List of Medical Prefixes and Suffixes

This is a list of medical prefixes and suffixes. They are of Latin and Greek origin. If you are like me, medical terminology is often very confusing and complicated. Hopefully this list will help break down and simplify things.

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A

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

a-, an-

denotes an absence of

apathy, analgia

ab-

away from

abduction

abdomin(o)-

of or relating to the abdomen

abdomen, abdominal

-ac, -acal

pertaining to

cardiac, hydrophobiac

acanth(o)-

thorn or spine

acanthion, acanthocyte

acous(io)-

of or relating to hearing

acoumeter, acoustician

acr(o)-

extremity, topmost

acrocrany, acromegaly

-acusis

hearing

paracusis

-ad

toward, in the direction of

dorsad

aden(o)-, aden(i)-

of or relating to a gland

adenocarcinoma, adenology

adip(o)-

of or relating to fat or fatty tissue

adipose, adipocyte

adren(o)-

of or relating to adrenal glands

adrenal artery

-aemia

blood condition

anaemia

aer(o)-

air, gas

aerosinusitis

aesthesio-

sensation

anesthesia

-al

pertaining to

abdominal

alb-

denoting a white or pale color

albino

alge(si)-

pain

analgesic

-algia

pain

myalgia

allo-

denoting something as different, or as an addition

alloantigen, allopathy

ambi-

denoting something as positioned on both sides, describing both of two

ambidextrous

amnio-

pertaining to the membranous fetal sac (amnion)

amniocentesis

amph-, amphi-

on both sides

amphicrania, amphomycin

an-

not, without

analgesia

ana-

back, again, up

anaplasia

an(o)-

anus

anogenital

andr(o)-

pertaining to a man

andrology, android

angi(o)-

blood vessel

angiogram

aniso-

describing something as unequal

anisotropic, anisocytosis

ankyl(o)-, ancyl(o)-

denoting something as crooked or bent

ankylosis

ante-

describing something as positioned in front of another thing

antepartum

anti-

describing something as "against" or "opposed to" another

antibody, antipsychotic

apo-

separated from, derived from

apoptosis

arch(i,e,o)-

first, primitive

archinephron

arteri(o)-

of or pertaining to an artery

artery, arteriole

arthr(o)-

of or pertaining to the joints, limbs

arthritis

articul(o)-

joint

articulation

-ary

pertaining to

biliary tract

-ase

enzyme

lactase, peroxidase

-asthenia

weakness

myasthenia gravis

atel(o)-

imperfect or incomplete development

atelocardia

-ation

process

ambulation

atri(o)-

an atrium

atrioventricular

aur(i)-

of or pertaining to the ear

aural

aut(o)-

self

autoimmune

aux(o)-

increase, growth

auxocardia

axill-

of or pertaining to the armpit

axilla, axillary

azo(to)-

nitrogenous compound

azothermia

B

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

balano-

of the glans penis or glans clitoridis

balantis

bi-

twice, double

biphasic, bigeminy

bio-

life

biology

blast(o)-

germ or bud

blastomere, blastocyst

blephar(o)-

of or pertaining to the eyelid

blepharoplast

brachi(o)-

of or relating to the arm

brachium, brachial

brachy-

indicating "short or less commonly "little"

brachycephalic, brachytherapy

brady-

slow

bradycardia

bronch(i)-

bronchus

bronchiolitis, bronchitis

bucc(o)-

of or pertaining to the cheek

buccolabial, buccal

burs(o)-

bursa (fluid sac between the bones)

