Word Roots for Anatomy and Physiology A103R04.

02
Rev. 008

Researched and Compiled by Grant Walters. Updated Tue 09 Sep 2009.

Legend
Abbreviations Symbols Word Root Symbology
G Greek genetive abc- Prefix (can be combining)
L Latin derivative -xyz Suffix (can be combining)
N New Latin diminutive abc Underlined letter optional
I Italian ~ past participle abcd Root in bold
F French nominative plural 2 Root Variations
A Arabic frequentative Root Abbrev. Root 1 Root 2
S Sanskrit Usage ab/c ab (ab - c) ac (ab - b + c)
E English < before ab\cd ab (ab - cd) abcd (ab + cd)
D German (Deutsch) > after a\b\cd ab (a - bcd) acd (a - b + cd)
Example Brackets -a\bc abc (a + bc) bc (- a + bc)
M muscle () Association / separation 3 Root Variations
L ligament [] Origin/Meaning word link Root Abbrev. Root 1 Root 2 Root 3
B bone {} Interesting side note a\b/c a (a - b - c) ab (a + b) ac (a + c)

Simple Word Roots

A Origin Meaning Example
a G a- (< cons) without, not acelous, agnatha, amoral
an G an- (< vowel) See an anapsid, anaemia, anaesthesia
ab L ab- away from abduction, abductor digiti minmi M
abdom L [abdo] abdere abdomen [to conceal] stow away, cover abdomen, rectus abdominis M
acanth G [ake aketon] akantha [sharp (point)] spine, thorn (of plant) acanthodii, acanthocephalan, acanthus
acet\abul G (L [acetum] acetabulum) [vinegar] vinegar cup acetabulum, acetic acid
acinar L acinus berry, kernel acinar gland
acro\m G akros akrom topmost, extremity acropolis, acromegaly, acromion,
actin G aktin ray actin, actinopterygii
acoust G akouo akoustikos hear acoustics
ad L ad- to: move toward, change, add, intensify adduction, adorbital, adrenalin
a L a- (< sc, sp, st) See ad ascend, aspect, aspersion, astatic, astigmatism
ac L ac- (< c, k, q) See ad accessory, acknowledge, accident, acquire (as in AIDS)
af L af- (< f) See ad afferent, affliction
ag L ag- (< g) See ad agglutinin, aggressive
al L al- (< l) See ad alleviate, allusion, alluvial
an L an- (< n) See ad annulus fibrosus, annihilate, annotate
ap L ap- (< p) See ad apprehension, approximate
ar L ar- (< r) See ad arrector pili M, array
as L as- (< s) See ad assembly reassure, assessment
at L at- (< t) See ad attenuate, attribute, statement of attainment
aden G adenos gland adenopophysis, adenoid, adenoma, adenosine
adip L adeps adipis fat adipose, adipocyte
-aem G (See haem) aimia See haem: blood anaemia, anemic
aero G aer aero- air aerobic, anaerobic
aesthes/t G aisthesis sensation anaesthetic, synaesthesia
agon G agon agonistes contest agonist, antagonist, agony
ala/i L ala wing alar foramen, aliform, alisphenoid B, sacral alae
axil L (See ala/i) axilla armpit axil, axilla, axillary border (of scapula)
alb L albus albo white corpus albicans, albino, linea alba
aliment L alere alimentum nourish alimentary canal
alg G algos pain neuralgia, neuralgic, analgesic
allo G allos different, other allotheria, allopathy
allanto G allas allantos sausage allantoic artery, allantos
allel G allel of one another alleles, parallel
alveol L alveus alveolus hollow cavity alveolar, alveoli, alveolus
amnio G [amnos] amnios [lamb] sac {caul = birth membrane} amnion, anamniote, amniocentesis
amoeb G amoibe change amoeba, amoeboid, amoebic dysentry
amph G amphi on both sides of, double amphibian, amphicoelous, amphioxus, amphora
ampul G ampulla a small jug ampulla of Lorenzini, ampule
amygdal G amugdale almond amygdaloid, amygdala
an L anus anus levator ani M, anal, anus, anilingus
ana G ana- (< cons) up (back, again) anaphase, anatomy, anamnesis
an G an- (< vowel) See an anion
ancon/kyl G [agkuloo] agkon [crook] elbow anconeus M, ankylosis
ang\ul L angulus corner angle, depressor anguli oris M, angular
angi G aggeion vessel angiitis, angioma
angin G agkhone strangling angina pectoris
annul L annulus a ring annulus fibrosus
anserin L anser anserinus goose pes anserinus
ant\i G anti- against antagonist, antacid, anticoagulant
ante L ante- anterior preceding, before antebrachium, anterior, antemortem, anteriolateral
antr L antron cave antrum, antra
aort G [aeiro] aorter [raise, lift up] hanger, strap aorta, aortic arch
arter G (See aort) arteria See aort arteriole, arteriosclerosis, artery
apic/ex L apex apicis tip, extremity apex (of heart), apical lamina, apiculate
apo G apo- (< cons) away, from (off), unquite apophysis, apocrine, apoptosis, apomixis
ap G ap- (< h, vowel) See apo aphelion, aphesis

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-aps/t G [hapto] hapsis [fasten] junction, vault {arch = join at top} synapse, synaptic, anapsid
aqu\a L aqua water aqueous solution, aquatic
arachn G arachne spider arachnid, arachnoid membrane
arc\u L [arcus] arcuare (F arche) [bow, curve] to bend like a bow coracoarcual M, arcuate line (of illium), pubic arch
arch G [arkhe] arkhaios [beginning] ancient archinephros, archipallium, archaeology, menarche
areola L area areola vacant ground areolar connective tissue, areola (of nipple)
arthr G arthron joint arthropathy, arthritis
artic\ul L artus articulus joint article, articular cartilage
aryten G arytania ladle arytenoid cartilage
asper L asper rough linea aspera
astragal G astragalos (L astragalus) [gaming die] ankle bone astragalus B, astragalar
ather G athere groats (crushed oats) atherosclerosis
atla\no G Atlas a god who holds up the heavens atlanoscapularis M, atlas
atr L atrium entrance room, vestibule atrium (of heart)
aur G aura breeze, breath aura
auric\ul L auris auricula ear auricle, auricular surface (of ilium)
auscult L auscultare auscultatio listen to auscultatory method
auto G autos self autogenous
ave/i L avis aves bird aves, aviary
ax\i G [axon, axios] axioma [axis, worthy] pivot axle, axon, axial skeleton

B Origin Meaning Example

bar G baros weight baroceptors, barometer, hyperbaric, millibar
basal L basis a tread (of stairs), stepping, pedestal basal lamina
bin L [bin-] bini (< vowel) [two] two together binocular, binate
bi L bi- (< cons) See bin biceps brachii M, biped
bio L bios bio- (< cons) life biochemistry, biosphere, biology
bi L bi- (< vowel) See bio amphibian, microbial
bil L bilis bile bilirubin, bile duct
blast G blastos sprout blastocyte, fibroblast, chondroblast, osteoblast
bol G ballo bole throw metabolic, catabolism, embolism
bolus G [bolos] bolas [clod] lump (ball) bolus
brac\h G brachion upper arm antebrachium, brachialis M, brachioradialis M, embrace
branch G branchion gill branchial, elasmobranchii
brady G bradus slow bradycardia
brevi L brevis short peroneus brevis M, abbreviate
bronch G bronkos windpipe bronchus, bronchiole, bronchi
brux G brukhein gnash the teeth bruxism
bryo G bruo sell, grow embryo, embryonic, bryophytes
bucc L [bucca] buccina [cheek] trumpet buccolabial, buccal, buccinator M
bulla G bulla a bubble, seal tympanic bulla
burs G [bursa] (L bursa byrsa) [hide, leather] bag, purse bursae, bursitis, bursar

