Understanding medical terminology can often feel like learning a new language. The complex words, filled with seemingly arbitrary syllables, can be daunting for anyone from medical students to patients trying to understand their diagnosis. However, medical terms are far from random. They are constructed logically from building blocks known as word parts. By learning to recognize and understand these components, you can unlock the meaning of countless medical terms and gain a clearer understanding of diagnoses and medical reports. This guide serves as a comprehensive breakdown of these essential word parts, categorized for easy learning and reference.
General Medical Word Parts: Building the Foundation
These word parts are foundational and frequently appear across various medical terms, providing general context and meaning.
| Part | Definition | Example | Breakdown & Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| -ac | pertaining to | cardiac | cardi (heart) + -ac (pertaining to) = pertaining to the heart |
| andr-, andro- | male | androgen | andro- (male) + -gen (producing) = producing male characteristics |
| auto- | self | autoimmune | auto- (self) + immune (immunity) = immunity against oneself |
| bio- | life | biology | bio- (life) + -logy (study of) = study of life |
| chem-, chemo- | chemistry | chemotherapy | chemo- (chemistry) + -therapy (treatment) = treatment with chemicals |
| cyt-, cyto- | cell | cytoplasm | cyto- (cell) + -plasm (forming substance) = substance forming the cell |
| -blast-, -blasto, -blastic | bud, germ | osteoblast | osteo- (bone) + -blast (bud/germ cell) = bone-forming cell |
| -cyte, -cytic | cell | lymphocyte | lympho- (lymph) + -cyte (cell) = lymph cell |
| fibr-, fibro- | fiber | fibroblast | fibro- (fiber) + -blast (bud/germ cell) = fiber-forming cell |
| gluco-, glycol- | glucose, sugar | glycolysis | glycol- (sugar) + -lysis (breakdown) = breakdown of sugar |
| gyn-, gyno-, gynec- | female | gynecology | gyneco- (female) + -logy (study of) = study of the female reproductive system |
| hetero- | other, different | heterogeneous | hetero- (different) + -genous (origin) = of different origin |
| hydr-, hydro- | water | dehydration | de- (removal) + hydr- (water) + -ation (process) = process of water removal |
| idio- | self, one’s own | idiopathic | idio- (self/own) + -pathic (disease) = disease of unknown cause (arising from itself) |
| -ity | pertaining to | acidity | acid + -ity (pertaining to) = pertaining to acid |
| karyo- | nucleus | karyotype | karyo- (nucleus) + -type (type) = representation of the cell nucleus characteristics |
| neo- | new | neonatal | neo- (new) + natal (birth) = newborn |
| -ous | pertaining to | mucous | muc- (mucus) + -ous (pertaining to) = pertaining to mucus |
| oxy- | sharp, acute, oxygen | hypoxia | hypo- (under) + oxy- (oxygen) + -ia (condition) = condition of low oxygen |
| pan-, pant-, panto- | all or everywhere | pandemic | pan- (all) + dem- (people) + -ic (pertaining to) = affecting all people |
| pharmaco- | drug, medicine | pharmacology | pharmaco- (drug) + -logy (study of) = study of drugs |
| re- | again, backward | rehydrate | re- (again) + hydrate (add water) = to hydrate again |
| somat-, somatico-, somato- | body, bodily | psychosomatic | psycho- (mind) + somato- (body) = mind-body connection |
Body Parts and Disorders: Pinpointing the Location and Issue
These word parts are essential for identifying specific areas of the body and the conditions that affect them. Understanding these helps in deciphering diagnoses related to different organ systems.
