Medical Terminology: List of Root Word Meanings - Part III
Medical terminology review of prefixes, root words, and suffixes! Enjoy the following lists of common medical root words, their meanings, and example terms! Tables included to quiz yourself!
Save Time with a Video!
Save time by watching the video first, then supplement it with the lecture below!
Click below to view the EZmed video library. Subscribe to stay in the loop!
💯 Pass Your Classes & Exams!
Become a member to access hundreds of pages of study guides, PDF lectures, & flashcards!
Instant access to a members-only page of ALL the flashcards, study guides, and PDF lectures. Cancel anytime.
🔥 The BEST Flashcards & Study Guides!
Click below to download your flashcards & study guides to SAVE TIME studying, PASS your classes, and SUCCEED in medicine!
Medical Terminology Made Easy
Medical terminology is useful to know whether you are a medical professional, healthcare student, or someone simply trying to better understand the language.
The challenge is the overwhelming feeling that can arise when first learning medical words, especially with so many course books, dictionaries, and online glossaries available.
That is why we have created a series of posts where medical terminology is simplified for you!
Enjoy the high-yield lists of common medical abbreviations, prefixes, root words, and suffixes that cover everything from diseases to body parts!
Each post includes tables, examples, dictionary definitions, and meanings.
The tables can also be used to quiz yourself!
We already reviewed common medical abbreviations, prefixes, root words (part I and II), and suffixes in previous posts - see below!
Now let’s focus on our final set of common root words!
Enjoy all of our simplified medical terminology posts:
Medical Abbreviations MADE EASY!
Medical Root Words MADE EASY! - Part I
Medical Root Words MADE EASY! - Part II
Medical Root Words MADE EASY! - Part III - Currently Viewing
Prefix, Root, and Suffix Simplified
Medical terminology is the language used in healthcare to describe anatomy, structures, conditions, diagnoses, procedures, treatments, and much more.
The simplest approach to take when figuring out the meaning of a medical term is to break down the word into its different parts.
Let’s briefly recap the word elements that make up medical terms.
If you are coming to this post from one of our other medical terminology lectures, then this section will be a great review!
Most medical words have a beginning, middle, and end.
They are referred to as the prefix, root, and suffix.
The prefix is at the beginning.
The root is in the middle.
The suffix is at the end.
Prefix = Descriptive
The prefix is typically the descriptive part of the medical term, and it forms the beginning of the word.
The prefix describes characteristics such as a location, direction, number, quantity, amount, size, or color.
Root = Subject
The root provides the subject of the medical term.
It is the core meaning of the word, and it often pertains to a body part or system.
The root forms the middle of the word when a prefix is present.
If there is no prefix, then the root will form the beginning of the word.
Some medical terms may also have more than one root word combined together.
Suffix = Meaning
The suffix brings meaning to the medical term and forms the end of the word.
The suffix might indicate a disease, disorder, condition, procedure, process, specialty, test, or status.
Medical Terminology Word Elements: Prefix = Beginning (Descriptive); Root = Middle (Subject); Suffix = Ending (Meaning)
Common Root Words - List 1
As mentioned above, medical root words are the subject of the term and often pertain to a body part or system.
Let’s review 4 lists of common medical root words beginning with list 1.
Of note, most of the roots listed below end in “O”.
This is called the combining form, and the “O” is the combining vowel.
The combining vowel is the vowel that follows the root word, and it connects the root to another root or a suffix.
Be aware that the combining vowel may be a different vowel other than “O”.
Capito- = Head
Example: Fovea Capitis
The fovea capitis is a small depression in the femoral head where the ligamentum teres of the hip attaches.
This makes sense because “fovea” means small pit/depression and “capitis” refers to head, which in this case is the head of the femur.
There is a great lecture where we simplify the anatomy of the femur.
Check it out below!
Anatomy of the Femur MADE EASY
Entero- = Intestines
Example: Enterocolitis
We know from the other root word lectures that “colo-” refers to the colon.
We also mentioned in the suffix lecture that “-itis” means inflammation.
Therefore, enterocolitis is inflammation of both the small intestine and colon.
This is a great example of 2 root words combined together followed by a suffix.
Genu- = Knee or a Knee-like bend
Examples: Genu Varum or Genu Valgum
Genu varum is also called “bow-legs” and refers to the outward bowing of the knees.
Genu valgum is also called “knock-knees” and refers to the inward angulation of the knees.
Veno- = Vein
Example: Venostasis
We learned in the suffix lecture that “-stasis” means stagnant, a state that does not change, or slowing/stoppage of bodily fluids.
Therefore, venostasis is the abnormal slowing or stoppage of the flow of blood in a vein.
“Veno-” and “vein” sound similar making the root word easy to remember.
Just a reminder, we learned other root words in previous lectures that refer to blood vessels as well.
Click the hyperlinks below to check them out!
“Arterio-” = Artery
“Vasculo-” = Blood Vessel
“Angio-” = Blood Vessel
“Vaso-” = Blood Vessel
Laparo- = Abdomen
Example: Laparotomy
We know from the suffix lecture that “-otomy” means to make an incision or cut into.
