Medical Terminology Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
a-
without, lack of, no
-aesthesia
ab-
away from, negative
condition involving
sensation
abdomin-
abdomen, belly
-aesthetic
a person’s sensation of
something
-ac
pertaining to
aeti-
cause
ac-
toward, near to,
addition to
af-
toward, near to,
addition to
acanth-
spiny, thorn
ag-
acar-
mite, itch
toward, near to,
addition to
-aceous
pertaining to
-age
rate, action or process
acet-
vinegar
-agnosia
loss of faculty to
perceive
acetab-
saucer
-agogue, -agog
acou-
hearing, sound
expulsing, inducing,
stimulating, leading
-acousia
condition of hearing
-agra
pain or painful seizure
-acoustic
pertaining to the
organs of hearing
-al
pertaining to
ala-
wing
acr-
extremities ie head,
hands, feet
alb-
white
actin-
ray
alg-, algesi-
pertaining to sense of
pain
acu-
sudden, sharp, severe
-algesia
sensitivity to pain
-acy
state or quality of
-algia
pain
-ad
toward (a specific
terminus)
ali-
wing
ad-
toward, near to,
addition to
aliment-
food, nourishment
-alis
pertaining to
aden-
gland
all-
-adenia
condition of the glands
other, different,
abnormal
adenoid-
gland-like, glandular
alveol-
air sac, small hollow,
cavity
adip-
fat, fatty tissue
ambi-
both, about, around
-adol
an analgesic
ambly-
dim, dull
adren-
adrenal gland
ametr-
disproportionate
-aemia
condition or presence
of blood
amm-
sand
aemia-
blood
amnio-
aesthesi-
feeling or perception
pertaining to the
amnion (foetal
membrane)
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
1
Medical Terminology Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
amph-
on both sides
-arche
beginning
amyl-
starch
argyr-
silver
an-
anus, anal
aristo-
best
-arit
anti arthritic drug
arrhen-
male
arter-
artery
arteriol-
small artery
arthr-
joint
articul-
joint
1
2
an-
up, back, again
an-2
without, lack of, not
-ance
quality or state
-ancy
quality or state
andr-
man, male
angi-
vessel
anis-
unequal, dissimilar
ankyle-
fused or bent
-ary
pertaining to
anomalo-
uneven, irregular
as-
toward, near to
-ans
“ing”
pertaining to an
ante-
before, prior to, in
front of in time or
place
-ase
enzyme
-aster
star shaped
antero-
anterior, forward
aster-, astr-
star
anth-
flower, floral
asthen-
weak, weakness
-anthema
specific type of rash
-asthenia
weakness
anthra-
coal, charcoal, carbon
at-
toward, near to
anthrop-
man or human being
-ate
anti-
against, combating,
alleviating
to use, act like, make
into, subject to
atel-
imperfect, incomplete
antr-
antrum, sinus
ather-
fatty degeneration
ankyle-
bent or crooked
atm-
steam or vapour
ap-1
toward, near to
-atresia
condition of occlusion
2
ap-
away from, derived
from, separation
atreto-
closed, imperforate
aph-
away from, derived
from, separation
atri-
upper chamber of heart,
atrium
api-
bee
-atrophia
aqua-
water
condition of
malnutrition
-ar
pertaining to
audi-
hearing, sound
arch-
chief, first, beginning
aur-
ear
auri-
gold
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
Medical Terminology
Combined Terms
Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
auricul-
flap of ear, appendage
of atrium of heart
brachi-
arm, especially upper
arm
auto-
self, spontaneous,
independent
-brachia
anatomic condition of
the arm
aux-
growth, increase
brachy-
short
-auxe
enlargement
brady-
slow, dull
axi-
axis, axle
branchi-
gill
axilla-
armpit
breph-
azot-
nitrogen, urea
embryo, foetus, new
born infant
bacill-
rod shaped bacterium
brevi-
short
balan-
glans penis
brom-
odour, stench
bar-
pressure
bronch-
bronchus
bar-
weight, pressure
bry-
full of life
bary-
heavy, deep, low,
difficult
bucc-
cheek
-bund
prone to
cac-
bad, diseased,
deformed, ill
-cace
bad, diseased,
deformed
caen-
new, recent
-caine
local anaesthetic
substance
calc-1
lime, limestone
basi-
foundation or base
-basia
ability to walk
bath-
depth, downward,
lower
bi-
twice, double
bibli-
book
bin-
twice, double
bio
live, pert. to life
2
calc-
heel
-biosis, -biotic
life
calor-
heat
bis-
twice, double
cancer-
cancer
-blast
embryonic state of
development
cancr-
cancer
blast-
bud, formative cell,
germ, nucleus
canth-
angle at slit for eyelids
capill-
hair
blenn-
mucus
capit-
head
blephar-
eyelid, eyelash
-capnia
-blepharia
condition of the eyelid
presence of carbon
dioxide
-blepsia
condition of sight
caps-
capsule, container
-blepsy
condition of sight
caput-
heat
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
3
Medical Terminology Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
carcin-
cancer
cephal-
head
-carcinoma
malignant tumour
-cephalia, -cephaly condition of the head
cardi-
heart
cer-
-cardia
type of heart action or
location
cerat-1
cornea
2
horny tissue
-cardiac
types and locations of
heart ailments
cerebell-
cerebellum
-carp
fruit
cerebr-
brain
carp-
wrist
-cerebral
pertaining to the brain
cary-
nucleus
cervic-, cervix
neck or neck of an
organ
case-
resembling cheese
cat-1
chalc-
copper, brass
down, against
cat-2
chancr-
cancer
with, completely