bursitis

C

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

capill-

of or pertaining to the hair

capillus

capit-

pertaining to the head

capitation

carcin(o)-

cancer

carcinoma

cardi(o)-

of or pertaining to the heart

cardiology

carp(o)-

of or pertaining to the wrist

carpopedal, carpal

cata-

down, under

cataract

-cele

pouching, hernia

hydrocele

-centesis

surgical puncture for aspiration

amniocentesis

cephal(o)-

of or pertaining to the head

cephalgy

cerat(o)-

of or pertaining to the cornu, a horn

ceratoid

cerebell(o)-

of or pertaining to the cerebellum

cerebellum

cerebr(o)-

of or pertaining to the brain

cerebrology, cerebrum

cervic-

of or pertaining to the neck, the cervix

cervicodorsal

chem(o)-

chemistry, drug

chemotherapy

chir(o)-, cheir(o)-

of or pertaining to the hand

chiropractor

chlor(o)-

denoting a green color

chlorophyll

chol(e)-

of or pertaining to bile

cholaemia

cholecyst(o)-

of or pertaining to the gallbladder

cholecystectomy

chondr(i)o-

cartilage, gristle, granule, granular

chondrocalcinosis

chrom(ato)-

color

hemachromatosis

-cidal, -cide

killing, destroying

bacteriocidal

cili-

of or pertaining to the cilia, the eyelashes, eyelids

ciliary

circum-

denoting something as "around" another

circumcision

cis-

on this side

cistern

-clast

break

osteoclast

co-

with, together, in association

comorbidity

col-, colo-, colono-

colon

colonoscopy

colp(o)-

of or pertaining to the vagina

colposcopy

com-

with, together

communicate

contra

against

contraindicate

cor-

with, together

corporal

cor-, core-, coro-

of or pertaining to eye's pupil

corectomy

cordi-

of or pertaining to the heart

commotio cordis

cornu-

applied to processes and parts of the body describing them likened or similar to horns

cornual pregnancy

cost(o)-

of or pertaining to the ribs

costochondral

cox-

of or relating to the hip, haunch, or hip joint

coxopodite

crani(o)-

belonging or relating to the cranium

craniology

-crine

to secrete

endocrine

cry(o)-

cold

cryoablation, cryotherapy

cutane-

skin

subcutaneous

cyan(o)-

denotes a blue color

cyanopsia, cyanobacteria

cycl-

circle, cycle

cyclobenzaprine

cyph(o)-

denotes something as bent

cyphosis

cyst(o, i)-

of or pertaining to the urinary bladder

cystotomy, cystoscopy

cyt(o)-

cell

cytokine

-cyte

cell

leukocyte

D

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

dacryo-

tear

dacryocystitis

dactyl(o)-

of or pertaining to a finger, toe

dactylology

de-

away from, cessation

desensitization

dent-

of or pertaining to teeth

dentist

dermat(o)-, derm(o)-

of or pertaining to the skin

dermatology

-desis

binding

arthrodesis

dextr(o)-

right, on the right side

dextrocardia

di-

two

dioxide

dia-

across

diacetyl

dif-

apart, separation

differential

digit-

of or pertaining to the finger

digit

dis-

separation, taking apart

dissection

dors(o, i)-

of or pertaining to the back

dorsal, dorsiflexion

duodeno-

duodenum, twelve: upper part of the small intestine, connects to the stomach

duodenal atresia

dynam(o)-

force, energy, power

dynamic

-dynia

pain

vulvodynia

dys-

bad, difficult

dysphagia, dysphasia

E

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

-eal

pertaining to

peritoneal

ec-

out, away

eccentric

ect(o)-

outer, outside

ectopic pregnancy

-ectasis

expansion, dilation

bronchiectasis

-ectomy

denotes a surgical operation or removal of a body part; resection, excision

mastectomy

-emesis

vomiting condition

hematemesis

-emia

blood condition

anemia

encephal(o)-

of or pertaining to the brain

encephalogram

endo-

denotes something as "inside" or "within"

endocrinology, endospore

enter(o)-

of or pertaining to the intestine

gastroenterology

epi-

on, upon

epistaxis, epicardium, epidural

episi(o)-

of or pertaining to the pubic region, the loins

episiotomy

erythr(o)-

denotes a red color

erythrocyte

esophageal, -esophago

of or pertaining to the esophagus

esophageal plexus

esthesio-

sensation

esthesioneuroblastoma

eu-

true, good, well, new

eukaryote

ex-

out of, away from

external

exo-

denotes something as "outside" another

exoskeleton

extra-

outside

extravasation

F

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

faci(o)-

of or pertaining to the face

facioplegic

fibr(o)-

fiber

fibroblast

fil(a, i)-

fine, hair like

filament

-form, -iform

use to form adjectives indicating "having the form of"

cuneiform

fossa

small cavity or depression

fossa ovalis

front-

of or pertaining to the forehead

frontonasal

G

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

galact(o)-

milk

galactorrhea

gastr(o)-

of or pertaining to the stomach

gastric bypass

-gen

denotes the sense "born in, from" or "of a certain kind"