C Origin Meaning Example

caec L caecus blind (gut) caecum, ileocecal valve
calc L calx calcis lime, heel calcaneus, calcify, calcium
calic/yx G kalyx (L calyx) cup calicivirus, calyx, renal calyx
call L callus hard skin callus, corpus callosum, callous
calor L calor heat calories, calorimeter
caput L caput head caput
capit\ul L capitis capitulum See caput capital, capitulum, capitulate
ceps L -ceps See caput triceps M, biceps brachialis M
cipit L ciput See caput occipital B, occipitalis M
capill L capillus hair capillary
carap F carapace a shell carapace
carb\unc L [carbo] carbunculus [charcoal] little glowing embers carbon, carbohydrate, carbide, carbuncle
carcin\o G karkinos crab (zodiac sign) carcinogen, carcinoma
cardi G kardia heart cardiotoxic, cardiovascular, cardiac, cardioid
cardinal L [cardo] cardinalis [hinge] principal {4 virtues for conduct} cardinal vein
carn L caro carnis flesh carnal, carnivore, trabeculae carnae
carot G karoton (L carota) carrot carotene
carotid G [karoo] karotides (L carotides) stupefy {compress carotids = stupor} carotid artery
carp G karpos wrist carpal, carpus, flexor carpi radialis M
case L caseus cheese vernix caseosa, casein, caseinogen
cata G kata down catabolism, catatonic
caud L cauda tail caudal, caudofemoralis M
cav L cavus hollow cavity, vena cava, caveolae, cavern
cephal G kephale head cephalic, cephalochordate, holocephalic
cept L capere take perception
cerumen/in L cera wax cerumen, ceruminous glands
cerat G (See kerat) keras keratos See kerat: horn ceratobranchial, ceratotrichia
cerca G kerkos tail cercaria, heterocercal fin
cereb\r L cerebrum cerebellum brain cerebrum, cerebral cortex, cerebrospinal, cerebellum
cervic/x L cervix cervicis neck cervical, cleidocervicalis M, uterine cervix
chiasm G chiasma cross optic chiasma
choan G choane funnel choana
chole G chole bile (anger) ductus choledochus, cholesterol, cholera
chondr G chondros cartilage chondrocyte, chondrify, chondrocranium
chord L chorda string chordae tendineae, chordate, notochord
chor G khorion skin, afterbirth chorion, choroid layer (of eyeball), choroid plexus
chrom G Khroma colour chromosome, chromatid, chromatin
chyl/m G khulos khumos juice (infusion) chyle, chyme, mesenchyme, ecchymosis
cid L cadere -cidium fall (cut) germicide, homicidal, accident, deciduous placenta
cili L cilium cilia eyelash, eyelid cilia, corrugator supercilii M, supercilious
ciner L [cinis] cinereus [ashes] colour of ashes incinerate, tuber cinereum
cingul L cingulum girdle cingulate cortex
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circ\um L [circus] circa circum [ring] about, round circulation, circadian rhythm, circumduction, circumcision
cistern G [kiste] L cisterna [a box, basket] enclose terminal cisternae
clast G klastos broken in pieces osteoclast
clathr G klethra (L clathri) lattice bars clathrin, clathrate
clavi L clavis clavicula key clavicle, subclavian artery
cleido/th G [kleis kleidos] kleithron [key] bar cleidoic egg, sternocleidomastoideus M, cleithrum
clitor G kleitoris kleitoridos small hill clitoris, glans clitoris, clitoral
cloac L cloaca sewer cloaca
cnem G kneme (E cneow) shin, tibia gastrocnemius M, cnemial
co L com- cum (< vowel, h, gn) with (together, jointly) cohesive, cogitate, cognitive
col L col- (< l) See co collateral L
con L con- (< other cons) See co concentric
com L com- (< b, m, p, f, vowel) See co comminuted (fracture)
cor L cor- (< r) See co corrective, corrugator supercilii M
cocc G kokkus berry coccidosis, streptococcus, staphylococcus
coccyg/x G [kokkux] kokkyx [cuckoo] shape of cuckoos bill coccyx, sacrococcygeal
cochl G kokhlos land snail cochlea, vestibulocochlear nerve
coel G koilos hollow acoela, coelum, neurocoele, celiac artery
col\on G kolon large intestine (colon) colic, colon, colonic
coll L collum neck collar, longus colli M
colli L collis colliculus hill rostral colliculus
conch G konkhe sea shell concha, conchology
condyl G kondulos (L kondylus) knuckle epicondyle, occipital condyle, condylar
contra L contra against contraceptive, contraindication, contralateral
copr G kopros dung coprodeum, coprophagy, copralite
corac G korax korakos a raven, crow coracobrachialis M, coracoid process
corn L cornu horn cornea, cornify, hyoid cornua, stratum corneum
coron L corona crown, something curved coronary arteries, coronal plane, coronoid process
corp L corpus body corpse, corpus callosum, corpus luteum
cortex/ic L cortex corticis bark cerebral cortex, corticospinal tract, hydrocortisone
cost L costa rib costovertebral, external intercostal M
coxa L coxa hip bone coxal, coxae
crani G kranion skull chondrocranium, cranial
crea G kreas flesh pancreas, pancreatic
cremat G kremare burn cremate, crematorium
cremast G kremaster to hang (suspend) cremasteric M
cribr L cribrum sieve cribriform plate
cric G krikos ring cricoid cartilage
crin G krino sift endocrinology, exocrine
crista L crista ridge, crest crista galli, cristae
cross G krossoi fringe crossopterygian
cruc/x L crux crucis cross {religious symbol = important} anterior cruciate L, crucial
crur/s L crus crura lower leg, shank crus penis, abductor cruris M, crural fascia
cryo G kruos frost cryogenics, cryosurgery
crypt G kruptos krupte hidden cryptomenorrhea, crypt, cryptosporidium
cucull L cucullus cap, hood cucullaris M
cune L cuneus wedge cuneiform B, funiculus cuneatus
cup L cupa cupula cask, tub cup, cupula, cupule
cusp L cuspis point, apex cusp, bicuspid, tricuspid
cut L cutis skin cuticle, cutis, subcutaneous
cyan G kuanos kuaneos dark blue cyanosis, cyanobacteria, cyanide
cycl G kyklos circle cyclic, cyclostomata, bicycle
cyst G kystis bladder cyst, cystic duct
cyt G kytos hollow vessel, cell lymphocyte, osteocyte, cytology

D Origin Meaning Example

delt G delta (fourth letter of Greek alphabet) deltoideus M, delta
dendr G dendron tree dendrite (of neuron), telodendria, dendrochronology
dens/t L dens dentis tooth dens, dentary B, dentine, dentist
derm G derma skin, leather dermal B, epidermis, ostracoderm
desm G desmos band, chain desmosome, syndesmoses, desmid
dex\t L dexter right (side) oculi dexter, dextral, dexedrine, dexterity
di G [dis] di- [twice] two diapsid reptile, digastric M
dia G dia- (< cons) through (apart, across) diameter, diaphragm, diaphysis
di G di- (< vowel) See dia diencephalon
didym G didymos testicle epididymis
digit L digitus finger digit, digitigrade, extensor digitorum M, interdigitate
dips G dipsa dipso- thirst polydipsia, dipsomania
dis L dis- off, from disinfect, discharge
dif L dif- (< f) See dis differential, diffusion, diffract
de F (See dis) de- See dis deactivation, degenerative
diurn G dies diurnus day diurnal
dors L dorsum back dorsum, dorsal, latissimus dorsi M
drom G [dromos] dromas [course, running] runner syndrome, dromedary, prodromal
duct L [ducere duct-] ductus [to lead, (draw)] a leading abduction, duct, oviduct, ductus deferens
dura L [durus] durare [hard] endure durable, dura mater, subdural
dys G dus- bad dyspepsia, dysfunction