cheil-, chil-
lip
cath-
with, completely, down
cheir-, chir-
hand
-catharic
pertaining to cleaning
-chesia
condition of defecation
cau-, caus-
burn, burning
-chezia
condition of defecation
caud-
tail like, lower part of
the body
-chirurgia
treatment of illness or
deformity
caul-
stem
chlor-
green, chlorine
cav-
hollow
cel-1
chol-
gall, bile
cavity of the body
cel-2
cholangi-
bile vessel or passage
hernia tumour or
swelling
choledoch-
common bile duct
-cele
hernia, tumour or
swelling
chondr-
cartilage
-chondria
condition of worrying
about disease
cen-
4
cerat-
wax
1
general, common
cen-2
new, recent
chord-
cord, string
cente-
puncture
-chorea
disorder
a specified nervous
-centesis
puncture (to remove
fluid)
chori-
protective foetal
membrane
centi-
hundredth part,
hundred
-chroia
colouration
condition of
centr-
center, central
chrom-
coloured, pigment
-centric
with a centre
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
Medical Terminology
Combined Terms
Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
-chromasia
condition of colour
-coccus
berry shaped organism
-chromatic
staining properties of
tissues
coccyg-
coccyx
coel-1
cavity of the body
coel-2
hernia, tumour or
swelling, hollow
coel-3
colon
-coele
chamber, ventricle,
normal cavity of the
body
coen-
general, common
chron-
time
chyle-
digested fats
-chylia
condition of digestive
juices
-cide
killer, killing
cili-
eyelash, eyelid
cilia-
hair, hairlike,
cine-
movement
circum-
around, surrounding
cirrho-
orange-yellow
cis-
on this side
clas-
a piece broken off
-clasia
breaking up, crushing
-clasis
to break or crush
-clast
something that breaks
clast-
an instrument for
surgical breaking
1
with, together
2
col-
colon
colp-
vagina
com-
with, together
-comma
a piece of a structure
con-
with, together
con-
dust
contra-
against. opposite
cor-
with, together
cor-
heart
col-
-clastic
causing disintegration
core-
pupil of the eye
-cle
diminutive
corp-
body
cleid-
clavicle
cost-
rib
-cleisis
closure, conclusion
crani-
skull
cleist-, clist-
closed
-crania
clin-
to bend or make lie
down
condition of skull or
head
-crasia
condition of a mixture
-clinous
pertaining to ancestry
-cratia
-clonia
involving spasms
condition of
incontinence
-cnemia
condition of leg below
knee
cresc-
to grow
cric-
ring
crin-
to separate
co-
with, together
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
5
Medical Terminology Terms
6
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
-crine
secretion (as of a
gland)
dec-
ten, tenth
deka-
multiple of ten
-crotic
pulse, heartbeat
dem-
people, population
crur-
pertaining to the leg
demi-
half
cry-
cold, freezing, frost
-demic
crypt-
hidden, covered, occult
relating to a disease in
a specified region
-cule
dimutive
dendr-
tree or branches
-culum
dimutive
-dendron
treelike formation
-culus
dimutive
dent-
tooth
-current
running, flowing,
happening
der-
neck
derm-
skin
-cusis
hearing
-dermia
condition of the skin
cusp-
point
des-
cyan-
blue
undoing, reversal,
depriving, freeing from
cycl-
circle, ring, ciliary
body, round, recurring
-desis
binding, fixation
desm-
cymbo-
boat shaped
bond, connective
tissue, ligaments
cyn-
dog, doglike
-desma
bridging or connecting
cyrt-
bent, curved
deuter-
secondary, second
-cyst
bladder, a sac of fluid
dextr-
right
cyst-
bladder, sac of fluid
di-
-cystic
condition of having
cysts
two, twice, double,
reversal, separation,
apart from
cyt-
cell
dia-
-cyte
cell
through, across,
between, apart,
complete
-cythemia
condition of cells in
blood
digit-
finger, toe
diplo-
double, twin
dacry-
tears, lacrima
-dipsia
condition of thirst
dactyl-
digit, toe, finger
dis-
-dactylia
condition of fingers or
toes
two, twice, double,
reversal, separation,
apart from
de-
undoing, reversal, loss,
removal, down, from
dodec-
twelve
dolich-
long, narrow
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
Medical Terminology
Combined Terms
Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
-donita
condition /treatment of
teeth
ecto-
out, outer, out of place
-ectomy
surgical removal of
dont-
tooth
-ectopia
dors-
of or on the back, after
an organ or part out of
place
-dorsal
pertaining to the back
ectro-
congenital absence
drom-
running or construction
-edema
swell
-drome
that which runs in a
specified way
ef-
-duct
draw
outside, out, to
protrude, over, away,
less
duo-
two
-egasia
interfunctioning of the
mind and body
duoden-
duodenum
ele-
oil
dy-
two
electr-
electricity
dynam-
power, energy, motion
-ellum
dimutive
-dynamia
condition of strength
elytr-
vagina
-dynamy
condition of strength
em-
-dynia
a painful condition
inside, within, into, in,
on
dys-
painful, difficult,
abnormal
-ema
condition of
embry-
foetus
outside, out, to
protrude, over, away,
less
emet-
vomiting
-emetic
pertaining to vomit
e-
-eal
pertaining to
-emia
blood
1
house
emnea-
nine
2
outside, out, to
protrude, over, away,
less
-empyema
accumulation of pus
en-
inside, within, into, in
-echia
condition of holding
