Medical Terminology Roots

Root words in medicial terminology

pre-

pre-

before

post-

after

micro-

small

macro-

large

-phage

to engulf

ab-

away from

ex-

outside of

intra-

inside of

ad-

towards

hyper-

high

hypo-

low

tachy-

fast

brady-

slow

cardia

heart

uni-

one

bi-

two

tri-

three

mono-

one

oligo-

few

poly-

multiple

dys-

bad

eu-

good

sub-

under

super-

above

inter-

between

-logy

the study of

-itis

inflammation of

muscul-

muscle

-ist

someone who practices something

dent-

teeth

nephr-

kidney

algia-

pain and suffering

fibro-

fibrous tissue

-dynia

to be in pain

-megaly

to englarge

-malacia

abnormal softening

-scopy

visual examination

-graphy

to create a picture or record

-plasty

surgical repair

-sclerosis

abnormal hardening

-rrhage

bleeding

-rrhea

discharge

arteri

associated with arteries or blood

carcin

related to cancer

gastr

related to the stomach or digestion

pulmon

related to the lungs

malign

something harmful

osteo

related to bones

sarc

related to living tissue

tox

harmful to health

cyt

related to cells

cardi

relating to the heart

nuer

related to the nerves

Cognate

A word or word part that has the same original meaning and ancient origin as another.

Reversal of meaning

When a word begins to be used to mean the exact opposite of its originally intended meaning.

Verbalizing suffix

A suffix that implies an active movement.

Skeleto

relating to bony framework