Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology1. Suffixes and PrefixesSUFFIXES A suffix is a word ending that modifies a root which may indicate that the word is a noun or an adjective. Suffixes that mean condition of

Suffix Example Meaning

-iainsomnia

anesthesiaphobia Inability to sleep

Loss of sensation

Abnormal fear

-ismalcoholismegotism

embolism Chronic dependence on or addiction to alcoholExaggerated self-importance

Blockage of a vessel

-sis

(-osis, -esis, -asis, iasis)neurosis psychosis

cirrhosisPsychological disorderMental disorder

Liver degeneration

-yatonytetany

dysentery Lack of muscle toneSustained muscle contraction

Intestinal disorder

Suffixes that mean pertaining to, characterized by, resembling adjective endingsSuffix Example Definition

-accardiacPertaining to the heart

-alskeletalPertaining to the skeleton

-armuscularPertaining to muscle

-aryurinaryPertaining to urine

-icpelvicPertaining to the pelvis

-icalsurgicalPertaining to surgery

-ilefebrilePertaining to fever

-ousvenousPertaining to a vein

-formepileptiformLike or resembling epilepsy

-oidmucoidLike or resembling mucus

(nouns) -sis changes into -tic (to form the adjective): neurosis neurotic, diuresis - diuretic

Suffixes pertaining to specialties and specialists

Suffix Meaning Example Definition

-logyStudy ofphysiologyStudy of function in a living organism

-istSpecialist in a field of studydentistSpecialist in the study and treatment of the teeth and mouth

-ian,-icianSpecialist in a field of studyPhysician Practitioner of medicine

-iatrics,-iatryField of medicinepsychiatryStudy and treatment of mental illness

-iatrist Specialist in a field of studypodiatristSpecialist in the study and treatment of the foot

Exercises

1. Identify the suffix that means pertaining to(resembling) in each of the following words:primary

cellular

virile

physiologic topical

biologic

rheumatoid

exploratory focal

dystrophy

fibrous

muciform

lymphoid

cutaneous

cuboid

nuclear salivary

bacterial

metric

thermal anatomical

cellular

lymphoidbasic 2. Identify the suffix that means condition ofin each of the following words:analgesia

parasitismstenosis

dystrophythrombosis

anemia

acidosis 3. Write a word for a specialist in each of the following fields:biology

obstetrics

pediatrics allergy

psychiatry

dermatology technology

anatomy

gynecology pharmacy

radiology

orthodontics PREFIXES

Prefixes pertaining to numbers Prefix Meaning Example Definition

Prim/i-firstprimigravidaWoman pregnant for the first time

Mon/o-onemonoclonalPertaining to a cell colony arising from a single cell

Uni-oneunicellularPertaining to an organism composed of a single cell

Bi-Two, twiceBicuspidHaving two points

Di-Two, twicediplegiaParalysis (-plegia) affecting both sides of the body

Diplo-doublediplopiaDouble vision(-opia)

Hemi-Half, one sidehemithoraxOne side of the chest (thorax)

Semi-Half, partialsemilunarResembling a half-moon

Tri- threetriadGroup of three

Quadr/i-fourquadrantOne fourth of an area

Multi-manymultipleConsisting of many parts

Poly-Many muchpolymorphicHaving many shapes (morph/o)

Exercises1. Define the following words:

primary

multicellular trisect

unilateral polymorphous

hemithorax

bipolar

2. Fill in the blanks:

1. Monarthritis is arthritis affecting joint (s).

2. A tricuspid tooth has points

3. Unilateral means affecting side

4. A quadruplet is one of offspring produced in a single birth.

5. A biped is an animal with feet.

3. Give a prefix similar in meaning to each of the following:bi-

hemi-

multi-

Prefixes pertaining to color Prefix Meaning Example Definition

Cyan/o-BluecyanosisBluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxigen

Erythr/o-RederythrocyteRed blood cell

Leuk/o-White, colorlessleukoplakiaWhite patches in the mouth

Melano/o-Black, darkmelaninThe dark pigment that colors the hair and skin

Xanth/o-yellowxanthomaYellow raised area of the skin

Negative prefixes

Prefix Meaning Example Definition

A-, An-Not, without, lack of, absenceamorphousWithout form

Anti-againstantidoteMeans for counteracting a poison

Contra-againstcontralateralPertaining to the opposite side

De-Down, without, removal, lossdetoxifyTo remove a poison

Dis-Absence, removal, separationdisinfectTo remove infectious organisms from

In-, im-Not (in- before b, m, p)incontinenceLack of control over excretion

Un-NotunconsciousNot responsive

Exercises

1. Identify and define the prefix in each of the following words:

e.g. inadequate in- (prefix) = not (meaning)amnesia

contraception

antibody disease

antiserum

decongestant

contraindication

2. Write the negative(opposite) of each of the following words. There may be more than one answer for each.coordinated

ability

mature septic

adequate humidify

fertility

active congestant

permeable

sufficient responsive

compatible Prefixes pertaining to directionPrefix Meaning Example Definition

Ab-away fromabductTo move away from the midline

Ad-Toward, nearadhesionAn attachment of parts

Dia-throughdialysisSeparation by passage through a membrane

Per-throughpercutaneousThrough the skin

Trans-Through, across,beyondtransfusionIntroduction of blood or blood components into the bloodstream

Exercises1. Identify and define the prefix in each of the following words

absorb

transmit

perforate

adhesive

diarrhea transcortical

adduct Prefixes pertaining to degreePrefix Meaning Example Definition

Hyper-Over, excess, abnormally high, increasedhypertensionHigh blood pressure

Hypo-Under, below, abnormally low, decreasedhypoventilationLow amount of air entering the lungs

Olig/o-Few, scanty, deficiency ofoligospermiaLow number of sperm in the semen

Pan-allpanplegiaTotal paralysis (-plegia)

Super-Above, excesssuperinfectionSecond infection

Prefixes pertaining to size and comparison

Prefix Meaning Example Definition

Eu-True, good, easy, normaleuthanasiaEasy or painless death

Hetero-Other, different, unequalheterosexualPertaining to the opposite sex

Homo-/homeoSame, unchanging homothermicMaintaining a constant body temperature, warm blooded

Iso-Equal, sameisograftGraft between two genetically identical individuals

Macro-Large, abnormally largemacroscopicVisible with the naked eye

Mega-/megalo-Large, abnormally largemegabladderPermanent enlargement of the bladder

Micro-smallmicrosurgerySurgery of extremely small structures under the microscope

Neo-newneonateNewborn infant

Normo-normalnormovolemiaNormal blood volume

Ortho-Straight, correct, uprightOrthosisAppliance used to correct or prevent deformities

Pseudo-falsepseudoparalysisFalse paralysis

Re-Again, backrefluxBackward or return flow

Exercises

1. Match the following terms with their definition:leukocyte, hypersensitivity, erythroderma, recuperate, pandemic, xanthoderma, hypotension, pseudoreaction, oligomenorrhea, orthodontic, melanoma, supermotility, cyanotic, normothermic a. dark growth on the skinb. white blood cell

c. yellow coloration on the skin

d. redness of the skin

e. pertaining to bluish discolorationf. low blood pressure

g. scanty menstrual flowh. excess movement

i. excessive responsiveness

j. disease affecting an entire populationk. false responsel. pertaining to normal body temperaturem. pertaining to straight teeth

n. recover from illness

Prefixes pertaining to time and/or positionPrefix Meaning Example Definition

Ante-beforeantenatalBefore birth

Per-Before, in front ofpredisposingLeading toward a condition such as a disease

Pro- before, in front ofprophylaxisPrevention of disease

Post-After, behindpostoperativeAfter a surgical operation

Oprit aici de facut ex. student

Exercises

1. Match the following terms with their definition :ectocardia (d), postnasal (c), syndrome (f), endonasal (a), telencephalon (b), hyposecretion (e)a. within the nose

b. endbrain

c. behind the nose

d. displacement of the heart from its normal positione. underproduction of a substancef. group of symptoms occurring together

2. Identify and define the prefix in each of the following words

6. premenstrual (pre-/ before, in front of);

7. post-traumatic (post-/ after, behind)8. progenitor (pro-/ before, in front of)9. antedate (ante-/ before)KEY

6.

7. 8.

9.