| Part | Definition | Example | Breakdown & Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| acous-, acouso- | hearing | acoustics | acous- (hearing) + -tics (science of) = science of sound/hearing |
| aden-, adeno- | gland | adenoma | adeno- (gland) + -oma (tumor) = gland tumor |
| adip-, adipo- | fat | adipose | adip- (fat) + -ose (full of) = fatty tissue |
| adren-, adreno- | gland (adrenal) | adrenal | ad- (near) + ren- (kidney) + -al (pertaining to) = gland near the kidney |
| angi-, angio- | blood vessel | angiogram | angio- (blood vessel) + -gram (recording) = recording of blood vessels |
| ateri-, aterio- | artery | arteriosclerosis | arterio- (artery) + -sclerosis (hardening) = hardening of the arteries |
| arthr-, arthro- | joint | arthritis | arthr- (joint) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of a joint |
| blephar- | eyelid | blepharitis | blephar- (eyelid) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the eyelid |
| bronch-, bronchi- | bronchus (large airway that leads from the trachea (windpipe) to a lung) | bronchitis | bronch- (bronchus) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the bronchi |
| bucc-, bucco- | cheek | buccinator | bucco- (cheek) + -inator (action) = muscle of the cheek (acting on the cheek) |
| burs-, burso- | bursa (a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a bone and other moving parts) | bursitis | burs- (bursa) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of a bursa |
| carcin-, carcino- | cancer | carcinoma | carcin- (cancer) + -oma (tumor) = cancerous tumor |
| cardi-, cardio- | heart | cardiology | cardio- (heart) + -logy (study of) = study of the heart |
| cephal-, cephalo- | head | cephalalgia | cephalo- (head) + -algia (pain) = headache |
| chol- | bile | cholecystitis | chol- (bile) + -cyst (sac/bladder) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the gallbladder |
| chondr- | cartilage | chondrocyte | chondr- (cartilage) + -cyte (cell) = cartilage cell |
| coron- | heart (crown-like vessels of the heart) | coronary | coron- (heart/crown) + -ary (pertaining to) = pertaining to the heart vessels |
| cost- | rib | intercostal | inter- (between) + cost- (rib) + -al (pertaining to) = between the ribs |
| crani-, cranio- | brain (skull) | craniotomy | cranio- (skull) + -tomy (incision) = incision into the skull |
| cutane- | skin | subcutaneous | sub- (under) + cutane- (skin) + -ous (pertaining to) = under the skin |
| cyst-, cysti-, cysto- | bladder or sac | cystitis | cyst- (bladder) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the bladder |
| dactyl-, dactylo- | digit (finger or toe) | dactylitis | dactylo- (digit) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of a digit |
| derm-, dermato- | skin | dermatology | dermato- (skin) + -logy (study of) = study of the skin |
| duodeno- | duodenum (the first part of your small intestine, right after your stomach) | duodenoscopy | duodeno- (duodenum) + -scopy (visual examination) = visual examination of the duodenum |
| -esthesio | sensation | anesthesia | an- (without) + -esthesio (sensation) + -ia (condition) = condition of no sensation |
| gloss-, glosso- | tongue | glossitis | gloss- (tongue) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the tongue |
| gastr- | stomach | gastritis | gastr- (stomach) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the stomach |
| gnath-, gnatho- | jaw | gnathalgia | gnath- (jaw) + -algia (pain) = jaw pain |
| grav- | heavy | multigravida | multi- (many) + grav- (heavy/pregnant) = many pregnancies |
| hem, hema-, hemat-, hemato-, hemo- | blood | hematology | hemato- (blood) + -logy (study of) = study of blood |
| hepat-, hepatico-, hepato- | liver | hepatitis | hepat- (liver) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the liver |
| hidr-, hidro- | sweat | hidrosis | hidr- (sweat) + -osis (condition) = condition of sweating |
| hist-, histio-, histo- | tissue | histology | histo- (tissue) + -logy (study of) = study of tissues |
| hyster-, hystero- | uterus | hysterectomy | hyster- (uterus) + -ectomy (removal) = surgical removal of the uterus |
| ileo- | ileum (the lower part of the small intestine) | ileostomy | ileo- (ileum) + -ostomy (opening) = surgical opening in the ileum |
| irid-, irido- | iris (colored part of the eye) | iridectomy | irido- (iris) + -ectomy (removal) = surgical removal of the iris |
| ischi-, ischio- | ischium (the lower and back part of the hip bone) | ischialgia | ischi- (ischium) + -algia (pain) = pain in the ischium region |
