ALHS 1090: Exhaustive Medical Terminology and Word Part Decomposition Guide

Chapter 2: Surgical, Diagnostic, and Pathological Suffixes

• -centesis: Surgical puncture.

  • Example: Arthrocentesis.
  • Word Breakdown: Arthr/o/centesis.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical puncture of a joint.

• -clasis: To break.

  • Example: Osteoclasis.
  • Word Breakdown: Oste/o/clasis.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical fracture (breaking) of a bone.

• -desis: Binding, fixation.

  • Example: Tenodesis.
  • Word Breakdown: Ten/o/desis.
  • Full Meaning: Binding/fixation of a tendon.

• -ectomy: Surgical removal.

  • Example: Appendectomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Append/ectomy.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical removal of the appendix.

• -lysis: Separation, destruction.

  • Example: Cytolysis.
  • Word Breakdown: Cyt/o/lysis.
  • Full Meaning: Destruction of a cell.

• -tome: Instrument to cut.

  • Example: Arthrotome.
  • Word Breakdown: Arthr/o/tome.
  • Full Meaning: Instrument to cut into a joint.

• -tripsy: Crushing.

  • Example: Lithotripsy.
  • Word Breakdown: Lith/o/tripsy.
  • Full Meaning: Crushing of a stone.

• -gram: Record, writing.

  • Example: Electrocardiogram.
  • Word Breakdown: Electr/o/cardi/o/gram.
  • Full Meaning: Record of the electrical activity of the heart.

• -graph: Instrument for recording.

  • Example: Electrocardiograph.
  • Word Breakdown: Electr/o/cardi/o/graph.
  • Full Meaning: Instrument for recording heart activity.

• -graphy: Process of recording.

  • Example: Sonography.
  • Word Breakdown: Son/o/graphy.
  • Full Meaning: Process of recording sound (ultrasound imaging).

• -meter: Instrument for measuring.

  • Example: Audiometer.
  • Word Breakdown: Audi/o/meter.
  • Full Meaning: Instrument for measuring hearing.

• -metry: Process of measuring.

  • Example: Audiometry.
  • Word Breakdown: Audi/o/metry.
  • Full Meaning: Process of measuring hearing.

• -scope: Instrument for examining.

  • Example: Otoscope.
  • Word Breakdown: Ot/o/scope.
  • Full Meaning: Instrument for examining the ear.

• -scopy: Visual examination.

  • Example: Arthroscopy.
  • Word Breakdown: Arthr/o/scopy.
  • Full Meaning: Visual examination of a joint.

• -algia: Pain.

  • Example: Neuralgia.
  • Word Breakdown: Neur/algia.
  • Full Meaning: Pain in a nerve.

• -cele: Hernia, swelling.

  • Example: Encephalocele.
  • Word Breakdown: Encephal/o/cele.
  • Full Meaning: Herniation/swelling of the brain.

• -dynia: Pain.

  • Example: Gastrodynia.
  • Word Breakdown: Gastr/o/dynia.
  • Full Meaning: Pain in the stomach.

• -ectasis: Dilation, expansion.

  • Example: Bronchiectasis.
  • Word Breakdown: Bronchi/ectasis.
  • Full Meaning: Dilation of the bronchi.

• -edema: Swelling.

  • Example: Lymphedema.
  • Word Breakdown: Lymph/edema.
  • Full Meaning: Swelling due to lymph fluid accumulation.

• -emesis: Vomiting.

  • Example: Hematemesis.
  • Word Breakdown: Hemat/emesis.
  • Full Meaning: Vomiting of blood.

• -emia: Blood condition.

  • Example: Leukemia.
  • Word Breakdown: Leuk/emia.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal (white) blood condition.

• -gen: Producing, forming.

  • Example: Pathogen.
  • Word Breakdown: Path/o/gen.
  • Full Meaning: That which produces disease.

• -genesis: Forming, producing.

  • Example: Carcinogenesis.
  • Word Breakdown: Carcin/o/genesis.
  • Full Meaning: Formation/producing of cancer.

• -ia: Condition.

  • Example: Pneumonia.
  • Word Breakdown: Pneumon/ia.
  • Full Meaning: Condition of the lung (infection).

• -iasis: Abnormal condition.

  • Example: Cholelithiasis.
  • Word Breakdown: Chol/e/lith/iasis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of gallstones.

• -iatry: Medicine, treatment.

  • Example: Psychiatry.
  • Word Breakdown: Psych/iatry.
  • Full Meaning: Treatment/medicine of the mind.

• -ician: Specialist.

  • Example: Physician.
  • Word Breakdown: Physi/ician.
  • Full Meaning: Specialist in medicine.

• -ism: Condition.

  • Example: Hypothyroidism.
  • Word Breakdown: Hypo/thyroid/ism.
  • Full Meaning: Condition of underactive thyroid.

• -ist: Specialist.

  • Example: Dermatologist.
  • Word Breakdown: Dermat/o/log/ist.
  • Full Meaning: Specialist in the study of the skin.

• -y: Condition, process.

  • Example: Dermatology.
  • Word Breakdown: Dermat/o/log/y.
  • Full Meaning: Study of the skin.

• -icle: Small.

  • Example: Follicle.
  • Word Breakdown: Follic/le.
  • Full Meaning: Small sac/pouch.

• -ole: Small.

  • Example: Arteriole.
  • Word Breakdown: Arteri/ole.
  • Full Meaning: Small artery.

• -ule: Small.

  • Example: Venule.
  • Word Breakdown: Ven/ule.
  • Full Meaning: Small vein.

• -ac: Pertaining to.

  • Example: Cardiac.
  • Word Breakdown: Cardi/ac.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the heart.

• -al: Pertaining to.

  • Example: Neural.
  • Word Breakdown: Neur/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to a nerve.

• -ar: Pertaining to.

  • Example: Muscular.
  • Word Breakdown: Muscul/ar.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to muscle.

• -pexy: Surgical fixation.

  • Example: Nephropexy.
  • Word Breakdown: Nephr/o/pexy.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical fixation of the kidney.

