Module 1: Introduction to Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology Flashcards

Word Root

The foundation of a word that gives it meaning, typically describing a body part or organ.

Combining Form

Adds a vowel (often 'o') to the word root for easier pronunciation when a suffix begins with a consonant.

Prefix

Added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning, indicating location, time, number, or status.

Suffix

Added to the end of the word root and usually indicates a procedure, condition, disorder, or disease.

-algia

Pain

-cele

Abnormal protrusion

-emesis

Vomiting

-itis

Inflammation

-lysis

Destruction

-malacia

Softening

-megaly

Enlargement

-necrosis

Tissue death

-osis

Abnormal condition

-oma

Tumor

-pathy

Disease, suffering

-ptosis

Sagging or drooping

-sclerosis

Abnormal hardening

-stenosis

Abnormal narrowing

-centesis

Surgical puncture

-ectomy

Surgical removal

-gram

A record

-graphy

The process of recording

-ostomy

Surgical creation of an artificial opening

-otomy

Cutting or surgical incision

-plasty

Surgical repair

-scopy

Visual Examination

Abbreviations

Shortened forms of words or phrases.

Acronyms

Words formed from the initial letters of other words.

Eponym

A term based on a person's name.

Antonym

Words opposite in meaning.

Synonym

Words with the same or nearly the same meaning