List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of roots, suffixes, and prefixes used in medical terminology, their meanings, and
their etymology. There are a few rules when using medical roots. Firstly, prefixes and suffixes,
primarily in Greek, but also in Latin, have a droppable -o-. As a general rule, this -o- almost
always acts as a joint-stem to connect two consonantal roots, e.g. arthr- + -o- + logy =
arthrology. But generally, the -o- is dropped when connecting to a vowel-stem; e.g. arthr- + itis
= arthritis, instead of arthr-o-itis. Secondly, medical roots generally go together according to
language: Greek prefixes go with Greek suffixes and Latin prefixes with Latin suffixes.
Although it is technically considered acceptable to create hybrid words, it is strongly preferred to
not mix different lingual roots.
Prefix or
suffix
Meaning
a-, an-
Denotes an absence of
ab-
away from
abdomin(o)-
Of or relating to the
abdomen
-ac, -acal
pertaining to
acanth(o)-
thorn or spine
acous(io)acr(o)-acusis
-ad
adaden(o)-,
aden(i)-
Origin language and
etymology
Ancient Greek ἀ-/ἀν- (a/an-), without, not
Latin
Latin (abdōmen),
abdomen, fat around the
belly
Greek -ακός (-akos)
Ancient Greek ἄκανθα
(akantha), thorn
Greek ἀκουστικός
Of or relating to hearing (acoustikos), of or for
hearing
Greek ἄκρον (akron),
extremity, topmost
highest or farthest point
Greek ἀκουστικός
hearing
(acoustikos), of or for
hearing
toward, in the direction
of
increase, adherence,
Latin
motion toward, very
Ancient Greek ἀδήν,
Of or relating to a gland ἀδέν- (adēn, aden-), an
acorn; a gland
Example(s)
Apathy, Analgia
Abduction
Abdomen
cardiac, hydrophobiac,
pharmacomaniacal
acanthion, acanthocyte,
acanthoma, acanthulus
acoumeter, acoustician
Acrocrany, acromegaly,
acroosteolysis, acroposthia
paracusis
dorsad
Adduction
Adenocarcinoma,
adenology, adenotome,
adenotyphus
Of or relating to fat or
Latin (adeps, adip-), fat
Adipocyte
fatty tissue
Of or relating to adrenal
Latin
adrenal artery
adren(o)glands
Greek ἀναιμία, without
-aemia (BrE) blood condition
Anaemia
blood
air, gas
Greek ἀήρ, ἀέρος
Aerosinusitis
aer(o)aesthesiosensation
Greek αἴσθησις
Anesthesia
(BrE)
pertaining to
Latin -alis
abdominal
-al
Denoting a white or pale
Latin albus, white
Albino
albcolor
pain
Greek ἄλγος
Analgesic
alge(si)pain
Greek
Myalgia
-algia
pain
Greek
Myalgia
alg(i)oDenoting something as
Ancient Greek ἄλλος
different, or as an
Alloantigen, allopathy
allo(allos), another, other
addition
Denoting something as
positioned on both
Latin (ambi-, ambo), both,
Ambidextrous
ambisides; Describing both on both sides
of two
Pertaining to the
membranous fetal sac Greek ἄμνιον
Amniocentesis
amnio(amnion)
amph-,
Amphicrania, amphismela,
on both sides
Greek ἀμφί (amphi)
amphomycin
amphinot, without
Greek
Analgesia
anback, again, up
Greek
Anaplasia
anaanus
Latin
an(o)
pertaining to a man
Greek ἀνήρ, ἀνδρAndrology, android
andr(o)blood vessel
Greek ἀγγεῖον
Angiogram
angi(o)Describing something as Ancient Greek ἄνῑσος
Anisotropic, anisocytosis
anisounequal
(anīsos), unequal
ankyl(o)-,
Denoting something as Ancient Greek ἀγκύλος
Ankylosis
crooked or bent
(ankýlos), crooked, curved
ancyl(o)Describing something as
Latin (āntē), before, in
positioned in front of
antepartum
antefront of
another thing
Describing something as Ancient Greek αντι (anti),
Antibody, antipsychotic
anti'against' or 'opposed to' against
adip(o)-
apoarch(i,e,o)
arteri(o)-
another
separated from, derived
Ancient Greek ἀπό
from
archinephron : first formed
kidney
first, primitive
Of or pertaining to an
artery
Apoptosis
Ancient Greek ἀρτηρία
(artēría), a wind-pipe,
artery (used distinctly
versus a vein)
Ancient Greek αρθρος
(arthros), a joint, limb
Latin articulum
Latin -arius
Greek διάστασις, division
Greek, ἀσθένεια
Artery, Arteriole
aut(o)-
Of or pertaining to the
joints, limbs
joint
pertaining to
enzyme
weakness
imperfect or incomplete
development
process
Latin
an atrium (esp. heart
atrium)
Of or pertaining to the
Latin (auris), the ear
ear
self
Greek αὐτο-
aux(o)-
increase; growth
axill-
Of or pertaining to the
armpit [uncommon as a Latin (axilla), armpit
prefix]
Axilla
nitrogenous compound
azothermia : raised
temperature due to
nitrogenous substances in
blood
arthr(o)articul(o)-ary
-ase
-asthenia
atel(o)
-ation
atri(o)aur(i)-
azo(to)
Arthritis
Articulation
bilary tract
Lactase
Myasthenia gravis
atelocardia : imperfect
development of the heart
atrioventricular
Aural
Autoimmune
auxocardia : enlargement of
the heart
[edit] B
Prefix/suffix
balanobibioblast(o)-
Meaning
Of the glans penis or
glans clitoridis
twice, double
life
germ or bud
Origin language and etymology
Example(s)
Greek βάλανος - balanos, acorn,
Balanitis
glans
Latin
Ancient Greek βίος
Biology
Greek βλαστός
Blastomere
blephar(o)brachi(o)brachybradybronch(i)bucc(o)burs(o)-
Ancient Greek βλέφαρον
(blépharon), eyelid
Latin (brachium), from Ancient
Of or relating to the arm
Greek βραχίων (brachiōn), arm
Indicating 'short' or less Ancient Greek βραχύς (brachys),
commonly 'little'
short; little, shallow
Ancient Greek βραδύς (bradys),
Indicating 'slow'
slow
Of or pertaining to the
eyelid
Brachium of inferior
colliculus
brachycephalic
Bradycardia
Bronchiolitis
obliterans
bronchus
Of or pertaining to the
cheek
bursa
Blepharoplast
Latin (bucca), cheek
Buccolabial
Latin
Bursitis
[edit] C
Prefix/suffix
Meaning
Of or pertaining to hair
capillPertaining to the head (as
capita whole)
cancer
carcin(o)Of or pertaining to the
cardi(o)heart
carp(o)cata-cele
-centesis
cephal(o)cerat(o)cerebell(o)cerebr(o)cervic-
Of or pertaining to the
wrist
down, under
pouching, hernia
surgical puncture for
aspiration
Of or pertaining to the
head (as a whole)
Of or pertaining to the
cornu; a horn
Of or pertaining to the
cerebellum
Of or pertaining to the
brain
Of or pertaining to the
neck, the cervix
Origin language and etymology
Example(s)
Latin (capillus), hair
Capillus
Latin (caput, capit-), the head
Capitation
Greek καρκίνος (karkinos), crab
Carcinoma
Ancient Greek καρδία (kardía),
Cardiology
heart
Latin (carpus) < Ancient Greek
καρπός (karpós), wrist; NOTE: This
Carpopedal
root should not be confused with the
mirror root carp(o)- meaning fruit.