E Origin Meaning Example

ec\t G [ek-] ektos ekto- [out of] outside ecchymosis, eccrine, ectopic pregnancy, ectoblast
echo G ekhe a sound echocardiogram, echoencephalography
elasm G elasmos beaten metal (thin plate) elasmobranchii
en1 G en- (L in-) in, into, on enanthema, encapsulate, encysted, enlargement
em G em- (< b, p) See en1 embolism, embalm, emplacement
en2 G en- in, inside energy, encephalomyelitis, enuresis, enema, endermic
em G em- (< b, p) See en2 embryogenesis, emphatic, empyema
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 end/t G endon entos within endoderm, endoskeleton, entotympanic B, entrance
enter G enteron intestine enteron, mesentery
eo G eos dawn Eocene, eotheria
epi G epi- upon, above epicondyle, epidermis, epididymis, epithalamus
erg G ergon work energy, synergist
eryth G eruthros red erythema, erythrocyte, erythropoiesis
ethm G ethmos sieve ethmoid B
eu G eu- good, true eutherian, euaesthesia, eukaryote
ex G ex- (L ex-) out of, away from exfoliate, exocytosis, exoskeleton, exit
e L e- (< some cons) See ex eversion, enucleate
ef L ef- (< f) See ex ductuli efferentes, efferent neuron
exter/ra L exterus extra outside extracellular, extraneous, external rotation

F Origin Meaning Example

falc/x L falx falcis sickle falciform L, falx cerebri
fasci\cul L [fascia] fascis fasciculus [band, door, frame] bundle fascia, fascicle, fasciculus cuneatus
fauc L fauces throat fauces, faucial
fenestr L fenestra window fenestra cochlea, temporal fenestra
fer L ferre to carry (bear), tend afferent neuron, deferent duct, efferent artery
ferr L ferrum iron transferrin, ferritin, ferrous
fibr L fibra fibrilla fibre fibre, fibrous, fibromyositis, fibroblast, fibril, fibrinogen
fibul L fibula buckle, pin fibula
fi\d\ss L findere ~ fissus to split (cleave) multifidus M, fissure, fissiparous, fission
fil L filum filamentum thread filamentous, filiform papillae
filt\r D [felt] L filtrum filtrare [felt] filter {felt used as filter} filter, filtrum, filtration
fimbr L fimbria fringe fimbria (of hippocampus)
flagell L flagellare to whip flagellum (of sperm), flagellate
flamm L flamma flame inflammation, nevis flammeus
flacc L flaccus flaccidus flabby flaccid paralysis
flat L [flare] flatus flatulentus [blow] blowing flatus, flatulence, inflate
flav L flavus yellow ligamenta flava, riboflavin, flavine
flec/x L flectere ~ flexus to bend circumflex iliac artery, flexion, reflex, reflection
flocc L floccus tuft of wool flocculonodular lobe
foli L folium leaf cerebellar folia, foliage, foliate papillae, folic acid
foll L follis folliculus bellows (a bag) hair follicle
fontan L fons fontis fountain fontanels (of foetal skull)
foram L foramen an opening foramen magnum
form L forma shape, rule digitiform gland, falciform L, formula
fornic/x L fornix a vault, arch, brothel fornicate, hippocampal fornix
foss L [fodere ~ fossus] fossa [to dig] a ditch fossil, fossorial, mandibular fossa, fossa ovalis of heart
front L frons frontis forehead frontal B, front
fug L fugare -fugus put to flight (driving out) vermifuge, centrifugal, fugue
funicul L funis funiculus cord, rope funiculi (of spinal cord), funicular
fund L fundus bottom (piece of land) gastric fundus, flexor digitorum profundus M, fund
fung L fungus mushroom fungiform papilla, fungus

G Origin Meaning Example

galli L [gallus] gallina [cock (rooster)] hen crista galli, gallivant, gallimimus
gamet G [gamos] gamete [marriage] wife gametes, gametocyte
gangli G gagglion a swelling, tumour ganglion, gangliform
gastr G gaster stomach digastric M, gastric glands, gastrocnemius M
gemin/el L geminus twin-born (Gemini) gemellus superior M, trigeminal nerve, gemini
gen L genu knee {newborn accepted on fathers} geniculate bodies, genuflect, genu varus
gen G [gignomai] (L genere genus) [be born, become] beget, race (kind) congenial, congenital, genetics, pathogen, progeny
geni G [genus] geneion [jaw] chin genioglossus M
germ L germen germinis sprout germ, germinate, germinal epithelium (of gonads)
ger\on G [geras] geron [old age] old man geriatrics, gerontology
gest L gerere gestare carry gestation
glab L glaber glabellus smooth glabella (of frontal B), glabrous (of skin)
glauc G glaukos dull grey-green glaucoma
glen G glene cavity, socket glenoid fossa
glia G glia glue neuroglia, glial cells
glomer L glomus glomer- ball glomeruli, glomerulosclerosis
gloss/tt G glossa glotta tongue genioglossus M, hypoglossal nerve, epiglottis
gluc/yc G glukus sweet glucose, glucogenesis, glycoproteins, glycogens
glut L gluten glutinis glue gluten, glutamic acid, agglutinate
glute G gloutus buttock gluteus maximus M
gnath G gnathos jaw agnatha, gnathostome, prognathos
gnost L gignosko gnomon to know gnostic sense (of self), agnostic
gompho G gomphos a wedge-shaped nail, club gomphosis
gon G gonos generation, seed gonads, gonorrhoea
grac\il L [gratus gratia] gracilis [pleasing] slender graceful, fasciculus gracilis, gracile, gracilis M
gubern\acul L [gubernare] gubernaculum [to steer] a rudder gubernatorial, gubernaculum (of testis)
gul L gula (F goule gullet) throat gular, gullet
gust L gustus taste gustatory sense (of taste), gusto
gyr G gyros circle, round cerebral gyri, gyrate, gyroscope

H Origin Meaning Example

haben L haben habenula a strap habenula of epithalamus
haem G haima blood haemorrhage, haematocyst, hemal arch
halluc/x L hallux big toe flexor hallucis longus M, hallux
ham L hamus hamulus a hook hamate B, hamulus (of pterygoid B)
hapt G (See aps/t) [hapto] haptikos [fasten] able to touch hapten, haptic
hemi G hemi half hemibranch, hemichordate, hemisphere
hepar/t G hepar hepatos liver heparin, hepatic duct, hepatic portal vein, hepatitis
hes/r L haes haerere stick adhesion, adhere
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hetero G heteros other, different heterocercal, heterogeneity
hiat L hirare gape hiatus (of diaphragm), sacral hiatus
hipp G hippos horse hippocampus, hippeastrum
hirsut L hirsutus hairy, shaggy hirsutism
hist G histos tissue, web histology, histiocytes
holo G holos whole, entire holocephalic, holonephros, holostei, hologram
homo G homos homoios alike, the same homodont, homology, homoeostasis, homogeneous
hormon G hormao ~ hormon impel hormones, hormonal
humer L humerus shoulder humerus, glenohumeral joint
humor L humor liquid {body fluid affecting disposition} aqueous humour, humoral immunity
hyal G haulos glass hyaline cartilage
hydr\o G hudor hudro water dehydration, hydrogen, hydrophobic, hydrophilic
hy\o G hu upsilon () hyoid B, hyoglossus M
hyper G hyper- above, over hyperactive, hypertrophy
hypno G hupnos sleep hypnosis, hypnotherapy
hypo G hypo- (< cons) under, beneath hypoglossal nerve, hypothalamus
hyp G hyp- (< vowel) See hypo hypaxial, hyponychium
hyster G hustera husterikos womb {women are hysterical} hysterectomy, hysterodynia, hysteria

