a-, anno, not, without, from Ancient Greek -/- (a-/an-), without, not, e.g.

Anal
esic, apathy
abaway, from Latin, e.g. Abduction
abdomin(o)Of or relating to the abdomen, from Latin (abdmen), abdomen, fat
around the belly, e.g. Abdomen
-ac, -acal
pertaining to, from Greek - (-akos), e.g. cardiac, hydrophobiac, pha
rmacomaniacal
acanth(o)thorn or spine, from Ancient Greek (akantha), thorn, e.g. acanthion,
acanthocyte, acanthoma, acanthulus
acous(io)Of or relating to hearing, from Greek (acoustikos), of or for hear
g. acoumeter, acoustician
acr(o)- extremity, topmost, from Greek (akron), highest or farthest point Acrocran
y, acromegaly, acroosteolysis, acroposthia
-acusis hearing, from Greek (acoustikos), of or for hearing, e.g. paracusis
-ad
toward, in the direction of, e.g. dorsad
adat, increase, on, toward, from Latin, e.g. Adduction
aden(o)-, aden(i)Of or relating to a gland, from Ancient Greek , - (adn, aden
n acorn; a gland, e.g. Adenocarcinoma, adenology, adenotome, adenotyphus
adip(o)Of or relating to fat or fatty tissue, from Latin (adeps, adip-)
, fat, e.g. Adipocyte
adren(o)Of or relating to adrenal glands, from Latin, e.g. adrenal arter
y
-aemia (BrE)
blood condition, from Greek , without blood, e.g. Anaemia
aer(o)- air, gas, from Greek , , e.g. Aerosinusitis
aesthesio- (BrE)
sensation, from Greek , e.g. Anesthesia
-al
pertaining to, from Latin -alis, e.g. abdominal, femoral
albDenoting a white or pale color, from Latin albus, white, e.g. Albino
alge(si)pain, from Greek , e.g. Analgesic
-algia, alg(i)opain, from Greek, e.g. Myalgia
all(o-) Denoting something as different, or as an addition, from Ancient Greek (allo
s), another, other, e.g. Alloantigen, allopathy
ambi- Denoting something as positioned on both sides; describing both of two,
from Latin (ambi-, ambo), both, on both sides, e.g. Ambidextrous
amni- Pertaining to the membranous fetal sac (amnion), from Greek , e.g. Amniocentes
is
amph-, amphi- on both sides, from Greek (amphi), e.g. Amphicrania, amphismela, am
phomycin
annot, without, from Greek, e.g. Analgesia
anaback, again, up, from Greek, e.g. Anaplasia
ananus, from Latin, e.g. anal
andr(o)pertaining to a man, from Greek , -, e.g. Android, andrology
angi(o)blood vessel, from Greek , e.g. Angiogram
aniso- Describing something as unequal, from Ancient Greek (ansos), unequal, e.g. An
socytosis, anisotropic
ankyl(o)-, ancyl(o)Denoting something as crooked or bent, from Ancient Gree
k (anklos), crooked, curved, e.g. Ankylosis
ante- Describing something as positioned in front of another thing, from Latin
(nt), before, in front of, e.g. antepartum
anti- Describing something as 'against' or 'opposed to' another, from Ancient
Greek (anti), against, e.g. Antibody, antipsychotic
apoaway, separated from, derived from, from Ancient Greek , e.g. Apoptosis
arch- first, primitive, e.g. archinephron
arsen(o)Of or pertaining to a male; masculine, from Greek (arsein), e.g.
arsenoblast
arteri(o)Of or pertaining to an artery, from Ancient Greek (artra), a wind-p
artery (used distinctly versus a vein), e.g. Arteriole, artery
arthr(o)Of or pertaining to the joints, limbs, from Ancient Greek (arthros),
a joint, limb, e.g. Arthritis
articul(o)joint, from Latin articulum, e.g. Articulation
-ary
pertaining to, from Latin -arius, e.g. biliary tract

