle
Greek
ταρσός (tarsos, a flat basket)
tarsal
taur-
bull
Greek
ταῦρος (tauros)
Minotaur
taur-
bull
Latin
taurus
Taurus
tang-, -ting, tact-, tag-
attain, contact, contagious, contingent, contingency,
tangible
Root
tax-
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
arrangement,
order
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
Greek
τάξις (taxis)
taxonomy
techn-
art, skill
Greek
τέχνη (technē)
technology
teg-, tect-
cover
Latin
tegere, tectus
integument, protection
tele-
far, end
Greek
τῆλε (tēle)
telecast, telegram, telegraph, telepathy, telephone, t
tele-
complete
Greek
τέλος (telos)
teleology
temn-
cut
Greek
τέμνω (temnō)
Temnospondyli
tempor-
time
Latin
tempus, temporis
contemporaneous, contemporary, extemporaneous,
ten-, -tin-,tent- hold
Latin
tenere, tentus
abstain, contain, content, contents, continence, cont
detain, detention, maintain, pertain, pertinacious, pe
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
tenacious, tenacity, tenant, tenet, tenor, untenable
attend, contend, contention, contentious, extend, ext
tend-, tens-
stretch, strain
Latin
tendere (past participle tensus)
ostentatious, portend, portent, portentous, pretense,
tender, tensile, tension
tenu-
slender, thin
Latin
tenuare "make thin", fromtenuis "thin"
attenuate, extenuate, tenuous
tep-
be warm
Latin
tepere
tepid, tepor
ter-, trit-
rub
Latin
terere, tritus
attrition, contrite, detritus, trite
teret-
rounded
Latin
teres, teretis
subterete, teretial
terg-, ters-
wipe
Latin
tergere, tersus
detergent, terse
Latin
terminus
determine, terminal, termination
termin-
boundary, limit,
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
end
tern-
three each
Latin
terni
ternary, ternion
terr-
earth
Latin
terra
inter, subterranean, terrace, terracotta, terrain, terrar
terti-
third
Latin
tertius
tertian, tertiary
test-
witness
Latin
testis
attest, contest, detest, protest, testament, testify, tes
tetr-
four
Greek
τέσσαρες (tessares)
tetrahedron, tetrode
tex-, text-
weave
Latin
texere, textus
context, subtle, pretext, text, textile, texture
thalam-
chamber, bed
Greek
θάλαμος (thalamos)
hypothalamus
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
thalass-
sea
Greek
θάλασσα (thalassa)
Panthalassa, thalassemia
than-
death
Greek
θάνατος (thanatos)
euthanasia, thanatology
the-, thus-
god
Greek
θεός (theos)
atheism, enthusiasm, monotheism, polytheism, theo
the-
put
Greek
τίθημι (tithēmi), θήκη (thēkē)
thel-
nipple
Greek
θηλή (thēlē)
epithelium, thelium, thelial
theori-
speculation
Greek
θεωρία (theōria)
theorem, theory
ther-
beast, animal
Greek
θήρ, θηρός (thēr)
theroid, theropod
therm-
heat, warm
Greek
θερμός (thermos)
thermal, endotherm, hypothermia, thermometer, ther
antithesis, Bibliotheca, deem, doom, epithet, hypothe
theme, Themis, thesis
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
thym-
mood
Greek
θυμός (thumos)
dysthymia
thyr-
door
Greek
θύρα (thura)
thyratron
thyre-
large shield
Greek
θυρεός (thureos)
Thyreophora, thyroid, thyrotropin, thyroxine
tim-
be afraid
Latin
timere
timid, timorous
-tim-
most
Latin
ting-, tinct-
moisten
Latin
tingere, tinctus
tom-
cut
Greek
τομή (tome), τόμος (tomos)
-timus, e.g.