| -ium | structure or tissue | pericardium | peri- (around) + cardi- (heart) + -ium (structure) = structure around the heart |
| kerat-, kerato- | cornea (eye or skin) | keratitis | kerat- (cornea) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the cornea |
| lacrim-, lacrimo- | tear (from your eyes) | lacrimal | lacrim- (tear) + -al (pertaining to) = pertaining to tears |
| lact-, lacti-, lacto- | milk | lactation | lact- (milk) + -ation (process) = process of milk production |
| laryng-, laryngo- | larynx (voice box) | laryngitis | laryng- (larynx) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the larynx |
| lingu-, linguo- | tongue | sublingual | sub- (under) + lingu- (tongue) + -al (pertaining to) = under the tongue |
| lip-, lipo- | fat | liposuction | lipo- (fat) + -suction (sucking) = removal of fat by suction |
| lith-, litho- | stone | lithotripsy | litho- (stone) + -tripsy (crushing) = crushing of stones (usually kidney stones) |
| lymph-, lympho- | lymph | lymphoma | lympho- (lymph) + -oma (tumor) = tumor of the lymphatic system |
| mamm, mast-, masto- | breast | mammography | mamm- (breast) + -graphy (recording) = recording of the breast (X-ray) |
| mening-, meningo- | meninges (the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) | meningitis | mening- (meninges) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the meninges |
| muscul-, musclo- | muscle | musculature | muscul- (muscle) + -ature (system of) = system of muscles |
| my-, myo- | muscle | myalgia | my- (muscle) + -algia (pain) = muscle pain |
| myel-, myelo- | spinal cord OR bone marrow | myelitis | myel- (spinal cord) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the spinal cord |
| myring-, myringo- | eardrum | myringotomy | myringo- (eardrum) + -tomy (incision) = incision into the eardrum |
| nephr-, nephro- | kidney | nephrectomy | nephr- (kidney) + -ectomy (removal) = surgical removal of a kidney |
| neur-, neuri-, neuro- | nerve | neurology | neuro- (nerve) + -logy (study of) = study of nerves |
| oculo- | eye | oculomotor | oculo- (eye) + -motor (movement) = relating to eye movement |
| odont-, odonto- | tooth | orthodontist | ortho- (straight) + odont- (tooth) + -ist (specialist) = specialist in straightening teeth |
| onych-, onycho- | fingernail, toenail | onychomycosis | onycho- (nail) + myc- (fungus) + -osis (condition) = fungal infection of the nail |
| oo- | egg, ovary | oocyte | oo- (egg) + -cyte (cell) = egg cell |
| oophor-, oophoro- | ovary | oophorectomy | oophor- (ovary) + -ectomy (removal) = surgical removal of an ovary |
| op-, opt- | vision | optometrist | opto- (vision) + -meter (measuring device) + -ist (specialist) = vision measuring specialist |
| ophthalm-, ophthalmo- | eye | ophthalmology | ophthalmo- (eye) + -logy (study of) = study of the eye |
| orchid-, orchido-, orchio- | testis | orchidectomy | orchid- (testis) + -ectomy (removal) = surgical removal of a testis |
| ossi- | bone | ossification | ossi- (bone) + -fication (process of making) = process of bone formation |
| osseo- | bony | osseous | osseo- (bony) + -ous (pertaining to) = pertaining to bone |
| ost-, oste-, osteo- | bone | osteomyelitis | osteo- (bone) + myel- (bone marrow) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of bone and marrow |
| ot-, oto- | ear | otitis | ot- (ear) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the ear |
| ovari-, ovario-, ovi-, ovo- | ovary | ovariectomy | ovari- (ovary) + -ectomy (removal) = surgical removal of an ovary |
| phalang- | phalanx (any bone in the fingers or toes) | phalangeal | phalang- (phalanx) + -eal (pertaining to) = pertaining to the phalanges |
| pharyng-, pharyngo- | pharynx, throat | pharyngitis | pharyng- (pharynx) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the pharynx |
| phleb-, phlebo- | vein | phlebitis | phleb- (vein) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of a vein |
| phob-, phobia | fear | hydrophobia | hydro- (water) + -phobia (fear) = fear of water |
| phren-, phreni-, phrenico-, phreno- | diaphragm | phrenic nerve | phrenico- (diaphragm) + -ic (pertaining to) = nerve pertaining to the diaphragm |
| pleur-, pleura-, pleuro- | rib, pleura (membrane that wraps around the outside of your lungs and lines the inside of your chest cavity) | pleurisy | pleur- (pleura) + -isy (inflammation) = inflammation of the pleura |
| pneum-, pneuma-, pneumat-, pneumato- | air, lung | pneumonia | pneumo- (lung) + -ia (condition) = condition of the lung (inflammation) |
| pod-, podo- | foot | podiatry | pod- (foot) + -iatry (medical treatment) = medical treatment of the foot |