-ase
enzyme, from Greek , division, e.g. Lactase
-asthenia
weakness, from Greek, , e.g. Myasthenia gravis
atel(o)imperfect or incomplete development, e.g. atelocardia
ather(o)fatty deposit, soft gruel-like deposit, e.g. Atherosclerosis
-ation process, from Latin, e.g. Habitation, medication
atri(o)an atrium (esp. heart atrium), from Latin, e.g. atrioventricular
aur(i)- Of or pertaining to the ear, from Latin (auris), the ear, e.g. Aural
aut(o)- self, from Greek -, e.g. Autoimmune
aux(o)- increase; growth, e.g. Auxocardia : enlargement of the heart, Auxology
axill- Of or pertaining to the armpit (uncommon as a prefix), from Latin (axill
a), armpit, e.g. Axilla
azo(to) nitrogenous compound, e.g. azothermia : raised temperature due to nitrog
enous substances in blood
balano- Of the glans penis or glans clitoridis, from Greek - balanos, acorn, glans, e
g. Balanitis
bitwice, double, from Latin, e.g. Binary
biolife, from Ancient Greek , e.g. Biology
blast(o)germ or bud, from Greek , e.g. Blastomere
blephar(o)Of or pertaining to the eyelid, from Ancient Greek (blpharon), eyel
.g. Blepharoplast
brachi(o)Of or relating to the arm, from Latin (brachium), from Ancient G
reek (brachin), arm, e.g. Brachium of inferior colliculus
brachy- Indicating 'short' or less commonly 'little', from Ancient Greek (brachys), s
hort, little, shallow, e.g. brachycephalic
brady- 'slow', from Ancient Greek (bradys), slow, e.g. Bradycardia
bronch(i)bronchus, e.g. Bronchiolitis obliterans
bucc(o)Of or pertaining to the cheek, from Latin (bucca), cheek, e.g. B
uccolabial
burs(o)bursa (fluid sac between the bones), from Latin, e.g. Bursitis
capill- Of or pertaining to hair, from Latin (capillus), hair, e.g. Capillus
capit- Pertaining to the head (as a whole), from Latin (caput, capit-), the hea
d, e.g. Capitation
carcin(o)cancer, from Greek (karkinos), crab, e.g. Carcinoma
cardi(o)Of or pertaining to the heart, from Ancient Greek (karda), heart, e.g
Cardiology
carp(o)Of or pertaining to the wrist, from Latin (carpus) < Ancient Gre
ek (karps), wrist; NOTE: This root should not be confused with the mirror root carp(o
- meaning fruit., e.g. Carpopedal
cata- down, under, from Greek (kata), e.g. Cataract
-cele pouching, hernia, from Ancient Greek (kl), e.g. Hydrocele, Varicocele
-centesis
surgical puncture for aspiration, from Ancient Greek (kentsis), e.g
iocentesis
cephal(o)Of or pertaining to the head (as a whole), from Ancient Greek (kphal
the head, e.g. Cephalalgy
cerat(o)Of or pertaining to the cornu; a horn, from Ancient Greek , - (kra
), a horn, e.g. Ceratoid
cerebell(o)Of or pertaining to the cerebellum, from Latin (cerebellum), lit
tle brain, e.g. Cerebellum
cerebr(o)Of or pertaining to the brain, from Latin (cerebrum), brain, e.g
. Cerebrology
cervic- Of or pertaining to the neck, the cervix, from Latin (cervix, cervc-), ne
ck, cervix, e.g. Cervicodorsal
chem(o)chemistry, drug, from Greek , e.g. Chemotherapy
chir(o)-, cheir(o)Of or pertaining to the hand, from Ancient Greek , - (cheir,
ro-), hand, e.g. Chiropractor
chlor(o)Denoting a green color, from Ancient Greek (chloros), green, yellow-g
reen, e.g. Chlorophyll
chol(e)Of or pertaining to bile, from Ancient Greek (chol), bile, e.g. Chol
aemia (UK)/ Cholemia (US), Cholecystitis
cholecyst(o)- Of or pertaining to the gallbladder, from Ancient Greek (cholkst

adder < (chol), bile, gall + (kstis), bladder, e.g. Cholecystectomy

chondr(i)ocartilage, gristle, granule, granular, from Ancient Greek (chondros),
e.g. Chondrocalcinosis
chrom(ato)color, from Ancient Greek , e.g. Hemochromatosis
-cidal, -cide killing, destroying, from Latin, e.g. bacteriocidal
cili- Of or pertaining to the cilia, the eyelashes; eyelids < Latin (cilium)
, eyelash; eyelid, e.g. Ciliary
circum- Denoting something as 'around' another, from Latin (circum), around, e.g
. Circumcision
cison this side, from Latin, e.g. (cis)
clast break, from Greek , e.g. osteoclast
cowith, together, in association, from Latin, e.g. coenzymes
col-, colo-, colonocolon, e.g. Colonoscopy
colp(o)Of or pertaining to the vagina, from Ancient Greek (klpos), bosom, wo
b; hollow, depth, e.g. Colposcopy
comwith, together, from Latin
contra against, from Latin, e.g. Contraindicate
corwith, together, from Latin
cor-, core-, coroOf or pertaining to eye's pupil, from Ancient Greek (kr), gir
l, doll; pupil of the eye, e.g. Corectomy
cordi- Of or pertaining to the heart [Uncommon as a prefix], from Latin (cor, c
ordi-), heart, e.g. Commotio cordis
cornu- Applied to processes and parts of the body describing them likened or si
milar to horns, from Latin (corn), horn, e.g. Greater cornu
coron(o)crown, from Latin corna (garland, crown), e.g. coronary
cost(o)Of or pertaining to the ribs, from Latin (costa), rib, e.g. Cost
ochondral
coxOf or relating to the hip, haunch, or hip-joint, from Latin (coxa), hip,
e.g. Coxopodite
crani(o)Belonging or relating to the cranium, from Latin (cranium) < Anc
ient Greek (krnion), the cranium, skull, bones enclosing the brain, e.g. Craniology
-crine, crin(o) to secrete
ecrine, e.g. Endocrine
cry(o)- cold, from Greek , e.g. Cryoablation
cutane- skin, from Latin cutis, e.g. Subcutaneous
cyan(o)Denotes a blue color, from Ancient Greek , (kanos, kyneos), b
ia
cycl- circle, cycle, from Greek (kuklos)
cyph(o)Denotes something as bent (uncommon as a prefix), from Ancient G
reek (kphs), bent, hunchback, e.g. Cyphosis
cyst(o)-, cyst(i)Of or pertaining to the urinary bladder, from Ancient Gr
eek (kstis); bladder, cyst, e.g. Cystotomy
cyt(o)- cell, from Greek , e.g. Cytokine
-cyte cell, from Greek, e.g. Leukocyte
dacryo- tear, from Greek , e.g. Dacryocystitis
dactyl(o)Of or pertaining to a finger, toe, from Ancient Greek (dktylos), fi
toe, e.g. Dactylology
deaway from, cessation, from Latin dedent- Of or pertaining to teeth, from Latin (dens, dentis), tooth, e.g. Dentis
t
dermat(o)-, derm(o)Of or pertaining to the skin, from Ancient Greek , - (drm
kin, human skin, e.g. Dermatology
-desis binding, from Greek (desis), e.g. arthrodesis
dextr(o)right, on the right side, from Latin dexter, e.g. Dextrocardia
ditwo, from Greek -, e.g. Diplopia
diapart, separation, from Latin
diathrough, during, across, from Ancient Greek (di), through, during, across,
e.g. dialysis
difapart, separation, from Latin, e.g. different
digit- Of or pertaining to the finger [rare as a root], from Latin (digitus), f
inger, toe, e.g. Digit