in intimus "inmost",optimus "best", ultimus "last"
intimate, intimation, optimum, ultimate
tincture
anatomy, appendectomy, atom, dichotomy, ectomy,
vasectomy
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
ton-
stretch
Greek
τόνος (tonos)
isotonic, monotone, tone
top-
place
Greek
τόπος (topos)
atopy, isotope, topiary, topic, topography, topology, t
torn-,tourn-
turn or rotate
tornare < τόρνος (tornos)
tornado, tournament
torpe-
be numb
Latin
torpere
torpent, torpid, torpor
torqu-, tort-
twist
Latin
torquere, tortus
contort, distort, extort, extortion, retort, torque, torsio
tot-
all, whole
Latin
totus
subtotal, total, totality
tox-
arrow, bow
Greek
τόξον (toxon)
antitoxin, intoxicate, toxic, toxology, toxoplasmosis
trab-
beam
Latin
trabs, trabis
trabeculae
Latin from
Greek
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
trachy-
rough
Greek
τραχύς (trachus)
trachea
trag-
goat
Greek
τράγος (tragos)
tragus
trah-, tract-
draw, pull
Latin
tractare, frequentative oftrahere, tractus
attract, contract, detract, retract, subtract, subtrahen
across
Latin
trans
intransigent, tradition, transact, transcend, transient,
trans-, tra,tran-
trapez-
four-sided, table Greek
τράπεζα (trapeza)
trapezius, trapezoid
traum-
wound
Greek
τραῦμα (trauma)
trauma, traumatic, traumatize
trecent-
three hundred
Latin
trecenti
trecentennial, trecentillion
tredec-
thirteen
Latin
tredecim
tredecimal
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
treiskaidek-
thirteen
Greek
τρεισκαίδεκα (treiskaideka)
triskaidekaphobia
trem-
tremble
Latin
tremere
tremor
trema-
hole
Greek
τρῆμα (trēma)
monotreme, trematode
trepid-
tremble
Latin
tri-
three
Greek
τρεῖς, τρία (treis, tria)
triad, trigon, triode, tripod
tri-
three
Latin
trēs
triangle, triumvirate, trivia
trib-
rub
Greek
τρίβειν (tribein)
diatribe, tribology
tribu-
pay
Latin
tribuere "to pay", from tribus
attribute, contribute, retribution, tribe, tribulation, tribu
trepidare "to tremble, hurry",
from trepidus "alarmed, scared"
intrepid, trepid, trepidation
Root
tricen-
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
thirty each
Latin
triceni
tricenary
thirtieth
Latin
tricesimus
trigesimal
trich-
hair
Greek
θρίξ, τριχός (thrix, trichos)
peritrichous, trichopathophobia, Trichoptera
trin-
three each
Latin
trini
trinary, trine, trinity
trit-
third
Greek
τρίτος (tritos)
tritagonist
tritic-
wheat
Latin
triticum
triticale
troch-
wheel
Greek
τροχός (trochos)
trochlea
trop-
turning
Greek
τρόπος (tropos)
heliotropism, psychotropic, tropic
tricesim,trigesim-
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
troph-
feed, grow
Greek
τροφή, τροφός (trophos)
dystrophy, pogonotrophy, trophic
truc-
fierce
Latin
trux, trucis
truculent
trud-, trus-
thrust
Latin
trudere, trusus
extrusion, intrude
tum-
to swell up
Latin
tumere
turb-
disturb
Latin
turba
disturb, perturb, turbid, turbine, turbulent,
tuss-
cough
Latin
tussis, tussire
pertussis
tympan-
drum
Greek
τύμπανον (tumpanon)
tympani
typ-
stamp, model
Greek
τύπος (tupos)
archetype, phenotype, prototype, type, typewriter, ty
contumely, contumacious, tumid, tumor, tumular, tum
tumultuous
U[edit]
Root
Meaning in English
Origin language
Etymology (root origin)
English exam
uber-
fruitful
Latin
uber, uberare
exuberant
uligin-
in marshes
Latin
uligo, uliginis
uliginous
ulo-
wooly
Greek
οὖλος (oulos)
Ulotrichi
ultim-
farthest
Latin
ultimus
ultimate, ultimatum
ultra-
beyond
Latin
ultra
ultrasonic
umbilic-
navel
Latin
umbilicus
umbilical
umbr-
shade, shadow