| prostat- | prostate | prostatitis | prostat- (prostate) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the prostate |
| psych-, psyche-, psycho- | mind | psychology | psycho- (mind) + -logy (study of) = study of the mind |
| proct-, procto- | anus, rectum | proctology | procto- (rectum/anus) + -logy (study of) = study of the rectum and anus |
| pyel-, pyelo- | pelvis (renal pelvis of the kidney) | pyelonephritis | pyelo- (renal pelvis) + nephr- (kidney) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidney |
| rachi- | spine | rachialgia | rachi- (spine) + -algia (pain) = spinal pain |
| rect-, recto- | rectum | rectocele | recto- (rectum) + -cele (bulge) = bulge in the rectum |
| ren-, reno- | kidney | renal | ren- (kidney) + -al (pertaining to) = pertaining to the kidney |
| retin- | retina (of the eye) | retinitis | retin- (retina) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the retina |
| rhin-, rhino- | nose | rhinitis | rhin- (nose) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the nose |
| salping-, salpingo- | tube (usually fallopian tube or Eustachian tube) | salpingitis | salping- (tube) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of a tube (usually fallopian) |
| sial-, sialo- | saliva, salivary gland | sialadenitis | sialo- (salivary gland) + aden- (gland) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of a salivary gland |
| sigmoid-, sigmoido- | sigmoid colon | sigmoidoscopy | sigmoido- (sigmoid colon) + -scopy (visual examination) = visual examination of the sigmoid colon |
| splanchn-, splanchni-, splanchno- | viscera (internal organ) | splanchnic | splanchno- (viscera) + -ic (pertaining to) = pertaining to the viscera |
| sperma-, spermato-, spermo- | sperm | spermatogenesis | spermato- (sperm) + -genesis (production) = production of sperm |
| spirat- | breathe | respiration | re- (again) + spirat- (breathe) + -ion (process) = process of breathing again |
| splen-, spleno- | spleen | splenomegaly | spleno- (spleen) + -megaly (enlargement) = enlargement of the spleen |
| spondyl-, spondylo- | vertebra | spondylitis | spondyl- (vertebra) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the vertebrae |
| stern- | sternum (breastbone) | sternoclavicular | sterno- (sternum) + claviculo- (clavicle) + -ar (pertaining to) = pertaining to the sternum and clavicle |
| stom-, stoma-, stomat-, stomato- | mouth | stomatitis | stomat- (mouth) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the mouth |
| thel-, thelo- | nipples | polythelia | poly- (many) + thel- (nipples) + -ia (condition) = condition of having more than two nipples |
| thorac-, thoracico-, thoraco- | chest | thoracotomy | thoraco- (chest) + -tomy (incision) = incision into the chest |
| thromb-, thrombo- | blood clot | thrombosis | thromb- (blood clot) + -osis (condition) = condition of blood clot formation |
| thyr-, thyro- | thyroid gland | hypothyroidism | hypo- (under) + thyroid- (thyroid) + -ism (condition) = condition of underactive thyroid |
| trache-, tracheo- | trachea (windpipe) | tracheostomy | tracheo- (trachea) + -ostomy (opening) = surgical opening in the trachea |
| tympan-, tympano- | eardrum | tympanoplasty | tympano- (eardrum) + -plasty (surgical repair) = surgical repair of the eardrum |
| ur-, uro- | urine | urology | uro- (urine) + -logy (study of) = study of the urinary system |
| uri-, uric-, urico- | uric acid | hyperuricemia | hyper- (excessive) + uric- (uric acid) + -emia (blood condition) = condition of excessive uric acid in the blood |
| -uria | in the urine | hematuria | hemat- (blood) + -uria (in urine) = blood in the urine |
| vagin- | vagina | vaginitis | vagin- (vagina) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the vagina |
| varic-, varico- | duct, blood vessel (especially veins) | varicocele | varico- (varicose veins) + -cele (bulge) = bulge caused by varicose veins |
| vasculo- | blood vessel | vasculitis | vasculo- (blood vessel) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of blood vessels |
| ven-, veno- | vein | intravenous | intra- (within) + ven- (vein) + -ous (pertaining to) = within a vein |
| vertebr- | vertebra, spine | intervertebral | inter- (between) + vertebr- (vertebra) + -al (pertaining to) = between vertebrae |
| vesic-, vesico- | vesicle (cyst or pouch), bladder | vesicoureteral | vesico- (bladder) + ureter- (ureter) + -al (pertaining to) = pertaining to the bladder and ureter |
Positions and Directions: Describing Location and Movement
These prefixes and word parts are crucial for describing the location of structures and the direction of movement or processes within the body.