endogen, heterogenous

-genic

formative, pertaining to producing

cardiogenic shock

genu-

of or pertaining to the knee

genu valgum

gingiv-

of or pertaining to the gums

gingivitis

glauc(o)-

denoting a grey, bluish-grey color

glaucoma

gloss(o)-, glott(o)-

of or pertaining to the tongue

glossology, epiglottis

gluco-

glucose

glucocorticoid

glyco-

sugar

glycolysis

gnath(o)-

of or pertaining to the jaw

gnathodynamometer

-gnosis

knowledge

diagnosis, prognosis

gon(o)-

seed, semen, reproductive

gonorrhea

-gram

record or picture

angiogram

-graph

record or picture

electrocardiograph

-graphy

process of recording

angiography

gyn(aec)o-, gyn(ec)o-

woman

gynecomastia

H

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

halluc-

to wander in mind

hallucinosis, hallucinogenic

hemat-, haemato-

of or pertaining to blood

hematology

hema or hemo-

blood

hematological malignancy

hemi-

one-half

cerebral hemisphere

hepat-, hepatic-

of or pertaining to the liver

hepatology, hepatitis

heter(o)-

denotes something as "the other" (of two), as an addition, or different

heterogeneous, heterosexual

hidr(o)-

sweat

hyperhidrosis

hist(o)-, histio-

tissue

histology

home(o)-

similar

homeopathy

hom(o)-

denotes something as "the same" as another or common

homosexuality

humer(o)-

of or pertaining to the shoulder

humerus

hydr(o)-

water

hydrophobe

hyper-

denotes something as "extreme" or "beyond normal"

hypertension, hyperplasia

hyp(o)-

denotes something as "below normal"

hypovolemia, hypotension

hyster(o)-

of or pertaining to the womb, the uterus

hysterectomy

I

Prefixes / Suffixes

Meaning

-iasis

condition

mydriasis

iatr(o)-

of or pertaining to medicine, or a physician

iatrochemistry

-iatry

denotes a field in medicine of a certain body component

podiatry, psychiatry

-ic

pertaining to

hepatic

-icle

small

follicle

-ics

organized knowledge, treatment

acoustics

idio-

self, one's own

idiopathic

ileo-

ileum

ileocecal valve

infra-

below

infrahyoid muscles

inter-

between, among

interarticular

intra-

within

intracranial

irid(o)-

iris

iridectomy

ischio-

of or pertaining to the ischium, the hip joint

ischiorrhogic

-ism

condition, disease

dwarfism

-ismus

spasm, contraction

strabismus

iso-

denoting something as being "equal"

isotonic

-ist

one who specializes in

pathologist, oncologist

-ite

the nature of, resembling

hermaphrodite

-itis

inflammation

tonsilitis

-ium

structure, tissue

pericardium

isch-

restriction

ischemia

K

Prefixes / Suffixes

Meaning

Examples

karyo-

nucleus

eukaryote

kerat(o)-

cornea (eye or skin)