• -plasty: Surgical repair.

  • Example: Rhinoplasty.
  • Word Breakdown: Rhin/o/plasty.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical repair of the nose.

• -rrhaphy: Suture.

  • Example: Myelorrhaphy.
  • Word Breakdown: Myel/o/rrhaphy.
  • Full Meaning: Suture of the spinal cord.

• -stomy: Creating an opening.

  • Example: Tracheostomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Trache/o/stomy.
  • Full Meaning: Creating an opening in the trachea.

• -tomy: Incision.

  • Example: Craniotomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Crani/o/tomy.
  • Full Meaning: Incision into the skull.

• -itis: Inflammation.

  • Example: Arthritis.
  • Word Breakdown: Arthr/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of a joint.

• -lith: Stone.

  • Example: Cholelith.
  • Word Breakdown: Chol/e/lith.
  • Full Meaning: Gallstone.

• -malacia: Softening.

  • Example: Osteomalacia.
  • Word Breakdown: Oste/o/malacia.
  • Full Meaning: Softening of bone.

• -megaly: Enlargement.

  • Example: Cardiomegaly.
  • Word Breakdown: Cardi/o/megaly.
  • Full Meaning: Enlargement of the heart.

• -oma: Tumor.

  • Example: Melanoma.
  • Word Breakdown: Melan/oma.
  • Full Meaning: Tumor of black (pigmented) cells.

• -osis: Abnormal condition.

  • Example: Cyanosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Cyan/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of blueness.

• -pathy: Disease.

  • Example: Neuropathy.
  • Word Breakdown: Neur/o/pathy.
  • Full Meaning: Disease of the nerves.

• -penia: Decrease, deficiency.

  • Example: Leukopenia.
  • Word Breakdown: Leuk/o/penia.
  • Full Meaning: Deficiency of white blood cells.

• -phagia: Swallowing, eating.

  • Example: Dysphagia.
  • Word Breakdown: Dys/phagia.
  • Full Meaning: Difficult/painful swallowing.

• -phasia: Speech.

  • Example: Aphasia.
  • Word Breakdown: A/phasia.
  • Full Meaning: Condition of without speech.

• -phobia: Fear.

  • Example: Photophobia.
  • Word Breakdown: Phot/o/phobia.
  • Full Meaning: Fear/sensitivity to light.

• -plasia: Formation, growth.

  • Example: Hyperplasia.
  • Word Breakdown: Hyper/plasia.
  • Full Meaning: Excessive formation/growth of cells.

• -plasm: Formation, growth.

  • Example: Neoplasm.
  • Word Breakdown: Ne/o/plasm.
  • Full Meaning: New growth (tumor).

• -plegia: Paralysis.

  • Example: Hemiplegia.
  • Word Breakdown: Hemi/plegia.
  • Full Meaning: Paralysis of one side of the body.

• -ptosis: Prolapse, drooping.

  • Example: Blepharoptosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Blephar/o/ptosis.
  • Full Meaning: Drooping of the eyelid.

• -rrhage: Bursting forth.

  • Example: Hemorrhage.
  • Word Breakdown: Hem/o/rrhage.
  • Full Meaning: Bursting forth of blood.

• -rrhagia: Excessive blood discharge.

  • Example: Menorrhagia.
  • Word Breakdown: Men/o/rrhagia.
  • Full Meaning: Excessive menstrual blood discharge.

• -rrhea: Discharge, flow.

  • Example: Otorrhea.
  • Word Breakdown: Ot/o/rrhea.
  • Full Meaning: Discharge from the ear.

• -rrhexis: Rupture.

  • Example: Myorrhexis.
  • Word Breakdown: My/o/rrhexis.
  • Full Meaning: Rupture of a muscle.

• -sclerosis: Hardening.

  • Example: Arteriosclerosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Arteri/o/sclerosis.
  • Full Meaning: Hardening of the arteries.

• -spasm: Involuntary contraction.

  • Example: Bronchospasm.
  • Word Breakdown: Bronch/o/spasm.
  • Full Meaning: Involuntary contraction of the bronchi.

• -stenosis: Narrowing.

  • Example: Aortic stenosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Aort/ic/stenosis.
  • Full Meaning: Narrowing of the aorta.

• -toxic: Poison.

  • Example: Hepatotoxic.
  • Word Breakdown: Hepat/o/toxic.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to poison to the liver.

• -trophy: Development.

  • Example: Hypertrophy.
  • Word Breakdown: Hyper/trophy.
  • Full Meaning: Excessive development/growth.

• -esis: Condition.

  • Example: Diuresis.
  • Word Breakdown: Di/ur/esis.
  • Full Meaning: Condition of increased urine output.

• -ary: Pertaining to.

  • Example: Pulmonary.
  • Word Breakdown: Pulmon/ary.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the lungs.

• -eal: Pertaining to.

  • Example: Tracheal.
  • Word Breakdown: Trache/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the trachea.

• -ic: Pertaining to.

  • Example: Gastric.
  • Word Breakdown: Gastr/ic.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the stomach.

• -ical: Pertaining to.

  • Example: Surgical.
  • Word Breakdown: Surg/ical.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to surgery.

• -ile: Pertaining to.

  • Example: Febrile.
  • Word Breakdown: Febr/ile.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to fever.

• -ior: Pertaining to.

  • Example: Superior.
  • Word Breakdown: Super/ior.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to above.

• -ous: Pertaining to.

  • Example: Cutaneous.
  • Word Breakdown: Cutan/eous.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the skin.

• -tic: Pertaining to.

  • Example: Narcotic.
  • Word Breakdown: Narc/otic.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to numbness/stupor.

Chapter 3: Prefixes

• epi-: Above, upon.

  • Example: Epidermis.
  • Word Breakdown: Epi/derm/is.
  • Full Meaning: Above/upon the skin (outermost layer).

• hypo-: Under, below, deficient.

  • Example: Hypoglycemia.
  • Word Breakdown: Hypo/glyc/emia.
  • Full Meaning: Deficient blood sugar (below normal).

• infra-: Below, inferior.