-dipsia suffix meaning '(condition of) thirst'', e.g. polydipsia, hydroadipsia,

oligodipsia
disseparation, taking apart, from Latin dis-, e.g. Dissection
dors(o)-, dors(i)Of or pertaining to the back, from Latin (dorsum), back,
e.g. dorsal, Dorsocephalad
dromo- running, conduction, course, from Greek dromos, e.g. Dromotropic
duodenoduodenum, twelve: upper part of the small intestine (twelve inch
es long on average), connects to the stomach, from Latin duodeni, e.g. Duodenal
atresia
dynam(o)force, energy, power, from Greek (dunamis), e.g. Hand strength dynamo
eter
-dynia pain, e.g. Vulvodynia
dysbad, difficult, from Greek -, e.g. Dysphagia, dysphasia
-eal
pertaining to, from Latin, e.g. adenohypophyseal, corneal, esophagus, pe
rineal
ecout, away, from Greek - (ek-), e.g. Ectopia, ectopic pregnancy
ect(o)- outer, outside, from Greek , e.g. Ectoblast, ectoderm
-ectasia, -ectasis
expansion, dilation, from Ancient Greek , e.g. Bronchiectasis,
telangiectasia
-ectomy Denotes a surgical operation or removal of a body part. Resection, excis
ion, from Ancient Greek (ectom), excision, e.g. Mastectomy
-emesis vomiting condition, from Greek , e.g. Hematemesis
-emia blood condition (AmE), from Greek -, without blood, e.g. Anemia
encephal(o)Of or pertaining to the brain. Also see Cerebro., from Ancient G
reek (enkphalos), the brain, e.g. Encephalogram
endo- Denotes something as 'inside' or 'within', from Ancient Greek - (endo-), ins
ide, internal, e.g. Endocrinology, endospore
eosin(o)Red
Eosin comes from Eos, the Greek word for 'dawn' and the
name of the Greek goddess of the dawn., e.g. Eosinophil granulocyte
enter(o)Of or pertaining to the intestine, from Ancient Greek (nteron), inte
ne, e.g. Gastroenterology
epion, upon, from Ancient Greek - (epi-), before, upon, on, outside, outside o
f, e.g. Epicardium, epidermis, epidural, episclera, epistaxis
episi(o)Of or pertaining to the pubic region, the loins, from Ancient Gr
eek - (epsion), the pubic area, loins; vulva
Episiotomy
erythr(o)Denotes a red color, from Ancient Greek (erythros), red, e.g. Erythro
yte
-esophageal, -esophago- gullet (AmE), from Greek (oisophgos), e.g. Esophagus
esthesiosensation (AmE), from Greek (aisthsis), e.g. Esthesia
eutrue, good, well, new, from Greek, e.g. Eukaryote
exout of, away from, from Latin, e.g. Excision, exophthalmos
exoDenotes something as 'outside' another, from Ancient Greek - (exo-), outsid
e of, external, e.g. Exoskeleton
extra- outside, from Latin, e.g. Extradural hematoma
faci(o)Of or pertaining to the face, from Latin (facis), the face, count
enance, e.g. Facioplegic
fibr(o) fiber, e.g. Fibroblast
filli- fine, hair like
-form, -iform Used to form adjectives indicating 'having the form of', from La
tin (forma), form, shape, e.g. Cuneiform
fore- before or ahead, e.g. foreword
fossa A hollow or depressed area; trench or channel, from Latin (fossa), ditch
, pit, e.g. fossa ovalis
front- Of or pertaining to the forehead, from Latin (frns, front-), the forehead
, e.g. Frontonasal
galact(o)milk, from Greek , -, e.g. Galactorrhea
gastr(o)Of or pertaining to the stomach, from Ancient Greek (gastr), -,
lly, e.g. Gastric bypass
-gen
(1) Denotes the sense 'born in, from' (2) Denotes the sense 'of a certai
n kind', from Ancient Greek - (-gens) < - (gen-nein), to be born, e.g. (1) End

