From Textbook (Word Parts and Rules) - Unit 1: The Structure of Medical Language

Prefix?

always placed at the beginning of the word

Suffix?

always placed at the end of the word, usually always present, makes word noun or adjective

Root Word (Word root)?

basic foundation of the word

Combining form?

the combination of the word root and combining vowel. NO WORD CAN END WITH THIS! MUST ADD ENDING!

Compound word structure?

Combining form + Word Root + Suffix

Building medical words: combining form + suffix

Keep the combining form’s vowel if the suffix begins with a consonant; remove the combining form’s vowel if the suffix begins with a vowel

Building medical words: prefix + combining form + suffix

Follow the normal rules of combining form + suffix but just add the prefix

Building medical words: What do you do when using more than one word root (compound words)

A combining vowel is used to attach the different word roots to each other. Use a combining vowel even if the second word root begins with a vowel.

Dividing medical words: combining form + suffix

Suffix + combining form

Dividing medical words: prefix + combining form + suffix

Suffix + prefix + combining form

What should you do if a medical word identifies body systems or parts?

The definition usually begins with defining the suffix first, then defining the organs in the order in which they are studied in that body system.