| Part | Definition | Example | Breakdown & Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| ab-, abs- | away from | abduction | ab- (away from) + -duction (movement) = movement away from the midline |
| ambi- | both sides | ambidextrous | ambi- (both) + -dextrous (right-handed) = skilled with both hands |
| ante- | before, forward | antepartum | ante- (before) + partum (birth) = before birth |
| circum- | around | circumduction | circum- (around) + -duction (movement) = circular movement |
| cycl- | circle, cycle | cyclical | cycl- (cycle) + -ical (pertaining to) = pertaining to a cycle |
| dextr-, dextro- | right side | dextrocardia | dextro- (right) + cardi- (heart) = heart on the right side |
| de- | away from, ending | dehydration | de- (away from) + hydr- (water) + -ation (process) = removal of water |
| dia- | across, through | diagnosis | dia- (through) + -gnosis (knowledge) = knowledge through examination |
| ect-, ecto-, exo- | outer; outside | ectopic | ecto- (outside) + -topic (place) = outside the normal place |
| en- | inside | enema | en- (inside) + -ema (enema) = fluid inserted into the rectum |
| end-, endo-, ent- enter-, entero-, | within; inner | endocardium | endo- (inner) + cardi- (heart) + -ium (tissue) = inner lining of the heart |
| epi- | Upon, outside of | epidermis | epi- (upon) + dermis (skin) = outer layer of skin |
| ex-, extra- | beyond | extracellular | extra- (beyond) + cellular (cell) = outside the cell |
| infra- | beneath; below | infraorbital | infra- (below) + orbit- (orbit) + -al (pertaining to) = below the eye orbit |
| inter- | between | intervertebral | inter- (between) + vertebral (vertebra) = between vertebrae |
| intra- | within | intravenous | intra- (within) + ven- (vein) + -ous (pertaining to) = within a vein |
| meso- | middle | mesoderm | meso- (middle) + derm (skin/germ layer) = middle germ layer |
| meta- | beyond, change | metastasis | meta- (beyond/change) + -stasis (standing still) = spread of disease beyond original site |
| para- | alongside, abnormal | parathyroid | para- (alongside) + thyroid (thyroid) = glands alongside the thyroid |
| per- | through | percutaneous | per- (through) + cutane- (skin) + -ous (pertaining to) = through the skin |
| peri- | around | pericardium | peri- (around) + cardi- (heart) + -ium (tissue) = tissue around the heart |
| post- | behind, after | postpartum | post- (after) + partum (birth) = after birth |
| pre- | before, in front | prenatal | pre- (before) + natal (birth) = before birth |
| retro- | backward, behind | retroperitoneal | retro- (behind) + peritoneal (peritoneum) = behind the peritoneum |
| sinistr-, sinistro- | left, left side | sinistrocardia | sinistro- (left) + cardi- (heart) = heart on the left side |
| sub- | under | subcutaneous | sub- (under) + cutane- (skin) + -ous (pertaining to) = under the skin |
| super- | above | superior | super- (above) = above or higher |
| supra- | above, upon | suprapubic | supra- (above) + pubic (pubis) = above the pubic bone |
| sy-. syl-, sym-, syn-, sys- | together | syndrome | syn- (together) + -drome (running) = signs and symptoms that run together |
| trans- | across, through | transdermal | trans- (across) + dermal (skin) = across the skin |
Numbers and Amounts: Quantifying Medical Terms
Word parts related to numbers and amounts help specify quantities, frequencies, and degrees within medical diagnoses and descriptions.
| Part | Definition | Example | Breakdown & Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| bi- | two | bilateral | bi- (two) + lateral (side) = two sides |
| brady- | slow | bradycardia | brady- (slow) + cardi- (heart) = slow heart rate |
| diplo- | double | diplopia | diplo- (double) + -opia (vision) = double vision |
| hemi- | half | hemiplegia | hemi- (half) + -plegia (paralysis) = paralysis of one half of the body |
| homo- | same | homogeneous | homo- (same) + -genous (origin) = of the same origin |
| hyper- | above, beyond, excessive | hypertension | hyper- (excessive) + -tension (pressure) = high blood pressure |
| hypo- | under, deficient | hypotension | hypo- (under) + -tension (pressure) = low blood pressure |
| iso- | equal, like | isotonic | iso- (equal) + -tonic (tone/tension) = equal tension/concentration |
| macro- | large, long, big | macrocyte | macro- (large) + -cyte (cell) = large cell |
| meg-, mega-, megal-, megalo- | great, large | megacolon | mega- (large) + colon (colon) = abnormally large colon |
| -megaly | enlargement | cardiomegaly | cardio- (heart) + -megaly (enlargement) = enlarged heart |
| mic-, micro- | small | microscope | micro- (small) + -scope (instrument for viewing) = instrument for viewing small objects |
| mon-, mono- | one | monocyte | mono- (one) + -cyte (cell) = one nucleus cell |
| multi- | many | multiparous | multi- (many) + -parous (to bear/bring forth) = bearing many offspring |
| olig-, oligo- | few, little | oliguria | oligo- (few) + -uria (urine) = little urine production |
| poly- | many, excessive | polyuria | poly- (many) + -uria (urine) = excessive urine production |
| quadri- | four | quadriplegia | quadri- (four) + -plegia (paralysis) = paralysis of all four limbs |
| semi- | half | semilunar | semi- (half) + lunar (moon shaped) = half-moon shaped |
| tachy- | fast | tachycardia | tachy- (fast) + cardi- (heart) = fast heart rate |
| tetra- | four | tetralogy | tetra- (four) + -logy (study of) = group of four (symptoms/conditions) |
| tri- | three | triceps | tri- (three) + -ceps (head) = muscle with three heads |
| uni- | one | unilateral | uni- (one) + lateral (side) = one side |
Color: Describing Visual Characteristics
Color-related word parts are used to describe the appearance of tissues, fluids, and conditions in medical contexts.