enous
-genic Formative, pertaining to producing, from Greek, e.g. Cardiogenic shock
genu- Of or pertaining to the knee, from Latin (gen), knee, e.g. Genu valgum
gingiv- Of or pertaining to the gums, from Latin (gingva), gum, e.g. Gingivitis
glauc(o)Denoting a grey or bluish-grey colour, from Ancient Greek (glaukos),
rey, bluish-grey, e.g. Glaucoma
gloss(o)-, glott(o)Of or pertaining to the tongue, from Ancient Greek , (gl
tongue, e.g. Glossology
gluco- sweet, from Greek , sweet, e.g. Glucocorticoid
glyco- sugar, e.g. Glycolysis
gnath(o)Of or pertaining to the jaw, from Ancient Greek (gnthos), jaw, e.g. G
athodynamometer
-gnosis knowledge, from Greek, e.g. diagnosis, prognosis
gon(o)- seed, semen; also, reproductive, from Ancient Greek , e.g. Gonorrhea
-gram, -gramme record or picture, from Greek (gramma), e.g. Angiogram
-graph instrument used to record data or picture, from Ancient Greek - (-grapha), wri
ten, drawn, graphic interpretation, e.g. Electrocardiograph
-graphy process of recording
, e.g. Angiography
gyn(aec)o- (BrE), gyn(ec)o- (AmE)
woman, from Greek , -, e.g. Gynecomastia
halluc- to wander in mind
Classical Latin to wander in mind, e.g. Hallucin
osis
hemat-, haemato- (haem-, hem-) Of or pertaining to blood, from Latin (hma) < Anc
ient Greek , - (haima, haimat-), blood, e.g. Hematology, older form Haematology
hema or hemo- blood (AmE), from Greek, e.g. Hematological malignancy
hemangi or hemangioblood vessels, e.g. Hemangioma
hemi- one-half, from Ancient Greek - (hmi-), 'half', e.g. Cerebral hemisphere
hepat- (hepatic-)
Of or pertaining to the liver, from Ancient Greek , - (hpar
), the liver, e.g. Hepatology
heter(o)Denotes something as 'the other' (of two), as an addition, or di
fferent, from Ancient Greek (hteros), the other (of two), another; different, e.g. He
erogeneous
hidr(o)sweat, from Greek -, e.g. Hyperhidrosis
hist(o)-, histiotissue, from Greek , e.g. Histology
home(o)similar, from Ancient Greek (homoios), e.g. Homeopathy
hom(o)- Denotes something as 'the same' as another or common, from Ancient Greek
- (homo-), the same, common, e.g. Homosexuality
humer(o)Of or pertaining to the shoulder (or [rarely] the upper arm)
Incorrect Etymology < Latin (umerus), shoulder, e.g. Humerus
hydr(o)water, from Greek , e.g. Hydrophobe
hyper- Denotes something as 'extreme' or 'beyond normal', from Ancient Greek (hype
r), over, above; beyond, to the extreme, e.g. Hypertension
hyp(o)- Denotes something as 'below normal', from Ancient Greek ()- (hypo-), below,
under, e.g. Hypovolemia,
hyster(o)Of or pertaining to the womb, the uterus, from Ancient Greek (hystra)
womb, e.g. Hysterectomy
-i-asis condition, from Greek -, e.g. Mydriasis
iatr(o)Of or pertaining to medicine, or a physician [uncommon as a pref
ix; common as as suffix, see -iatry], from Ancient Greek (itrs), healer, physician,
. Iatrochemistry
-iatry Denotes a field in medicine of a certain body component, from Ancient Gr
eek (itrs), healer, physician, e.g. Podiatry, Psychiatry
-ic
pertaining to, from Greek - (-ikos), e.g. Hepatic artery
-icle small, from Latin, e.g. Ovarian follicle
-ics
organized knowledge, treatment, from Latin -ica < Greek < -, e.g. Obstetric
s
idio- self, one's own, from Greek , idios, 'one's own', e.g. Idiopathic
ileo- ileum, from Greek , e.g. Ileocecal valve
infra- below, from Latin, e.g. Infrahyoid muscles
inter- between, among, from Latin, e.g. Interarticular ligament
intra- within, from Latin, e.g. intramural

ipsi- same, from Latin, e.g. Ipsilateral hemiparesis

irid(o)iris, from Greek , e.g. Iridectomy
isch- restriction, from Greek , e.g. Ischemia
ischio- Of or pertaining to the ischium, the hip-joint, from Ancient Greek (ischin),
ip-joint, ischium, e.g. Ischioanal fossa
-ism
condition, disease, e.g. Dwarfism
-ismus spasm, contraction, from Greek -, e.g. Hemiballismus
isoDenoting something as being 'equal', from Ancient Greek (sos), equal, e.g. I
sotonic
-ist
one who specializes in, from Greek - (-istes), e.g. Pathologist
-ite
the nature of, resembling, from Greek -, e.g. Hermaphrodite
-itis inflammation, e.g. Tonsillitis
-ium
structure, tissue, e.g. pericardium
kalpotassium, e.g. Hyperkalemia
karyo- nucleus, from Greek , 'nut', e.g. Eukaryote
kerat(o)cornea (eye or skin), from Greek, e.g. Keratoscope
kin(e)-, kin(o), kinesi(o)movement, from Greek , e.g. Kinesthesia
koil(o)hollow, from Greek (koilos), e.g. Koilocyte
kyph(o)humped, from Greek , e.g. Kyphoscoliosis
labi(o)Of or pertaining to the lip, from Latin (labium), lip, e.g. Labi
odental
lacrim(o)tear, from Latin, e.g. Lacrimal canaliculi
lact(i)-, lact(o)
milk, from Latin, e.g. Lactation
lapar(o)Of or pertaining to the abdomen-wall, flank, from Ancient Greek (lapr
flank, e.g. Laparotomy
laryng(o)Of or pertaining to the larynx, the lower throat cavity where th
e voice box is, from Ancient Greek , - (lrynx, laryng-), throat, gullet, e.g. La
latero- lateral, from Latin, e.g. Lateral pectoral nerve
lei(o)- smooth, from Greek , e.g. Leiomyoma
-lepsis, -lepsy attack, seizure, from Greek , e.g. Epilepsy, narcolepsy
lept(o)light, slender, from Greek (leptos), e.g. Leptomeningeal
leuc(o)-, leuk(o)Denoting a white color, from Ancient Greek (leukos), white, b
right, e.g. Leukocyte
lingu(a)-, lingu(o)Of or pertaining to the tongue, from Latin (lingua), ton
gue, e.g. Linguistics
lip(o)- fat, from Greek (lipos), e.g. Liposuction
lith(o)stone, calculus, from Greek (lithos), e.g. Lithotripsy
log(o)- speech, from Greek (logos)
-logist Denotes someone who studies a certain field: _____-logy, from Ancient Gr
eek (logists), studier, practitioner, e.g. Oncologist, pathologist
-logy Denotes the academic study or practice of a certain field; The study of,
from Ancient Greek (logos) study, e.g. hematology, urology
lymph(o)lymph, from Greek , , e.g. Lymphedema
lys(o)-, -lytic dissolution, from Greek, e.g. Lysosome
-lysis Destruction, separation, from Greek , e.g. Paralysis
macr(o)large, long, from Greek , e.g. Macrophage
-malacia
softening, from Greek , e.g. Osteomalacia
mamm(o)Of or pertaining to the breast, from Latin (mamma), breast; udde
r, e.g. Mammogram
mammill(o)Of or pertaining to the nipple, from Latin mammilla, nipple, e.g
. mammillaplasty, mammillitis
manu- Of or pertaining to the hand, from Latin (manus), hand, e.g. Manufacture
mast(o)Of or pertaining to the breast, from Ancient Greek (masts), breast, w
men's breast; man's pectoral muscle, e.g. Mastectomy
meg(a)-, megal(o)-, -megaly
enlargement, million, from Greek , e.g. Splenomegaly,
megameter
melan(o)black color, from Ancient Greek , - (melas, melano-), black; dark,
anin
melos extremity, from Ancient Greek , e.g. erythromelalgia
mening(o)membrane, from Greek , -, e.g. Meningitis

