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Suffixes

Suffix: The ending part of a word that modifies the meaning of the word

  • suffixes alone have no uses

    • by adding a suffix to the end of a word root, we create a noun or adjective with a different meaning


- these suffixes begin with a consonant, therefore a combining vowel (a, e, i, o, u, or y) must be used between the word root and the suffix

-scope

= instrument to view

Gastroscopy

-rrhea

= flow or discharge

Rhinorrhea

- these suffixes begin with a vowel, therefore a combining vowel (a, e, i, o, u, or y) is NOT used between the word root and the suffix

-algia

= pain

-edema

= swelling

-uria

= urine, urination

So,

  • A combining vowel IS used to link one root to another and before a suffix that begins with a consonant

  • A combining vowel IS NOT used before a suffix that starts with a vowel


Different Associations in Medical Terminology

  • Prefix, Root, and suffix -- Pericarditis

  • Two roots and a suffix -- Myocarditis

  • Prefix and root -- Hypotension

  • Root and suffix -- Hepatitis

  • Prefix and suffix -- Anemia


  • pertaining to: -ac, -al, -ar, -ary, -eal, -iac, -ic, -ical, -ose, -ous and -tic

Suffixes

Suffix: The ending part of a word that modifies the meaning of the word

  • suffixes alone have no uses

    • by adding a suffix to the end of a word root, we create a noun or adjective with a different meaning


- these suffixes begin with a consonant, therefore a combining vowel (a, e, i, o, u, or y) must be used between the word root and the suffix

-scope

= instrument to view

Gastroscopy

-rrhea

= flow or discharge

Rhinorrhea

- these suffixes begin with a vowel, therefore a combining vowel (a, e, i, o, u, or y) is NOT used between the word root and the suffix

-algia

= pain

-edema

= swelling

-uria

= urine, urination

So,

  • A combining vowel IS used to link one root to another and before a suffix that begins with a consonant

  • A combining vowel IS NOT used before a suffix that starts with a vowel


Different Associations in Medical Terminology

  • Prefix, Root, and suffix -- Pericarditis

  • Two roots and a suffix -- Myocarditis

  • Prefix and root -- Hypotension

  • Root and suffix -- Hepatitis

  • Prefix and suffix -- Anemia


  • pertaining to: -ac, -al, -ar, -ary, -eal, -iac, -ic, -ical, -ose, -ous and -tic

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