| Part | Definition | Example | Breakdown & Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| chlor-, chloro- | green | chlorophyll | chloro- (green) + -phyll (leaf) = green pigment in plants |
| chrom-, chromato- | color | chromosome | chromo- (color) + -some (body) = colored body in the cell nucleus |
| cyano- | blue | cyanosis | cyano- (blue) + -osis (condition) = bluish discoloration |
| erythr-, erythro- | red | erythrocyte | erythro- (red) + -cyte (cell) = red blood cell |
| leuk-, leuko- | white | leukocyte | leuko- (white) + -cyte (cell) = white blood cell |
| melan-, melano- | black | melanoma | melano- (black) + -oma (tumor) = black tumor |
| xanth-, xantho- | yellow | xanthoderma | xantho- (yellow) + -derma (skin) = yellowish skin |
Physical Properties and Shapes: Defining Characteristics
These word parts describe physical attributes, shapes, and sensory properties relevant to medical diagnosis.
| Part | Definition | Example | Breakdown & Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| -cele | bulge | hydrocele | hydro- (water) + -cele (bulge) = fluid-filled bulge |
| elect- | electrical activity | electrocardiogram | electro- (electrical) + cardio- (heart) + -gram (recording) = recording of heart’s electrical activity |
| kin-, kine-, kinesi-, kinesio-, kino- | movement | kinesiology | kinesio- (movement) + -logy (study of) = study of movement |
| kyph-, kypho- | humped | kyphosis | kypho- (humped) + -osis (condition) = humped condition of the spine |
| morph-, morpho- | shape | morphology | morpho- (shape) + -logy (study of) = study of shape and form |
| rhabd-, rhabdo- | rod-shaped, striated | rhabdomyoma | rhabdo- (rod-shaped muscle) + my- (muscle) + -oma (tumor) = tumor of striated muscle |
| scoli-, scolio- | twisted | scoliosis | scolio- (twisted) + -osis (condition) = twisted condition of the spine |
| cry-, cryo- | cold | cryotherapy | cryo- (cold) + -therapy (treatment) = treatment using cold |
| phon-, phono- | sound | phonocardiogram | phono- (sound) + cardio- (heart) + -gram (recording) = recording of heart sounds |
| phos- | light | phosphene | phos- (light) + -phene (to show) = sensation of seeing light |
| phot-, photo- | light | photosensitive | photo- (light) + -sensitive (sensitive) = sensitive to light |
| reticul-, reticulo- | net | reticulocyte | reticulo- (net-like) + -cyte (cell) = net-like cell (immature red blood cell) |
| therm-, thermo- | heat | thermotherapy | thermo- (heat) + -therapy (treatment) = treatment using heat |
| tono- | tone, tension, pressure | tonometry | tono- (tension/pressure) + -metry (measurement) = measurement of pressure (e.g., intraocular pressure) |
Good and Bad: Describing Conditions and Qualities
These prefixes and suffixes often indicate the nature or severity of a medical condition, ranging from pain and inflammation to deficiencies and abnormalities.