  • Example: Infracostal.
  • Word Breakdown: Infra/cost/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to below the ribs.

• sub-: Under, below.

  • Example: Subcutaneous.
  • Word Breakdown: Sub/cutan/eous.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to under the skin.

• inter-: Between.

  • Example: Intercostal.
  • Word Breakdown: Inter/cost/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to between the ribs.

• post-: After, behind.

  • Example: Postoperative.
  • Word Breakdown: Post/operat/ive.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to after surgery.

• pre-: Before.

  • Example: Prenatal.
  • Word Breakdown: Pre/nat/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to before birth.

• pro-: Before.

  • Example: Prognosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Pro/gnosis.
  • Full Meaning: Before knowledge (forecast of outcome).

• retro-: Backward, behind.

  • Example: Retroperitoneal.
  • Word Breakdown: Retro/peritone/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to behind the peritoneum.

• bi-: Two.

  • Example: Bilateral.
  • Word Breakdown: Bi/later/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to two sides.

• dipl-: Double.

  • Example: Diplopia.
  • Word Breakdown: Dipl/opia.
  • Full Meaning: Double vision.

• diplo-: Double.

  • Example: Diplococcus.
  • Word Breakdown: Diplo/coccus.
  • Full Meaning: Double-shaped bacterium.

• hemi-: Half.

  • Example: Hemiplegia.
  • Word Breakdown: Hemi/plegia.
  • Full Meaning: Paralysis of one (half the) body.

• hyper-: Excessive, above.

  • Example: Hypertension.
  • Word Breakdown: Hyper/tension.
  • Full Meaning: Excessive blood pressure.

• macro-: Large.

  • Example: Macrocyte.
  • Word Breakdown: Macro/cyte.
  • Full Meaning: Large cell.

• micro-: Small.

  • Example: Microscope.
  • Word Breakdown: Micro/scope.
  • Full Meaning: Instrument for examining small (things).

• mono-: One.

  • Example: Mononucleosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Mono/nucle/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of one nucleus (per cell).

• multi-: Many.

  • Example: Multipara.
  • Word Breakdown: Multi/para.
  • Full Meaning: Many births (woman who has delivered multiple times).

• nulli-: None.

  • Example: Nullipara.
  • Word Breakdown: Nulli/para.
  • Full Meaning: No births (woman who has never delivered).

• poly-: Many, much.

  • Example: Polyuria.
  • Word Breakdown: Poly/ur/ia.
  • Full Meaning: Condition of much urine.

• primi-: First.

  • Example: Primipara.
  • Word Breakdown: Primi/para.
  • Full Meaning: First birth.

• quadri-: Four.

  • Example: Quadriplegia.
  • Word Breakdown: Quadri/plegia.
  • Full Meaning: Paralysis of four (limbs).

• tri-: Three.

  • Example: Tricuspid.
  • Word Breakdown: Tri/cusp/id.
  • Full Meaning: Three points/cusps (valve).

• uni-: One.

  • Example: Unilateral.
  • Word Breakdown: Uni/later/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to one side.

• ab-: Away from.

  • Example: Abduction.
  • Word Breakdown: Ab/duct/ion.
  • Full Meaning: Process of moving away from midline.

• ad-: Toward.

  • Example: Adduction.
  • Word Breakdown: Ad/duct/ion.
  • Full Meaning: Process of moving toward midline.

• circum-: Around.

  • Example: Circumcision.
  • Word Breakdown: Circum/cis/ion.
  • Full Meaning: Process of cutting around.

• dia-: Through, across.

  • Example: Dialysis.
  • Word Breakdown: Dia/lysis.
  • Full Meaning: Separation/dissolution through (membrane).

• ecto-: Outside.

  • Example: Ectopic.
  • Word Breakdown: Ect/op/ic.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to outside (normal) place.

• endo-: Within, inner.

  • Example: Endoscopy.
  • Word Breakdown: Endo/scopy.
  • Full Meaning: Visual examination within (a cavity).

• exo-: Outside, outward.

  • Example: Exocrine.
  • Word Breakdown: Exo/crine.
  • Full Meaning: Secreting outward (through ducts).

• extra-: Outside.

  • Example: Extracellular.
  • Word Breakdown: Extra/cellul/ar.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to outside the cell.

• intra-: Within.

  • Example: Intravenous.
  • Word Breakdown: Intra/ven/ous.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to within a vein.

• para-: Near, beside, beyond.

  • Example: Paraplegia.
  • Word Breakdown: Para/plegia.
  • Full Meaning: Paralysis beside/below (lower body).

• peri-: Around.

  • Example: Pericardium.
  • Word Breakdown: Peri/cardi/um.
  • Full Meaning: Structure around the heart.

• super-: Above, excessive.

  • Example: Superficial.
  • Word Breakdown: Super/fici/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to above/on the surface.

• supra-: Above.

  • Example: Suprarenal.
  • Word Breakdown: Supra/ren/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to above the kidney (adrenal).

• trans-: Across, through.

  • Example: Transdermal.
  • Word Breakdown: Trans/derm/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to across/through the skin.

• ultra-: Excess, beyond.

  • Example: Ultrasound.
  • Word Breakdown: Ultra/sound.
  • Full Meaning: Beyond (normal range of) sound.

• a-: Without, not.

  • Example: Apnea.
  • Word Breakdown: A/pnea.
  • Full Meaning: Without breathing.

• an-: Without, not.

  • Example: Anemia.
  • Word Breakdown: An/emia.
  • Full Meaning: Without (enough) blood (red cells).

• anti-: Against.

  • Example: Antibiotic.
  • Word Breakdown: Anti/bi/otic.
  • Full Meaning: Against life (bacteria).

• brady-: Slow.

  • Example: Bradycardia.
  • Word Breakdown: Brady/cardi/a.
  • Full Meaning: Condition of slow heart (rate).

• contra-: Against, opposite.

  • Example: Contraindication.
  • Word Breakdown: Contra/indicat/ion.
  • Full Meaning: Against (using) an indication.

• dys-: Bad, painful, difficult.