I Origin Meaning Example

-iatric G iatros doctor geriatrics, paediatrician
ict G ikterus ikteros jaundice kernicterus, icterus
ictus L icere blow, strike ictus
ichthy G ichthys ichthyos fish osteoichthyes
ili/e L ilium ileum ilium (upper bone of pelvis) iliacus M, iliopsoas M, ilium, ileum, gastroileal reflex
in1 L in- not, without, lacking inflammable, indivisible
il L il- (< l) See in1 illicit, illegal
im L im- (< b, m, p) See in1 imbalance, immedicable, immunity, impermeable
ir L ir- (< r) See in1 irreducible, irremediable, irruption
in2 L in- in, on, into, towards, within induce
il L il- (< l) See in2 illuminate, disillusion
im L im- (< b, m, p) See in2 imbibe, imbrue, immigrate, impregnate, implant
ir L ir- (< r) See in2 irradiate, irrigation,
-in L -ina (F -ine) organic products, derived substances melanin, serotonin, fibrin, medicine
index/ic L index indicis forefinger, informer, sign {banned books} extensor indicis M, index finger
ipsi L ipse self ipsilateral
incus L incus an anvil incus (of ear)
ineum G inan to excrete perineum
infra/er L [infra-] inferus [below, beneath] that is below infraspinatus M, inferior, depressor labii inferioris M
inguin L [inguinalis] inguen [of the groin] groin inguinal canal
inter L inter- between, among intercostal M, interparietal B
intr L intra- within, inside intracellular
iris/d G iris iridos rainbow iris (of eye), iridescent
isc G iskho keep back (stop) ischaemia
isch G iskhion hip (joint) ischial, ischium
-ism G -izo -isma -ismos state (condition) hyperthyroidism
iso G isos equal, same isothermal, isometric, isomer
-itis G -ites -itis inflammatory diseases gastritis, peritonitis, appendicitis

J Origin Meaning Example

jact L [jactare] jactitare [throw] boast jactitation (of muscle)
jejun L jejunus fasting (empty) jejunum (usually empty when dissected), jejune
jug\ul L jug- [jugum] jugulum join [yoke] collar bone, throat conjugal, conjugation, jugular vein
junc L jungere junct- a joining junction, conjunctiva, conjunctivitis
juxta L juxta- next, near, beside juxtaglomerular apparatus, juxtapose

K Origin Meaning Example

karyo G karuon kernel eurkaryote, prokaryote, karyokenesis
kel G khele claw keloid
kerat G (See cerat) keros keratos See cerat: horn keratin, keratinised, keratosis, radial keratotmy (of eye)
keto\n G aketon (D keton) See acet\abul ketosis, ketone, ketonuria
kilo G khilioi (F kilo) thousand kilocalorie, kilogram
kinae G [kineo] kinesis [move] movement kinaesthesia, kinetic energy, kinematics
kymo G kuma wave kymograph
kypho G kuphos kuphosis bent thoracic hyperkyphosis, kyphotic

L Origin Meaning Example

labi/r L [labi] labium [to fall] lip labium, labile (of cells), glenoid labrum, labret
labyrinth G laburinthos (L labyrinthus) maze labyrinthodontia
lacer L lacer lacerare torn foramen lacerum, laceration
lachrim/ym L [lacrima] lacrimare [tear] weep lacrymation, nasolacrimal duct, lachrymose
lact L [lac lactis] lactare [milk] suckle lactose, lactate, lacteal, lactescence
lacun L [lacus] lacuna [lake] pool lacunae
lagen G lagenos flask lagena
lamina/ell L lamina lamella layer, thin plate lamina terminalis, delaminate, lamellar B
lat L latus lateris side, wide tensor fascia latae M, lateral, latissimus dorsi M
laten L latere latent- be hidden latent heat, latency
lax L laxus loose relaxed, laxative
lemma G [lep -ein] L lemma [to peel] sheath, husk sarcolemma, plasmalemma
lemnisc G lemniskos (L lemniscus) ribbon lateral lemniscus
lens/t L lens lentis a lentil lens, lentiform nucleus, lentigo
lep G [lambano] leptikos [take] disposed to take organoleptic, epilepsy
leuc/k G leukos white leucoma, leukocyte, leukaemia
lev L levare to raise levator labii superioris M, elevate, alleviate
lien L lien (cf splen) spleen lienogastric artery
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liga L [ligare] ligamentum [bind] bond ligamentum nuchae, ligand, ligature
limb L limbus edge, border limbic lobe
ling L lengua lingula tongue lingualis M, lingual nerve, sublingual gland, anilingus
lip G lipos fat lipophage, bilipid, lipase, liposuction
liss G lissos smooth lissamphibia
lith G lithos stone lithosphere, otolith
lordo G lordos lordosis bent backwards lumbar hypolordosis, lordotic
luci L [lucere] lucidus [shine] clear stratum lucidum, septum pellucidum, lucifer
lumba L lumbus loin lumbar artery, thoracolumbar fascia, lumbago
lumbr L lumbricus earthworm lumbrical M
lumen/in L lumen luminis light, an opening lumen, illuminate, luminescent
lun\ul L luna lunula moon lunate B, lunatic, semilunar valve, lunula (of nail)
lute L [luteum] luteus [egg yolk] yellow corpus luteum, lutein, luteous
lymph L lympha water endolymph, lymphocyte, lymphatic system
lys/t G [luo] lusis [loosen] loosening (break down) hydrolysis, lysis, lysosome, analysis, hydrolytic

M Origin Meaning Example

macro G makros long, large macromolecule, macrophage
macula L macula spot, mesh macula lutea, immaculate
magn L magnus great foramen magnum, magnify, adductor magnus M
mal L male (F mal-) [ill] bad malfunction, malnutrition, grand mal
malac G malakos soft osteomalacia, chondromalacia patella
mall L malleus hammer mallet, malleus, malleolus
mamm/i L mamma mammalis mamilla breast mammalian, mammary glands, mamillary body
mani G mainomai be mad erotomania, manic
manu\br L [manus] manubrium [hand] handle manual, manus, manubrium
marsup L marsupium purse, pouch marsupialia, marsupium
mass G [maza] masso (L massa) [barley-cake] knead (dough) mass, massage, masseur, masseuse
masseter G masaomai maseter chew masseter M
mastic G mastikhao (L masticare) gnash teeth mastication, mastic
mast G mastos breast mastoid process, mastectomy, neuromast, mastodon
mast E [mete] D mast [food (meat)] fattening, feeding neuromast, mast cell
mater/ri L mater matris maternus mother maternal, dura mater, pia mater, matriarch
mea L [meare] meatus [run, flow] passage permeable, acoustic meatus, external auditory meatus
medi L medius medialis middle medial, median plane, mediastinum, vastus medialis M
medull L medulla marrow medulla oblongata, renal medulla
mega G megas great megakaryocyte, acromegaly
mei G meion meiosis less meiosis
melan G melas black melancholy, melanin, melanocytes
men G mene moon menarche
menisc G meniskos crescent lateral meniscus
mens L [mensis] menstrualis [month] menstrual menses, menstruation, premenstrual
mening/x G menigx membrane meninges, meninx, meningitis
mental L mentum chin mental foramen, mentalis M
mer G meros a part, share merocrine glands, polymerase
mes G mesos middle mesencephalon, mesentery, mesoderm, mesonephros
meta G meta beside, with, after metacarpal, metanephros, metatherian
metr G metra uterus endometrium, mesometrium, metroscope
micro G mikros small microscope
mict L mict- minct- mingere to make water micturition, miction
minim L minimus smallest, least minimal, abductor digiti minimi M, adductor minimus M
miss/tt L mittere miss- send rostral commissure (of brain), mittent
mito G mitos thread mitochondria, mitosis, mitotic
mitr L mitra mitralis girdle mitral valve, mitre
mnes/m G mnemon mnemoikos mindful amnesia, anamnesis, mnemonic
mon G monos alone monarch, monotremata, monospasm
morph G morphe shape elasmobranchiomorphi, morphology
multi L multus many multifidus M, multiple sclerosis, multinuclear
mural L murus muralis wall intramural ganglion
musc L mus musculus mouse {muscles = little mice under skin} muscle, muscular, musculoskeletal system
muta L mutare mutatio change mutation, mutagenic
myel G myelos marrow myelencephalon, myelin, myeloblasts
myo G mys muscle myology, myomere, myotome, myofibril, myotherapist
myl G myle millstone, molar mylohyoid M