keratoscope

kin(e, o), kinesi(o)-

movement

kinesthesia

koil(o)-

hollow

koilocyte

kyph(o)-

humped

kyphoscoliosis, kyphosis

L

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

labi(o)-

of or pertaining to the lip

labiodental

lacrim(o)-

tear

lacrimal canaliculi

lact(i, o)-

milk

lactation

lapar(o)-

of or pertaining to the abdomen wall, flank

laparotomy

laryng(o)-

of or pertaining to the larynx, the lower throat cavity where the voice box is

larynx

latero-

lateral

lateralis

lei(o)-

smooth

leiomyoma

-lepsis, -lepsy

attack, seizure

epilepsy, narcolepsy

lept(o)-

light, slender

leptocephalus

leuc(o)-, leuk(o)-

denoting a white color

leukocyte

lingu(a)-, lingu(o)-

of or pertaining to the tongue

linguistics

lip(o)-

fat

liposuction

lith(o)-

stone, calculus

lithotripsy

log(o)-

speech

logophobia

-logist

denotes someone who studies a certain field

oncologist, pathologist

-logy

denotes the academic study or practice of a certain field

hematology, psychology

lymph(o)-

lymph

lymphedema

lys(o)-, -lytic

dissolution

lysosome

-lysis

destruction, separation

paralysis

M

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

macr(o)-

large, long

macrophage

-malacia

softening

osteomalacia

mamm(o)-

of or pertaining to the breast

mammogram

mammill(o)-

of or pertaining to the nipple

mammillothalamic

manu-

of or pertaining to the hand

manufacture

mast(o)-

of or pertaining to the breast

mastectomy

meg(a)-, megal(o)-, -megaly

enlargement

splenomegaly

melan(o)-

black color

melanin

mening(o)-

membrane

meningitis

mero-

part

merocrine, meroblastic

mes(o)-

middle

mesoderm

meta-

after, behind

metacarpus

-meter

measurement

sphygmomanometer

-metry

process of measuring

optometry

metr(o)-

pertaining to conditions or instruments of the uterus

metrorrhagia

micro-

denoting something as small, or relating to smallness

microscope

mon(o)-

single

mononucleosis

morph(o)-

form, shape

morphology

muscul(o)-

muscle

musculoskeletal

my(o)-

of or relating to the muscle

myoblast

myc(o)-

fungus

onychomycosis

myel(o)-

of or relating to bone marrow

myeloblast

myring(o)-

eardrum

myringotomy

myx(o)-

mucus

myxoma

N

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

narc(o)-

numb, sleep

narcolepsy

nas(o)-

of or pertaining to the nose

nasal

necr(o)-

death

necrotizing fasciitis

neo-

new

neoplasm

nephr(o)-

of or pertaining to the kidney

nephrology

nerv-

of or pertaining to nerves and the nervous system

nerve

neur(i, o)-

of or pertaining to nerves and the nervous system

neurofibromatosis

normo-

normal

normocapnia

O

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

ocul(o)-

of or pertaining to the eye

oculist

odont(o)

of or pertaining to teeth

orthodontist

odyn(o)-

pain

stomatodynia

-oesophageal, oesophago-

gullet (passage of food from mouth to stomach)

oesophagostomum

-oid

resemblance to

sarcoidosis

-ole

small or little

arteriole

olig(o)-

denoting something as "having little or few"

oligotrophy

om(o)-

of or pertaining to the shoulder

omoplate

-oma, -omata

tumor, mass, collection

sarcoma, teratoma

omphal(o)-

of or pertaining to the navel or umbilicus

omphalotomy

onco-

tumor, bulk, volume

oncology

onych(o)-

of or pertaining to the nail of a finger or toe

onychophagy

oo-

of or pertaining to an egg, the ovum

oogenesis

oophor(o)-

of or pertaining to the woman's ovary

oophorectomy

ophthalm(o)-

of or pertaining to the eye

ophthalmology

optic(o)-

of or relating to chemical properties of the eye

opticochemical

or(o)-

of or pertaining to the mouth

oral

orchi(o)-, orchido-

testis

orchiectomy, orchidectomy

orth(o)-

denoting something as straight or correct

orthodontist

-osis

a condition, disease, or increase

psychosis, osteoporosis

osseo-

bony

osseous

ossi-

bone

ossification

ost(e)-, oste(o)-

bone

osteoporosis

ot(o)-

of or pertaining to the ear

otopathy

-ous

pertaining to

contageous

ovari(o)-

of or pertaining to the ovaries

ovariectomy

ov(i, o)-

of or pertaining to the eggs, the ovum

ovogenesis

oxo-

addition of oxygen

oxocomplex

oxy-

sharp, acid, acute

oxygen

P

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

pachy-

thick

pachyderma

palpebr-

of or pertaining to the eyelid

palpebra

pan-, pant(o)-

denoting something as "complete" or containing "everything"

panophobia, panopticon

papill-

of or pertaining to the nipple

papillitis

papul(o)-

indicates papulosity, a small elevation or swelling in the skin, a pimple, swelling

papulation

para-

alongside of, abnormal

paraplegic

-paresis

slight paralysis

hemiparesis

parvo-

small

parovirus

path(o)-

disease

pathology

-pathy

denotes a disease, or disorder

sociopathy, neuropathy

ped-, -ped-, -pes

of or pertaining to the foot

pedoscope, pedal

pelv(i, o)-

hip bone

pelvis

-penia

deficiency

osteopenia, pancytopenia

peo-

of or pertaining to the penis

peotomy

-pepsia

denotes something relating to digestion or the digestive tract

dyspepsia

per-

through

percutaneous

peri-

position "surrounding" or "around" another

periodontal

-pexy

fixation

nephropexy

phaco-

lens shaped

phacolysis, phacometer

-phage, -phagia

conditions relating to eating or ingestion

sarcophagia, dysphagia

phago-

eating, devouring

phacocyte, phagocytosis

phagist-

a person who "feeds on" something

lotophagi

-phagy

"feeding on" something

anthropophagy

phallo-

phallus (penis)