  • Example: Dyspnea.
  • Word Breakdown: Dys/pnea.
  • Full Meaning: Difficult/painful breathing.

• eu-: Good, normal.

  • Example: Eupnea.
  • Word Breakdown: Eu/pnea.
  • Full Meaning: Normal breathing.

• hetero-: Different.

  • Example: Heterograft.
  • Word Breakdown: Hetero/graft.
  • Full Meaning: Graft from a different (species).

• homo-: Same.

  • Example: Homograft.
  • Word Breakdown: Homo/graft.
  • Full Meaning: Graft from the same (species).

• homeo-: Similar, same.

  • Example: Homeostasis.
  • Word Breakdown: Homeo/stasis.
  • Full Meaning: State of staying the same (balance).

• mal-: Bad.

  • Example: Malnutrition.
  • Word Breakdown: Mal/nutrit/ion.
  • Full Meaning: Bad/inadequate nutrition.

• pan-: All.

  • Example: Pandemic.
  • Word Breakdown: Pan/dem/ic.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to all people (widespread disease).

• pseudo-: False.

  • Example: Pseudocysis.
  • Word Breakdown: Pseudo/cysis.
  • Full Meaning: False pregnancy.

• syn-: Together, union.

  • Example: Syndrome.
  • Word Breakdown: Syn/drome.
  • Full Meaning: Running together (group of symptoms).

• tachy-: Rapid, fast.

  • Example: Tachycardia.
  • Word Breakdown: Tachy/cardi/a.
  • Full Meaning: Condition of rapid heart (rate).

Chapter 4: Body Structure Combining Forms

• cyt/o: Cell.

  • Example: Cytology.
  • Word Breakdown: Cyt/o/logy.
  • Full Meaning: Study of cells.

• hist/o: Tissue.

  • Example: Histology.
  • Word Breakdown: Hist/o/logy.
  • Full Meaning: Study of tissue.

• kary/o: Nucleus.

  • Example: Karyotype.
  • Word Breakdown: Kary/o/type.
  • Full Meaning: Type/form of the nucleus (chromosomes).

• nucle/o: Nucleus.

  • Example: Nucleoplasm.
  • Word Breakdown: Nucle/o/plasm.
  • Full Meaning: Formation within the nucleus.

• anter/o: Anterior, front.

  • Example: Anteroposterior.
  • Word Breakdown: Anter/o/poster/ior.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to front to back.

• caud/o: Tail.

  • Example: Caudal.
  • Word Breakdown: Caud/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the tail (lower end).

• cephal/o: Head.

  • Example: Cephalic.
  • Word Breakdown: Cephal/ic.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the head.

• dist/o: Far.

  • Example: Distal.
  • Word Breakdown: Dist/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to far from origin.

• inferi/o: Lower, below.

  • Example: Inferior.
  • Word Breakdown: Inferi/or.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to below.

• later/o: Side.

  • Example: Lateral.
  • Word Breakdown: Later/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the side.

• medi/o: Middle.

  • Example: Medial.
  • Word Breakdown: Medi/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the middle.

• posteri/o: Back, behind.

  • Example: Posterior.
  • Word Breakdown: Posteri/or.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the back.

• proxim/o: Near, nearest.

  • Example: Proximal.
  • Word Breakdown: Proxim/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to near the origin.

• ventr/o: Belly, front.

  • Example: Ventral.
  • Word Breakdown: Ventr/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the front/belly.

• acr/o: Extremities.

  • Example: Acromegaly.
  • Word Breakdown: Acr/o/megaly.
  • Full Meaning: Enlargement of the extremities.

• eti/o: Cause.

  • Example: Etiology.
  • Word Breakdown: Eti/o/logy.
  • Full Meaning: Study of causes (of disease).

• idi/o: Unknown, peculiar.

  • Example: Idiopathic.
  • Word Breakdown: Idi/o/path/ic.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to disease of unknown cause.

• morph/o: Form, shape.

  • Example: Morphology.
  • Word Breakdown: Morph/o/logy.
  • Full Meaning: Study of form/shape.

• path/o: Disease.

  • Example: Pathology.
  • Word Breakdown: Path/o/logy.
  • Full Meaning: Study of disease.

• radi/o: Radiation, X-ray.

  • Example: Radiology.
  • Word Breakdown: Radi/o/logy.
  • Full Meaning: Study of radiation (X-rays).

• somat/o: Body.

  • Example: Psychosomatic.
  • Word Breakdown: Psych/o/somat/ic.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to mind and body.

• son/o: Sound.

  • Example: Sonography.
  • Word Breakdown: Son/o/graphy.
  • Full Meaning: Process of recording with sound (ultrasound).

• tom/o: To cut.

  • Example: Tomography.
  • Word Breakdown: Tom/o/graphy.
  • Full Meaning: Process of recording a cut (cross-section).

• viscer/o: Internal organs.

  • Example: Visceral.
  • Word Breakdown: Viscer/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to internal organs.

• abdomen/o: Abdomen.

  • Example: Abdominocentesis.
  • Word Breakdown: Abdomin/o/centesis.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical puncture of the abdomen.

• cervic/o: Neck, cervix.

  • Example: Cervical.
  • Word Breakdown: Cervic/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the neck/cervix.

• crani/o: Skull.

  • Example: Craniotomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Crani/o/tomy.
  • Full Meaning: Incision into the skull.

• gastr/o: Stomach.

  • Example: Gastritis.
  • Word Breakdown: Gastr/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the stomach.

• ili/o: Ilium.

  • Example: Iliac.
  • Word Breakdown: Ili/ac.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the ilium.

• inguin/o: Groin.

  • Example: Inguinal.
  • Word Breakdown: Inguin/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the groin.

• lumb/o: Loins, lower back.

  • Example: Lumbar.
  • Word Breakdown: Lumb/ar.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the lower back.

• pelv/i: Pelvis.

  • Example: Pelv/ic.
  • Word Breakdown: Pelvic.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the pelvis.

• spin/o: Spine.

  • Example: Spinal.
  • Word Breakdown: Spin/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the spine.

• thorac/o: Chest.