Therefore, a laparotomy is a surgical incision into the abdomen or abdominal cavity.
You can think of your “lap” which is close to your abdomen to help you remember “laparo-” refers to abdomen.
Just a reminder, we learned in the other root word lectures that “abdomino-” refers to abdomen as well.
Fronto- = Forehead, Frontal Bone, or Frontal Lobe
Example: Frontoparietal
Frontoparietal refers to both the frontal and parietal bones or lobes of the brain.
You can use “front” to think of the front of your head, and this will help you remember “fronto-” refers to the “forehead” or “frontal bone/lobe”.
Dorso- = Back
Example: Dorsal Column
The dorsal column refers to the back of/posterior spinal cord.
You might remember from the prefix lecture we used “dorso-” to mean back, behind, or posterior when discussing positions.
“Dorso-” can also refer to the back anatomically as well.
You can think of a dorsal fin on the back of a fish or whale, and this will help you remember “dorso-” refers to “back”.
Aur- = Ear
Example: Postauricular
We learned in the prefix lecture that “post-” can mean back or behind just like “dorso-” can.
The suffix “-icular” means of or pertaining to.
Therefore, postauricular refers to being located or occurring behind the ear.
This is a good example of a medical term that uses a prefix followed by a root.
Digit- = Finger or Toe
Example: Flexor and extensor digitorum muscle groups
The flexor and extenosor digitorum muscle groups help to flex and extend the fingers and/or wrist.
A simple way to remember “digit-” refers to “fingers/toes” is to think of how we sometimes use our fingers to count “digits” and numbers.
Psych- = Mind
Example: Psychology
We know from the suffix lecture that “-ology” means the study of.
Therefore, psychology is the study of the human mind and its functions.
Medical Terminology: List of common root words for body parts
Common Root Words - List 2
All of the root words up to this point, including the first 2 root word lectures, have pertained to body parts.
Let’s wrap up the root word series with 3 groups of miscellaneous roots (lists 2-4) you are likely to encounter.
Acouso- = Auditory or Hearing
Example: Acoustic Music
You can think of acoustic music to remember “acouso-” means “auditory/hearing”.
Acoustic music is music that produces auditory sound without the use of electronic amplification equipment.
Aero- = Air or Gas
Example: Aerogastria
We learned in the other root word lectures that “gastro-” refers to the stomach.
Therefore, aerogastria is distension of the stomach by gas.
Ankylo- = Crooked, Bent, Fused, Stiff, Fixed, or Closed
Example: Ankylosing Spondylitis
This is a great example to show how much you have learned from the previous lectures and to demonstrate how easy medical terminology becomes when you break down the word.
We know “ankylo-” means crooked, bent, or stiff.
We also learned in the other root word lectures that “spondylo-” means spine.
Finally, we know from the suffix lecture that “-itis” means inflammation.
So ankylosing spondylitis must be some kind of inflammation and stiffening of the spine…..right?
That’s exactly what it is!
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of spinal arthritis that causes inflammation and fusing of the spine or vertebrae.
Auto- = Self or Same
Example: Autoantibody
An autoantibody is an antibody produced by the immune system that targets the individual’s own tissues/antigens.
You can also think of “autopilot” to help you remember “auto” refers to “self/same”.
Autopilot is a device that steers a plane, ship, or vehicle by itself.
Bacterio- = Bacteria
Example: Bactericide
The suffix “-cide” means killing or killer of.
Therefore, bactericide is a substance that kills bacteria.
“Bacterio-” and “bacteria” sound similar making the root meaning easy to remember.
Blasto- = Immature or Bud
Examples: Myeloblast or Blastoma
We learned in the other root word lectures that “myelo-” refers to bone marrow.
Therefore, a myeloblast is an immature white blood cell that forms in the bone marrow.
We also know from the suffix lecture that “-oma” means tumor or growth.
Therefore, blastoma is a neoplasm consisting of immature undifferentiated cells.
Brachy- = Short
Example: Brachycephaly
We learned in the other root word lectures that “cephalo-” means head.
Therefore, brachycephaly is a condition in which the shape of the head or skull is short.
Toxi-/Toxico- = Toxin, Toxic, or Poison
Example: Toxicology
As mentioned above, the suffix “-ology” refers to the study of.
Therefore, toxicology is the study or branch of science concerned with the effect and detection of poisons.
Litho- = Stone or Calculus
Example: Nephrolithiasis
We know from the other root word lectures that “nephro-” means kidney.
We also learned in the suffix lecture that “-iasis” refers to a medical condition.
Therefore, nephrolithiasis is the medical term for kidney stone.
Nephrolithiasis is also a good example of 2 root words combined together, “nephro-” and “litho-”, followed by a suffix.
Lacrimo- = Tear
Example: Lacrimal Gland
The lacrimal gland is the gland that secretes tears.
Medical Terminology: List of common root words and meanings
Common Root Words - List 3
Let’s continue with the next group of medical root words.