mero- part, from Greek (meros), part, e.g. merocrine, meroblastic

mes(o)- middle, from Ancient Greek (mesos), 'middle', e.g. Mesoderm
meta- after, behind, from Greek , e.g. Metacarpus
-meter instrument used to measure or count, from Greek , e.g. Sphygmomanometer
-metry process of measuring, from Greek -, e.g. Optometry
metr(o)Pertaining to conditions or instruments of the uterus, from Anci
ent Greek (mtr), womb, uterus, e.g. Metrorrhagia
micro- denoting something as small, or relating to smallness, millionth, from A
ncient Greek (mikros), small, e.g. Microscope
milli- thousandth, from Latin mille, thousand, e.g. milliliter
mon(o)- single, from Greek (monos), e.g. Infectious mononucleosis
morph(o)form, shape, from Greek (morph), e.g. Morphology
muscul(o)muscle, from Latin, e.g. Musculoskeletal system
my(o)- Of or relating to muscle, from Ancient Greek , - (mys, my-), muscle; mouse; m
ussel, e.g. Myoblast
myc(o)- fungus, from Greek , -, e.g. Onychomycosis
myel(o)Of or relating to bone marrow or spinal cord, from Ancient Greek
(myelon), marrow; bone-marrow, e.g. Myeloblast
myl(o)- Of or relating to molar teeth or lower jaw, from Greek (myle), e.g. Mylo
hyoid
myri- ten thousand, from Ancient Greek (mrioi), myriad, e.g. myriad
myring(o)eardrum, from Latin myringa, e.g. Myringotomy
myx(o)- mucus, from Greek , e.g. Myxoma
narc(o)numb, sleep, from Greek , e.g. narcolepsy
nas(o)- Of or pertaining to the nose, from Latin (nsum), nose, e.g. nasal
necr(o)death, from Greek , e.g. Necrosis, necrotizing fasciitis
neonew, from Greek , e.g. Neoplasm
nephr(o)Of or pertaining to the kidney, from Ancient Greek (nephrs), kidney,
.g. Nephrology
nerv- Of or pertaining to nerves and the nervous system [Uncommon as a root: n
euro- mostly always used], from Latin (nervus), tendon; nerve; Cognate with the
Greek (neuron) (see below), e.g. Nerve, nervous system
neur(i)-, neur(o)Of or pertaining to nerves and the nervous system, from
Ancient Greek (neuron), tendon, sinew; nerve, e.g. Neurofibromatosis
normo- normal, from Latin, e.g. Normocapnia
ocul(o)Of or pertaining to the eye, from Latin (oculus), the eye, e.g.
Oculist
odont(o)Of or pertaining to teeth, from Ancient Greek , - (odos, odont-),
g. orthodontist
odyn(o)pain, from Greek , e.g. stomatodynia
-oesophageal, oesophago- (BrE) gullet, from Greek
m
to, from Greek -, e.g. Sarcoidosis
ole
small or little, from Latin, e.g. vacuole
olig(o)Denoting something as 'having little, having few', from Ancient
Greek (oligos), few, e.g. Oligotrophy
om(o)- Of or pertaining to the shoulder, from Ancient Greek (mos), shoulder, e.g. O
moplate
-oma (singular), -omata (plural)
tumor, mass, collection, from Greek -, e.g.
Sarcoma, teratoma
omphal(o)Of or pertaining to the navel, the umbilicus, from Ancient Greek
(omphals), navel, belly-button, e.g. Omphalotomy
onco- tumor, bulk, volume, from Greek , e.g. Oncology
onych(o)Of or pertaining to the nail (of a finger or toe), from Ancient
Greek , - (nyx, nycho-), nail; claw; talon, e.g. Onychophagy
ooOf or pertaining to the an egg, a woman's egg, the ovum, from Ancient Gr
eek , - (n, o-), egg, ovum, e.g. Oogenesis
oophor(o)Of or pertaining to the woman's ovary Neoclassical Greek (ophron)
ry, egg-bearing, e.g. Oophorectomy
ophthalm(o)Of or pertaining to the eye, from Ancient Greek (ophthalms), the ey
g. Ophthalmology