  • Example: Thoracotomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Thorac/o/tomy.
  • Full Meaning: Incision into the chest.

• umbilic/o: Navel.

  • Example: Umbilical.
  • Word Breakdown: Umbilic/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the navel.

• xer/o: Dry.

  • Example: Xeroderma.
  • Word Breakdown: Xer/o/derma.
  • Full Meaning: Dry skin condition.

• albin/o: White.

  • Example: Albinism.
  • Word Breakdown: Albin/ism.
  • Full Meaning: Condition of whiteness (lack of pigment).

• chlor/o: Green.

  • Example: Chlorophyll.
  • Word Breakdown: Chlor/o/phyll.
  • Full Meaning: Green leaf (pigment).

• chrom/o: Color.

  • Example: Chromosome.
  • Word Breakdown: Chrom/o/some.
  • Full Meaning: Color body (stains with dye).

• cirrh/o: Orange-yellow.

  • Example: Cirrhosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Cirrh/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal orange-yellow condition (liver).

• cyan/o: Blue.

  • Example: Cyanosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Cyan/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of blueness.

• erythr/o: Red.

  • Example: Erythrocyte.
  • Word Breakdown: Erythr/o/cyte.
  • Full Meaning: Red blood cell.

• jaund/o: Yellow.

  • Example: Jaundice.
  • Word Breakdown: Jaund/ice.
  • Full Meaning: Yellow condition (skin/eyes).

• leuk/o: White.

  • Example: Leukocyte.
  • Word Breakdown: Leuk/o/cyte.
  • Full Meaning: White blood cell.

• melan/o: Black.

  • Example: Melanoma.
  • Word Breakdown: Melan/oma.
  • Full Meaning: Tumor of black pigmented cells.

• poli/o: Gray.

  • Example: Poliomyelitis.
  • Word Breakdown: Poli/o/myel/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the gray matter of spinal cord.

• xanth/o: Yellow.

  • Example: Xanthosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Xanth/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of yellowness.

Chapter 5: Integumentary System Combining Forms and Suffixes

• adip/o: Fat.

  • Example: Adipose.
  • Word Breakdown: Adip/ose.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to fat tissue.

• cutane/o: Skin.

  • Example: Subcutaneous.
  • Word Breakdown: Sub/cutan/eous.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to under the skin.

• derm/o: Skin.

  • Example: Dermatitis.
  • Word Breakdown: Dermat/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the skin.

• dermat/o: Skin.

  • Example: Dermatology.
  • Word Breakdown: Dermat/o/logy.
  • Full Meaning: Study of the skin.

• hidr/o: Sweat.

  • Example: Anhidrosis.
  • Word Breakdown: An/hidr/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of without sweat.

• ichthy/o: Fish (scaly).

  • Example: Ichthyosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Ichthy/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal scaly (fish-like) skin condition.

• kerat/o: Horny tissue, hard.

  • Example: Keratosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Kerat/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of horny skin growth.

• lip/o: Fat.

  • Example: Liposuction.
  • Word Breakdown: Lip/o/suction.
  • Full Meaning: Suctioning out fat.

• melan/o: Black.

  • Example: Melanocyte.
  • Word Breakdown: Melan/o/cyte.
  • Full Meaning: Black pigment cell.

• myc/o: Fungus.

  • Example: Onychomycosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Onych/o/myc/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of nail fungus.

• onych/o: Nail.

  • Example: Onychectomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Onych/ectomy.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical removal of a nail.

• pil/o: Hair.

  • Example: Pilosebaceous.
  • Word Breakdown: Pil/o/sebace/ous.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to hair and sebaceous (oil) gland.

• scler/o: Hardening.

  • Example: Scleroderma.
  • Word Breakdown: Scler/o/derma.
  • Full Meaning: Hardening of the skin.

• seb/o: Sebum (oil).

  • Example: Seborrhea.
  • Word Breakdown: Seb/o/rrhea.
  • Full Meaning: Discharge/excessive flow of sebum.

• squam/o: Scale.

  • Example: Squamous.
  • Word Breakdown: Squam/ous.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to scales (flat cells).

• xen/o: Foreign.

  • Example: Xenograft.
  • Word Breakdown: Xen/o/graft.
  • Full Meaning: Graft from a foreign (different) species.

• xer/o: Dry.

  • Example: Xeroderma.
  • Word Breakdown: Xer/o/derma.
  • Full Meaning: Dry skin condition.

• -cyte: Cell.

  • Example: Melanocyte.
  • Word Breakdown: Melan/o/cyte.
  • Full Meaning: Black pigment cell.

• -derma: Skin.

  • Example: Scleroderma.
  • Word Breakdown: Scler/o/derma.
  • Full Meaning: Hardening of the skin.

• -logist: Specialist.

  • Example: Dermatologist.
  • Word Breakdown: Dermat/o/log/ist.
  • Full Meaning: Specialist in the study of skin.

• -logy: Study of.

  • Example: Dermatology.
  • Word Breakdown: Dermat/o/logy.
  • Full Meaning: Study of the skin.

• -therapy: Treatment.

  • Example: Cryotherapy.
  • Word Breakdown: Cry/o/therapy.
  • Full Meaning: Treatment with cold.

• steat/o: Fat.

  • Example: Steatorrhea.
  • Word Breakdown: Steat/o/rrhea.
  • Full Meaning: Discharge of fat (in stool).

• sudor/o: Sweat.

  • Example: Sudoriferous.
  • Word Breakdown: Sudor/i/fer/ous.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to producing sweat.

• trich/o: Hair.

  • Example: Trichopathy.
  • Word Breakdown: Trich/o/pathy.
  • Full Meaning: Disease of the hair.

• ungu/o: Nail.

  • Example: Subungual.
  • Word Breakdown: Sub/ungu/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to under the nail.

Chapter 10: Musculoskeletal System Combining Forms and Suffixes

• acromi/o: Acromion.

  • Example: Acromioplasty.
  • Word Breakdown: Acromi/o/plasty.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical repair of the acromion.

• ankyl/o: Stiff.

  • Example: Ankylosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Ankyl/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of stiffness (joint).

