Week 2 Selected Greek and Latin Roots

Overview and Study Guidance for Greek and Latin Roots

  • Importance of Scientific Roots:

    • Many terms used across science originate from Latin or Greek roots.

    • Learning these root meanings makes biological terminology significantly easier to memorize and understand.

  • Assessment Structure and Study Instructions:

    • Testing timeline: Terms will be tested a few at a time over the course of three months.

    • Study methodology: Learn roots and their corresponding meanings as assigned while maintaining continuous review of previously learned roots.

    • Scope of testing: Testing focuses exclusively on the prefix/suffix roots and their official definitions. Provided examples are for contextual reference only and will not be tested.

Selected Greek and Latin Roots: A-Terms

  • arthr-

    • Meaning: Joint

    • Example: Arthritis

  • ase

    • Meaning: Enzyme

    • Example: Lipase

  • astr-

    • Meaning: Star

    • Example: Astronaut

  • athero-

    • Meaning: Fat

    • Example: Atherosclerosis

  • ation

    • Meaning: Action, process

    • Example: Vaccination

  • atrium

    • Meaning: Entrance hall

    • Example: Right atrium

  • aud-

    • Meaning: Hear

    • Example: Audiologist

  • auri-

    • Meaning: Ear

    • Example: Auricle

  • australo

    • Meaning: Southern

    • Example: Australia

  • auto-

    • Meaning: Self

    • Example: Autotroph

  • axi-

    • Meaning: Axis, straight line

    • Example: Axial skeleton

Selected Greek and Latin Roots: B-Terms

  • bi-

    • Meaning: Two

    • Example: Bipedal

  • bifida

    • Meaning: Split

    • Example: Spina bifida

  • bio-

    • Meaning: Life

    • Example: Biology

  • biosis

    • Meaning: Mode of living

    • Example: Symbiosis

  • blast-, blasto

    • Meaning: Bud, embryonic cell or layer

    • Example: Blastocyst

  • bot-

    • Meaning: Graze, feed

    • Example: Botany

  • brachi-

    • Meaning: Arm

    • Example: Brachial