-ence
quality or state
echin-
spine or spiny
encephal-
brain
-ecoia
condition of hearing
-encephalia
condition of the brain
-ectasia
expansion, stretch,
dilate
-encephaly
condition of the brain
-enchyma
liquid that nourishes
tissues
-ency
quality or state
endo-
inside, within, into, in
ecec-
-ectasis
-ectasy
expansion, stretch,
dilate
expansion, stretch,
dilate
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
7
Medical Terminology Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
-ent
agent
ex-
ent-
within, inner
outside, out, to
protrude, over, away,
less
enter-
intestine
exo-
eole-
oil
outside, outer layer,
out of
-eous
pertaining to,
composed of, like
extra-
outside of, out, over,
beyond, in addition to
ep-
upon, in addition to,
beside, among, on the
outside, over
extro-
outside, outward
faci-
face
-facient
making, causing
-faction
process of making
fasci-
band of fibrous tissue
-fast
securely attached,
confined, resistant to
febri-
fever
-febrile
pertaining to fever
-fer
something that
carries
-ferous
bearing, producing,
carrying
epi-
8
upon, in addition to,
beside, among, on the
outside, over
episi-
vulva
equi-
equal
-er
agent, person
concerned, instrument
erg-
pertaining to work,
activity
-ergetic
effect of activity
-ergic
effect of activity
-ergy
effect or result
ferr-
iron
ergy-
action
fibr-
fiber
erot-
love or sexual desire
-fibroma
-erotic
sexual love or desire
benign tumour of
fibrous tissue
erythr-
red
-fication
process of making
-escent1
become like
fila-
thread or threadlike
-escent2
emmiting or reflecting
light
fiss-
split or cleft
flav-
yellow
-flect
to bend
-flex
to bend
-esis
action, process or
result of
eso-
within
flu-
flow
eu-
well, good, normal,
easily
-fluent
to flow
eury-
broad, wide
flux
flow
foet-
foetus or foetal
for-
place or opening
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
Medical Terminology
Combined Terms
Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
fore-
front or before
geny-
under the jaw
-form, -forme
having a shape or form
ger-
old age
fract-
breaking
geront-
old age
front-
frontal, forehead
-gerous
-fuge
drives away
bearing or
characterised by
fus-
spindle
-geusia
condition of the sense
of taste
-fuse
to pour or flow
-geustia
-fy
to make into something
specified
condition of the sense
of taste
giganto-
huge
-fying
making
gingiva
gum
galact-
milk, milky fluid
glia-
gluelike
gam-
marriage, union
glossa-
tongue, language
gamet-
reproductive cell
-glossia
condition of the tongue
-gamy
marriage or sexual
union
glott-
glottis
gangli-
knot or knotlike mass
gluc-
glucose
gastr-
stomach, abdominal
glyc-
sweet, sugar, glucose
ge-
earth or soil
-glycaemia
condition of sugar in
blood
gelat-
freeze, congeal
gn-
know or discern
gemin-
twin
gnath-
jaw
-gen
that which generates
-gnathia
condition of the jaw
gen-
1
to become or produce
-gnomy
science of judging
gen-
2
race, kind, sexual
-gnosia
condition of perceiving
-gene
that which generates
-gnosis
knowledge
-genesia
condition concerning
information
gon-
knee
-genesis
origin, reproducing
gon-
sexual, seed, semen
geni-
chin
goni-
corner, angle
-genia
condition of the jaw
goni-
angle
-genic
origin, formation, to
produce
-gony
birth, origin
gony-
knee
knee
-gram
a drawing, writing,
record
genu-
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
9
Medical Terminology Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
granul-
grain, granule
hept-
seven
graph-
writing
heter-
product of writing or
drawing
other, different,
abnormal
hex-
six
hidr-, hidr-
sweat, perspiration
hier-1
sacrum
hier-2
religion
1
-graph
2
-graph
machine for making
something drawn
-grapher
one who produces
writing or drawing
1
condition marked by
markings or tracings
hist-
tissue
-graphia2
psychological
abnormality revealed
through handwriting
holo-
entire, whole
hom-
common, like, same
-graphy
action of recording or
printing
homeo-
like, similar, same
homo-
same
gravid-
pertaining to
pregnancy, or pregnant
horm-
urge, stimulate
hyal-
gravis-
heavy
resembling glass,
vitreous
gymno-
nakedness
-graphia
10
gyn-
female, female
reproductive organs
-gyne
female characteristics
gyr-
hydr-1
2
water, wet
hydr-
hydrogen
-hydria
level of fluid in the
body
circular movement
hygr-
moisture, humidity
haem-
blood
hyl-
hal-
salt, halogen
material, substance,
matter
hal-
salt
hymen-
hymen, membrane
hallux-
big toe
hyper-
hapl-
single, simple
above, beyond,
excessive
hect-
one hundred
hypo-
below, deficient, under
hel-
horn, corn
hyps-
height
helc-
ulcer
hypsi-
high
heli-
the sun
hyster-
womb, uterus
helic-
spiral, snail, helix
-ia
a specified condition or
disease
-helminth
worm
-iac
pertaining to
hemi-
half
-iasis
hepat-
liver
disease produced by or
producing something
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
Medical Terminology
Combined Terms
Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
iatr-
to treat or cure
infra-
below, beneath
-iatric
science of treating or