• arthr/o: Joint.

  • Example: Arthritis.
  • Word Breakdown: Arthr/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of a joint.

• brachi/o: Arm.

  • Example: Brachialgia.
  • Word Breakdown: Brachi/algia.
  • Full Meaning: Pain in the arm.

• calcane/o: Heel bone.

  • Example: Calcaneal.
  • Word Breakdown: Calcane/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the heel bone.

• carp/o: Wrist.

  • Example: Carpal.
  • Word Breakdown: Carp/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the wrist.

• cephal/o: Head.

  • Example: Cephalic.
  • Word Breakdown: Cephal/ic.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the head.

• cervic/o: Neck.

  • Example: Cervical.
  • Word Breakdown: Cervic/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the neck.

• chondr/o: Cartilage.

  • Example: Chondritis.
  • Word Breakdown: Chondr/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of cartilage.

• clavicul/o: Collarbone.

  • Example: Clavicular.
  • Word Breakdown: Clavicul/ar.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the collarbone.

• cost/o: Ribs.

  • Example: Intercostal.
  • Word Breakdown: Inter/cost/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to between the ribs.

• crani/o: Skull.

  • Example: Craniotomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Crani/o/tomy.
  • Full Meaning: Incision into the skull.

• dactyl/o: Fingers, toes.

  • Example: Dactylitis.
  • Word Breakdown: Dactyl/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the fingers/toes.

• fasci/o: Fascia.

  • Example: Fasciitis.
  • Word Breakdown: Fasci/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the fascia.

• femor/o: Femur (thigh).

  • Example: Femoral.
  • Word Breakdown: Femor/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the femur.

• fibr/o: Fibrous tissue.

  • Example: Fibromyalgia.
  • Word Breakdown: Fibr/o/my/algia.
  • Full Meaning: Pain of fibrous muscle tissue.

• fibul/o: Fibula.

  • Example: Fibular.
  • Word Breakdown: Fibul/ar.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the fibula.

• humer/o: Humerus.

  • Example: Humeral.
  • Word Breakdown: Humer/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the humerus.

• ili/o: Ilium.

  • Example: Iliac.
  • Word Breakdown: Ili/ac.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the ilium.

• ischi/o: Ischium.

  • Example: Ischiatic.
  • Word Breakdown: Ischi/at/ic.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the ischium.

• kyph/o: Hump.

  • Example: Kyphosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Kyph/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of hump (of spine).

• lamin/o: Lamina.

  • Example: Laminectomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Lamin/ectomy.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical removal of the lamina.

• leiomy/o: Smooth muscle.

  • Example: Leiomyoma.
  • Word Breakdown: Leiomy/oma.
  • Full Meaning: Tumor of smooth muscle.

• lord/o: Curve, swayback.

  • Example: Lordosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Lord/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of curvature (lumbar).

• lumb/o: Lower back.

  • Example: Lumbar.
  • Word Breakdown: Lumb/ar.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the lower back.

• metacarp/o: Hand bones.

  • Example: Metacarpal.
  • Word Breakdown: Metacarp/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the hand bones.

• metatars/o: Foot bones.

  • Example: Metatarsal.
  • Word Breakdown: Metatars/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the foot bones.

• muscul/o: Muscle.

  • Example: Musculoskeletal.
  • Word Breakdown: Muscul/o/skelet/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to muscle and skeleton.

• myel/o: Bone marrow.

  • Example: Osteomyelitis.
  • Word Breakdown: Oste/o/myel/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of bone and bone marrow.

• orth/o: Straight.

  • Example: Orthopedics.
  • Word Breakdown: Orth/o/ped/ics.
  • Full Meaning: Straightening of (children's) bones.

• oste/o: Bone.

  • Example: Osteoporosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Oste/o/por/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of porous bone.

• patell/o: Kneecap.

  • Example: Patellar.
  • Word Breakdown: Patell/ar.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the kneecap.

• ped/i: Foot.

  • Example: Pediatrics.
  • Word Breakdown: Ped/iatrics.
  • Full Meaning: Medicine of children.

• pelv/i: Pelvis.

  • Example: Pelvic.
  • Word Breakdown: Pelv/ic.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the pelvis.

• phalang/o: Finger/toe bones.

  • Example: Phalangeal.
  • Word Breakdown: Phalang/eal.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the phalanges.

• pub/o: Pubis.

  • Example: Pubic.
  • Word Breakdown: Pub/ic.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the pubis.

• radi/o: Radius.

  • Example: Radial.
  • Word Breakdown: Radi/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the radius.

• rhabd/o: Rod-shaped.

  • Example: Rhabdomyolysis.
  • Word Breakdown: Rhabd/o/my/o/lysis.
  • Full Meaning: Destruction of striated muscle.

• scoli/o: Crooked.

  • Example: Scoliosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Scoli/osis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of crooked (spine).

• spondyl/o: Vertebra.

  • Example: Spondylitis.
  • Word Breakdown: Spondyl/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the vertebrae.

• stern/o: Sternum.

  • Example: Sternotomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Stern/o/tomy.
  • Full Meaning: Incision into the sternum.

• synov/o: Synovial membrane.

  • Example: Synovitis.
  • Word Breakdown: Synov/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the synovial membrane.

• ten/o: Tendon.

  • Example: Tenodesis.
  • Word Breakdown: Ten/o/desis.
  • Full Meaning: Binding/fixation of a tendon.

• tendin/o: Tendon.

  • Example: Tendinitis.
  • Word Breakdown: Tendin/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of a tendon.

• thorac/o: Chest.

  • Example: Thoracotomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Thorac/o/tomy.
  • Full Meaning: Incision into the chest.

• tibi/o: Tibia (shin).

  • Example: Tibial.
  • Word Breakdown: Tibi/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the tibia.

• -blast: Embryonic cell.

  • Example: Osteoblast.
  • Word Breakdown: Oste/o/blast.
  • Full Meaning: Embryonic bone-forming cell.

• -clasia: To break.

  • Example: Osteoclasia.
  • Word Breakdown: Oste/o/clasia.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical breaking of bone.