Identify and define the prefix in each of the following words:

Prefix Meaning

6. protrude7. antecedent

8. premenstrual

9. extra

10. mesoderm

Prefixes pertaining to position Prefix Meaning Example Definition

Dextr/o- rightdextrocardiaLocation of the heart in the right side of the chest

Sinistr/o-leftsinistradToward the left

Ecto-out,outsideectopicOutside the normal position

Ex/o-away from, outsideexciseTo cut out

Endo-in, withinendoscopeDevice for viewing the insite of a cavity or organ

Mes/-omiddlemesencephalonMidbrain

Syn, sym-togethersynapseJunction between two nerve cell

Tel/e-, tel/o-endtelangionTerminal blood vessel

Exercises

1. Write the opposite of each of the following words. exotoxin (endotoxin), macroscopic (microscopic), homograft (heterograft), hypoactive (hyperactive), preoperative (postoperative), antepartum (postpartum), preadolescent (postadolescent), sinistromanual (= left handed) (dextromanual), exogenous (= outside the organism) (endogenous), organization (disorganization), adduct (abduct), 2. Match the following terms with their definition:pandemic (d), hypertension (e), neonate (g), oligodontia (b), superficial (a), heterothermic (i), melanoma (c), panplegia (j), xanthocyte (f), percutaneous (h), mesencephalon (k).a. located at the surface (above other structures)b. less than the normal number of teethc. dark tumor

d. disease affecting an entire population

e. high blood pressure

f. cell with yellow colorg. a newborn

h. through the skin

i. having varying body temperaturej. total paralysisk. midbrain

de la Mirel

Write the suffix in each of the following words that means study of, medical specialty, or specialist in a field of study:

1. dentist (one who treats the teeth and mouth) -ist

2. neurology (the study of the nervous system)

3. pediatrics (treatment of children)

4. technologist (specialist in a technical field)

5. psychiatry (study and treatment of mental disorders)

KEY:

1. -ist

2. -logy

3. -iatrics

4. -ist

5. -iatry

Write a word for a specialist in each of the following fields:

6. anatomy (study of body structure)

7. pediatrics (care and treatment of children)

8. radiology (use of radiation in diagnosis and treatment)

9. orthodontics (correction of the teeth)

KEY:

6. anatomist

7. pediatrician

8. radiologist

9. orthodontistIdentify the suffix that means condition of in each of the following words:

1. egotism

2. anemia

3. stenosis

4. dystrophy

5. acidosis

6. anesthesia

KEY:

1. -ism

2. -ia

3. -sis

4. -y

5. -sis

6. -iaGive the suffix in the following words that means specialty or specialist:

7. psychiatry 8. orthopedist

9. obstetrics

10. urology

KEY:

7. -iatry

8. -ist

9. -ics

10. -logy

Give the name of the specialist in each of the following fields:

11. pediatrics

12. dermatology

13. pharmacy

14. gynecology

KEY:

11. pediatrician

12. dermatologist

13. pharmacist

14. gynecologistIdentify the adjective suffix in each of the following words that means pertaining to or resembling:

15. physiologic

16. local 17. cutaneous

18. lymphoid

19. cellular

20. basic

21. salivary

22. oral

23. rheumatoid

24. virile

25. anatomical

26. circular

27. exploratory

KEY:

15. -ic

16. -al

17. -ous

18. -oid

19. -ar

20. -ic

21. -ary

22. -al

23. -oid

24. -ile

25. -ical

26. -ar

27. -oryIdentify and define the prefix in each of the following words:

1. amorphous (without form) (root morph/o) a- not, without, lack of, absence

2. antibody

3. amnesia

4. disintegrate

5. contralateral

6. incontinent

7. dehumidify

8. noncontributory

KEY

1. a-; not, without, lack of, absence

2. anti-; against, opposite

3. a-; not, without (root mnem/o means memory)

4. dis-; absence, removal, separation

5. contra-; against

6. in-; not

7. de-; down, without, removal, loss

8. non-; not

Add a prefix to form the negative of each of the following words:

9. coordinated uncoordinated

10. adequate

11. infect

12. permeable (capable of being penetrated)

13. congestant

14. compatible

KEY

9. uncoordinated

10. inadequate

11. disinfect

12. impermeable

13. decongestant

14. incompatibleMatch the following terms and write the appropriate letter to the left of each number:

1. pandemic

a. located at the surface (above other structures)

2. hyposecretion

b. less than the normal number of teeth3. hypertension c. underproduction of a substance

4. oligodontia d. disease affecting an entire population

5. superficial

e. high blood pressure

KEY

1. d

2. c

3. e

4. b

5. aIdentify and define the prefix in each of the following words:

6. equidistant (equi-; equal, same)7. orthopedics

8. recuperate

9. euthyroidism

10. neocortex

11. megacolon

12. isometric

KEY

6.