N Origin Meaning Example

nano G nanos dwarf nanometre, nanotechnology
nar L naris nares nostril naris, external nares
narco G narkoo make numb narcotic, narcosis, narcolepsy
nasal L nasus nose nasal B, nasalis M
natal L [nasci nat-] natalis [be born] nation prenatal development, natal
natri G [nitron] A natrum [saltpetre] sodium atrial natriuretic factor, natrium (sodium)
nav L navis navicula ship navicular B, navy
necro G nekros corpse necrosis, necrotising fasciitis
neo G neos new, recent neoplasm, neopallium
nephr G nephros kidney mesonephros, nephron, protonephridia, nephritis
neur\o G neuron tendon, nerve neurocoele, neuromast, aneurysm, neurophysiology
nex G neksus bond nexus
nict L nictare to wink nictitating membrane
noc/x L [noxa] noxius [harm] harmful nociceptors, noxious
noe G [noeo] nous noetos [understand] intellectual noetic, nous, anoesis
nom G [nemo] nomos [arrange, manage] law (govern) autonomic nervous system, astronomy
nomin L nomen name {Romans second} innominate artery, innominate B, nominal
noto G notos back notochord
nucl\e L nux nucella pit, kernel, little nut nucleus, nucleolus, nuclide
nucha A [nuka] L nucha [spinal marrow] nape of neck nuchal crest, ligamentum nuchae
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nul\l L nullus none annulus fibrosus, nullabor, nullipara
nunci L nuncius messenger internuncial neuron, nuncio, renunciate
nutri L nutrire nourish nutrition, nutrient

O Origin Meaning Example

ob L ob- against, in the way of obstruction, obstetrics
oc L oc- (< c) See ob occipital B, occipitalis M
of L of- (< f) See ob offensive
op L op- (< p) See ob opposition, opponens pollicis M
obliqu L obliquus (F oblique) slanting, crooked oblique, obliquus externus abdominis M
ocul\i L oculs eye bulbus oculi, orbicularis oculi M, monocular
odon\t G odous odont- tooth labyrinthodont, thecodont, orthodontist, mastodon
odyn G odune pain coccygodynia, anodyne
oedem G oideo oidema swell oedema, lymphoedemia
oeso G oiso within? oesophagus
oestr G oistros gadfly, frenzy oestrogen, oestrus
-oid G [oeidos] N -oid (> cons) [of form] resembles sphenoid, rhomboideus major M, mastoid process
-ploid G -ploid (> vowel) See -oid haploid, polyploid
olfac L olfacere to smell olfactory organ
olig\o G [oligos] oligoi [small] few oligodendrocytes, oligosaccharide, oligarchy
om\o G omos shoulder metacromion, omohyoid M, omotransversarius
-oma G [-oma] N -oma [result of verbal action] tumour lymphoma, carcinoma
oment L omentum membrane greater omentum
oncho G ogkos a mass, barb onchocerciasis, oncology, oncogene
onych G onux onukh nail, claw eponychium, hyponychium, onychophoran
oo G oon egg epoophoron, oogenesis, oocyte
op\t G [optos] optikos [eye] of sight optic nerve, myopia, myopic
oper L operire to cover operculum
ophthalm G ophthalmos eye ophthalmic nerve, ophthalmologist
opisth G opisthen behind opisthonephros, opisthotic
orb L orbis orbiculus circle orb, orbicularis oculi M, orbit, orbicularis oris M
orchi G orchis (L orchido-) testicle mesorchium, orchid (shape of root)
organ G organon tool organism, organ, organelle
ortho G orthos straight orthopaedic, orthoptics, orthodox
os/r L os oris mouth ostium (of oviduct), oral, orbicularis oris M
os\s L os ossis ossiculum bone os coxa, ossicle, ossify, palmar interossei M
-osis G -osis process, condition (Pathology: state) mitosis, necrosis, acidosis, thrombosis, neurosis
osmi G osme smell, odour anosmia, osmic
osmo G osmos pushing osmosis, osmotic
ost L ostium door, opening ostium
ost\eo G osteon bone osteoichthyes, teleost, osteocyte
ostrac G ostrakon shell, potsherd {used as voting ballot} ostracoderm, ostracise
ot G otikos pertaining to the ear otic capsule, otolith, parotid gland, otoscope
ov L ovum egg ovary, oviduct, oviparous, ovum
oxy G [oxus] F oxygene (< cons) [sharp] acidic {acidifying principle} oxygenation, oxygen
ox G ox- (< vowel) See oxy hypoxia

