Medical Terminology Basics – Vocabulary Review

Fifty foundational vocabulary flashcards covering medical word elements, common prefixes, suffixes, and key anatomical directional terms.

Word Root (WR)

The core of a medical word that contains its primary meaning.

Prefix

A word element attached to the beginning of a root that modifies its meaning.

Suffix

A word element added to the end of a root to alter or clarify its meaning.

Combining Form

A word root combined with a vowel (usually o) that links the root to a suffix or another root.

-centesis

Surgical puncture to remove fluid or relieve pressure.

-desis

Binding or surgical fixation of a bone or joint.

-ectomy

Excision or surgical removal of a structure.

-lysis

Separation, destruction, or loosening.

-tomy

Incision or cutting into.

-tome

Instrument used to cut.

-scopy

Visual examination with a lighted instrument.

-scope

Instrument used for viewing or examining.

-gram

A written record or picture.

-graphy

The process of recording or producing images.

-meter

Instrument used to measure.

-megaly

Enlargement of an organ or tissue.

-algia

Pain or painful condition.

-cele

Hernia or protrusion.

-phobia

An irrational fear of something specific.

-plasty

Surgical repair or reconstruction.

-rrhaphy

Surgical suture or stitching.

-rrhea

Discharge or flow.

-oma

Tumor or neoplasm.

-itis

Inflammation.

-osis

Abnormal condition; increase (when used with blood cells).

-pathy

Disease or disorder.

-sclerosis

Abnormal hardening.

-stenosis

Narrowing or stricture.

epi-

Above, upon, or over.

intra-

Within or inside.

sub-

Under, below, or beneath.

trans-

Across, through, or beyond.

extra-

Outside or outward.

retro-

Backward or behind.

hyper-

Excessive, above normal, or high.

hypo-

Below normal, deficient, or under.

uni-

One; single.

bi-

Two; double.

brady-

Slow.

tachy-

Fast or rapid.

dys-

Bad, painful, or difficult; abnormal.

poly-

Many or much.

iso-

Equal or same.

hetero-

Other or different.

anterior (ventral)

Situated toward the front of the body.

posterior (dorsal)

Situated toward the back of the body.

proximal

Closer to the point of attachment or to the trunk.

distal

Farther from the point of attachment or from the trunk.

prone

Lying face down.

supine

Lying face up.