Greek κατά (kata)
Cataract
Ancient Greek κήλη (kēlē)
Hydrocele
Ancient Greek κέντησις (kentēsis)
Amniocentesis
Ancient Greek κεφαλή (képhalē),
Cephalalgy
the head
Ancient Greek κέρας, κερατ- (kéras,
Ceratoid
kerat-), a horn
Latin (cerebellum), little brain
Cerebellum
Latin (cerebrum), brain
Cerebrology
Latin (cervix, cervīc-), neck, cervix Cervicodorsal
chem(o)chir(o)-,
cheir(o)-
chemistry, drug
Of or pertaining to the
hand
chlor(o)-
Denoting a green color
chol(e)-
Of or pertaining to bile
cholecyst(o)-
Of or pertaining to the
gallbladder
cartilage, gristle, granule,
granular
chrom(ato)- color
-cidal, -cide killing, destroying
Of or pertaining to the
cilia, the eyelashes;
cilieyelids
Denoting something as
circum'around' another
on this side
cisbreak
clast
with, together, in
coassociation
col-, colo-,
colon
colonoOf or pertaining to the
colp(o)vagina
with, together
comagainst
contra
with, together
corcor-, core-, Of or pertaining to eye's
pupil
coroOf or pertaining to the
heart [Uncommon as a
cordiprefix]
Applied to processes and
parts of the body
cornudescribing them likened
or similar to horns
Of or pertaining to the
cost(o)ribs
chondr(i)o-
Greek χημεία
Ancient Greek χείρ, χειρο- (cheir,
cheiro-), hand
Ancient Greek χλωρός (chloros),
green, yellow-green
Ancient Greek χολή (cholē), bile
Ancient Greek χοληκύστις
(cholēkýstis), gallbladder < χολή
(cholē), bile, gall + κύστις (kýstis),
bladder
Chemotherapy
Chiropractor
Chlorophyll
Cholaemia
Cholecystectomy
Ancient Greek χονδρός (chondros) Chondrocalcinosis
Ancient Greek χρῶμα
Latin
Hemachromatosis
< Latin (cilium), eyelash; eyelid
Ciliary
Latin (circum), around
Circumcision
Latin (cis)
Greek κλαστός
Latin
Colonoscopy
Ancient Greek κόλπος (kólpos),
bosom, womb; hollow, depth
Latin
Latin
Latin
Ancient Greek κόρη (kórē), girl,
doll; pupil of the eye
Latin (cor, cordi-), heart
Colposcopy
Contraindicate
Corectomy
Commotio cordis
Latin (cornū), horn
Latin (costa), rib
Costochondral
coxcrani(o)-crine
cry(o)cutanecyan(o)cyclcyph(o)cyst(o)-,
cyst(i)cyt(o)-cyte
Of or relating to the hip,
Latin (coxa), hip
haunch, or hip-joint
Latin (cranium) < Ancient Greek
Belonging or relating to
κρᾱνίον (krānion), the cranium,
the cranium
skull, bones enclosing the brain
to secrete
cold
Greek κρύος
skin
Latin
Ancient Greek κύανος, κυάνεος
Denotes a blue color
(kýanos, kyáneos), blue
circle, cycle
Greek κύκλος (kuklos)
Denotes something as
Ancient Greek κυφός (kȳphós),
bent [uncommon as a
bent, hunchback
prefix]
Of or pertaining to the
Ancient Greek κύστις (kýstis),
urinary bladder
bladder; cyst
cell
Greek κύτος
cell
Greek
Coxopodite
Craniology
Endocrine
Cryoablation
Subcutaneous
Cyanopsia
Cyphosis
Cystotomy
Cytokine
Leukocyte
[edit] D
Prefix/suffix
Meaning
dacryo-
tear
dactyl(o)-
Of or pertaining to a finger, toe
de-
away from, cessation
dent-
Of or pertaining to teeth
dermat(o)-,
derm(o)-
Of or pertaining to the skin
-desis
dextr(o)didi-
binding
right, on the right side
two
apart, separation
dia-
(same as Greek meaning)
dif-
apart, separation
Of or pertaining to the finger [rare
as a root]
digit-
Origin language and
etymology
Greek δάκρυ
Ancient Greek δάκτυλος
(dáktylos), finger, toe
Latin deLatin (dens, dentis),
tooth
Ancient Greek δέρμα,
δέρματ- (dérma, démat-),
skin, human skin
Greek δέσις (desis)
Latin dexter
Greek διLatin
Ancient Greek διά (diá),
through, during, across
Latin
Latin (digitus), finger,
toe
Example(s)
Dactylology
Dentist
Dermatology
arthrodesis
Dextrocardia
Diacetyl
Digit
disdors(o)-,
dors(i)duodenodynam(o)-dynia
dys-
separation, taking apart
Latin dis-
Of or pertaining to the back
Latin (dorsum), back
Dissection
dorsal,
Dorsocephalad
duodenum, twelve: upper part of the
small intestine (twelve inches long Latin duodeni
Duodenal atresia
on average), connects to the stomach
force, energy, power
Greek δύναμις (dunamis)
pain
Vulvodynia
Dysphagia,
bad, difficult
Greek δυσdysphasia
[edit] E
Prefix/suffix
Meaning
-emesis
pertaining to
out, away
outer, outside
expansion, dilation
Denotes a surgical
operation or removal of a
body part. Resection,
excision
vomiting condition
-emia
blood condition (AmE)
-eal
ecect(o)-ectasis
-ectomy
encephal(o)endoenter(o)-
Of or pertaining to the
brain. Also see Cerebro.