P Origin Meaning Example

palae G palaios ancient palaeontology, paleopallium
palat L [palatium] palatum [palace] roof of mouth {emporers voice} palate, palatine B
palli L [pallium] palliare [cloak] to cloak neopallium, palliative care
palm L palma palm (of hand) palmar, palmaris longus M, palmiped
palp\ebr L [palpare palpitare] palpebra [touch gently] eyelid palpate, palpitate, levator palpebrae superioris M
pampin L pampinus tendril, vine shoot pampiniform plexus
pan G pan all pancreas, panpacific
pap\ill L [papula] papilla [pimple] nipple papule, dermal papillae, papilloma
par L pareo ~ partus to bring forth oviparous, parturition, viviparous
par\a G para beside parotid, parallel, paradidymis, parapophysis, paraplegic
pariet L paries parietis wall parietal peritoneum
patella G [patane] L patina patella [a plate] shallow dish patella B, patellae, patellate
pater/ri G pater father paternal, patriotheria, patriarch
path G [pathos] pathetikos [suffering] sensitive, liable to suffer pathology, sympathetic nervous system
pectoral L pectus pectoris breast, chest pectoral girdle, pectoralis major M
pectin L pecten comb pectinate muscles (of heart), pectineus M
ped/s L ped pedunculus foot bipedal, cerebral peduncle, pedicle, pes anserinus
pel\l L pelle pellis skin pelt, pellagra, pellicle
p\el\uls L pellere puls- drive, beat {drum made with skin?} compel, impeller, pulse, pulsimeter
pelvi L pelvis basin pelvic girdle, renal pelvis
peni L penis a tail, penis penis, penile urethra
pend L pendere hang appendage, appendicular
penn/inn L penna feather, wing, fin unipennate (muscles), pinna of external ear
pent G pente five pentose, pentagon
peps/t G pepsis digestion pepsin, peptic ulcer, dyspepsia
per L per- through, completely, destroy semipermeable, perspiration
pel L pel- (< l) See per septum pellucidum, pellucid
peri G peri- around, about perineum, periosteum, peritoneum
perone G perone pin, fibula peroneal nerve, peroneus (fibularis) longus M
petr G petros rock petrify, petrosal B, petrous region (of temporal B)
phas/t G [phemi- phan-] phatos [speak] speech, spoken aphasia, phatic
phag G phagein phag- phagos eat phagocyte, sarcophagus
pharyng/x G pharugx pharyng- (L pharynx) pharynx glossopharyngeal nerve, pharynx
phalang/x G phalanx phalngos a line of soldiers phalanges, phalanx
phall G phallus penis phallic, phallus
phan G phaino -phan appear tryptophan
phen G phaino shine (illuminative substance), show phenotype, phenyl, phenomenon
phil G philos dear, loving hydrophilic, philoprogenitive
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phim G phimosis muzzling phimosis, phimotic
phleb G phleps phlebos vein phlebitis
phlegm G phlego phlegma burn phlegm, phlegmatic
phob G phobos fear hydrophobic, phobia
phon G [phone] phoneo [sound, voice] speak aphonia
phor G phoros pherein to bear, bring epoophoron, spermatophore, phosphorous
phragm G phragma fence, partition diaphragm
phren G phren diaphragm, mind phrenic nerve, phrenology
phys G [phusis phusike] physis [of nature] a growth physiotherapy, apophysis, epiphyses, hypophysis
phylax G [phulasso] phulaxis [guard] guarding anaphylaxis
pia L pia tender pia mater
pil L pilus hair arrector pili M, depilate
pine L [pinus] pinea [pine tree] pine cone pineal gland, pineapple
pino G pino drink pinocytosis
piri L pirum pear piriform lobe, piriformis M
pisi L pisum pea pisiform B
plac G plax plakos flat plate placoderm, placoid scale
plant L planta sole of foot plantaris M, plantigrade, plantar flexion
plas G plasis formation (growth) hyperplasia
plasm G plasso plasma to shape plasma, plasmid, cytoplasm
plast L abbr: emplassein ~ emplastros to daub on epiplastron, plaster, plastron
-plast G plasso plastikos mould angioplasty, rhinoplastic
plat\y G platus platys flat, broad platform, platelet, duckbill platypus, platysma M
pleg/c G plesso plektron strike paraplegia, quadraplegic plectrum
pleur G pleura side (of body), rib metapleural fold, pleural cavity, pleurisy
plex L [plectere] ~ plexus [plait] an interweaving network brachial plexus, perplex
pne\um G [pneo] pneuma [breathe] wind apnoea, pneumothorax, pneumatic
pod G pous podos foot podiatry, arthropod
poll L pollex pollicis thumb (sometimes nonhumans big toe) abductor pollicis M, pollex
poly G [polloi] polus [many] much polymorphism, polysaccharide
pon L pons pontis bridge brachium pontis, pons
poplite L poples poplitis hollow popliteal fossa, popliteus M
por G poros passage, pore sweat pore, porous, osteoporosis
porphyr G porphura purple porphyria, porphyrin
pos\t L ponere posit- place positive, posture, postlude (muscle)
post L [post] posterus [after] following posterior, postorbital process
prax G praxia action apraxia, echopraxia, parapraxia
pre L prae- before, in front precaval vein, premaxillary B, prenatal
prep L praeputium the foreskin prepuce
prim L primus first primates, primitive
pro G pro- (L pro-) before, in front of, for, on behalf of pronephros, prosencephalon, protraction, prostate
pron L (See pro) pronus forwards, bending, leaning forward pronator teres M, prone
prot G protos first protonephridium, protoplasm, prototheria
proct G proktos the anus proctodeum, proctoscope
prop\r L proprius ones own, special proprioception, propriety, property
pseud G [pseudes] pseudos [false] falsehood pseudobranch, pseudostratified epithelium, pseud
psoa G psoa muscle of loin psoas major M, iliopsoas M, psoas parvus M
psych G psukhe breath, life, soul psychogram, psychiatry, psychology
pto G pipto ptosis fall renal ptosis, apoptosis, ptotic
pteryg G pterygion pterygos wing, fin actinopterygii, metapterygium, pterygoid process
pub L puber young adult puberty, pubic hair, pubis
pudend L [pudere] pudendum [ashamed] external genitals pudendal artery, pudendum
pulmon L pulmo pulmonis lung pulmonary artery, cardiopulmonary resuscitation
pulvin L pulvinus cushion pulvinar
pylor G pylorus gate keeper pyloric region of stomach, pylorus
pyo G puo- puon pus pyocyst, pyorrhoea
pyro G pur puro- (L pyra) fire pyrogen

Q Origin Meaning Example

quadr L [quadrus] quadrare ~ quadratus [square] to make square quadrate B, quadriceps femoris M, quadriplegia
quali L quails qualitas qualificare of what kind, such as quality, qualification
quant L quantus quantum how much quantity, quantum

R Origin Meaning Example

rad L radius staff, spoke, ray corona radiata, radius, radial, radon, radiology
radic/x L radix radices root radix (of aorta), radical
ram L ramus branch ramus, ramify, ramification
raph G [raphis raphix-] raphe [needle] seam raphe, raphae
re L re- backward, again retractor M, reinfect
rect L [rectus] rectum [straight] straight rectangular, rectum, rectus abdominus M, arrector pili M
ren L renes kidneys renal artery, adrenaline, renin
reptil L reptare ~ reptum to creep reptilian, reptile
rest L restare remain, stop, stand cardiac arrest, restive
resti L restis rope restiform body
ret\in L rete reticulum net, network rete mirabile, reticular formation, retina
retinacul L [retinere] retinaculum [hold back] band, holdfast extensor retinaculum
retro L retro backwards, behind retroperitoneal, retrogression, retrosternal
ris\or L [ridere ris-] ? [to laugh] laughter risible, risorius M
rhoe G rheo rhoia flow, flux diarrhoea, diarrheic, rheology
rheum G rheuma stream rheum, rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis
rhag G rhegnumi burst metrorrhagia, uterine haemorrhage
rhin G rhis rhin nose rhinal fissure, rhinarium, rhinitis, rhinoceros
rhomb G rhombus rhombus (oblique parallelogram) rhombencephalon, rhomboideus M
rostr L [rodere ros-] rostrum [gnaw] ships prow (beak) {trophy room} rostral, rostrum
rug L ruga rugare fold, wrinkle gastric rugae, corrugator supercilii M, rugose

