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Select All a-, an- absence or lack; acardia, lack of a heart, anaerobic, in the absence of oxygen ab- departing from , away from; abnormal, departing from normal acou- hearing; acoustics, the science of sound ac-, acro- extreme or extremity, peak; acrodermatitis, inflammation of the skin of the extremities ad- to or toward; adorbital, toward the orbit aden-, adeno- gland; adeniform, resembling a gland in shape adren- toward the kidney; adrenal gland, adjacent to the kidney acro- air; aerobic respiration, oxygen-requiring metabolism af- toward; afferent neurons, which carry impulses to the central nervous system agon- contest; agonistic and antagonistic muscles, which oppose each other alb- white; corpus albicans of the ovary, a white scar tissues aliment- nourish; alimentary canal, or digestive tract allel- of one another; alleles, alternative expressions of a gene amphi- on both sides, of both kinds; amphibian, an organism capable of living in water an on land ana- apart, up, again; anaphase of mitosis, when the chromosomes separate anastomos- come together; arteriovenous anastomosis, a connection between an artery and a vein aneurysm a widening; aortic aneurysm, a weak spot that causes enlargement of the blood vessel angi- vessel; angiitis, inflammation of a lymph vessel or blood vessel angin- choked; angina pectoris, a choked feeling in the chest due to dysfunction of the heart ant-, anti- opposed to, preventing or inhibiting; anticoagulant, a substance that prevents blood coagulation ante- preceding, before; antecubital, in front of the elbow aort- great artery; aorta ap-, api- tip, extremity; apex of the heart append- hang to; appendicular skeleton aqua-, aque- water; aqueous solutions arbor tree; arbor vitae of the cerebellum, the treelike pattern of white matter areola- open space; areolar connective tissue, a loose connective tissue arrect- upright; arrector pili muscles of the skin, which make the hairs stand erect arthr-, arthro- joint; arthropathy, any joint disease artic- joint; articular surfaces of bones, the points of connection atri- vestibule; atria, upper chambers of the heart auscult- listen; auscultatory method for measuring blood pressure aut-, auto- self; autogenous, self-generated ax-, axi-, axo- axis, axle; axial skeleton, axis of vertebral column azyg- unpaired; azygous vein, an unpaired vessel baro- pressure; barorecptors for monitoring blood pressure basal base; basal lamina of epithelial basement membrane bi- two; bicuspid, having two cusps bili- bile; bilirubin, a bile pigment bio- life; biology, the study of life and living organisms blast- bud or germ; blastocyte, undifferentiated embryonic cell brachi- arm; brachial plexus of peripheral nervous system supplies the arm brady- slow; bradycardia, abnormally slow heart rate brev- short; peroneus brevis, a short leg muscle broncho- bronchus; bronchospasm, spasmodic contraction of bronchial muscle bucco- cheek; buccolabial, pertaining to the cheek and lip calor- heat; calories, a measure of energy capill- hair; blood and lymph capillaries caput- head; decapitate, remove the head carcin- cancer; carcinogen, a cancer-causing agent cardi-, cardio- heart; cardiotoxic, harmful to the heart carneo- flesh; trabeculae carneae, ridges of muscles in the ventricles of the heart carot- (1) carrot, (2) stupor; (1) carotene, an orange pigment, (2) carotid arteries in the neck, blockage causes fainting cata- down; catabolism, chemical breakdown caud- tail; caudal (directional term) cec- blind; cecum of large intestine, a blind-ended pouch cele- abdominal; celiac artery, in the abdomen cephal- head; cephalometer, an instrument for measuring the head cerebo- brain, especially the cerebrum; cerebrospinal, pertaining to the brain and spinal cord cervic-, cervix neck; cervix of the uterus chiasm- crossing; optic chiasma, where optic nerves cross chole- bile; cholesterol, cholecystokinin, a bile-secreting hormone chondr- cartilage; chondrogenic, giving rise to cartilage chrom- colored; chromosome, so named because they stain darkly cili- small hair; ciliated epithelium circum- around; circumnuclear, surrounding the nucleus clavic- key; clavicle, a "skeleton key" co-, con- together; concentric, common center, together in the center coccy- cuckoo; coccyx, which is beak-shaped cochlea snail shell; the cochlea of the inner ear, which is coiled like a snail shell coel- hollow; coelom, the ventral body cavity commis- united; gray commissure of the spinal cord connects the two columns of gray matter concha- shell; nasal conchae, coiled shelves of bone in the nasal cavity contra- against; contraceptive, agent preventing contraception corn-, cornu- horn; stratum corneum, outer layer of the skin composed of (horny) cells corona crown; coronal suture of the skull corp- body; corpse, corpus luteum, hormone-secreting body in the ovary cort- bark; cortex, the outer layer of the brain, kidney, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes cost- rib; intercostal, between the ribs crani- skull; craniotomy, a skull operation crypt- hidden; cryptomenorrhea, a condition in which menstrual symptoms are experienced by no external loss of blood occurs cusp- pointed; bicuspid, tricuspid valves of the heart cutic- skin; cuticle of the nail cyan- blue; cyanosis, blue color of the skin due to lack of oxygen cyst- sac; bladder; cystitis, inflammation of the urinary bladder cyt- cell; cytology, the study of cells de- undoing, reversal, loss, removal; deactivation, becoming inactive decid- falling