Construction of Medical Words

Root

1.) Tells the primary meaning of a word; also called base word element. 2.) The constant foundation & core of a medical term 3.) Usually Greek or Latin word. 4.) Can start a term and does not become a prefix. 5.) End a term and does not become a suffix.

Combining Form

1.) a letter (usually an "o") that is sometimes use to ease the pronunciation of a medical word. 2.) combine a root and a combining vowel. 3.) can precede another word element called suffix. 4.) can follow a prefix.

Prefix

1.) always appears at the beginning of a term. 2.) precedes a root to change its meaning. 3.) can have more than one meaning. 4.) never require a combining vowel. 5.) occasional medical term can have two (2) prefixes. 6.) not every term has a prefix.

Suffix

1.) attached to the end of a root or combining form. 2.) changes the meaning of the word. 3.) if it begins with a vowel, no combining vowel is needed. 4.) few medical terms can have two (2) suffixes.