Denotes something as
'inside' or 'within'
Of or pertaining to the
intestine
epi-
[Same as Greek meaning:
on, upon]
episi(o)-
Of or pertaining to the
pubic region, the loins
erythr(o)-
Denotes a red color
-esophageal, gullet (AmE)
esophago
Origin language and
etymology
Latin
Greek ἐκ- (ek-)
Greek ἐκτός
Ancient Greek ἔκτασις
Ancient Greek ἐκτομή
(ectomē), excision
Greek ἕμεσις
Greek ἀν-αιμία, without
blood
Ancient Greek ἐγκέφαλος
(enképhalos), the brain
Ancient Greek ἐνδο(endo-), inside, internal
Ancient Greek ἔντερον
(énteron), intestine
Ancient Greek ἐπι- (epi-),
before, upon, on, outside,
outside of
Ancient Greek ἐπίσιον(epísion), the pubic area,
loins; vulva
Ancient Greek ἐρυθρός
(erythros), red
Greek οἰσοφάγος
Example(s)
Ectopic pregnancy
Bronchiectasis
Mastectomy
Hematemesis
Anemia
Encephalogram
Endocrinology,
Endospore
Gastroenterology
Epistaxis, epicardium,
episclera, epidural
Episiotomy
Erythrocyte
sensation (AmE)
true, good, well, new
out of, away from
Denotes something as
'outside' another
outside
esthesioeuexexoextra-
Greek αἴσθησις
Greek
Eukaryote
Latin
Ancient Greek ἐξω- (exoExoskeleton
), outside of, external
Latin
[edit] F
Prefix/suffix
Meaning
faci(o)-
Of or pertaining to the face
fibr(o)
filli-form, iform
fossa
fiber
fine, hair like
Used to form adjectives indicating
'having the form of'
front-
Of or pertaining to the forehead
Origin language and
etymology
Latin (faciēs), the face,
countenance
Example(s)
Facioplegic
Fibroblast
Latin (forma), form, shape
Cuneiform
Latin (fossa), ditch, pit
Latin (frōns, front-), the
forehead
fossa ovalis
Frontonasal
[edit] G
Prefix/suffix
galact(o)gastr(o)-
-gen
-genic
genugingivglauc(o)-
Origin language and
etymology
milk
Greek γάλα, γαλακτAncient Greek γαστήρ
Of or pertaining to the
(gastēr), γαστρ-, stomach,
stomach
belly
(1) Denotes the sense
Ancient Greek -γενής ('born in, from' (2) Denotes genēs) < γεν-νάειν (genthe sense 'of a certain kind' náein), to be born
Formative, pertaining to
Greek
producing
Of or pertaining to the
Latin (genū), knee
knee
Of or pertaining to the
Latin (gingīva), gum
gums
Ancient Greek γλαῦκος
Denoting a grey, bluish(glaúkos), grey, bluishgrey color
grey
Meaning
Example(s)
Galactorrhea
Gastric bypass
(1) Endogen; (2)
Heterogenous
Cardiogenic shock
Genu valgum
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
gloss(o)-,
glott(o)-
Of or pertaining to the
tongue
glucoglyco-
glucose
sugar
gnath(o)-
Of or pertaining to the jaw
-gnosis
-gram
knowledge
seed, semen; also,
reproductive
record or picture
-graph
record or picture
gon(o)-
process of recording
-graphy
gyn(aec)o- (BrE),
woman
gyn(ec)o- (AmE)
Ancient Greek γλῶσσα,
γλῶττα (glōssa, glōtta),
tongue
Greek γλυκός, sweet
Ancient Greek γνάθος
(gnáthos), jaw
Greek
Ancient Greek γόνος
Glossology
Glucocorticoid
Glycolysis
Gnathodynamometer
diagnosis, prognosis
Gonorrhea
Greek γράμμα
Angiogram
Ancient Greek -γραφία (graphía), written, drawn, Electrocardiograph
graphic interpretation
Angiography
Greek γυνή, γυναικ-
Gynecomastia
[edit] H
Origin language and
Example(s)
etymology
Classical Latin to wander
to wander in mind
Hallucinosis
hallucin mind
Latin (hæma) < Ancient
Hematology, older
hemat-, haematoOf or pertaining to blood Greek αἵμα, αἱματ- (haima,
form Haematology
(haem-, hem-)
haimat-), blood
Hematological
blood (AmE)
Greek
hema or hemomalignancy
Ancient Greek ἡμι- (hēmione-half
Cerebral hemisphere
hemi), "half"
Ancient Greek ἥπαρ,
Of or pertaining to the
ἡπατο- (hēpar, hēpato-),
Hepatology
hepat- (hepatic-)
liver
the liver
Denotes something as 'the Ancient Greek ἕτερος
other' (of two), as an
(héteros), the other (of
Heterogeneous
heter(o)addition, or different
two), another; different
sweat
Greek ἱδρωτHyperhidrosis
hidr(o)tissue
Greek ἱστός
Histology
hist(o)-, histioAncient Greek ὅμοιος
similar
Homeopathy
home(o)(homoios)
Denotes something as 'the Ancient Greek ὁμοHomosexuality
hom(o)Prefix/suffix
Meaning
same' as another or
common
Of or pertaining to the
shoulder (or [rarely] the
upper arm)
water
Denotes something as
'extreme' or 'beyond
normal'
Denotes something as
'below normal'
Of or pertaining to the
womb, the uterus
humer(o)hydr(o)hyperhyp(o)hyster(o)-
(homo-), the same,
common
Incorrect Etymology <
Latin (umerus), shoulder
Greek ὕδωρ
Ancient Greek ὑπέρ
(hyper), over, above;
beyond, to the extreme
Ancient Greek ὑπ(ο)(hypo-), below, under
Ancient Greek ὑστέρα
(hystéra), womb
Humerus
Hydrophobe
Hypertension
Hypovolemia,
Hysterectomy
[edit] I
ileo-
Origin language and
etymology
condition
Greek -ίασις
Of or pertaining to medicine, or a
Ancient Greek ἰᾱτρός
physician [uncommon as a prefix;
(iātrós), healer,
common as as suffix, see -iatry]
physician
Ancient Greek ἰᾱτρός
Denotes a field in medicine of a certain
(iātrós), healer,
body component
physician
pertaining to
Greek -ικός (-ikos)
small
Latin
Latin -ica < Greek < organized knowledge, treatment
ικά
Greek ἴδιος, idios,
self, one's own
"one's own"
ileum
Greek ἰλεός
infra-
below
Latin
inter-
between, among
Latin
intra-