optic(o)Of or relating to chemical properties of the eye

Middle F
rench (optique) < Greek (optiks); (
), vision. Cognate with Latin oculus, relat
the eye, e.g. Opticochemical, biopsy
or(o)- Of or pertaining to the mouth, from Latin (s, or-), mouth, e.g. Oral
orchi(o)-, orchid(o)-, orch(o)- testis, from Greek (orkhis, orkhi-), e.g. Orchiectom
y, orchidectomy
orth(o)Denoting something as straight or correct, from Ancient Greek (ortho
s), straight, correct, normal, e.g. Orthodontist
-osis a condition, disease or increase, from Greek -, e.g. Harlequin type ichthyos
is, psychosis, osteoperosis
osseo- bony, from Latin, e.g. Osseous
ossi- bone, from Latin, e.g. Peripheral ossifying fibroma
ost(e)-, oste(o)bone, from Greek , e.g. Osteoporosis
ot(o)- Of or pertaining to the ear, from Ancient Greek , - (ous, t-), the ear, e.g. O
tology
-ous
pertaining to, from Latin -osus
ovari(o)Of or pertaining to the ovaries, from Latin (varium), ovary, e.g.
Ovariectomy
ovo-, ovi-, ov- Of or pertaining to the eggs, the ovum, from Latin (vum), egg, ov
um, e.g. Ovogenesis
oxoaddition of oxygen, from Greek
, acid, acute, oxygen, from Greek (
)
, from Greek , e.g. pachyderma
palpebrOf or pertaining to the eyelid [uncommon as a root], from Latin
(palpebra), eyelid, e.g. Palpebra
pan-, pant(o)- Denoting something as 'complete' or containing 'everything', fro
m Ancient Greek , - (pas, pan-), all, every, e.g. panophobia, panopticon
papill- Of or pertaining to the nipple (of the chest/breast), from Latin (papill
a), nipple; diminutive of papula (see below), e.g. Papillitis
papul(o)Indicates papulosity, a small elevation or swelling in the skin,
a pimple, swelling, from Latin (papula), pimple, pustle; a small elevation or s
welling in the skin, e.g. Papulation
para- alongside of, abnormal, from Ancient Greek (para)
-paresis
slight paralysis, from Greek , e.g. hemiparesis
parvo- small, from Latin parvus, e.g. Parvovirus
path(o)disease, from Greek , e.g. Pathology
-pathy Denotes (with a negative sense) a disease, or disorder, from Ancient Gre
ek (pathos), suffering, accident, e.g. sociopathy, neuropathy
pauci- Few, from Latin paucus, e.g. Pauci-immune
ped-, -ped-, -pes
Of or pertaining to the foot; -footed, from Latin ps, pd-,
foot, e.g. Pedoscope
pelv(i)-, pelv(o)hip bone, from Latin, e.g. Pelvis
-penia deficiency, from Greek , e.g. osteopenia
peoOf or pertaining to the penis, from Greek (peos), e.g. Peotomy
-pepsia Denotes something relating to digestion, or the digestive tract., from A
ncient Greek (pepts) cooked, digested < (pss) I boil, cook; digest, e.g. Dysp
perthrough, from Latin
peri- Denoting something with a position 'surrounding' or 'around' another, fr
om Ancient Greek (peri), around, e.g. Periodontal
-pexy fixation, from Greek , e.g. Nephropexy
phaco- lens-shaped, from Greek , e.g. phacolysis, phacometer, phacoscotoma
-phage, -phagia Forms terms denoting conditions relating to eating or ingestion,
from Ancient Greek (phaga) eating < (phagein) to eat, e.g. Sarcophagia
-phago- eating, devouring, from Greek -, e.g. phagocyte
phagist-:
Forms nouns that denote a person who 'feeds on' the first elemen
t or part of the word, from Ancient Greek (phagists) eater; see -phagia, e.g. Lotop
-phagy Forms nouns that denotes 'feeding on' the first element or part of the w
ord, from Ancient Greek (phagia) eating; see -phagia, e.g. Anthropophagy
phallo- phallus, from Greek (phallos), e.g. Aphallia
pharmacodrug, medication, from Greek , e.g. pharmacology









pharyng(o)Of or pertaining to the pharynx, the upper throat cavity, from A

ncient Greek , - (phrynx, phryng-), throat, windpipe; chasm, e.g. Pharyngitis,
-phil(ia)
attraction for, from Greek , e.g. Hemophilia
phleb(o)Of or pertaining to the (blood) veins, a vein, from Ancient Gree
k , - (phleps, phlebo-), blood-vessel, vein, e.g. Phlebography, Phlebotomy
-phobia exaggerated fear, sensitivity, from Greek , e.g. arachnophobia
phon(o)sound, from Greek , e.g. phonograph, symphony
phos- Of or pertaining to light or its chemical properties, now historic and u
sed rarely. See the common root phot(o)- below., from Ancient Greek , - (phs, pht-),
ht, e.g. Phosphene
phot(o)Of or pertaining to light, from Ancient Greek , - (phs, pht-), light,
g. Photopathy
phren(i)-, phren(o)-, phrenico the mind, from Greek , -, e.g. Phrenic nerve, schizop
nia, diaphragm
phyt- to grow, e.g. hydrophyte
piri- Pear, from Latin pirum, pear, e.g. Piriformis muscle
-plasia formation, development, from Greek , e.g. Achondroplasia
-plasty surgical repair, reconstruction, from Greek , e.g. rhinoplasty
-plegia paralysis, from Greek , e.g. paraplegia
pleio- more, excessive, multiple, from Greek pleion, e.g. pleiomorphism
pleur(o)-, pleur(a)
Of or pertaining to the ribs, from Latin (pleura) from A
ncient Greek (pleurn), rib, side of the body, e.g. Pleurogenous
-plexy stroke or seizure, from Greek , e.g. Cataplexy
pneum(o)Of or pertaining to the lungs, from Ancient Greek , - (pneumn,
< (pneuma), wind, spirit, e.g. Pneumonocyte, Pneumonia
pneumat(o)air, lung, from Ancient Greek
pod-, -pod-, -pus
Of or pertaining to the foot, -footed, from Ancient Gree
k , - (pos, pod-), foot, e.g. Podiatry
-poiesis
production, e.g. hematopoiesis
polio- Denoting a grey color, from Ancient Greek (polis), grey, e.g. Poliomyelitis
poly- Denotes a 'plurality' of something, from Ancient Greek (polys), much, many,
e.g. Polymyositis
por(o)- pore, porous
porphyr(o)Denotes a purple color, from Ancient Greek (porphra), purple, e.g. P
hyroblast
post- Denotes something as 'after' or 'behind' another, from Latin (post), aft
er, behind, e.g. Postoperation, Postmortem
preDenotes something as 'before' another (in [physical] position or time)
Medieval Latin (pre-) < (Classical) Latin (pr), before, in front of, e.g. Prematu
rity
presby(o)old age, from Greek, e.g. Presbyopia
prim- Denotes something as 'first' or 'most-important', from Latin prmus, first
, most important, e.g. Primary
proDenotes something as 'before' another (in [physical] position or time),
from Ancient Greek (pro), before, in front of, e.g. Procephalic
proct(o)anus, rectum, e.g. proctology
prosop(o)face, from Greek (prosopon), face, mask, e.g. Prosopagnosia
prot(o)Denotes something as 'first' or 'most important', from Ancient G
reek (prtos), first; principal, most important, e.g. Protoneuron
pseud(o)Denotes something false or fake, from Ancient Greek, e.g. Pseudo
ephedrine
psych(e)-, psych(o)
Of or pertaining to the mind, from Ancient Greek (psych), br
eath, life, soul, e.g. Psychology, psychiatry
pterygoPertaining to a wing, from Greek, e.g. Lateral pterygoid plate
psor- Itching, e.g. Psoriasis
-ptosis falling, drooping, downward placement, prolapse, e.g. Apoptosis, nephrop
tosis
-ptysis (a spitting), spitting, hemoptysis, the spitting of blood derived from t
he lungs or bronchial tubes, e.g. hemoptysis
pulmon-, pulmo- Of or relating to the lungs., from Latin (pulmo, pulmn-, usually