• -clast: To break.

  • Example: Osteoclast.
  • Word Breakdown: Oste/o/clast.
  • Full Meaning: Cell that breaks down bone.

• -desis: Binding.

  • Example: Arthrodesis.
  • Word Breakdown: Arthr/o/desis.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical binding/fixation of a joint.

• -porosis: Porous condition.

  • Example: Osteoporosis.
  • Word Breakdown: Oste/o/porosis.
  • Full Meaning: Abnormal condition of porous bone.

• -sarcoma: Malignant tumor.

  • Example: Osteosarcoma.
  • Word Breakdown: Oste/o/sarcoma.
  • Full Meaning: Malignant tumor of bone.

• -scopy: Visual examination.

  • Example: Arthroscopy.
  • Word Breakdown: Arthr/o/scopy.
  • Full Meaning: Visual examination of a joint.

• -malacia: Softening.

  • Example: Osteomalacia.
  • Word Breakdown: Oste/o/malacia.
  • Full Meaning: Softening of bone.

• -physis: Growth.

  • Example: Diaphysis.
  • Word Breakdown: Dia/physis.
  • Full Meaning: Growing through (shaft of long bone).

• -asthenia: Weakness.

  • Example: Myasthenia.
  • Word Breakdown: My/asthenia.
  • Full Meaning: Muscle weakness.

Chapter 15: Nervous System Combining Forms and Suffixes

• cerebr/o: Cerebrum.

  • Example: Cerebral.
  • Word Breakdown: Cerebr/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the cerebrum.

• crani/o: Skull.

  • Example: Craniotomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Crani/o/tomy.
  • Full Meaning: Incision into the skull.

• dendr/o: Tree (branching).

  • Example: Dendrite.
  • Word Breakdown: Dendr/ite.
  • Full Meaning: Branching extension of a nerve cell.

• encephal/o: Brain.

  • Example: Encephalitis.
  • Word Breakdown: Encephal/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the brain.

• gangli/o: Ganglion.

  • Example: Ganglionectomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Gangli/o/n/ectomy.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical removal of a ganglion.

• gli/o: Glue (neuroglia).

  • Example: Glioma.
  • Word Breakdown: Gli/oma.
  • Full Meaning: Tumor of neuroglia cells.

• kinesi/o: Movement.

  • Example: Kinesiology.
  • Word Breakdown: Kinesi/o/logy.
  • Full Meaning: Study of movement.

• lept/o: Thin, slender.

  • Example: Leptomeninges.
  • Word Breakdown: Lept/o/mening/es.
  • Full Meaning: Thin meningeal layers (pia and arachnoid).

• lex/o: Word, phrase.

  • Example: Dyslexia.
  • Word Breakdown: Dys/lex/ia.
  • Full Meaning: Condition of difficulty with words.

• meningi/o: Meninges.

  • Example: Meningitis.
  • Word Breakdown: Mening/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the meninges.

• mening/o: Meninges.

  • Example: Meningocele.
  • Word Breakdown: Mening/o/cele.
  • Full Meaning: Herniation of the meninges.

• myel/o: Spinal cord.

  • Example: Myelography.
  • Word Breakdown: Myel/o/graphy.
  • Full Meaning: Process of recording the spinal cord.

• narc/o: Numbness, stupor.

  • Example: Narcolepsy.
  • Word Breakdown: Narc/o/lepsy.
  • Full Meaning: Seizure of sleep/numbness.

• neur/o: Nerve.

  • Example: Neuralgia.
  • Word Breakdown: Neur/algia.
  • Full Meaning: Pain in a nerve.

• radicul/o: Nerve root.

  • Example: Radiculopathy.
  • Word Breakdown: Radicul/o/pathy.
  • Full Meaning: Disease of the nerve root.

• sthen/o: Strength.

  • Example: Myasthenia.
  • Word Breakdown: My/a/sthen/ia.
  • Full Meaning: Condition of muscle weakness.

• thalam/o: Thalamus.

  • Example: Thalamotomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Thalam/o/tomy.
  • Full Meaning: Incision into the thalamus.

• ton/o: Tone, tension.

  • Example: Hypertonia.
  • Word Breakdown: Hyper/ton/ia.
  • Full Meaning: Condition of excessive muscle tone.

• ventricul/o: Ventricle.

  • Example: Ventriculostomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Ventricul/o/stomy.
  • Full Meaning: Creating an opening in the ventricle.

• -algesia: Sensitivity to pain.

  • Example: Analgesia.
  • Word Breakdown: An/algesia.
  • Full Meaning: Without pain sensitivity.

• -esthesia: Feeling, sensation.

  • Example: Anesthesia.
  • Word Breakdown: An/esthesia.
  • Full Meaning: Without feeling/sensation.

• -kinesia: Movement.

  • Example: Dyskinesia.
  • Word Breakdown: Dys/kinesia.
  • Full Meaning: Difficult/abnormal movement.

• -lepsy: Seizure.

  • Example: Epilepsy.
  • Word Breakdown: Epi/lepsy.
  • Full Meaning: Seizure upon (the brain).

• -paresis: Partial paralysis.

  • Example: Hemiparesis.
  • Word Breakdown: Hemi/paresis.
  • Full Meaning: Partial paralysis of one side.

• -taxia: Order, coordination.

  • Example: Ataxia.
  • Word Breakdown: A/taxia.
  • Full Meaning: Without coordination.

• pachy-: Thick.

  • Example: Pachymeninges.
  • Word Breakdown: Pachy/mening/es.
  • Full Meaning: Thick meningeal layer (dura mater).

• thec/o: Sheath (meninges).

  • Example: Intrathecal.
  • Word Breakdown: Intra/thec/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to within the meningeal sheath.

Chapter 16: Special Senses Combining Forms and Suffixes

• ambly/o: Dull, dim.

  • Example: Amblyopia.
  • Word Breakdown: Ambly/opia.
  • Full Meaning: Dim/dull vision condition.

• aque/o: Water.

  • Example: Aqueous humor.
  • Word Breakdown: Aque/ous humor.
  • Full Meaning: Watery fluid of the eye.