curing
inguin-
groin
ini-
-iatrician
physcian
the back of the head
(occiput)
-iatry
specified type of
medical treatment
insul-
island
inter-
-ible
ability, capacity
between, among,
mutual
-ic
pertaining to, similar to
intra-
-ical
pertaining to
in the middle of,
within, inward, into
ichthy-
fish
intro-
in the middle of,
within, inward, into
icon-
image
iodo-
iodine, violet
-ics
formulation of a body
of knowledge
-ior
pertaining to
icter-
jaundice
irid-
iris of the eye
-id1
state or condition
isch-
suppression, checking,
stoppage, deficiency
-id2
structural element of
teeth
ischi-
hip or ischium
ide-
pertaining to the mind
-ise
idi-
one’s own, selfproduced, separate,
distinct
to use, act like, make
into, subject to, treat,
cause
-ism1
resulting from or
involving
-ile
ability, capacity
-ism2
practice or theory of
ile-
pertaining to the
ileum - the distal part
of the small intestine
-ismus
spasm, contraction,
displacement
ili-
flank, ilium
iso-
equal, similar, uniform
-iliac
ileum
-ist
im-
in, into, on, onto,
toward, not, non
agent, person
concerned, instrument,
practitioner of a
science
in-
in, into, on, onto,
toward, not, non
-ite1
a division of the body
or part
incret-
internal secretions
-ite2
mineral or rock;
compound
incud-
anvil
ithy-
straight
-ine
chemical substance
-itic
of or relating to
infero-
low
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
11
Medical Terminology Terms
12
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
-itis
inflammation
kolp-
vagina
-ity
quality or condition
koly-
to hinder
-ium
diminutive
kon-
dust
ixodi-
pertaining to ticks
krym-
cold, frost
-ize
to use, act like, make
into, subject to, treat,
cause
kym-
waves
kyn-
dogs
jec-
liver
kysth-
vagina
jejun-
jejunum – a section of
intestinal tract
-labe
take, remove, absorb
labi-
lip
jug-
yoke
-labial
of or pertaining to lips
jugu-
throat or neck
-labile
juxta-
near, next to
unstable, subject to
change
kak-
bad
lac-
milk
kali-
potassium
lacri-
tears
kaps-
capsule, container
laevo-
left
kary-
nucleus
-lagnia, -lagny
sexual predilection
kat-
down, against
lal-
talk, babble
kel-
spot, growth
-lalia
condition involving
speech
ken-
empty
kerat-1
lamina-
layer, veneer
cornea
kerat-2
lampro-
clear
horn, horny
lan-
wool
keraun-
lightning
lapar-
loin, flank
kilo-
one thousand
lapis-
stone
kine-
move
-lapse
slip, lapse
kinesi-
action, motion
laryng-
larynx, voice box
-kinesia
condition involving
movement
lat-
side
-kinesis1
activation
later-
side
-kinesis2
division of cells
lecith-
yolk of an egg or to the
ovum
klept-
stealing, theft
leio-
smooth
koilo-
hollow, concave
lem-1
gullet
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
Medical Terminology
Combined Terms
Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
lem-2
of or pertaining to
plague
-logia
condition involving
speech or reason
-lemma1
sheath or envelope
-logy
study or science of
-lemma2
confining membrane
longus-
long
lepid-
scale, scaly
loph-
ridge
lepr-
leprosy
loxo-
oblique
-lepsy, lepsis
seizure
luc-
light
-leptic
specific type of seizure
-lucent
light admitting
lepto-
thin, narrow, small,
mild, delicate
lue-
syphllis
lumb-
loin
leuco-
white, colourless,
weakly coloured
lumin-
leuko-
white, colourless,
weakly coloured
light, cavity or channel
in vessel or tubular
organ
lun-
moon
levo-
left
ly-
dissolved
lex-
to read
lyc-
wolf
-lexia
impairment of reading
-lymph
clear body fluid
lien-
spleen
lymph-
lymph
liga-
bind
lys-
lim-
hunger
disintegration, undoing,
decomposition
lingu-
tongue
-lyse
lio-
smooth
producing
decomposition
lip-
fat
-lysis
loosening, breaking
down
-lipsis, lipse
leave, fail, omit
lyss-
rabies, hydrophobia
-lith
stone, calculus
-lyte
lith-
stone, calculus
capable of or resulting
from decomposition
-lithiasis
condition of having a
stone
-lytic
producing
decomposition
-lithotomy
removal of a stone
-lyze
producing
decomposition
-lobe
rounded prominence
-ma
result of action
loc-
place
macro-
log-
word, speech, thought,
reason
large, great, long,
length
magna-
large, great
loga-
the whites of the eyes
makro-
large, great, long,
length
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
13
Medical Terminology Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
mal-
bad, abnormal
meli-
sweet, honey
malac-
soft
-melia
condition of the limbs
-malacia
softening
men-
menses
malar-
cheek bone
-men, mina
result of action
mamm-
breast
mening-
membrane
man-
hand
menisc-
-mancy
divination in or by
crescent, sickle,
semilunar cartilage
-mania
obsession, compulsion
-ment
result of action
mania-
mental aberration
ment-1
mind
-maniac
person exhibiting a
type of psychosis
ment-2
chin
-mentia
condition of the mind
-manic
a specified psychosis
mer-
part, segment
mast-
breast
-mer, -mere
part or portion
-mastia
breast
-meria
condition of parts
-masty
breast
mes-
middle, medium
- mata
result of action
meta-
-mazia
condition of the breasts
transformation, behind,
post, between, after,
subsequent,
maxilla-