within
Latin
irid(o)-
iris
Prefix/suffix
-i-asis
iatr(o)-
-iatry
-ic
-icle
-ics
idio-
ischio-
Meaning
Greek ἴρις
Ancient Greek ἰσχιόν
Of or pertaining to the ischium, the hip(ischión), hip-joint,
joint
ischium
Example(s)
Mydriasis
Iatrochemistry
Podiatry,
Psychiatry
Hepatic artery
Ovarian follicle
Idiopathic
Ileocecal valve
Infrahyoid
muscles
Interarticular
ligament
Intracranial
hemorrhage
Iridectomy
Ischiorrhogic
-ism
-ismus
condition, disease
spasm, contraction
Dwarfism
iso-
Denoting something as being 'equal'
-ist
-ite
-itis
-ium
isch-
one who specializes in
the nature of, resembling
inflammation
structure, tissue
Restriction
Greek -ισμός
Ancient Greek ἴσος
(ísos), equal
Greek -ιστής (-istes)
Greek -ίτης
Greek ἴσχω
Isotonic
Pathologist
Hermaphrodite
Tonsillitis
pericardium
Ischemia
[edit] K
Prefix/suffix
karyokerat(o)kin(e)-, kin(o), kinesi(o)koil(o)kyph(o)-
Meaning
nucleus
cornea (eye or skin)
movement
hollow
humped
Origin language and etymology
Greek κάρυον, "nut"
Greek
Greek κινέω
Greek κοῖλος (koilos)
Greek κυφός
Example(s)
Eukaryote
Keratoscope
Kinesthesia
Koilocyte
Kyphoscoliosis
[edit] L
labi(o)-
Of or pertaining to the lip
Origin language and
etymology
Latin (labium), lip
lacrim(o)-
tear
Latin
Prefix/suffix
Meaning
lact(i)-, lact(o) milk
Of or pertaining to the abdomenlapar(o)wall, flank
Of or pertaining to the larynx, the
lower throat cavity where the
laryng(o)voice box is
Latin
Ancient Greek λαπάρᾱ
(lapárā), flank
Ancient Greek λάρυγξ,
λαρυγγ- (lárynx, laryng-),
throat, gullet
latero-
lateral
Latin
lei(o)-
smooth
Greek λεῖος
-lepsis, -lepsy attack, seizure
lept(o)leuc(o)-,
leuk(o)-
light, slender
Denoting a white color
Greek λῆψις
Greek λεπτός (leptos)
Ancient Greek λευκός
(leukos), white, bright
Example(s)
Labiodental
Lacrimal
canaliculi
Lactation
Laparotomy
Larynx
Lateral pectoral
nerve
Leiomyoma
Epilepsy,
narcolepsy
Leukocyte
lingu(a)-,
lingu(o)lip(o)lith(o)log(o)-logist
-logy
lymph(o)lys(o)-, -lytic
-lysis
Of or pertaining to the tongue
Latin (lingua), tongue
Linguistics
fat
stone, calculus
speech
Greek λίπος
Greek λίθος
Greek λόγος
Ancient Greek λογιστής
(logistēs), studier,
practitioner
Ancient Greek λόγoς (logos)
study
Greek λέμφος, λύμφη
Greek
Greek λύσις
Liposuction
Lithotripsy
Denotes someone who studies a
certain field: _____-logy
Denotes the academic study or
practice of a certain field
lymph
dissolution
Destruction, separation
Oncologist,
pathologist
hematology,
urology
Lymphedema
Lysosome
Paralysis
[edit] M
Prefix/suffix
macr(o)-malacia
mamm(o)mammill(o)manu-
Meaning
large, long
softening
Of or pertaining to the
breast
Of or pertaining to the
nipple
Of or pertaining to the
hand
Origin language and
etymology
Greek μακρός
Greek μαλακία
Example(s)
Macrophage
Osteomalacia
Latin (mamma), breast; udder Mammogram
Latin (mammilla), nipple
Latin (manus), hand
Manufacture
mast(o)-
Of or pertaining to the
breast
Ancient Greek μαστός
(mastós), breast, women's
Mastectomy
breast; man's pectoral muscle
meg(a)-,
megal(o)-, megaly
enlargement
Greek μέγας
melan(o)-
black color
melos
mening(o)-
extremity
membrane
mero-
part
mes(o)-
middle
meta-
after, behind
Splenomegaly
Ancient Greek μέλας, μελανοMelanin
(melas, melano-), black; dark
Ancient Greek μέλος
erythromelalgia
Greek μῆνιγξ, μηνιγγMeningitis
merocrine,
Greek μέρος (meros), part
meroblastic
Ancient Greek μέσος (mesos),
Mesoderm
"middle"
Greek μετά
Metacarpus
measurement
process of measuring
Pertaining to conditions
or instruments of the
uterus
denoting something as
small, or relating to
smallness
Greek μέτρον
Greek -μετρία
mon(o)-
single
Greek μονός
morph(o)-
form, shape
Greek μορφή
muscul(o)-
muscle
Latin
my(o)-
Of or relating to muscle
myc(o)-
fungus
myel(o)-
Of or relating to bone
marrow
myring(o)myx(o)-
eardrum
mucus
-meter
-metry
metr(o)-
micro-
Sphygmomanometer
Optometry
Ancient Greek μήτρᾱ (mētrā),
Metrorrhagia
womb, uterus
Ancient Greek μικρός
(mikros), small
Ancient Greek μῦς, μυ- (mys,
my-), muscle; mouse; mussel
Greek μύκης, μυκητAncient Greek μυελόν
(myelon), marrow; bonemarrow
Latin myringa
Greek μύξα
Microscope
Infectious
mononucleosis
Morphology
Musculoskeletal
system
Myoblast
Onychomycosis
Myeloblast
Myringotomy
Myxoma
[edit] N
narc(o)nas(o)-
numb, sleep
Of or pertaining to the nose
Origin language and
etymology
Greek νάρκη
Latin (nāsum), nose
necr(o)-
death
Greek νεκρός
neo-
new
Prefix/suffix
nephr(o)-
nerv-
neur(i)-,
neur(o)normo-
Meaning
Greek νέος
Ancient Greek νεφρός
Of or pertaining to the kidney
(nephrós), kidney
Latin (nervus), tendon;
Of or pertaining to nerves and the
nerve; Cognate with the
nervous system [Uncommon as a
Greek νευρον (neuron) (see
root: neuro- mostly always used]
below)
Ancient Greek νεῦρον
Of or pertaining to nerves and the
(neuron), tendon, sinew;
nervous system
nerve
normal
Latin
Example(s)
narcolepsy
nasal
Necrotizing
fasciitis
Neoplasm
Nephrology
Nerve
Neurofibromatosis
Normocapnia
[edit] O
Prefix/suffix
ocul(o)odont(o)odyn(o)-oesophageal,
oesophago(BrE)
-oid
ole
Meaning
Of or pertaining to