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S Origin Meaning Example
sac\c L saccus sacculus bag sacculus, sack, air sacs (of lungs)
sacr L [sacer sacri] os sacrum [holy] sacred bone {soul resides here} sacral nerve, sacrum, sacrosanct, sarcous
sagitta L [sagitta] sagittarius [arrow] archer sagittal plane, sagittarius
salpi\ng/x G salpigx salpiggos trumpet mesosalpinx, salpiglossis, salpingitis
salt\at L salire saltere leap saltatory conduction, saltigrade
sanguin L sanguis sanguineus blood (red) consanguineous, exsanguination
sapro G sapros putrid saprophyte, saprophagous
sarco G [sarx sarkos] sarkoo [flesh] become fleshy sarcophagus, sarcopterygii, sarcomere
sartor L [sarcire sart-] sartor [to patch] tailor {sits cross-legged} sartorius M, sartorial
scal L [scala] scandere [ladder, staircase] climb scala vestibule, scale
scaph G skaphe bowl, boat scaphoid B
scler G skleros hard sclera (of eyeball), sclerous, arteriosclerosis
scoli G skolios bent scoliosis
scalen G (See scoli) skalenos unequal { shape, 3 unequal sides} scalene (triangle), scalenus M
scrot L scrotum pouch, scrotum scrotum, scrota
seb L sebum sebaceus tallow (as grease) sebum, sebaceous gland, seborrhoea
sella L sella saddle, seat sella turcica
semen/in L [serere] semen seminus [to sow] seed, sperm semen, seminal vesicle
semi S sami (G hemi-) (L semi-) partly, half semicircular canal, semispinalis M, semitendinosus M
sens G sentire sens- feel sensation, sensory
seps/t G sepo sepsis make rotten sepsis, antiseptic, septicaemia
sept L septem seven septuagenarian, septenate
sept L [saepus] septum [hedge] enclose nasal septum, septate
ser L serum serosus whey (of milk) serological, serous fluid, serum
serr L serra serrula saw serrated, serratus anterior M, serrulate
sesam G sesamon sesame (L sesamum) sesame plant seed sesamoid B, sesame
sin\u L [sinus] sinuare [bosom, recess] to curve sinus venosus, sinusoid, insinuate, sine wave
sinist L sinister left (side) oculi sinister, sinistral, sinistrorse
sole L [solum] solea [bottom, pavement, sole] sandal, sill sole (of foot), soleus M
som\at G soma somatos body soma, somatic nervous system, somatopleure, ribosome
somn L somnus sleep insomnia, somnambulate
sperm G sperma spermatos seed, semen sperm, spermatic fascia
sphen G sphen wedge sphenoid B
sphinc/g/x G sphiggo sphigx (L sphinx) bind (draw) tight sphincter urethrae M, sphinx, sphingid
sphygm G [sphuzo] sphugmos [to throb] pulse sphygmograph, sphygmology, sphygmomanometer
spin L spina thorn, backbone spine, erector spinae M, supraspinatus M, spinifex
spir L spirare spirant breathe respire, inspiration
splanchn G splagkhna (L splanchnicus) viscus (organ, entrail) splanchnic nerve, splanchnopleure
sple\n G splen (cf lien) gloom {spleen = organ responsible} spleen, splenic, splenitis
splen G splenion bandage splenial B, splenius capitus M
spondyl G spondulos (L spondylus) spine, vertebra spondylosis, ankylosing spondylitis
squam L squama scale, flat squamate, squamosal B, squamous epithelium
stalsis G stello place peristalsis
stape L stapes stirrup stapedius M, stapes B
staphyl G staphule bunch of grapes staphylococcus
st\as/t G [sta-] statos [set up, stand] stationary system, homoeostasis, haemostasis, stasis, static
sten G stenos narrow stenocoriasis, stenosis
stern G sternon breast, chest sternebrae, sternocleidomastoideus M, xiphisternal
sthen G sthenos strength myasthenia gravis, callisthenics
stigma G stigma a dot, a brand {made with pointer = stick} stigma, astigmatism
-stit L sistere stit- stand interstitial fluid
stol G stol- place systolic, diastolic
stom G [stoma stomatos] stomakhos [mouth] gullet cyclostomata, stomochord, stomach, colostomy
strat L stratum layer stratum corneum, stratified epithelium
striat L striare ~ striatus to make furrows, stripes corpus striatum, striated muscle
stroma G stroma coverlet stroma, stromatalite
styl G [stulos] L stylos [column] pillar, stalk (stake) endostyle, hyostylic, styloid process, stylomastoid
sub L sub- beneath, below, close to, towards subscapularis M, insubstantial
suc L suc- (< cons) See sub succour, succussion, succinic acid
suf L suf- (< f) See sub suffering, suffocation, suffuse
sug L sug- (< g) See sub suggestive
sup L sup- (< p) See sub suppurate, suppository, support
sur L sur- (< r) See sub surr?
sus L sus- (< c, p, t) See sub susceptible, suspensory, sustenance
sucr F sucre sugar sucrose
sudor L [sudor] sudare [sweat] perspire sudoriferous glands
sulc L sulcare sulcus furrow sulcus (of brain), sulcate
sup\ra L super supra- above, upon, beyond superior, superficial, supine, supinate, supraspinatus M
sur F sur- See sup\ra surangular B, surcharge, surrogate
sura L sura suralis calf (of leg) sural, triceps surae M, sural artery
sutur L [surere sut-] sutura [sew] seam lambdoidal suture, sutural
syn G sun syn- together, with synaesthesia, synovial, synchondrosis
sym G sym- (< b, m, p) See syn symbiosis, symmetrical, sympathy

T Origin Meaning Example

tachy G takhus swift tachycardia, tachyphylaxis
tact L tangere tactus touch tactile sense, tactual
tal L talus ankle, heel talus B, talon, talipes
tapes/t G tapes tapetion carpet tapestry, tapetum lucidum
tars G tarsos flat surface, sole (of foot), rim (of eyelid) metatarsal B, tarsus, tarsal plate (of eyelid)
tect L [tegere tect-] tectorium [to cover] roof optic tectum, tectrix
tegument L (See tect) tegumentum See tect integumentary system, tegument
tele G tele far off, distant telencephalon, television, telaesthesia, telegony
tela L tela weblike membrane tela choroidea
telo/e G telos teleo- end, complete telophase, teleology, teleost
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temp L tempus temporis time {gray hairs on side of head} temple (of head), temporal B, temporalis M
ten L tendere, tentus to stretch extend, neoteny, tendon, tensor M, tent, tentorium
teres/t L teres round, smooth (cylindrical) teres major M, ligamentum teres, terete
tert L tertius tertiorius third peroneus tertius M, tertiary
test L testis a witness {originally only adult male} testify, testicular, testes, testament
tetan G [teino] tetanos [stretch] muscular spasm tetanus (of muscles)
thalam G thalamus (L thalamus) inner chamber epithalamus, thalamus
thec G [theke] (L theca) [case] sheath theca, intrathecal, thecodont
thel G thele teat endothelium, epithelial
then G thenar palm (of hand), sole (of foot) thenar muscles, athenar muscles, thenad
ther G ther therion wild beast eutherian, prototheria
therap G therapeia (L therapia) healing massage therapist, pyschotherapy
therm G therme, thermos heat exothermic, thermometer, hypothermia
thorac/x G thorax thorakos chest thoracic, thorax
thromb G thrombos lump, blood clot thrombocyte, thrombus, thrombosis
thym G [thymon] thymus [akin to thyme (herb)] thymus thymine, thymus
thyr G thyreos an oblong shield thyrohyal M, thyroid cartilage
-tom\y G [temno] -tomia [to cut] cutting anatomy, appendectomy, subatomic
ton G tonos something stretched peritoneum, tone, tonus, tonicity, hypertonic
tors/t L [tort-] tortus torsio [twist] crooked torticollis, torsion
trabe\cul L trabs trabecula beam, timber basitrabecular, trabeculae carnae, trabeation
trach G trakhus trakheia (N trachia) rough trachea, trachoma, tracheotomy, trachyte
tract L trahere ~ tractus to pull, draw neuron tract, protractor M, retraction
tran\s L trans across, beyond, through transcend, transverse plane, transversus thoracis M
trapez G trapeza table trapezius M, trapezoid B, trapeze
tremat G trema hole monotremata, pretrematic nerve, trematode
trich G trikos hair trichosiderin, trichosis, trichosthaesia
tri\quetr L [tri] triquetrus [three] three-cornered (triangular) triceps brachii M, tricuspid valve, trigeminal, triquetrum B
troch G [trokhos] trekho trokhanter [wheel] to run greater trochanter (of femur), troche
trochlea G (See troch) trokhilia (L trochlea) pulley trochlea (of humerus), trochlear nerve
tropic G [trepo] tropikos [to turn] a rout {gives weapons etc.} tropic hormones, tropical, trophy
troph G [trepho] trophe tropheia [nourish] nourishment trophoblast, atrophy
trud/s L trudere to thrust detrusor M, protrude, extrusion
tuber L tuber tuberculum hump, bump, lump (swelling) tuber cinereum, tuberculum (of rib), tibial tuberosity
tunic L [tunica] tunicare [covering] clothe tunica albuginea, tunicate
turb\in L turbo turbinis spinning top, whirlwind turbo, turbinate B, turbine
tympan L tympanum drum tympanic membrane

U Origin Meaning Example

ultra/er L [ultra] ulterior [beyond] further, more distant ultraviolet radiation, ultramicroscopic, ultrasound, ulterior
ultima L ultima last ultima, penultimate
un E un- (rel L in-) on- not, reverse, undone, released uncertified, uncoordinated, undigested
unci L uncinus uncinatus hook uncinate, unciform
ur G oura tail anura, urochordata, urodele
ur G ouron (L urina) urine urea, ureter, diuretic, urogenital, uraemia ketonuria
utric\ul L uter utriculus leather bag, bottle utricle, utriculus (of ear)
uter L uterus womb uterus, uterine

