Word Parts are the Key
 Learning medical terminology is much easier once you
understand how word parts work together to form
medical terms.
The Four Types of Word Parts
 A word root contains the basic meaning of the term.
 Acts as the foundation of most medical terms.
 Usually (but not always) indicates the involved body
part.

Ex. gastr
means stomach
The Four Types of Word Parts
 A combining form is a word root with a vowel at the
end so that a suffix beginning with a consonant can be
added.
 When a combining form appears alone, it is shown with
a slash (/) between the word root and the combining
vowel.

Ex. gastr/o
 The combining form vowel is added to the end of a root
word under certain conditions to make the resulting
medical term easier to pronounce.

The letter “o” is the most commonly used combining vowel.
The Four Types of Word Parts
 A suffix usually, but not always, indicates the
procedure, condition, disorder, or disease.
 Always comes at the end of a word.
 A prefix usually, but not always, indicates a location,
time, number, or status.
 Always comes at the beginning of a word.
Word Part Guidelines
 A word root cannot stand alone. A suffix must be
added to complete the term.
 The rules for creating a combining form by adding a
vowel apply when a suffix beginning with a consonant
is added to a word root.
 When a prefix is necessary, it is always place at the
beginning of the word.
Rules for Using Combining Form
Vowels
 A combining vowel is used when the suffix begins with
a consonant
 A combining vowel is NOT used when the suffix
begins with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u)
 Neuroplasty: neur/o
-plasty
 A combining vowel is used when two or more word
roots are joined.
 Gastroenteritis: gastr/o enter
-itis
Guidelines to Looking Up the
Spelling of Unfamiliar Terms
If is sounds like:
F
J
K
S
Z
It may begin with:
F
PH
G
J
C
CH
K
QU
C
PS
S
X
Z
Example:
flatus
phlegm
gingivitis
jaundice
crepitus
cholera
kyphosis
quadriplegia
cytology
psychology
serum
xeroderma
zygote