used in plural), a lung, e.g. pulmonary

pyel(o)pelvis, from Ancient Greek (pyelos), e.g. Pyelonephritis
pykno- to thicken (as the nucleus does in early stages of cell death), from Gre
ek , to thicken/condense, e.g. Pyknosis
pyopus, from Greek , e.g. Pyometra
pyro- fever, from Greek , , e.g. Antipyretic
quadr(i)four, from Latin, e.g. quadriceps
radio- radiation, from Latin, e.g. radiowave
reagain, backward, from Latin, e.g. relapse
rect(o)rectum, from Latin
ren(o)- Of or pertaining to the kidney, from Latin (rnes), kidney, e.g. renal
reticul(o)net, from Latin, e.g. reticulocyte
retro- backward, behind, from Latin, e.g. retroversion, retroverted
rhabd(o)rod shaped, striated, from Greek , e.g. rhabdomyolysis
rhachi(o)spine, from Greek , e.g. rachial, rachialgia, rachidian, rachiopathy
rhin(o)Of or pertaining to the nose, from Ancient Greek , - (rhs, rhno-), n
e.g. rhinoceros, rhinoplasty
rhod(o)Denoting a rose-red color, from Ancient Greek (rhdon), rose, e.g. rho
dophyte
-rrhage burst forth, from Greek -, e.g. Hemorrhage
-rrhagia
rapid flow of blood, from Greek -
suturing, from Greek
(AmE)
flowing, discharge, from Greek -, e.g. Galactorrhea, Diarrhea
-rrhexis
rupture, from Greek
(BrE) flowing, discharge, from Greek -, e.g. diarrhoea
rubr(o)Of or pertaining to the red nucleus of the brain, from Latin (ru
ber), red, e.g. Rubrospinal
-rupt Break or burst, from Latin, e.g. Erupt, Interrupt
salping(o)Of or pertaining to tubes e.g. fallopian tubes, from Ancient Gre
ek , -, (slpinx, salpingo-) trumpet (literally), e.g. Salpingectomy, Salpingop
sangui-, sanguineOf or pertaining to blood, from Latin (sanguis, sanguin), blood, e.g. Sanguine
sarco- muscular, fleshlike, from Greek , -, e.g. sarcoma
schist(o)split, cleft, from Greek (schistos)
schiz(o)Denoting something 'split' or 'double-sided', from Ancient Greek
; Irregular formation of the verb (schizein), to cut, split, e.g. Schizophrenia
scler(o)hardness, from Greek , e.g. atherosclerosis
-sclerosis
hardening of the skin, from Greek, e.g. Multiple sclerosis
scoli(o)twisted, from Greek (skolios), e.g. scoliosis
-scope instrument for viewing, from Greek -, e.g. stethoscope
-scopy use of instrument for viewing, from Greek -, e.g. endoscopy
scoto- darkness, from Greek skotos, e.g. scotopic vision
semi- one-half, partly, from Latin
sial(o)saliva, salivary gland, from Greek (sialos), e.g. sialagogue
sigmoid(o)sigmoid, S-shaped curvature, from Greek , e.g. sigmoid colon
sinistr(o)left, left side, from Latin
sinus- Of or pertaining to the sinus, from Latin (sinus), a curve, bend, bay, e
.g. Sinusitis
sito- food, grain, from Greek
m ( )-, somaticobody, bodily, from Greek
, fissure, from Greek, e.g. hypospadias, epispadias
spasmo- spasm, from Greek , e.g. Spasmodic dysphonia
sperma-, spermo-, spermatosemen, spermatozoa, from Greek (sperma), e.g. Spermat
ogenesis
splanchn(i)-, splanchn(o)viscera, from Greek
( ), from Greek , -, e.g. Splenectomy
spondyl(o)Of or pertaining to the spine, the vertebra, from Greek /
the spine, e.g. Spondylitis
squamos(o)Denoting something as 'full of scales' or 'scaly', from Latin sqms
us, full of scales; scaly, e.g. Squamous cell