V Origin Meaning Example

vacc L vacca vaccinus cow vaccine
vag\u L vagus wandering, undecided vagrant, vagotomy, vague, vagus nerve
vagin L vagina a sheath, scabbard {insert sword} vagina, vaginal L, processus vaginalis
valen L valere valentia be well, strong valence shells (of atoms)
vall\ecul L [vallis vallecula] vallare [valley] to surround with a rampart valley, vallate papilla, vallecula
valgus L valgus bandy-legged genu valgus, hallux valgus
varus L varus knock-kneed genu varus, hallux varus
vas\cul L [vas] vasculum [vessel] small vessel vas deferens, vasectomy, vasodilation, avascular
vast L vastus large area, immense vast, vastus lateralis M
vel L velum sail, curtain, veil, covering medullary velum
vent L ventus wind pulmonary ventilation, Ventolin
ventr L venter ventr- ventriculus belly, womb ventral, ventricle, ventriloquism
ver L vertere turn eversion, invert
vert L vertex whirlpool, crown of head vertical, vertigo
vertebra L vertebratus jointed vertebral column, intervertebral disc, vertebrae
vermi\cul L vermis vermiculus worm {ground cinnabar = brilliant red} vermicelli, vermiform, vermillion, vermiculate
verruc L verruca wart verruca, verrucous
vesic\ul L vesica vesicula bladder (sac) vesicle, vesica fellea, vesicular gland
vestibul L vestibulum entrance chamber (court), porch vestibule, vestibulocochlear nerve
vestig L vestigium footprint vestigial appendix, vestige
vibr L vibrare vibrat- to agitate (shake), quiver, swing vibrate, vibrissae, vibrio
vill L villus shaggy hair villus, microvilli
visc\er L [viscum viscus] viscera [birdlime (sticky)] an entrail, organ viscosity, viscous, visceral, viscerinhibitory
vita L vita ~ vitalis life vitamin, vitality
vitell L vitellus yolk vitellus, vitelline veins
vitr L vitrum vitreus glass vitreous body (of eye), vitriform, vitriol
viv L vivre to live in vivo, vivisection, viviparous
vomer L vomer ploughshare (plough cutting blade) vomer B
vor L vorare vorax -vorus to devour carnivore, voracious, herbivorous
vulv L vulva womb vulva, vulvitis

W Origin Meaning Example

X Origin Meaning Example

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xiph G xiphos sword xiphihumeralis M, xiphisternum, xiphoid process

Z Origin Meaning Example

zyg\om G zugon zugo- zugoma yoke (union, pair) azygous vein, zygapophysis, zygote, zygomatic arch
zym G zume leaven (ferment) enzyme, zymotic, zymase

Compound Word Roots

Root Origin Meaning Combined Origin Comb. Meaning Example
adhes L ad + haes to + stick adhhaesio to stick adhesion
adren L ad + renes to + kidney adrenes toward the kidney adrenal gland, adrenaline
aneurysm G an (ad) + eurus change + wide aneuruno make wide, widen out aortic aneurysm
anastomos G ana + stoma up + mouth anastomosis an opening subsupracardinal anastomosis
apnoea G a + pneo not + breathe [apnous] apnoia [breathless] apnoea
append L ap + pend from + hang appendere hang from appendage, appendicular, appendix
apopt G apo + pipto away from + fall apoptosis falling off apoptosis
apraxia G a + praxia not + action apraxia inaction apraxia
arrect L ar (ad) + regere to + direct arregere set up arrector pili M
asthen G a + sthenes not + strong asthenes weak myasthenia gravis, asthenia
atom G a + tomia not + cutting atomos (L atomus) indivisible subatomic particle
azyg G a + zugon not + yoke azugos unyoked azygous vein
commissur L com + miss with + send commisura join, entrust (junction) rostral commissure (of brain)
conjun/g L con + jung- together + join conjungere ~ conjunctus to join together conjugal, conjunctiva (of eye)
corrug L cor + rugare with + fold corrugare wrinkled corrugator supercilii M, corrugated
decid L de + caedere away + fall (cut) decidere to fall (cut) off deciduous placenta, decide
dialys G dia + juo through + set free dialusis separate kidney dialysis
diastol G dia + stello apart + place diastello stand apart cardiac diastole, diastolic pressure
diur G dia + ouron to + urine dioureo urinate diuretic, diuresis
duoden N duo + deni 2 + 10 duodeni 12 {fingers breadth} duodenal, duodenum, duodenitis
-ectomy G ek (ec) + tommo out + cut ektomie excision appendectomy
ejacul L e (ex) + jaculum to + dart ejaculari shoot forth ejaculation
embol G em + bolos inside + clod embolos peg, stopper embolus, embolism
encephal G en + kephale in + head enkephalos brain encephalitis, mesencephalon
epiplo G epi + plo? above + ? epiploon epipleein? to sail, float on epiploic foramen, epiploon
extrins L exter + secus outside + beside extrinsecus operate from outside extrinsic finger flexors (M)
hyo\id G hyo + oeide upsilon + form of hyoeides shape of upsilon () hyoid B, hyoglossus M
impet L im + petere within + seek impetere assail impetigo, impetus
infer L in + ferre within + bring inferre deduce inference
infundibul L in + fundere in + pour infundere infundibulum a funnel infundibulum of the uterine tube
ischaem G isko + haima stop + blood iskhaimos lack of blood ischaemia
mictur L mict + urina make water + urine mingere micturire urinate micturition
obturat L ob + dura? against + hard? obturare ~ obturatus to close by stopping up obturator foramen, obturator internus M
occiput L oc (ob) + ciput towards + head occiput occipitis back of the head occipital B, occipitalis M
oesophag G oiso + phagos within? + eat oisophagos the gullet oesophagus
olecran G olene + kranion elbow + head ole(no)kranon elbow tip olecranon process
opponen L op + ponere against + place opponere opposition opponens pollicis M
pellucid L per + lucere through + shine perlucere pellucidis to shine through pellucid, septum pellucidum
permea L per + meare through + flow permeare pass through permeate, permeable
profund L pro + fundus before + bottom profundus deep flexor digitorum profundis M, profound
prostat G pro + statos before + standing prostates one who stands before prostate (stands before bladder)
sudorifer L sudor + fer sweat + carry sudorifer carry sweat sudoriferous glands
syst G syn + sta- together + stand sustema stand together (a whole) organ system, systemic
systol G syn + stol together + place [stello] sustello sustole [put] to contract systole, systolic pressure

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 Word Root Research
Simple Word Roots
? Origin Meaning Example
ach E ce acan pain? stomachache, achy
agra ? ? ? chiragra, podagra, pellagra
aps (apsid?) G apsis apsidos a loop? See -aps? anapsid skull?, synapse?
aur L aurum gold auric, aurum
auror L aurora dawn aurora
-daeum? G hodaios on the way proctodeum, stomodeum, urodeum, coprodeum?
-ia G ? Med: condition insomnia, more? iac (one with condition)
pann ? ? rag pannus (of ear)?
pha G pha- mouth? ?
ple L [plicare] plex? [to fold] quintuple (quintuplex?)

pulver L pulvis pulveris dust pulverise, pulverulent

saphen A [safin] L saphena [vein deep in arm] visible, clear? great saphenous vein, saphenal nerve
sole ? ? fish soleus M

turcic (turc?) L [Turcus] turcicus [Turk] Turks hat sella turcica

vell L vitulus vitellus vellum? wool, fleece vellus hair, vellum
vernix L veronix fragrant, resin (varnish) sandarac? vernix caseosa
viti L [vitis] vitiligo [a vine (winding)] tetter? pustule? vitiligo, vital?

Compound or Simple Word Roots?

? Origin Meaning Combined Origin Comb. Meaning Example
coagul L co + a + glut? together + ? coagulum coagulare rennet (curdled milk) coagulant, coagulation
demi L dis? + medius from + middle dimidius dimedius half demifacet, demigod
palsy G para + lys beside + loosen paralyse? ? cerebral palsy
prehend/s L pre + hendere? before + hand? prehendere to grasp (understand) comprehend, prehensile, apprehend
quarant I quarto + ? four + ? [quaranta] quarantina [forty] forty days quarantine

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