Latin
umbra
adumbrate, penumbra, umbrage, umbrella
un-
one
Latin
unus, unius
unanimous, unary, unicorn, unify, union, un
Root
Meaning in English
Origin language
Etymology (root origin)
English exam
unc-
hooked
Latin
uncus
uncinate, Uncinia
unci-
ounce, twelfth
Latin
uncia
uncial
und-
wave
Latin
unda
abundant, redundancy, undulate
undecim-
eleventh
Latin
undecimus
undecimal
unden-
eleven each
Latin
undeni
undenary
ungui-
claw, nail
Latin
unguis
unguiform
ungul-
claw, hoof
Latin
ungula
ungulate
ur-
tail
Greek
οὐρά (oura)
uroid, uroborus
ur-
urine
Greek
οὖρον (ouron)
urology
Root
Meaning in English
Origin language
Etymology (root origin)
English exam
urb-
city
Latin
urbs, urbis
suburbanite, urban, urbanism, urbanize
urg-
work
Latin
urgere
urgent
urs-
bear
Latin
ursus
Ursa Major, ursine, Ursus
ut-, us-
use
Latin
uti, usus
usual, utility
uv-
grape
Latin
uva
uvea
uxor-
wife
Latin
uxor
uxoricide
V[edit]
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
vac-
empty
Latin
vacare
evacuate, vacancy, vacant, vacate, vacation, vacuous, vacuum
vacc-
cow
Latin
vacca
vaccary, vaccination, vaccine
vacil-
waver
Latin
vad-,vas-
go
Latin
vadere
evade, pervasive
vag-
wander
Latin
vagus, vagare
vagabond, vague
val-
strength, worth Latin
valere
ambivalence, avail, equivalent, evaluate, prevail, valence, valiant, valid, valo
empty, vain,
vanus "empty",
van-
idle
Latin
vacillare "sway, be
untrustworthy"
alsovanescere "vanish"
vacillate, vacillation
evanescent, vain, vanish, vanity
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
vap-
lack (of)
Latin
vapor
evaporation, vapid, vaporize
vari-
vary
Latin
variare
variable, variance, variant, variate, variation, variety, various, vary
varic-
straddle
Latin
veh-,vect-
carry
Latin
vehere "to carry",vectus
invective, inveigh, vector, vehement, vehicle
vel-
veil
Latin
velum
revelation, velate
vell-,vuls-
pull
Latin
vellere, vulsus
convulsion
veloc-
quick
Latin
velox, velocis
velocity
ven-
vein
Latin
vena
intravenous, venosity, venule
varicare "to straddle",
from varus"bowlegged"
prevaricate
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
ven-
hunt
Latin
venari
venison
ven-,vent-
come
Latin
venire
vend-
sell
Latin
vendere
vendor, vending
vener-
respectful
Latin
venus, veneris
venerable, veneration, venereal
vent-
wind
Latin
ventus
ventilation, ventilator
ventr-
belly
Latin
venter, ventris
ventral
ver-
true
Latin
verus
aver, veracious, verdict, verify, verisimilar, verisimilitude, verity, very
verb-
word
Latin
verbum
verbal, verbatim, verbosity
advent, adventure, avenue, circumvent, contravene, convene, convenient, c
intervention, invent, prevent, revenue, souvenir, supervene, venue, venture
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
verber-
whip
Latin
verber
reverberation
verm-
worm
Latin
vermis
vermiform, vermin
vern-
spring
Latin
ver, vernus
vernal
vers-,vert-
vesic-
vesper-
vest-
turn
bladder
evening,
western
clothing,
garment
Latin
versus, past participle
of vertere
adverse, adversity, advertise, anniversary, avert, controversy, controvert, co
extrovert, introvert, inverse, invert, perverse, pervert, reverse, revert, subver
versatile, verse, version, versus, vertex, vertical, vertigo
Latin
vesica
vesical
Latin
vespera
vesperal
Latin
vestire "to clothe", related
to vestis"garment"
divest, invest, investiture, transvestite, travesty, vest, vestment
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
vestig-
track
Latin
vestigium
investigate, vestigial
vet-
forbid
Latin