the eye
Of or pertaining to
teeth
pain
gullet
resemblance to
small or little
Denoting something
as 'having little,
olig(o)having few'
Of or pertaining to
om(o)the shoulder
-oma (singular), - tumor, mass,
omata (plural)
collection
Of or pertaining to
the navel, the
omphal(o)umbilicus
tumor, bulk, volume
oncoOf or pertaining to
the nail (of a finger
onych(o)or toe)
Of or pertaining to
the an egg, a
oowoman's egg, the
ovum
Of or pertaining to
oophor(o)the woman's ovary
Of or pertaining to
ophthalm(o)the eye
optic(o)-
Of or relating to
chemical properties
of the eye
or(o)-
Of or pertaining to
the mouth
Origin language and
etymology
Latin (oculus), the eye
Ancient Greek ὀδούς, ὀδοντ(odoús, odont-), tooth
Greek ὀδύνη
Example(s)
Oculist
orthodontist
stomatodynia
Greek οἰσοφάγος
Greek -οειδής
Latin
Sarcoidosis
Ancient Greek ὀλίγος (oligos),
Oligotrophy
few
Ancient Greek ὠμός (ōmos),
shoulder
Omoplate
Greek -ωμα
Sarcoma, Teratoma
Ancient Greek ὀμφαλός
Omphalotomy
(omphalós), navel, belly-button
Greek ὄγκος
Ancient Greek < ὄνυξ, ὀνυχο(ónyx, ónycho-), nail; claw;
talon
Ancient Greek ᾠόν, ᾠο- (ōón,
ōo-), egg, ovum
Oncology
Onychophagy
Oogenesis
Neoclassical Greek ᾠοφόρον
Oophorectomy
(ōophóron), ovary, egg-bearing
Ancient Greek ὀφθαλμός
Ophthalmology
(ophthalmós), the eye
Middle French (optique) <
Greek ὀπτικός (optikós);
Opticochemical
Cognate with Latin oculus,
relating to the eye
Latin (ōs, or-), mouth
Oral
orchi(o)-,
orchidoorth(o)-osis
osseoossiost(e)-, oste(o)ot(o)-ous
ovari(o)ovo-, ovi-, ovoxooxy-
Greek ὀρχις (orkhis, orkhi-)
testis
Orchiectomy,
Orchidectomy
Denoting something Ancient Greek ὀρθός (orthos),
Orthodontist
as straight or correct straight, correct, normal
Harlequin type
a condition, disease
Greek -ωσις
ichthyosis, Psychosis,
or increase
osteoperosis
bony
Latin
Peripheral ossifying
bone
Latin
fibroma
bone
Greek ὀστέον
Osteoporosis
Of or pertaining to
Ancient Greek οὖς, ὠτ- (ous,
Otopathy
the ear
ōt-), the ear
pertaining to
Latin -osus
Of or pertaining to
Latin (ōvarium), ovary
Ovariectomy
the ovaries
Of or pertaining to
Latin (ōvum), egg, ovum
Ovogenesis
the eggs, the ovum
addition of oxygen Greek ὀξύς
sharp, acid, acute,
Greek ὀξύς
oxygen
[edit] P
Prefix/suffix
pachypalpebrpan-, pant(o)-
papill-
papul(o)para-paresis
parvo-
Meaning
thick
Of or pertaining to the eyelid
[uncommon as a root]
Origin language and
Example(s)
etymology
Greek παχύς
pachyderma
Latin (palpebra), eyelid Palpebra
Ancient Greek πᾶς,
Denoting something as 'complete' or
παν- (pas, pan-), all,
containing 'everything'
every
Latin (papilla), nipple;
Of or pertaining to the nipple (of the
dimunitive of papula
chest/breast)
(see below)
Latin (papula), pimple,
Indicates papulosity, a small
pustle; a small
elevation or swelling in the skin, a
elevation or swelling in
pimple, swelling
the skin
alongside of, abnormal
Ancient Greek παρά
slight paralysis
Greek πάρεσις
small
Latin parvus
panophobia,
panopticon
Papillitis
Papulation
hemiparesis
Parvovirus
path(o)-
disease
-pathy
Denotes (with a negative sense) a
disease, or disorder
ped-, -ped-, pes
pelv(i)-,
pelv(o)-penia
peo-
Greek πάθος
Ancient Greek πάθος
(pathos), suffering,
accident
hip bone
Latin
-pexy
phaco-
lens-shaped
-phage, phagia
Forms terms denoting conditions
relating to eating or ingestion
perperi-
-phagophagist-:
-phagy
phallopharmacopharyng(o)-phil(ia)
phleb(o)-
sociopathy,
neuropathy
Of or pertaining to the foot; -footed Latin (pēs, pēd-), foot Pedoscope
Greek πενία
Greek πέος (peos)
Ancient Greek πεπτός
(peptós) cooked,
Denotes something relating to
digested < πέσσω
digestion, or the digestive tract.
(péssō) I boil, cook;
digest
through
Latin
Denoting something with a position Ancient Greek περί
'surrounding' or 'around' another
(peri), around
fixation
Greek πῆξις
-pepsia
Pathology
deficiency
Of or pertaining to the penis
Greek φακός
Pelvis
osteopenia
Peotomy
Dyspepsia
Periodontal
Nephropexy
phacolysis,
phacometer,
phacoscotoma
Ancient Greek φαγία
(phagía) eating <
Sarcophagia
φαγεῖν (phagein) to eat
eating, devouring
Greek -φάγος
phagocyte
Forms nouns that denote a person
Ancient Greek
who 'feeds on' the first element or φαγιστής (phagistēs) Lotophagi
part of the word
eater; see -phagia
Forms nouns that denotes 'feeding Ancient Greek φαγία
on' the first element or part of the
(phagia) eating; see - Anthropophagy
word
phagia
phallus
Greek φαλλός (phallos) Aphallia
drug, medication
Greek φάρμακον
pharmacology
Ancient Greek φάρυγξ,
Of or pertaining to the pharynx, the φαρυγγ- (phárynx,
Pharyngitis,
upper throat cavity
pháryng-), throat,
Pharyngoscopy
windpipe; chasm
attraction for
Greek φιλία
Hemophilia
Ancient Greek φλέψ,
Of or pertaining to the (blood)
Phlebography,
φλεβ- (phleps, phleboveins, a vein
Phlebotomy
), blood-vessel, vein
phob(o)phon(o)phos-
phot(o)phren(i)-,
phren(o)-,
phrenico
-plasia
-plasty
-plegia
pleio-
exaggerated fear, sensitivity
sound
Of or pertaining to light or its
chemical properties, now historic
and used rarely. See the common
root phot(o)- below.