upper jaw
-meter
maz-
breast, placenta
measuring instrument,
length or measure
meat-
opening, passage
metop-
forehead
mechan-
mechanical
metr-1
uterus
mecon-
14
opium
metr-
2
mother
3
measure or distance
medi-
middle, intermediate
metr-
meg-
large, enlarged, great
-metria
condition of the uterus
megalo-
huge
-metry
process of measuring
-megaly
enlargement
micr-
abnormally small
meio-1
reduced
micro-
small
meio-2
contraction, less
mid-
middle
mel-1
cheek
milli-
thousand, thousandth
mel-2
limb, member
-mimesis
imitation, simulation
melan-
black
minumus-
smallest
melan-
black, dark
mio-
reduced, contraction,
less
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
Medical Terminology
Combined Terms
Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
mis-
hatred
necr-
death, corpse
mit-
threadlike
nem-
filament, threadlike
-mixis
specified means of
joining
nemat-
threadlike structure
neo-
new, immature
mnem-
memory
nephr-
kidney, renal
-mnesia
condition of memory
-nephric
pertaining to kidneys
mon-
single, one, alone
nesidi-
islets of the pancreas
-moria
condition of dementia
neur-
nerve
morph-
form
-neural
pertaining to nerves
mot-
movement
-neure, -neuron
nerve cell
-motor
effects of activity of a
body part
-neuria
condition of the nerves
muc-
mucus
neutr-
neutral
multi-
many
noci-
pain
my-
muscle
nod-
knot
myc-
fungus
nodus-
node
mycet-
fungus
-noia
myel-1
condition of mind or
will
bone marrow
myel-2
-noma
spinal cord
spreading invasive
gangrene
-myelia
condition of the spinal
cord
-nomia
myl-
molar
aphasia involving
names or naming
ability
myria-
great number
-nomy
knowledge of a field
myring-
eardrum
myx-
mucus
nano-1
dwarfed, undersized,
small
non-
1
not
non-2
nine, ninth
nos-
disease
not-
back, dorsal
nano-2
billionth
nucha-
back or nape of neck
narc-
stupor
nutri-
nourishment
naris-
nose
nyct-
night, darkness
nas-
nose
nymph-
labia menora
natr-
sodium
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
15
Medical Terminology Terms
16
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
o-
egg, ovum
onc-1
tumour, mass, swelling
oari-
of or pertaining to the
ovary
onc-2
bulk; hooked
-one
organic compound
ob-
against, in front of
oneir-
dreams
oc-
against, in front of
-ont
cell or organism
occipit-
back of the head
ont-1
existence
occlus-
to close or shut up
ont-2
individual
oct-
eight, eighth
onych-
nail
ocul-
eye
-ode1
onyx-
nail
electric conductor
-ode2
oophor-
ovary
like in form
oothec-
ovary
-odonita
size of or treatment of
teeth
-ope
eye defect
odont-
teeth
ophidia-
venomous snakes
oedem-
swell
ophthalm-
eye
-oedema
condition of swelling
due to fluid
-opia, -opsy
condition of vision
-opsia, -opy
condition of vision
-oid
form, like, resembling
opistho-
behind, backward
oik-
house
ops-
sight, vision
-ol
oil
opt-
vision or eye
-ola
diminutive
optic-
vision or eye
ole-
oil
-or
olfact-
smell
agent, person
concerned, instrument
olig-
scant, deficient, few,
little
or-1
mouth
or-2
serum
-olum
diminutive
ora-
mouth
-olus
diminutive
orb-
sphere or eyeball
om-
shoulder
orch-, orchid-
testes
-oma
tumour, mass,
neoplasm
-orexia
condition of appetite
omphal-
navel
organ-
organ
-on
a unit
-organic
relating to internal
organs of the body
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
Medical Terminology
CombinedTerms
Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
orrh-
serum
oxy-2
ortho-
straight, normal,
correct
sharp, acute, quick,
sour
-pachy
condition involving
thickening of a part
pachy-
thick
paed-
child
-paedic
treatment of children
-paenia
deficiency
-pagus
conjoined twins
palat-
palate, roof of mouth
paleo-
ancient, old, primitive
-os
1
singular noun
os-
mouth
os-2
bone
osche-
scrotum
-ose1
pertaining to
-ose2
carbohydrate
-osis
action or process,
condition
osm-1
odour
pali-, palin-
repetition, recurrence
osm-2
impulse
palpebra-
eyelid, eyelash
osm-3
osmosis
palpit-
flutter
-osmia
condition of sense of
smell
pan-
all, general, every
-pancreatic
oss-
bone
pancreas or adjacent
organs
oste-
bone
papilla-
nipple
-osteon, -osteum
bone
par-1
ot-
ear
aside, beyond, apart
from, against
-otia
condition of the ear
par-2
similar, beside
-otic1
pertaining to
par-3
birth
-otic2
causing the condition
-para
number of times a
woman has given birth
-ous
pertaining to
part-
childbirth
ovari-
of or pertaining to the
ovary
-partite
having a specified
number of parts
ovi-
egg
parvi-
small, little, micro
-oxemia
state of oxygen in the
blood
path-
disease
-oxia
state of oxygen in the
blood
oxy-1
oxygen
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
1
-path
one who treats illnesses
by a specified system
-path2
individual suffering
from a specific disease
-pathetic
pertaining to emotions
-pathia
disease, affection
17
Medical Terminology Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
-pathic1
an illness or affected
part of the body
phag-
to eat
-pathic2
-phagia
eating, desire for food
referring to a form or
system of treatment
phalan-
fingers or toes