aphallia

pharmaco-

drug, medication

pharmacology

pharyng(o)-

of or pertaining to the pharynx, the upper throat cavity

pharyngitis, pharyngoscopy

-phil(ia)

attraction for

hemophilia

phleb(o)-

of or pertaining to the veins

phlebography, phlebotomy

phob(o)-

exaggerated fear, sensitivity

arachnophobia, agoraphobia

phon(o)-

sound

phonotation

phos-

chemical properties

phosphene

phot(o)-

of or pertaining to light

photopathy, photophobia

phren(i, o)-, phrenico

diaphragm, the mind

phrenic nerve, schizophrenia

-plasia

formation, development

achondroplasia, dysplasia

-plasty

surgical repair, reconstruction

rhinoplasty, arthroplasty

-plegia

paralysis

paraplegia

pleio-

more, excessive, multiple

pleiomorphism

pleur(a, o)-

of or pertaining to the ribs

pleurogenous, pleurisy

-plexy

stroke or seizure

cataplexy

pneum(o)-

of or pertaining to the lungs

pneumonia, pneumonocyte

pneumat(o)-

air, lung

pneumatosis

pod-, -pus

of or pertaining to the foot

podiatry

-poiesis

production

hematopoiesis

polio-

denoting a grey color

poliomyelitis

poly-

denotes a "plurality" of something

polymyositis

por(o)-

pore, porous

porosity

porphyr(o)-

denotes a purple color

porphyroblast

post-

denotes something as "after" or "behind" another

postoperation, postmortem

pre-

denotes something as "before" another

prematurity, prehypertension

presby(o)-

old age

presbyopia

prim-

denotes something as "first" or "most important"

primary

pro-

denotes something as before another

procephalic, prototype

proct(o)-

anus, rectum

proctology

prot(o)-

denotes something as "first" or "most important"

protoneuron

pseudo-

denotes something false or fake

pseudomonas

psych(e, o)-

of or pertaining to the mind

psychology, psychiatry

-ptosis

falling, drooping, downward placement, prolapse

apoptosis

-ptysis

spitting

hemoptysis

pulmo(n)-

of or relating to the lungs

pulmonary

pyel(o)-

pelvis

pyelonephritis

pyo-

pus

pyometra

pyro-

fever

antipyretic

Q

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

quadr(i)-

four

quadriceps, quadriplegic

R

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

radio-

radiation

radiowave, radiology

re-

again, backward

relapse

rect(o)-

rectum

rectal

ren(o)-

of or pertaining to the kidney

renal

reticul(o)-

small net, dim

reticulocyte

retro-

backward, behind

retroverted

rhabd(o)-

rod shaped, striated

rhabdomyolysis

rhachi(o)

spine

rachial, rachialgia

rhin(o)-

of or pertaining to the nose

rhinoplasty, rhinoceros

rhod(o)-

denoting a rose-red color

rhodophyte

-rrhage

bust forth

hemorrhage

-rrhagia

rapid flow of blood

bronchorrhagia

-rrhaphy

surgical suturing

gastrorrhaphy

-rrhea

flowing, discharge

diarrhea, galactorrhea

-rrhexis

rupture

enterorrhexis

-rrhoea

flowing, discharge

diarrhoea

rubr(o)-

of or pertaining to the red nucleus of the brain

rubrospinal

S

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

salping(o)-

of or pertaining to the fallopian tubes

salpingectomy, salpingopharyngeus muscle

sangui-, sanguine-

of or pertaining to blood

sanguine

sarco-

muscular, fleshlike

sarcoma

schist(o)-

split, cleft

schistosoma

schiz(o)-

denoting something "split" or "double sided"

schizophrenia

scler(o)-

hardness

multiple sclerosis

-sclerosis

hardening of the skin

atherosclerosis

scoli(o)-

twisted

scholiosis

-scope

instrument for viewing

stethoscope

-scopy

use of instrument for viewing

endoscopy, colonoscopy

semi-

one half, partly

semicoma, semisupination

sial(o)-

saliva, salivary gland

sialagogue

sigmoid(o)-

sigmoid, sigmoid colon

sigmoidectomy

sinistr(o)-

left, left side

sinistrophobia

sinus-

of or pertaining to the sinus

sinusitis

sito-

food, grain

sitomania, sitotherapy

somat(o)-, somatico-

body, bodily

somatotropic cell

spasmo-

spasm

spasmodic, spasmolytic

sperm(a, o)-, spermato-

semen

spermatogenesis, spermatozoa

splanchn(i, o)-

viscera

splanchnic, splanchnocranium

splen(o)-

spleen

splenectomy

spondyl(o)-

of or pertaining to the spine, the vertebra

spondylitis

squamos(o)-

denoting something as "full of scales" or "scaly"