Of or pertaining to light
formation, development
surgical repair, reconstruction
paralysis
more, excessive, multiple
Of or pertaining to the ribs
-plexy
stroke or seizure
pneum(o)-
Of or pertaining to the lungs
pneumat(o)pod-, -pod-, pus
-poiesis
air, lung
polio-
Denoting a grey color
poly-
Denotes a 'plurality' of something
por(o)-
pore, porous
porphyr(o)-
Denotes a purple color
pre-
Of or pertaining to the foot, -footed
production
Denotes something as 'after' or
'behind' another
Denotes something as 'before'
another (in [physical] position or
arachnophobia
Ancient Greek φῶς,
φωτ- (phōs, phōt-),
light
Phosphene
Ancient Greek φῶς,
φωτ- (phōs, phōt-),
light
Photopathy
[[diaphragm (anatomy)|diaphragm],
Greek φρήν, φρενthe mind]
pleur(o)-,
pleur(a)
post-
Greek φόβος
Greek φωνή
Phrenic nerve,
schizophrenia
Greek πλάσις
Achondroplasia
Greek πλαστός
rhinoplasty
Greek πληγή
paraplegia
Greek pleion
pleiomorphism
Latin (pleura) <
Ancient Greek πλευρόν
Pleurogenous
(pleurón), rib, side of
the body
Greek πλῆξις
Cataplexy
Ancient Greek
πνεύμων, πνευμονPneumonocyte,
(pneumōn, pneumon-),
Pneumonia
lung < πνεῦμα
(pneuma), wind, spirit
Ancient Greek πούς,
Podiatry
ποδ- (poús, pod-), foot
hematopoiesis
Ancient Greek πολιός
Poliomyelitis
(poliós), grey
Ancient Greek πολυς
Polymyositis
(polys), much, many
Ancient Greek
πορπύρα (porphýra),
purple
Latin (post), after,
behind
Medieval Latin (pre-)
< (Classical) Latin
Porphyroblast
Postoperation,
Postmortem
Prematurity
time)
old age
Denotes something as 'first' or
'most-important'
Denotes something as 'before'
another (in [physical] position or
time)
anus, rectum
presby(o)primproproct(o)prot(o)-
Denotes something as 'first' or
'most-important'
pseudo-
Denotes something false or fake
psych(e)-,
psych(o)
Of or pertaining to the mind
(præ), before, in front
of
Greek
Latin (prīmus), first,
most important
Ancient Greek προ
(pro), before, in front
of
-ptysis
pulmon-,
pulmo-
Of or relating to the lungs.
pyel(o)pyopyro-
pelvis
pus
fever
Primary
Procephalic
proctology
Ancient Greek πρωτος
(prōtos), first;
Protoneuron
principle, most
important
Ancient Greek ψυχή
(psyché), breath, life,
soul
falling, drooping, downward
placement, prolapse
(a spitting), spitting, hemoptysis, the
spitting of blood derived from the
lungs or bronchial tubes
-ptosis
Presbyopia
Psychology,
Psychiatry
Apoptosis
Latin (pulmo, pulmōn-,
usually used in plural),
a lung
Ancient Greek (pyelos)
Greek πύον
Greek πῦρ, πυρετός
pulmonary
Pyelonephritis
Pyometra
Antipyretic
[edit] Q
Prefix/suffix
quadr(i)-
Meaning
four
Origin language and etymology
Latin
Example(s)
quadriceps
[edit] R
Prefix/suffix
radiorerect(o)-
Meaning
radiation
again, backward
rectum
Origin language and
etymology
Latin
Latin
Latin
Example(s)
radiowave
relapse
Latin (rēnes), kidney
renal
reticul(o)retrorhabd(o)-
Of or pertaining to the
kidney
net
backward, behind
rod shaped, striated
Latin
Latin
Greek ῥάβδος
retroverted
rhachi(o)-
spine
Greek ῥάχις
rachial, rachialgia,
rachidian, rachiopathy
rhin(o)-
Of or pertaining to the nose
rhod(o)-
Denoting a rose-red color
-rrhage
-rrhagia
-rrhaphy
-rrhea
(AmE)
-rrhexis
-rrhoea
(BrE)
burst forth
rapid flow of blood
surgical suturing
Ancient Greek ῥίς, ῥῑνο(rhīs, rhīno-), nose
Ancient Greek ῥόδον
(rhódon), rose
Greek -ρραγία
Greek -ρραγία
Greek ῥαφή
flowing, discharge
Greek -ρροια
rupture
Greek ῥῆξις
flowing, discharge
Greek -ρροια
ren(o)-
rubr(o)-
Of or pertaining to the red
Latin (ruber), red
nucleus of the brain
rhinoceros, rhinoplasty
Rhodophyte
Hemorrhage
Galactorrhea
Diarrhoea
Rubrospinal
[edit] S
Prefix/suffix
salping(o)sangui-,
sanguinesarcoschist(o)-
Meaning
Of or pertaining to the fallopian
tubes
Of or pertaining to blood
muscular, fleshlike
split, cleft
schiz(o)-
Denoting something 'split' or
'double-sided'
scler(o)-sclerosis
scoli(o)-
hardness
hardening of the skin
twisted
Origin language and
etymology
Ancient Greek σάλπιγξ,
σαλπιγγ-, (sálpinx,
salpingo-) trumpet
[literally]
Latin (sanguis, sanguin), blood
Greek σάρξ, σαρκGreek σχιστός (schistos)
Ancient Greek σχιζω;
Irregular formation of
the verb σχίζειν
(schizein), to cut, split
Greek σκληρός
Greek
Greek σκολιός (skolios)
Example(s)
Salpingectomy
Sanguine
sarcoma
Schizophrenia
atherosclerosis
Multiple sclerosis
scoliosis
-scope
-scopy
semisial(o)sigmoid(o)sinistr(o)-
instrument for viewing
use of instrument for viewing
one-half, partly
saliva, salivary gland
sigmoid, sigmoid colon
left, left side
sinus-
Of or pertaining to the sinus
sitosomat(o)-,
somaticospasmosperma-,
spermo-,
spermatosplanchn(i)-,
splanchn(o)splen(o)-
food, grain
Greek -σκόπος
Greek -σκοπία
Latin
Greek σίαλος (sialos)
Greek σιγμοειδής
Latin
Latin (sinus), a curve,
bend, bay
Greek σῖτος
body, bodily
Greek σῶμα
spasm
Greek σπασμός
semen, spermatozoa
Greek σπέρμα (sperma) Spermatogenesis
viscera
Greek σπλάγχνον
spondyl(o)squamos(o)-stasis
-staxis
sten(o)-
steth(o)sthenostom(a)
stomat(o)-stomy
subsupersupra-
stethoscope
endoscopy
sialagogue
Sinusitis
Greek σπλήν, σπληνSplenectomy
Greek σπόνδυλος /
Of or pertaining to the spine, the
σφόνδυλος, (spóndylos / Spondylitis
vertebra
sphóndylos), the spine
Denoting something as 'full of
Latin (sqāmōsus), full of