• blephar/o: Eyelid.

  • Example: Blepharoplasty.
  • Word Breakdown: Blephar/o/plasty.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical repair of the eyelid.

• choroid/o: Choroid.

  • Example: Choroiditis.
  • Word Breakdown: Choroid/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the choroid.

• conjunctiv/o: Conjunctiva.

  • Example: Conjunctivitis.
  • Word Breakdown: Conjunctiv/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the conjunctiva.

• core/o: Pupil.

  • Example: Coreometer.
  • Word Breakdown: Core/o/meter.
  • Full Meaning: Instrument for measuring the pupil.

• corne/o: Cornea.

  • Example: Corneal.
  • Word Breakdown: Corne/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the cornea.

• cycl/o: Ciliary body.

  • Example: Cycloplegia.
  • Word Breakdown: Cycl/o/plegia.
  • Full Meaning: Paralysis of the ciliary body.

• dacry/o: Tear, lacrimal.

  • Example: Dacryocystitis.
  • Word Breakdown: Dacry/o/cyst/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the lacrimal sac.

• glauc/o: Gray, silver.

  • Example: Glaucoma.
  • Word Breakdown: Glauc/oma.
  • Full Meaning: Tumor/condition of grayness (increased eye pressure).

• goni/o: Angle.

  • Example: Gonioscopy.
  • Word Breakdown: Goni/o/scopy.
  • Full Meaning: Visual examination of the angle of the eye.

• irid/o: Iris.

  • Example: Iridoplegia.
  • Word Breakdown: Irid/o/plegia.
  • Full Meaning: Paralysis of the iris.

• kerat/o: Cornea.

  • Example: Keratotomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Kerat/o/tomy.
  • Full Meaning: Incision into the cornea.

• lacrim/o: Tear, lacrimal.

  • Example: Lacrimal.
  • Word Breakdown: Lacrim/al.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to tears.

• ocul/o: Eye.

  • Example: Ocular.
  • Word Breakdown: Ocul/ar.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the eye.

• ophthalm/o: Eye.

  • Example: Ophthalmoscopy.
  • Word Breakdown: Ophthalm/o/scopy.
  • Full Meaning: Visual examination of the eye.

• opt/o: Eye, vision.

  • Example: Optometry.
  • Word Breakdown: Opt/o/metry.
  • Full Meaning: Process of measuring vision.

• optic/o: Eye, vision.

  • Example: Optic nerve.
  • Word Breakdown: Optic/nerve.
  • Full Meaning: Nerve of vision.

• phac/o: Lens of eye.

  • Example: Phacoplasty.
  • Word Breakdown: Phac/o/plasty.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical repair of the lens.

• phot/o: Light.

  • Example: Photophobia.
  • Word Breakdown: Phot/o/phobia.
  • Full Meaning: Fear/sensitivity to light.

• presby/o: Old age.

  • Example: Presbyopia.
  • Word Breakdown: Presby/opia.
  • Full Meaning: Vision condition of old age (farsightedness).

• pupill/o: Pupil.

  • Example: Pupillary.
  • Word Breakdown: Pupill/ary.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the pupil.

• retin/o: Retina.

  • Example: Retinopathy.
  • Word Breakdown: Retin/o/pathy.
  • Full Meaning: Disease of the retina.

• scler/o: Sclera (white of eye).

  • Example: Scleritis.
  • Word Breakdown: Scler/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the sclera.

• scot/o: Darkness.

  • Example: Scotoma.
  • Word Breakdown: Scot/oma.
  • Full Meaning: Dark spot (blind spot) in vision.

• vitr/o: Glassy.

  • Example: Vitrectomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Vitr/ectomy.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical removal of the vitreous body.

• audi/o: Hearing.

  • Example: Audiogram.
  • Word Breakdown: Audi/o/gram.
  • Full Meaning: Record of hearing (test results).

• labyrinth/o: Labyrinth (inner ear).

  • Example: Labyrinthitis.
  • Word Breakdown: Labyrinth/itis.
  • Full Meaning: Inflammation of the labyrinth.

• mastoid/o: Mastoid process.

  • Example: Mastoidectomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Mastoid/ectomy.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical removal of the mastoid.

• myring/o: Eardrum.

  • Example: Myringoplasty.
  • Word Breakdown: Myring/o/plasty.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical repair of the eardrum.

• ot/o: Ear.

  • Example: Otoscopy.
  • Word Breakdown: Ot/o/scopy.
  • Full Meaning: Visual examination of the ear.

• salping/o: Eustachian tube.

  • Example: Salpingopharyngeal.
  • Word Breakdown: Salping/o/pharyng/eal.
  • Full Meaning: Pertaining to the eustachian tube and pharynx.

• staped/o: Stapes (stirrup).

  • Example: Stapedectomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Staped/ectomy.
  • Full Meaning: Surgical removal of the stapes.

• tympan/o: Eardrum.

  • Example: Tympanostomy.
  • Word Breakdown: Tympan/o/stomy.
  • Full Meaning: Creating an opening in the eardrum.

• -acusia: Hearing condition.

  • Example: Anacusia.
  • Word Breakdown: An/acusia.
  • Full Meaning: Condition of without hearing (total deafness).

• -opsia: Vision condition.

  • Example: Hemianopsia.
  • Word Breakdown: Hemi/an/opsia.
  • Full Meaning: Vision condition of half without (vision).

• -tropia: Turning.

  • Example: Exotropia.
  • Word Breakdown: Exo/tropia.
  • Full Meaning: Turning outward (of the eye).

• -cusis: Hearing.

  • Example: Presbycusis.
  • Word Breakdown: Presby/cusis.
  • Full Meaning: Hearing condition of old age.

• -opia: Vision.

  • Example: Myopia.
  • Word Breakdown: My/opia.
  • Full Meaning: Vision condition (nearsightedness).

• hyper/o: Excessive, above.

  • Example: Hyperopia.
  • Word Breakdown: Hyper/opia.
  • Full Meaning: Vision condition of above (farsightedness).