squama, squamous cell

-stasis

stop, stand

homeostasis

-staxis

dripping, trickling

epistaxis

sten(o)-

"narrow in shape" or pertaining to narrowness

stenography

steth(o)-

of or pertaining to the upper chest, chest, the area above the breast and under the neck

stethoscope

stheno-

strength, force, power

sthenolagnia

stom(a)-

mouth

stomatognathic system

stomat(o)-

of or pertaining to the mouth

stomatogastric

-stomy

creation of an opening

colostomy, ileostomy

sub-

beneath

subcutaneous tissue, subacute

super-

in excess, above, superior

superior vena cava

supra-

above, excessive

supraorbital vein

sy(l, m, n, s)-

indicates similarity, likeness, or being together

synalgia, synesthesia, syssarcosis

T

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

tachy-

denoting something as fast, irregularly fast

tachycardia

-tension, -tensive

pressure

hypertension

tetan-

rigid, tense

tetanus

thec-

case, sheath

intrathecal

thel(e, o)-

of or pertaining to a nipple

theleplasty

thely-

denoting something as "relating to a woman, feminine"

thelygenous

therm(o)-

heat

thermometer

thorac(i, o)-, thoracico-

of or pertaining to the upper chest, chest, the area above the breast and under the neck

thorax

thromb(o)-

of or relating to a blood clot, clotting of blood

thrombus, thrombocytopenia

thyr(o)-

thyroid

thyroidectomy

thym(o, ia)-

emotions

dysthymia

-tic

pertaining to

hematotic, neurotic

toco-

childbirth

tocolytics

-tome

cutting instrument

labiotome, neurotome

-tomy

act of cutting, incising, incision

gastrotomy

tono-

tone, tension, pressure

tonometer

-tony

tension

monotony

top(o)-

place, topical

topography, topology

tox(i, o)-, toxico-

toxin, poison

toxoplasmosis

trache(o)-

trachea

tracheostomy, tracheostenosis

trachel(o)-

of or pertaining to the neck

tracheotomy

trans-

denoting something as moving or situated "across" or "through"

transfusion, transition

trich(i, o)-, trichia-

of or pertaining to hair, hairlike structure

trichocyst

-tripsy

crushing

lithotripsy

-trophy

nourishment, development

pseudohypertrophy

tympan(o)-

eardrum

tympanocentesis, tympanic

U

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

-ula, -ule

small

nodule

ultra-

beyond, excessive

ultrasound

umbilic-

of or pertaining to the navel, the umbilicus

umbilical

ungui-

of or pertaining to the nail, a claw

unguiform, ungual

un(i)-

one

unilateral, universal

ur(o)-

of or pertaining to urine, the urinary system, chemistry of urine

urology, urosepsis

uri(c)-, urico-

uric acid

uricosuria

urin-

of or pertaining to urine, the urinary system

uriniferous

uter(o)-

of or pertaining to the uterus or womb

uterus

V

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

vagin-

of or pertaining to the vagina

vaginal

varic(o)-

swollen or twisted vein

varicose

vas(o)-

duct, blood vessel

vasoconstriction

vasculo-

blood vessel

vasculopathy

ven-

of or pertaining to tblood veins, a vein

venospasm

ventr(o)-

of or pertaining to the belly, the stomach cavities

ventrodorsal, ventrogluteal

vesic(o)-

of or pertaining to the bladder

vesica, vesicoureteral

viscer(o)-

of or pertaining to the internal organs, the viscera

viscerogenic, visceromegaly

X

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

xanth(o)-

denoting a yellow color, an abnormally yellow color

xanthopathy

xen(o)-

foreign, different

xenograft

Y

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

-y

condition or process of

surgery, rumbly

Z

Prefix / Suffix

Meaning

Examples

zo(o)-

animal, animal life

zoology

zym(o)-

fermentation, enzyme

zymogen

Pin this information!

List of medical prefixes and suffixes

Medical References and Resources for Caregivers

From List of Medical Prefixes and Suffixes to Home

References:

https://www.translationdirectory.com/glossaries/glossary328.php

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_medical_roots,_suffixes_and_prefixes

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