7. ortho-; straight, correct, upright

8. re-; again, back

9. eu-; true, good, easy, normal

10. neo-; new

11. mega-; large, abnormally large

12. iso-; equal, same

Write the opposite of each of the following words:

13. heterogeneous (composed of different materials) / . homogeneous

14. macroscopic (visible with the naked eye)/ microscopic

Match the following terms and write the appropriate letter to the left of each number:

1. postnasal a. throwing or extending forward

2. antecedent b. occurring before the proper time

3. projection

c. behind the nose

4. premature

d. before birth

5. prenatal

e. occurring before another event

KEY

1. c

2. e

3. a

4. b

5. d

Identify and define the prefix in each of the following words:

6. premenstrual

7. post-traumatic

8. progenitor

9. antedate

KEY

6. pre-; before, in front of

7. post-; after, behind

8. pro-; before, in front of

9. ante-; beforeMatch the following terms and write the appropriate letter to the left of each number:

1. endonasal a. placement of the heart outside its normal position

2. syndrome

b. middle layer of the developing embryo

3. mesoderm

c. the last stage of cell division4. ectocardia d. within the nose

5. Telophase e. group of symptoms occurring together

KEY

1. d

2. e

3. b

4. a

5. c

Match the following terms and write the appropriate letter to the left of each number:

1. primary

a. one half or one side of the chest

2. trisect

b. having many forms

3. unilateral

c. to cut into three parts

4. polymorphous

d. pertaining to one side

5. hemithorax

e. first

6. neonate

a. cell with yellow color

7. melanoma

b. through the skin

8. xanthocyte

c. dark tumor

9. percutaneous

d. a newborn

10. leukoderma

e. loss of color in the skin

11. heterothermic

a. endbrain

12. mesencephalon

b. having varying body temperature

13. panplegia

c. total paralysis

14. telencephalon

d. correcting or preventing deformities

15. orthopedic

e. midbrain

KEY

1. e

2. c

3. d

4. b

5. a

6. d

7. c

8. a

9. b

10. e

11. b

12. e

13. c

14. a

15. dMatch each of the following prefixes with its meaning:

16. oligo-

a. equal, same

17. pseudo-

b. right

18. eu-

c. few, scanty

19. iso-

d. good, true, easy

20. dextro-

e. false

KEY

16. c

17. e

18. d

19. a

20. b

Identify and define the prefix in each of the following words:

29. nonexistent

30. transmit

31. equivalent

32. react

33. exhale

34. absent

35. contraindication

36. detoxify

37. predict

38. perforate

39. adduct

40. dialyze

41. antiserum

42. microsurgery

43. disease

44. ectoparasite

45. symbiotic 46. prognosis 47. inadequate

KEY

29. non-; not

30. trans-; through, across, beyond

31. equi-; equal, same

32. re-; again, back

33. ex-; away from, outside

34. ab-; away from

35. contra-; against, opposite

36. de-; down, without

37. pre-; before, in front of

38. per-; through

39. ad-; toward, near

40. dia-; through

41. anti-; against

42. micro-; small

43. dis-; absence, removal, separation

44. ecto-; out, outside

45. sym-; together

46. pro-; before, in front of

47. in-; not

Opposites. Write a word that means the opposite of each of the following:

48. responsive

49. mature

50. active

51. sufficient

52. exotoxin

53. macroscopic

54. homograft

55. hypoactive

56. preoperative

KEY

48. unresponsive

49. immature

50. inactive

51. insufficient

52. endotoxin

53. microscopic

54. heterograft

55. hyperactive

56. postoperativeSynonyms. Write a word that means the same as each of the following:

57. supersensitivity

58. megalocyte (extremely large red blood cell)

59. antenatal

60. equilateral (having equal sides)

KEY

57. hypersensitivity

58. macrocyte

59. prenatal

60. isolateral

Identify and define the prefixes in the following words:

5. displace and dislocate

6. replacement, recovery, and rehabilitation

7. avascular

8. anesthesia and analgesic

9. orthopedic

10. externally

11. bipolar

12. unremarkable

KEY

5. dis-; absence, removal, separation

6. re-; again, back

7. a-; not, without

8. an-; not, without

9. ortho-; straight, correct, upright

10. ex-; away from, outside

11. bi-; two, twice

12. un-; not

PAGE 5