Squama
scales' or 'scaly'
scales; scaly
stop, stand
Greek στάσις
dripping, trickling
Greek στακτός
Denoting something as 'narrow in
Ancient Greek στενός
shape' or pertaining to narrowStenography
(stenos), narrow; short
ness
Of or pertaining to the upper
Ancient Greek στῆθος
chest, chest, the area above the
Stethoscope
(stēthos), chest, cuirass
breast and under the neck
strength, force, power
Greek σθένος
stomatognathic
mouth
Greek στόμα
system
Ancient Greek στόμα,
Of or pertaining to the mouth
στοματ- (stóma, stomat- Stomatogastric
), mouth
creation of an opening
Greek -στομία
colostomy
beneath
Latin
subcutaneous tissue
in excess, above, superior
Latin
superior vena cava
above, excessive
Latin
supraorbital vein
spleen
sy(l)-, sym-,
syn-, sys-
Indicates similarity, likeness, or
being together; Assimilates
Ancient Greek συνbefore some consonants: before l
(syn), with, together
to syl-, s to sys-, before a labial to
sym-.
Synalgia,
Synesthesia,
Syssarcosis
[edit] T
Origin language and
etymology
Denoting something as fast,
Ancient Greek ταχύς
tachyirregularly fast
(tachys), fast, quickly
Latin
-tension, -tensive pressure
Ancient Greek θήκη
case, sheath
thec(theke)
Of or pertaining to a nipple
Ancient Greek θηλή
thel(e)-, thel(o)[uncommon as a prefix]
(thēlē), a teat, nipple
Ancient Greek θῆλυς
Denoting something as
(thēlys), female,
thely'relating to a woman, feminine'
feminine
heat
Ancient Greek θερμός
therm(o)Of or pertaining to the upper Latin (thōrāx) <
thorac(i)-,
chest, chest; the area above the Ancient Greek θώραξ
thorac(o)-,
breast and under the neck
(thōrax), chest, cuirass
thoracicoAncient Greek θρόμβος
Of or relating to a blood clot,
(thrómbos), lump,
thromb(o)clotting of blood
piece, clot of blood
thyroid
Greek θυρεο-ειδής
thyr(o)Greek: "thymos," spirit,
emotions
soul; courage; breath,
thym(o)(ia)mind, emotions
pertaining to
Greek -τικός
-tic
childbirth
Greek τόκος
tococutting instrument
Greek τομή
-tome
act of cutting; incising,
Greek -τομία
-tomy
incision
tone, tension, pressure
Greek τόνος
tonotension
Greek -τονία
-tony
place, topical
Greek τόπος
top(o)tox(i)-, tox(o)-,
toxin, poison
Greek τοξικόν
toxicotrachea
Greek τραχεία
trache(o)Prefix/suffix
Meaning
Example(s)
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Intrathecal
Theleplasty
Thelygenous
Thorax
Thrombus,
Thrombocytopenia
dysthymia
Gastrotomy
Toxoplasmosis
Of or pertaining to the neck
trachel(o)-
Ancient Greek
τράχηλος (tráchēlos),
neck
Denoting something as
Latin (trāns), across,
moving or situated 'across' or
through
'through'
Ancient Greek θρίξ,
trich(i)-, trichia, Of or pertaining to hair, hairτριχ(ο)- (thríx, trich(o)like structure
trich(o)), hair
crushing
Greek τρίψις
-tripsy
nourishment, development
Greek -τροφία, τροφή
-trophy
eardrum
Greek τύμπανον
tympan(o)trans-
Tracheotomy
Transfusion
Trichotomy
Lithotripsy
Pseudohypertrophy
Tympanocentesis
[edit] U
Prefix/suffix
-ula, -ule
ultraumbilic-
Origin language and
Example(s)
etymology
Latin
Nodule
Latin
Latin (umbilīcus), navel,
Umbilical
belly-button
Unguiform,
Latin (unguis), nail, claw
Ungual
Unilateral
Latin (unus)
hearing loss
Meaning
small
beyond, excessive
Of or pertaining to the navel, the
umbilicus
ungui-
Of or pertaining to the nail, a claw
un(i)-
one
ur(o)-
Of or pertaining to urine, the urinary
system; (specifically) pertaining to the
physiological chemistry of urine
Ancient Greek οὖρον
(ouron), urine
uri(c)-,
urico-
uric acid
Greek οὐρικός
urin-
Of or pertaining to urine, the urinary
system
uter(o)-
Latin (ūrīna), urine <
Ancient Greek ουρον
(ouron), see above.
Latin (uterus), womb,
Of or pertaining to the uterus or womb
uterus
Urology
Uriniferous
Uterus
[edit] V
Prefix/suffix
vagin-
Meaning
Of or pertaining to the vagina
Origin language and
etymology
Latin (vāgīna), sheath,
scabbard
Example(s)
Vagina
varic(o)vas(o)vasculovenventr(o)-
swollen or twisted vein
duct, blood vessel
blood vessel
Of or pertaining to the (blood)
veins, a vein [used in terms
pertaining to the vascular system ]
Of or pertaining to the belly; the
stomach cavities
vesic(o)-
Of or pertaining to the bladder
viscer(o)-
Of or pertaining to the internal
organs, the viscera
Latin
Latin
Latin
varicose
vasoconstriction
Latin (vēna), blood-vessel,
vein
Vein,
Venospasm
Latin (venter), the belly, the
Ventrodorsal
stomach; the womb
Latin (vēsīca), bladder;
Vesica
blister
Latin (viscera), internal
organs; plural of (viscerum), Viscera
internal organ
[edit] X
Prefix/suffix
xanth(o)xen(o)-
Origin language and
Example(s)
etymology
Ancient Greek ξανθός
Xanthopathy
(xanthós), yellow
Greek ξένος (xenos), stranger Xenograft
Meaning
Denoting a yellow color, an
abnormally yellow color
Foreign, different
[edit] Y
Prefix/suffix
Meaning
condition or process of
-y
Origin language and etymology
Latin -ia < Greek -ία
Example(s)
Surgery
Origin language and etymology
Greek ζῷον
Greek ζύμη
Example(s)
[edit] Z
Prefix/suffix
Meaning
animal, animal life
zo(o)fermentation, enzyme
zym(o)-
This section contains lists of different root classification (e.g. body components, quantity,
description, etc.). Each list is alphabetized by English meanings, with the corresponding Greek
and Latin roots given.