Acro- = Extremities
Alternate Meanings = Top, Peak, or Extreme
Example: Acromegaly
We know from the suffix lecture that “-megaly” means irregular enlargement.
Therefore, acromegaly is the abnormal growth of the hands, feet, and face from overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland.
Chemo- = Chemical
Example: Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment of diseases by use of chemical substances.
Andro- = Male
Example: Androgen
Androgen refers to a male sex hormone, such as testosterone, that promotes the development of male characteristics.
Estro- = Female
Example: Estrogen
Estrogen refers to a female sex hormone that promotes the development of female characteristics.
Hidro- = Sweat
Example: Hidradenitis
We learned in the other root word lectures that “adeno-” refers to gland.
As mentioned above, the suffix “-itis” means inflammation.
Therefore, hidradenitis is inflammation of a sweat gland.
Kypho- = Humped appearance
Example: Kyphosis
We know from the suffix lecture that “-osis” refers to an abnormal condition or disease process.
Therefore, kyphosis is the condition in which there is excessive outward curvature of the spine, causing a hunched or humped back.
Myco- = Fungus
Example: Mycology or Mycosis
As mentioned above, the suffix “-ology” means the study of, and the suffix “-osis” means an abnormal condition or disease process.
Therefore, mycology is the study of fungi, and mycosis is a disease caused by infection with a fungus.
Myringo- = Eardrum
Example: Myringomycosis
This is a great example because we just learned above that “myco-” means fungus and “-osis” means an abnormal condition/disease process.
Therefore, myringomycosis is a fungal infection of the eardrum or tympanic membrane.
You might recall from the previous root word lecture that “tympano-” also refers to the eardrum (the medical term for eardrum is tympanic membrane).
Patho- = Disease
Example: Pathology
Again we know “-ology” means the study of.
Therefore, pathology is the study of diseases.
Scolio- = Twisted/Crooked
Example: Scoliosis
Again the suffix “-osis” means an abnormal condition or disease process.
Therefore, scoliosis is the condition in which there is sideways curvature of the spine, causing a crooked appearance.
Remember kyphosis was the outward curvature of the spine to give a hunched or humped appearance, whereas scoliosis refers to the sideways curvature of the spine.
Medical Terminology: List of common root words and examples
Common Root Words - List 4
Let’s wrap it up with one final group of medical roots.
Somato- = Body
Example: Somatosensory
Somatosensory refers to sensations that can occur anywhere in the body such as pressure, pain, or temperature.
Splanchno- = Viscera
Example: Splanchnic Nerves
The splanchnic nerves are the nerves that supply the viscera.
The viscera are the organs in the cavities of the body, especially the abdomen.
Gluco- = Glucose
Example: Glucometer
A glucometer is a device that measures the amount of glucose in the blood.
Glyco- = Sugar
Example: Glycolysis
The suffix “-lysis” means destruction or the break down of.
Therefore, glycoslysis is the break down of sugar or glucose.
Thermo- = Heat
Example: Thermometer
A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature including heat.
Thrombo- = Blood Clot
Example: Thrombectomy
We know from the suffix lecture that “-ectomy” is the surgical removal or excision of.
Therefore, a thrombectomy is a surgery to remove a blood clot (thrombus) from a blood vessel.
Tono- = Tension or Tone
Example: Tonoclonic Seizure
A tonoclonic seizure is a seizure involving stiffening, tension, or tone (tono-) as well as jerking (clonic-).
“Tono-” and “tone” sound similar making the root meaning easier to remember.
Phono- = Sound, Speech, or Voice
Example: Phonocardiogram
We learned in the first root word lecture that “cardio-” means heart.
We also know from the suffix lecture that “-gram” means a record, picture, or image.
Therefore, phonocardiogram is the graphic record of heart sounds.
You can think of a “phone” which sounds like “phono” to help you remember the root meaning of “sound or voice”.
Topo- = Place or Position
Example: Topography
We know from the suffix lecture that “-graphy” means to record or to take a picture.
Therefore topography, especially in anatomy, refers to the process in which anatomical structures are grouped together or studied based on position, region, or divisions of the body.
Varico- = Swollen, Dilated, Enlarged, or Twisted
“Varico-” usually describes a blood or lymph vessel, especially a vein.
Example: Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins most commonly seen in the legs.
Medical Terminology: List of common root words, their meanings, and examples
Before You Go….
Save time studying and reviewing!
Make sure to sign up for FREE to the EZmed newsletter below, and never miss out on future medical and science topics made easy!
A weekly notification is sent right to your inbox filled with new lectures, videos, and exam prep!
Did you enjoy this lecture? Leave a comment down below!
Feedback or suggestions for future topics? Reach out using the contact button above!
Thank you for using EZmed!
Make Your Learning Experience Even Easier!
Perform well in class, ace your exams, and keep up with your medical knowledge throughout your career using the following EZmed platforms:
YouTube Channel: EZmed - Animations and videos that simplify medicine and science
Instagram: @ezmedlearning - High yield exam content
Pinterest: ezmedlearning - Easy illustrations and flashcards