Medical Terminology: Plural and Adjective Endings

Flashcards covering medical plural suffixes, irregular plural formations, plural-form nouns, and common adjective endings with their definitions.

-a

A singular ending that converts to the plural ending -ae (example: vertabra to vertebrae).

-ax

A singular ending that converts to the plural ending -aces (example: thorax to thoraces).

-ex

A singular ending that converts to the plural ending -ices (example: apex to apices).

-is

A singular ending that converts to the plural ending -es (example: ecchymosis to ecchymoses).

-ix

A singular ending that converts to the plural ending -ices (example: appendix to appendices).

-ma

A singular ending that converts to the plural ending -mata (example: condyloma to condylomata).

-nx

A singular ending that converts to the plural ending -ges (example: phalanx to phalanges).

-on

A singular ending that converts to the plural ending -a (example: chalazion to chalazia).

-um

A singular ending that converts to the plural ending -a (example: diverticilum to diverticula).

-us

A singular ending that converts to the plural ending -i (example: embolus to emboli).

-y

A singular ending that converts to the plural ending -ies (example: deformity to deformities).

Calyx

Singular term whose irregular plural form is calyces.

Comedo

Singular term whose irregular plural form is comedones.

Epididymis

Singular term whose irregular plural form is epididmides.

Fetus

Singular term whose irregular plural form is fetuses.

Iris

Singular term whose irregular plural form is irides.

Louse

Singular term whose irregular plural form is lice.

Pons

Singular term whose irregular plural form is pontes.

Carcinoma

A medical term that has two acceptable plural forms: carcinomas and carcinomata.

Terms commonly used in their plural form

Medical terms typically used plurally, including data, feces, and adnexa.

Celiac

Pertaining to the abdomen (belly); uses the adjective ending -ac.

Femoral

Pertaining to the femur; uses the adjective ending -al.

Subclavian

Pertaining to below the clavicle; uses the adjective ending -an.

Lumbar

Pertaining to the lower back; uses the adjective ending -ar.

Maxillary

Pertaining to the maxilla (upper jaw bone); uses the adjective ending -ary.

Laryngeal

Pertaining to the larynx (voice box); uses the adjective ending -eal.

Hemophiliac

Pertaining to blood loving; uses the adjective ending -iac.

Epigastric

Pertaining to above the stomach; uses the adjective ending -ic.

Febrile

Pertaining to fever; uses the adjective ending -ile.

Posterior

Pertaining to the back; uses the adjective ending -ior.

Cancerous

Pertaining to cancer; uses the adjective ending -ous.

Acoustic

Pertaining to hearing (sound); uses the adjective ending -tic.