[edit] Roots of the Body
[edit] Roots of Bodily Concepts
Bodily Concept
Greek Root
Latin Root
Other Root
Digestion
Disease
Eating
-pepsia
-pathy
-phagia
-
-
[edit] Roots of body parts and components
(Internal Anatomy, External Anatomy, Body Fluids, Body Substances)
Body Part/Component
abdomen
aorta
arm
armpit
artery
back
big toe
bladder
blood clot
blood vessel
body
bone
bone marrow, marrow
brain
breast
chest
cheek
ear
eggs, ova
Greek Root
lapar(o)aort(o)brachi(o)arteri(o)cyst(o)haemat-, hemat- (haem-,
hem-)
thromb(o)angi(o)somat-, somoste(o)myel(o)encephal(o)mast(o)steth(o)ot(o)oo-
Latin Root
abdominaort(o)axilldorsallicvesic(o)sangui-,
sanguinevascul-, vascorporossimedullcerebr(o)mamm(o)buccaurov-
eye
ophthalm(o)-
ocul(o)-
eyelid
face
fallopian tubes
fat, fatty tissue
finger
forehead
gallbladder
blephar(o)salping(o)lip(o)dactyl(o)cholecyst(o)-
cili-; palpebrfaci(o)adipdigitfront(o)fell-
blood
Other Root
optic(o)
[French]
-
genitals, sexually undifferentiated
gland
glans penis or clitoridis
gums
hair
hand
head
heart
hip, hip-joint
horn
intestine
jaw
kidney
knee
lip
liver
loins, pubic region
gon(o)-, phall(o)aden(o)balan(o)trich(o)cheir(o)-, chir(o)cephal(o)cardi(o)cerat(o)enter(o)gnath(o)nephr(o)goncheil(o)-, chil(o)hepat(o)- (hepatic-)
episi(o)-
lungs
pneumon-
marrow, bone marrow
mind
mouth
muscle
nail
navel
neck
nerve; the nervous system
nipple, teat
nose
ovary
pelvis
penis
pupil (of the eye)
rib
rib cage
shoulder
sinus
skin
myel(o)psychstomat(o)my(o)onych(o)omphal(o)trachel(o)neur(o)thelerhin(o)oophor(o)pyel(o)pe(o)cor-, core-, coropleur(o)thorac(i)-, thorac(o)om(o)dermat(o)- (derm-)
gingivcapillmanucapit(o)cordicoxcornurengenulabi(o)jecorpudendpulmon(i)(pulmo-)
medullmentorunguiumbiliccervicnervpapill-, mammillnasovari(o)pelv(i)cost(o)humer(o)sinuscut-, cuticul-
-
skull
stomach
testis
throat (upper throat cavity)
throat (lower throat cavity/voice
box])
thumb
tooth
tongue
toe
tumour
ureter
crani(o)gastr(o)orchi(o)-, orchid(o)pharyng(o)-
ventr(o)-
-
laryng(o)-
-
-
odont(o)gloss-, glottdactyl(o)cel-, onc(o)ureter(o)-
-
urethra
urethr(o)-, urethr(a)-
urine, urinary System
uterine tubes
uterus
vagina
vein
vulva
womb
wrist
ur(o)sarping(o)hyster(o)-, metr(o)colp(o)phleb(o)episi(o)hyster(o)-, metr(o)carp(o)-
pollicdent(i)lingu(a)digittumureter(o)urethr(o)-,
urethr(a)urin(o)sarping(o)uter(o)vaginvenvulvuter(o)carp(o)-
-
[edit] Roots of Color
Color
black
blue
gray, grey
green
purple
red
red-yellow
white
yellow
Greek Root in English
melanocyanopoliochlor(o)porphyr(o)erythr(o)-, rhod(o)cirrh(o)leuc-, leukxanth(o)-
[edit] Roots of Description
[Size, Shape, Strength, etc.]
Latin Root in English
nigrvirpurpur-, purpureorub-, rubralbflav-
Other Root
jaun - [French]
Description
bad, incorrect
bent, crooked
big
biggest
broad, wide
cold
dead
equal
false
female, feminine
flat
good, well
great
hard
heavy
hollow
huge
incorrect, bad
large; extremely large
largest
long
male, masculine
narrow
new
normal, correct; straight
old
sharp
short
small
smallest
slow
fast
soft
straight, normal, correct
thick
varied, various
well, good
Greek Root in English
cac(o)-, dysankyl(o)mega-, megal(o)megisteurycry(o)necr(o)is(o)pseud(o)thelyplatyeumega-, megal(o)scler(o)bar(o)coel(o)megal(o)cac(o)-, dysmegamegistmacr(o)arsenosten(o)neoorth(o)paleooxybrachymicr(o)bradytachymalac(o)orth(o)pachypoikiloeu-
Latin Root in English
mal(e)prav(i)magn(i)maximlat(i)frigmortequ(i)fals(i)plan(i)ben(e)-, bon(i)magn(i)dur(i)grav(i)cavmagn(i)mal(e)magn(i)maximlong(i)virangust(i)nov(i)rectveteracbrev(i)parv(i)- (rare)
minimtard(i)celermoll(i)rect(i)crass(i)variben(e)-
Other Root
-
eury-
wide, broad
lat(i)-
[edit] Roots of position
Greek
Description Root in
English
periaround
left
levo-
mes(o)middle
dexi(o)right
surrounding peri-
Latin Root Other
in English Root
circumlaev(o)-,
sinistrmedidextr(o)circum-
-
[edit] Roots of quantity
(Amount, Quantity)
double
equal
few
Greek
Root in
English
diploisooligo-
dupliequipauci-
half
hemi-
semi-
poly-
multi-
-
dis-
bis-
-
Description
many,
much
twice
Latin Root
in English
Other
Root
demi(French)
-