Chapter 1: Basic Word Structure

Suffixes: at the end of every word, it is written with a dash in the front. start with the definition here. ex. -logy

Prefixes: at the beginning of the word, it is written with a dash at the end. ex. hyper-

Combining form: the root and the combining vowel. ex. cardi/o

Combining vowel: vowel (usually o) that links the root to the suffix or the root to another root and aids pronunciation. if the suffix starts with a vowel, then the combining vowel is dropped

Word analysis examples:

• Hematology

  • suffix: -logy (the process of study)

  • combining form: hemat/o (blood)

  • the process of study of blood

• Gastritis

  • suffix: -itis (inflammation)

  • root: gastr (stomach)

    • drop combining vowel when suffix starts with a vowel

  • inflammation of the stomach

• Psychiatrist

  • suffix: -ist (specialist)

  • root: psych (mind)

  • root: iatr (treatment)

  • specialist in mind treatment

• Hypogastric

  • suffix: -ic (pertaining to)

  • prefix: hypo- (below)

  • root: gastr (stomach)

  • pertaining to below the stomach

Pronunciation of terms