| Part | Definition | Example | Breakdown & Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| -alge-, -algesi | pain | neuralgia | neur- (nerve) + -algia (pain) = nerve pain |
| a-, an- | without; lacking | anemia | an- (without) + -emia (blood condition) = condition without enough red blood cells |
| anti- | against | antibiotic | anti- (against) + bio- (life) + -tic (pertaining to) = against life (bacteria) |
| contra- | against | contraindication | contra- (against) + indication (indication) = against indication (reason not to use) |
| dis- | separation, taking apart | dissect | dis- (apart) + -sect (cut) = to cut apart |
| -dynia | pain, swelling | odynophagia | odyno- (pain) + -phagia (swallowing) = painful swallowing |
| dys- | difficult, abnormal | dyspnea | dys- (difficult) + -pnea (breathing) = difficult breathing |
| -eal, -ial | pertaining to | esophageal | esophag- (esophagus) + -eal (pertaining to) = pertaining to the esophagus |
| -ectasis | expansion or dilation | bronchiectasis | bronchi- (bronchus) + -ectasis (dilation) = dilation of the bronchi |
| -emesis | vomiting | hyperemesis | hyper- (excessive) + -emesis (vomiting) = excessive vomiting |
| -emia | blood condition | glycemia | glyc- (sugar) + -emia (blood condition) = sugar in the blood |
| -esis | state or condition | diuresis | di- (through) + -uresis (urination) = process of urination |
| eu- | good, well | eupnea | eu- (good/normal) + -pnea (breathing) = normal breathing |
| -ia | condition | pneumonia | pneumo- (lung) + -ia (condition) = condition of the lung |
| -iasis | condition, formation of | cholelithiasis | chole- (bile) + lith- (stone) + -iasis (condition) = condition of gallstones |
| -ism | condition | hypothyroidism | hypo- (under) + thyroid- (thyroid) + -ism (condition) = condition of underactive thyroid |
| -ites, -itis | inflammation | appendicitis | appendic- (appendix) + -itis (inflammation) = inflammation of the appendix |
| -lysis, -lytic, lyso-, lys- | break down, destruction, dissolving | hemolysis | hemo- (blood) + -lysis (breakdown) = breakdown of red blood cells |
| mal- | bad, abnormal | malabsorption | mal- (bad) + absorption (absorption) = poor absorption |
| -malacia | softening | osteomalacia | osteo- (bone) + -malacia (softening) = softening of bone |
| -mania | morbid impulse towards an object/thing | kleptomania | klepto- (to steal) + -mania (impulse) = morbid impulse to steal |
| myc-, myco- | fungus | mycosis | myc- (fungus) + -osis (condition) = fungal condition |
| myx-, myxo- | mucus | myxedema | myxo- (mucus) + -edema (swelling) = swelling with mucus-like substance |
| necr-, necro- | death | necrosis | necr- (death) + -osis (condition) = condition of tissue death |
| normo- | normal | normotensive | normo- (normal) + -tensive (tension/pressure) = normal blood pressure |
| -odyn | pain | pleurodynia | pleuro- (pleura/rib) + -odynia (pain) = pain in the pleura/rib area |
| -oma | tumor | carcinoma | carcin- (cancer) + -oma (tumor) = cancerous tumor |
| -oid | resembling | mucoid | muc- (mucus) + -oid (resembling) = resembling mucus |
| orth-, ortho- | straight, normal, correct | orthodontics | ortho- (straight/correct) + odont- (tooth) + -ics (science) = science of straightening teeth |
| -osis | condition, usually abnormal | neurosis | neuro- (nerve) + -osis (condition) = nerve condition |
| -pathy, patho-, path- | disease | neuropathy | neuro- (nerve) + -pathy (disease) = nerve disease |
| -penia | deficiency, lack of | leukopenia | leuko- (white) + -penia (deficiency) = deficiency of white blood cells |
| -phagia, phagy | eating, swallowing | dysphagia | dys- (difficult) + -phagia (swallowing) = difficult swallowing |
| -phasia | speech | aphasia | a- (without) + -phasia (speech) = without speech |
| -plasia, -plastic | growth | hyperplasia | hyper- (excessive) + -plasia (growth) = excessive growth of tissue |
| -plegia | paralysis | paraplegia | para- (lower half) + -plegia (paralysis) = paralysis of the lower half of the body |
| -pnea | breathing | apnea | a- (without) + -pnea (breathing) = without breathing |
| -poiesis | production | hematopoiesis | hemato- (blood) + -poiesis (production) = production of blood cells |
| -praxia | movement | apraxia | a- (without) + -praxia (movement) = without movement coordination |
| pro- | favoring, supporting | pro-inflammatory | pro- (favoring) + -inflammatory (inflammation) = favoring inflammation |
| pseudo- | false | pseudocyst | pseudo- (false) + -cyst (cyst) = false cyst |
| -ptosis | falling, drooping | ptosis | -ptosis (drooping) = drooping eyelid |