-pathic3
affected by or
pertaining to a disease
phall-
penis
phan-
appear, visible
1
disease of
-phane
2
-pathy
therapy
having a specified form
or appearance
pect-, pector-
chest, breast, thorax
phaner-
visible or apparent
ped-
foot
phao-
brown, dusky
-ped, -pede
specified number of
feet
pharmac-
drugs, medicine
pharyng-
pharynx, throat
pel-
mud
phas-1
appear, visible
pell-
skin
phas-2
speech, speak, utter
-penia
deficiency
-phasia
speech disorder
-pennate
having feathers
-phemia
speech disorder
pent-
five
phen-
pep-
digest
light, bright, appearing,
manifest
-pepsia
state of digestion
pheo-
brown, dusky
-peptic
pertaining to digestion
phil-
affinity for, love
per-
through, excessive,
over, completely
-philia1
craving for, loving
-philia2
tendency towards an
action
affinity for, loving
-pathy
18
peri-
around, about, beyond
pero-
malformed, stunted,
defective, maimed
-philic1
pes-
foot
-phily
affinity for, fondness
-petal
seeking
phleb-
vein
petal-
leaf
phleg-
inflammation
petr-
stone
phlogo-
inflammation
-pexia
fixation, suspension
phob-
fear or morbid dread
-pexis
fixation, suspension
-phobe
-pexy
fixation, suspension
-phobe2
phac-, phak-
lens
-philic
2
1
combines, stained by
resisting, avoiding
one who fears or has a
phobia
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
Medical Terminology
Combined Terms
Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
-phobia
fear or dread
phyll-
leaf, leaflike
phon-
sound, speech, voice
phylo-
type, kind
-phone
device for transmitting
or monitoring sound
-phyma
swelling or tumour
phys-
air or gas
-phonia
sound, speech disorder
physi-
natural, physical
-phonic
sounds made in a part
of the body
-physical
natural
phor-
to bear or carry
-physics
science of the nature of
phor-1
carrying, transmission;
-physis
growth or growing
phor-2
directing, turning
phyt-
plant
-phore
bearer, carrier,
possessor
-phyte
plant
pi-
fat
transmission,
movement in a manner
or medium
pico-
one trillionth
picro-
bitter
-phoresis
-phoria1
tendency
piez-
pressure
-phoria
2
emotional state
pil-
hair
-phoria
3
condition or visual
axes of the eye
pimel-
fat
pituit-
phlegm
-plakia
patches on mucous
membrane
phot-
light, photographic
phrag-
fence off, wall off
-phragm
separation
plan-1
flat, level
-phrasia
condition of speech
plan-2
to wander
phren-
1
mind
-plania
phren-
2
diaphragm
deviation from normal
location
plantar
sole of foot
plas-
form, grow
-plasia
condition of formation
or development
-plasm
new growth; cell or
tissue substance
-phrenia
disorder of the mind
-phrenic1
disorder of the mind
-phrenic2
condition of the
diaphragm
phthi-
decay, wasting away
-phthongia
condition of speech
plasma-
liquid portion of blood
phyc-
seaweed
-plast
primitive cell
phyl-
guarding or preserving
plast-
form, grow
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
19
Medical Terminology Terms
20
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
-plastia
condition of formation or
development
pon-
pain
pont-
bridge
-plastic
pertaining to
development
por-1
passageway, duct,
opening, cavity
-plasty
repair of, plastic surgery
por-2
pore
plat-, platy-
broad, flat
por-3
callus
-plegia, -plegic
paralysis
-pore
passageway
pleo-
more
porphyro-
purple
pleur-
pleura, side or rib
post-
-plex, -plexus
network
after, behind,
subsequent
plex-1
a stoke
postero-
posterior part
plex-2
to strike
-potent
-plexia, -plexy
condition resulting from
a stroke
able to do something
specified
prae-
in front of, before
plic-
fold or ridge
-pragia
quality of action
-ploid
multiple of
chromosomes
-praxia
quality of action
-praxis
pluri-
several, more
treatment involving
specified method
pne-
breath, breathing
pre-
in front of, before
pneum-
air, lung, gas
presby
old age, elderly
-pnoea, -pnea
breath, respiratory
condition
prim-
first
-privia
pod-
foot, or footlike process
condition of loss or
deprivation
-podia
condition of feet
pro-
-poetic
production
first, before, front,
furthering, precursor
-poiesis
formation, making
proct-
anus, rectum
poikilo-
irregular, abnormal
variable
-proctia
condition of the anus
pronus-
face down
pros-
forward, anterior
prosop-
face
-prosopia
condition of the face
-prost
prostoglandin
derivative
polio-
grey (esp. nervous
system)
pollex-
thumb
polples-
posterior surface of knee
poly-
many, much, generalised
pon-
pain
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
Medical Terminology
Combined Terms
Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
proto-
first, before
pyr-, pyr-
heat, fire, fever
psamm-
sand, sandlike
pyret-
fever
pselaph-
tactile senses
-pyrexia
febrile condition
-pselaphesia
condition of the tactile
senses
quad-
four
quarti-
fourth
pseud-
false, deceptive
quin-
quinine
psor-
to itch
quinque-
five
psych-
mind
quint-
fifth, fivefold
-psychic
relationship between
mind and body
rachi-
spine, vertebral column
-psychosis
mental disorder
pter-
wing, feather
-pterygium
condition of the
conjunctiva
ptoma-
corpse
-ptosis