-stasis stop, stand, from Greek

, trickling, from Greek
( )D
something as 'narrow in shape' or pertaining to narrown
ess, from Ancient Greek (stenos); narrow, short, e.g. Stenography
-stenosis
abnormal narrowing in a blood vessel or other tubular organ or s
tructure, from Ancient Greek (stenos), narrow; short, e.g. Stenosis, Restenosis
steth(o)Of or pertaining to the upper chest, chest, the area above the b
reast and under the neck, from Ancient Greek (stthos), chest, cuirass, e.g. Stethosco
e
stheno- strength, force, power, from Greek
m( ) m
, from Greek , e.g. stomatognathic system
stomat(o)Of or pertaining to the mouth, from Ancient Greek , - (stma, stom
, e.g. Stomatogastric
-stomy creation of an opening, from Greek -, e.g. colostomy
subbeneath, from Latin, e.g. subcutaneous tissue
super- in excess, above, superior, from Latin, e.g. superior vena cava
supra- above, excessive, from Latin, e.g. supraorbital vein
sy, syl-, sym-, syn-, sysIndicates similarity, likeness, or being togethe
r; Assimilates before some consonants: before l to syl-, s to sys-, before a lab
ial consonant to sym-., from Ancient Greek - (syn), with, together, e.g. Synalgia,
synesthesia, syssarcosis
tachy- Denoting something as fast, irregularly fast, from Ancient Greek (tachys), f
ast, quickly, e.g. Tachycardia
-tension, -tensive
pressure, from Latin, e.g. Hypertension
tetan- rigid, tense, e.g. tetanus
thec- case, sheath, from Ancient Greek (theke), e.g. Intrathecal
thel(e)-, thel(o)Of or pertaining to a nipple [uncommon as a prefix], fro
m Ancient Greek (thl), a teat, nipple, e.g. Theleplasty
thely- Denoting something as 'relating to a woman, feminine', from Ancient Gree
k (thlys), female, feminine, e.g. Thelygenous
therap(o)treatment, from Ancient Greek (therapea), e.g. hydrotherapy
therm(o)heat, from Ancient Greek (therms)
thorac(i)-, thorac(o)-, thoracicoOf or pertaining to the upper chest, che
st; the area above the breast and under the neck, from Latin (thrx) < Ancient Gree
k (thrax), chest, cuirass, e.g. Thorax
thromb(o)Of or relating to a blood clot, clotting of blood, from Ancient
Greek (thrmbos), lump, piece, clot of blood, e.g. Thrombus, Thrombocytopenia
thyr(o)thyroid, from Greek -
m( )( )m
, from Greek: 'thymos,' spirit, soul; courage; breath, m
ind, emotions, e.g. dysthymia
-tic
pertaining to, from Greek -
, from Greek
- m
instrument, from Greek
- m
of cutting; incising, incision, from Greek -, e.g. Gastrotomy
tono- tone, tension, pressure, from Greek
, from Greek -
( ), topical, from Greek , e.g. Topical anesthetic
tort(i)twisted, from Latin tortus, e.g. Torticollis
tox(i)-, tox(o)-, toxic(o)toxin, poison, from Greek , e.g. Toxoplasmosis
trache(a)trachea, from Greek , e.g. Tracheotomy
trachel(o)Of or pertaining to the neck, from Ancient Greek (trchlos), neck,
acheloplasty
trans- Denoting something as moving or situated 'across' or 'through', from Lat
in (trns), across, through, e.g. Transfusion
trithree, from Latin, e.g. triangle
trich(i)-, trichia, trich(o)- Of or pertaining to hair, hair-like structure, f
rom Ancient Greek , ()- (thrx, trich(o)-), hair, e.g. Trichocyst
-tripsy crushing, from Greek , e.g. Lithotripsy
-trophy nourishment, development, from Greek -, , e.g. Pseudohypertrophy
tympan(o)eardrum, from Greek , e.g. Tympanocentesis




 



 













-ula, -ule
small, from Latin, e.g. Nodule
ultra- beyond, excessive, from Latin
umbilicOf or pertaining to the navel, the umbilicus, from Latin (umbilcu
s), navel, belly-button, e.g. Umbilical
ungui- Of or pertaining to the nail, a claw, from Latin (unguis), nail, claw, e
.g. Unguiform, Ungual
un(i)- one, from Latin (unus), e.g. Unilateral hearing loss
ur(o)- Of or pertaining to urine, the urinary system; (specifically) pertaining
to the physiological chemistry of urine, from Ancient Greek (ouron), urine, e.g. Ur
ology
uri(c)-, urico- uric acid, from Greek
- O or pertaining to urine, the urinary system, from Latin (rna), urine < A
ncient Greek (ouron), see above., e.g. Uriniferous
uter(o)Of or pertaining to the uterus or womb, from Latin (uterus), wom
b, uterus, e.g. Uterus
vagin- Of or pertaining to the vagina, from Latin (vgna), sheath, scabbard, e.g.
Vagina
varic(o)swollen or twisted vein, from Latin varix, e.g. varicose
vas(o)- duct, blood vessel, from Latin, e.g. vasoconstriction
vasculoblood vessel, from Latin vsculum
venOf or pertaining to the (blood) veins, a vein (used in terms pertaining
to the vascular system), from Latin (vna), blood-vessel, vein, e.g. Vein, Venospa
sm
ventr(o)Of or pertaining to the belly; the stomach cavities, from Latin
(venter), the belly, the stomach; the womb, e.g. Ventrodorsal
ventricul(o)- Of or pertaining to the ventricles; any hollow region inside an
organ, from Latin (venter), the ventricles of the heart, the ventricles of the b
rain, e.g. Cardiac ventriculography
-version
turning, from Latin versi, e.g. anteversion, retroversion
vesic(o)Of or pertaining to the bladder, from Latin (vsca), bladder; blist
er, e.g. Vesica, vesical arteries
viscer(o)Of or pertaining to the internal organs, the viscera, from Latin
(viscera), internal organs; plural of (viscerum), internal organ, e.g. Viscera
xanth(o)Denoting a yellow color, an abnormally yellow color, from Ancien
t Greek (xanths), yellow, e.g. Xanthopathy
xen(o)- Foreign, different, from Greek (xenos), stranger, e.g. Xenograft
xer(o)- dry, desert-like, from Greek (xeros), dry, e.g. Xerostomia
-y
condition or process of, from Latin -ia < Greek -, e.g. Surgery
zo(o)- animal, animal life, from Greek , e.g. zoology
zym(o)- fermentation, from Greek , e.g. enzyme, lysozyme