| pyo- | pus | pyoderma | pyo- (pus) + -derma (skin) = pus in the skin |
| pyro- | fever | pyrexia | pyro- (fever) = fever |
| onco- | tumor, bulk, volume | oncology | onco- (tumor) + -logy (study of) = study of tumors |
| -rrhage, -rrhagic | bleeding | hemorrhage | hemo- (blood) + -rrhage (bleeding) = profuse bleeding |
| -rrhea | flow or discharge | diarrhea | dia- (through) + -rrhea (flow) = flow through (bowels) |
| sarco- | muscular, fleshlike | sarcoma | sarco- (fleshlike) + -oma (tumor) = tumor of connective tissue |
| schisto- | split, cleft, division | schistocytosis | schisto- (split) + -cytosis (cell condition) = condition of split cells |
| schiz-, schizo | split, cleft | schizophrenia | schizo- (split mind) + -phrenia (mind) = split mind disorder |
| sclera-, sclero- | hardness | scleroderma | sclero- (hard) + -derma (skin) = hard skin condition |
| -sclerosis | hardening | arteriosclerosis | arterio- (artery) + -sclerosis (hardening) = hardening of the arteries |
| -sis | condition | diagnosis | dia- (through) + -gnosis (knowledge) + -sis (condition) = condition of knowing through examination |
| -spasm | muscle condition | bronchospasm | broncho- (bronchus) + -spasm (muscle spasm) = spasm of bronchial muscles |
| spasmo- | spasm | spasmodic | spasmo- (spasm) + -odic (pertaining to) = pertaining to spasm |
| -stasis | level, unchanging | hemostasis | hemo- (blood) + -stasis (stopping) = stopping of blood flow |
| sten-, steno- | narrowed, blocked | stenosis | sten- (narrowed) + -osis (condition) = condition of narrowing |
| -taxis | movement | ataxia | a- (without) + -taxis (coordination) = lack of coordination of movement |
| -trophy | growth | hypertrophy | hyper- (excessive) + -trophy (growth) = excessive growth |
Procedures, Diagnosis, and Surgery: Medical Actions
These suffixes are vital for understanding medical procedures, diagnostic tests, and surgical interventions.
| Parts | Definition | Example | Breakdown & Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| -centesis | surgical puncture to remove fluid | amniocentesis | amnio- (amnion) + -centesis (puncture) = puncture of the amniotic sac to remove fluid |
| -desis | surgical binding | arthrodesis | arthro- (joint) + -desis (binding) = surgical fusion of a joint |
| -ectomy | cut out, removal | appendectomy | appendic- (appendix) + -ectomy (removal) = surgical removal of the appendix |
| -gram, -graph, -graphy | recording, written | electrocardiogram | electro- (electrical) + cardio- (heart) + -gram (recording) = recording of heart’s electrical activity |
| -meter | device used for measuring | thermometer | thermo- (heat) + -meter (measuring device) = device for measuring heat/temperature |
| -metry | measurement of | spirometry | spiro- (breathe) + -metry (measurement) = measurement of breathing volume |
| -opsy | visual examination | biopsy | bio- (life) + -opsy (visual examination) = visual examination of living tissue |
| -ostomy | opening | colostomy | colo- (colon) + -ostomy (opening) = surgical opening in the colon |
| -otomy | incision | laparotomy | laparo- (abdomen) + -otomy (incision) = incision into the abdomen |
| -pexy | surgical fixation | nephropexy | nephro- (kidney) + -pexy (fixation) = surgical fixation of a kidney |
| -plasty | surgical reconstruction | rhinoplasty | rhino- (nose) + -plasty (surgical repair) = surgical repair of the nose |
| radio- | radiation, radius | radiology | radio- (radiation) + -logy (study of) = study of radiation (in medical imaging) |
| -rrhaphy | suture | herniorrhaphy | hernio- (hernia) + -rrhaphy (suture) = surgical repair of a hernia by suturing |
| -scope, -scopy | examine, for examining | endoscope | endo- (inner) + -scope (instrument for viewing) = instrument for viewing inside the body |
| -stomy | surgical opening | tracheostomy | tracheo- (trachea) + -stomy (opening) = surgical opening in the trachea |
| -tomy | cutting; incision | phlebotomy | phlebo- (vein) + -tomy (incision) = incision into a vein |
| -tripsy | crushing | lithotripsy | litho- (stone) + -tripsy (crushing) = crushing of stones (e.g., kidney stones) |
By mastering these word parts, the language of medicine becomes significantly less intimidating. Breaking down complex medical terms into their component parts is a powerful diagnostic tool in itself, allowing for a deeper understanding of medical vocabulary and improved communication within healthcare settings. This “Diagnosis Word Breakdown” approach empowers individuals to navigate medical information with greater confidence and clarity.