prolapse
ptyal-
saliva
ptysis
radi-
1
root ie. tooth or spinal
nerve
radi-2
radiation
radicul-
root i.e. tooth or spinal
nerve
rami-
branch
re-
again, return, back,
contrary
to cough or spit up
rect-
rectal
-ptysis
condition of spitting
ren-
kidney
pub-
adult
retro-
-pubic
frontal part of the
pelvis
backward, located
behind
rhabd-
stick, rod
puer-
child
rhabdo-
striated, striped
pulm-
lung
rhachi-
spine, vertebral column
-pulsion
to push
-rhachia
pur-
pus
foreign chemical
substance
purpur-
purple
-rhagia
rupture, excessive flow
py-, pyon-
pus
-rhaphy
suturing in place
pyel-
renal pelvis
rhe-
flow, current
pyg-
buttocks
-rhea
flow, discharge
pyle-
portal vein
-rhexis
rupture of a body part
pylor-
pylorus
rhig-
cold
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
21
Medical Terminology Terms
22
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
rhin-
nose, noselike
-schisis
split, fissured, cleft
rhiptid-
wrinkle
schist-
split, fissured, cleft
rhiz-
root
schiz-
divided, division
rhod-
red
scia-
shadow
-rhoea
flow, discharge
scirrho-
hard, esp. hard cancers
rhyp-
filth
scler-
hard
rost-
beak
-sclerosis
hardening
rot-
to turn
scolec-
worm
-rrhachia
foreign chemical
substance
scolio-
twisted, crooked
scop-
examine, observe
-rrhagia
rupture, excessive flow
-scope
-rrhaphy
suturing in place
instrument used to
examine
-rrhea
flow, discharge
-scopy
observation, examine
-rrhexis
rupture of a body part
scot-
pertaining to darkness
-rrhoea
flow, discharge
scribe-, scrit-
to write
rub-
red
scyt-
skin
sacchar-
sugar, saccharine
-sect
to cut
sacr-
sacrum
sect-
to cut
salping-
uterine or auditory tube
secund-
second, following
sangui-
blood
semei-
sign or symptom
sanita-
health
semi-
half, partial
sap-
soap
sens-
perception, feeling
sapr-
dead, decaying
seps-
decay
sarc-
flesh, muscle
-sepsis, -septic
condition of decay
saturn-
lead
sept-
nasal septum
saur-
reptile, lizard
ser-
blood, serum
scaph-
boat shaped
set-
bristle
scat-
excrement, faeces,
dung
sex-
six
-sia
scel-
leg
action, process,
condition
-scelia
condition of the legs
sial-
saliva
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
Medical Terminology
Combined Terms
Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
sicc-
dry
sphaer-
sphere, round
sider-
iron
sphen-
sin-
hollow, cavity, sinus
wedge, wedge-shaped,
sphenoid bone
sinap-
mustard
sinistro-
left
-sis
action, process, result
of, state
-sphere2
realm that supports life
sphygm-
pulse
sit-
food, grain
-sphygmia
condition of the pulse
-site1
means or manner of
nourishment
spin-
spine
-site2
spinth-
spark
organism living inside
and nourishing on
another
spir -
coil, spiral
spir2-
respiration, breath
-sitia
condition of appetite
splanchn-
visceral, intestines
skia-
shadow
splen-
spleen
-solve
to loosen
spod-
waste materials
-soma
body or portion of the
body
spondyl-
vertebra or spinal
column
soma-, somat-
body
spongi-
sponge
-somatic
condition of the body
spor-
spore
-some
a body of a specified
sort
-spore
reproductive element
-somia
condition of the body
squam-
scale
somn-
sleep
-stabile
resistant to change,
stable
son-
sound
-stage
phase
spacel-
gangrene
-stalsis
spano-
few, scanty
contraction of the
alimentary canal
-spasm
involuntary
contraction, convulsion
stann-
tin
spher-sphere
1
staphyl-1
spasm-
spasm, convulsion
spectr-
image
stas-
sperm-, spermato-
seed, sperm, semen
stas-2
-spermia
condition of sperm
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
sphere, round
1
2
staphyl1
spheric body
grapelike
uvula
stopped
relationship to standing
or walking
23
Medical Terminology Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
-stasis
to stand, stoppage of
flow, control
strept-
twisted
-stat1
stri-
line, streak
substance or device for
stopping the growth of,
regulating
stroph-
twisted
strum-
goiter, scofula
-stat2
a stand
styl-
stake, pole
-state
result of a process
-style
-staxis
drop
bone attached to an
internal structure
sub-
under, less than, partial,
mild, near
succ-
juice
sud-
perspiration, sweat
suf-
under, less than, partial,
mild, near
sup-
under, less than, partial,
mild, near
super-
above, excessive, upper
supinus-
face up
steap-, stear-, steat- fat
24
stell-
star
-stenia
power or strength
steno-
narrow or constricted
-stenosis
condition of narrowing
sterc-
faeces
stereo-1
three dimensions
stereo-2
depth perception, firm,
solid
stern-
sternum, breastbone,
chest
supra-
over, above, upon,
exceeding
steth-
chest
-surgery
sthen-
power or strength
treatment of illness or
deformity
-sthenuria
condition of urination
sursum-
upward
-stichia
condition of the
eyelashes
sy-
union, association
syl-
union, association
-stole
contraction of organs
sym-
union, association
-stoma
mouth or opening
syn-
union, association
stoma-1
mouth, opening
syndesm-
stoma-2
covering
connective tissue,
ligament
-stomy
make an artificial
opening
-synthesis
formation of
syring-
tube, fistula
system-
system
tabe-
to waste away
tach-, tachy-
speed, rapid,