vetare
veto
veter-
old
Latin
vetus, veteris
inveterate, veteran
vi-
way
Latin
via
deviate, obvious, via
vic-
change
Latin
vicis
vicar, vicarious, vice versa, vicissitude
twenty each
Latin
viceni
vicenary
twentieth
Latin
vicesimus
vicesimary, vicesimation, vigesimal
vicen,vigen-
vicesim,vigesim-
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
vid-, vis-
see
Latin
videre, visus
evident, provide, providence, provident, revise, supervise, video, visible, vis
vigil-
watchful
Latin
vigil, also vigilare
invigilate, reveille, surveillance, vigil, vigilance, vigilant, vigilante
vil-
cheap
Latin
vilis
revile, vile, vilify
vill-
country house
Latin
villa
villa, village, villain
vill-
shaggy hair
Latin
villus
velour, velvet, villiform
vin-
wine
Latin
vinum
vine, vinous
vinc-,vict-
conquer
Latin
vincere (past participle victus)
convict, convince, evict, evince, invincible, province, vanquish, victor, victory
vir-
man
Latin
vir
triumvirate, virility
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
vir-
green
Latin
virere
virid, viridian
visc-
thick
Latin
viscum
viscosity
viscer-
internal organ
Latin
viscus, visceris
eviscerate, visceral
vit-
life
Latin
vita
vital, vitamin
vitell-
yolk
Latin
vitellus
vitellogenesis
viti-
fault
Latin
vitium
vice, vitiate, vituperate
vitr-
glass
Latin
vitrum
vitreous, vitriol
viv-
live
Latin
vivere "to live", related
to vita "life"
convivial, revive, survive, viable, victuals, vital, vitality, vitamin, vivacious, viv
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
vocare (to call),
English examples
advocate, avocation, convocation, equivocal, equivocate, evoke, invocation,
voc-
call, voice
Latin
vol-
fly
Latin
vol-
will
Latin
volv-,volut- roll
Latin
volvere, volutus
convolution, devolve, evolve, involve, revolve, valve, vault, voluble, volume,
vom-
Latin
vomere
vomit
vor-,vorac- swallow
Latin
vorare, vorax
carnivorous, devour, herbivorous, locavore, omnivorous, voracious
vov-,vot-
Latin
vovere, votus
votive
discharge
vow
fromvox "voice" (genitivevocis) vocal, vocation, vociferous
volare
voluntas "will" fromvelle "to
wish"
volatility
benevolent, malevolent, velleity, volition, voluntary, Voluntaryism, volunteer,
Root
Meaning in
Origin
English
language
Etymology (root origin)
English examples
vulg-
crowd
Latin
vulgus
divulge, vulgarity, vulgate
vulner-
wound
Latin
vulnus, vulneris
vulnerable
vulp-
fox
Latin
vulpēs, vulpis
vulpine
X[edit]
Root
Meaning in
Origin
Etymology (root
English
language
origin)
English examples
xanth- yellow
Greek
ξανθός (xanthos)
xanthium, xanthochromia, xanthogenic, xanthophyll
xen-
foreign
Greek
ξένος (xenos)
xenoblast, xenogamy, xenophobia, xenon
xer-
dry
Greek
ξηρός (xēros)
xeroderma, xerography, xeromorph, xerophagy, xerophile, xerophyte
Root
Meaning in
Origin
Etymology (root
English
language
origin)
English examples
xiph-
sword
Greek
ξίφος (xiphos)
xiphisternum, xiphoid, xiphophyllous
xyl-
wood
Greek
ξύλον (xulon)
xylem, xylocarp, xyloid, xylophone
Z[edit]
Root
Meaning in
Origin
Etymology (root
English
language
origin)
English examples
zel-
zeal, jealousy
Greek
ζῆλος (zēlos)
zo-
animal, living being Greek
ζῷον (zōion)
zon-
belt, girdle
Greek
ζώνη (zōnē)
zonal, zone
zyg-
yoke
Greek
ζυγός (zugon)
heterozygous, zygote
jealousy, zeal, zealot
azotemia, protozoa, zoanthropy, zodiac, zoic, zoo, zoology,
zoomorphism, zoon, zooxanthella
Root
zym-
Meaning in
Origin
Etymology (root
English
language
origin)
ferment
Greek
ζύμη (zumē)
English examples
enzyme, lysozyme