accelerated
-stone
calculus in a human
organ or duct
-stophy
turning or twisted
strab-
to squint
strati-
layer
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
Medical Terminology
Combined Terms
Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
tact-
to touch
-tention
-tactic
an arrangement
condition of being
stretched or held
taenia-
ribbon, band
tephr-
ash coloured
tal-
ankle
ter-
three
talip-
club footed
terat-
monster
taph-
grave
terti-
third
tars-1
eyelid
test-
testicles
tars-2
edge of the foot
tetan-
tetanus
taut-
same
tetart-
fourth
tax-
arrangement, order
tetr-
four
-taxia1
condition of impaired
mental or physical
control
thanat-
death
thec-
sheath
-thecium
sack or container
their-
beast
thel-
nipple
-thelium
layer of tissue
thely-
female
thenar-
palm of hand, sole of
foot
-taxia2
an arrangement
techn-
the art of
-technics
the art or mechanics of
-technology
the art or mechanics of
tect-
covering
tect-
roof, rooflike
teg-
covering
theo-
god
teg-
covering
therap-
treatment, cure
-tela
weblike membrane
-therapeutic
tela-
web, weblike structure
of or pertaining to
medical treatment
tele-, telcomplete
end, far away,
-therapy
treat, cure
-therm
temp-1
time
animal with a specified
temperature
temp-2
temples, lateral regions
of the head
therm-
heat, warm
-thermia, -thermy
a state of body
temperature, generation
of body heat
teno-, tenont-, tend- tendon
-thetic
to put, place, set
-tension
thigm-
touch
tenia-
ribbon, band
condition of being
stretched or held
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
25
Medical Terminology Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
thio-
sulphur
top-2
to place
thix-
touch
-topia, -topy
thorac-
chest
condition of placement
of organs in the body
threp-
nutrition
tors-
twisted
thrix-
hair
tox-
poison, toxic
thromb-
clot
-toxin
poison
thym-1
thymus
trache-
trachea
thym-2
mind or spirit
trachel-
neck, necklike, cervix
-thymia
condition involving
mood
trachy-
rough
trans-
across, through,
beyond, over
-trauma
wound or injury
-trema
hole, orifice, opening
thyr-
thyroid
-thyrea
condition of the
thyroid gland
tibi-
tibia
-tresia
perforation
-tic
pertaining to
tri-
three, thrice
-tion
action, process,
condition
-tribe
instrument for
crushing, compressing
toc-
childbirth, labour,
offspring
trich-
hair, filament
-tome1
-trichia
condition of the hair
instrument for cutting
-tome2
-tripsis
to chafe or wear away
segment or region
-tripsy
crushing
-tomic
related to incisions or
secretions of tissue
trit-
third
-tomy
surgical incision into
trocho-
round, rotation
ton-
tone, pressure, tension
-tron
electronic or atomic
apparatus, vacuum tube
-tonia, -tony
condition of tonus,
muscular contraction
or motor control
trop-
turn, change, tendency
trop-
turn, tendency, affinity
for
-trope
influencing or
influenced by
troph-
nutrition
troph-
food, nourishment
-trophia
deviation in the line of
vision
1
-tonic
quality of tonus or
muscular contraction
-tonic2
solution with
comparative
concentration
top-1
26
place, part, local
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
Medical Terminology
Combined Terms
Terms
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
-trophy1
nourishment, growth
-uria
-trophy2
condition of
malnutrition
condition of urine,
presence of substance
in urine
-tropic
for
turning toward, affinity
uric-
uric acid
uter-
uterus
-tropy
influenced by
vagin-
vagina
tub-
tube
-valve
-tumescence
swelling
device that regulates
flow
-tuse
dull or blunt
valvul-
valve
tuss-
cough
vas-
vessel, duct
tyman-
middle ear
vascul-
vessel
typ-
model
ven-
vein
typhl-
caecum
-venous
veins
of or pertaining to
-typia
conforming to type
venter-
belly, hollowed part
tyr-
cheese, cheeselike
ventr-
front (anterior) of the
body, abdomen
ul-
1
scar
ul-
2
gums
-ventral
of the stomach or
abdomen
-ular
pertaining to
something specified
ventricul-
pertaining to ventricles
of the heart or brain
-ulent
by
full of, characterised
verd-
green coloured
ultra-
beyond a certain limit,
in excess, farther
vermi-
worm
-verse
to turn, change
-ulum, -ulus, -ule
small
-vert
ungu-
nail
person who has turned
in a certain direction
uni-
one
vertebr-
spinal column or
vertebrae
ur-, uron-
urine, urinary tract
-vertebral
spinal column
uran-
palate
-ure
result of action
ureter-
ureter
urethro-
urethra
-urgy
art of working with
specialised tools
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007
1
blister, vesicle
2
vesic-
bladder
vir-
virus
vesic-
27
Medical Terminology Terms
28
Term
Meaning
Term
Meaning
viscer-
internal organs
xiph-
sword, xiphoid process
vita-
life
xyl-
wood
vivi-
alive, living
-y
-volute
to roll, turn around
action, process,
condition
volv-
turn
-zoite
simple organism
-vorous
of or pertaining to
feeding
zoo-, zo-
animal
-zoon
living being, animal
vulv-
vulva
zyg-
yoke, union, pair
xanth-
yellow
zym-
enzyme or fermentation
xen-
different, foreign, host
-zyme
ferment or enzyme
xero-
dry
Lesley Graham Copyright © 2007