off; deciduous (milk) teeth delta triangular; deltoid muscle, roughly triangular in shape den-, dent- tooth; dentin of the tooth dendr- tree, branch; dendrites, telodendria, both branches of a neuron derm- skin; dermis, keep layer of the skin desm- bond; desmosome, which binds adjacent epithelial di- twice, double; dimorphism, having two forms dia- through, between; diaphragm, the wall through or between two areas dialys- separate, break apart; kidney dialysis, in which waste products are removed from the blood diastol- stand apart; cardiac diastole, between successive contractions of the heart diure- urinate; diuretic, a drug that increases urine output dors- the back; dorsal, dorsum, dorsiflexion duc-, duct lead, draw; ductus deferens which carries sperm from the epididymis into the urethra during ejaculation dura hard; dura mater, tough outer meninx dys- difficult, faulty, painful; dyspepsia, disturbed digestion ec-, ex-, ecto- out, outside, away from; excrete, to remove materials from the body ectop- displaced; ectopic pregnancy, ectopic focus for initiation of heart contractions edem- swelling; edema, accumulation of water in body tissues ef- away; efferent nerve fibers, which carry impulses away from the central nervous system ejac- to shoot forth; ejaculation of semen embol- wedge; embolus, an obstructive object traveling in the bloodstream en-, em- in, inside; encysted, enclosed in a cyst or capsule enceph- brain; encephalitis, inflammation of the brain endo- within, inner; endocytosis, taking particles into the cell entero- intestine; enterologist, one who specializd in the study of intestinal disorders epi- over, above; epidermis, outer layer of skin erythr- red; erythema, redness of the skin, erythrocyte, red blood cell eso- within; esophagus eu- well; euesthesia, a normal state of the senses excret- separate; excretory system exo- outside, outer layer; exophthalmos, an abnormal protrusion of the eye from the orbit extra- outside, beyond; extracellular, outside the body cells of an organism extrins- from the outside; extrinsic regulation of the heart fasci-, fascia- bundle, band; superficial and deep fascia fenestr- window; fenestrated capillaries ferr- iron; transferrin, ferritin, both iron-storage proteins flagell- whip; flagellum, the tail of a sperm cell flat- blow, blown; flatulence folli- bag, bellows; hair follicle fontan- fountain; fontanelles of the fetal skull foram- opening; foramen magnum of the skull foss- ditch; fossa ovalis of the heart, mandibular fossa of the skull gam-, gamet- married, spouse; gametes, the sex cells gangli- swelling, or knot; dorsal root ganglia of the spinal nerves gastr- stomach; gastrin, a hormone that influences gastric acid secretion gene beginning, origin; genetics germin- grow; germinal epithelium of the gonads gero-, geront- old man; gerontology, the study of aging gest- carried; gestation, the period from conception to birth glauc- gray; glacoma, which causes gradual blindness glom- ball; glomeruli, clusters of capillaries in the kidneys glosso- tongue; glossopathy, any disease of the tongue gluco-, glyco- gluconeogenesis, the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate molecules glute- buttock; gluteus maximus, largest muscle of the buttock gnost- knowing; the gnostic sense, a sense of awareness of self gompho- nail; gomphosis, the term applied to the joint between tooth and jaw gon-, gono- seed, offspring; gonads, the sex organs gust- taste; gustatory sense, the sense of taste hapt- fasten, grasp; hapten, a partial antigen hema-, hemato-, hemo- blood; hematocyst, a cyst containing blood hemi- half; hemiglossal, pertaining to one-half of the tongue hepat- liver; hepatitis, inflammation of the liver hetero- different or other; heterosexuality, sexual desire for a person of the opposite sex hiat- gap; the hiatus of the diaphragm, the opening through which the esophagus passes hippo- horse; hippocampus of the brain, shaped like a seahorse hirsut- hairy; hirsutism, excessive body hair hist- tissue; histology, the study of tissues holo- whole; holocrine gland, whose secretions are whole cells hom-, homo- same; homeoplasia, formation of tissue similar to normal tissue; homocentric, having the same center hormon- to excite; hormones humor- a fluid; humoral immunity, which involves antibodies circulating in the blood hyal- clear; hyaline cartilage, which has no visible fibers hydr-, hydro- water; dehydration, loss of water hyper- excess; hypertension, excessive tension hypno- sleep; hypnosis, a sleep-like state hypo- below, deficient; hypodermic, beneath the skin, hypokalemia, deficiency of potassium hyster-, hystero- uterus or womb; hysterectomy, removal of the uterus, hysterodynia, pain in the womb ile- intestine; ileum, the last portion of the small intestine im- not; impermeable, not permitting passage, not permeable inter- between; intercellular, between the cells intercal- insert; intercalated discs, the end membranes between adjacent cardiac muscle cells intra- within, inside; intracellular, inside the cell iso- equal, same; isothermal, equal or same temperature jugul- throat; jugular veins, prominent vessels in the neck juxta- near, close to; juxtaglomerular apparatus, a cell cluster next to a glomerulus in the kidneys karyo- kernel, nucleus; karyotype, the assemblage of the nuclear chromosomes kera- horn; keratin, the water-repellant protein of the skin kilo- thousand; kilocalories equal to 1000 calories kin-, kines- move; kinetic energy, the energy of motion labi-, labri- lips; labial frenulum, the membrane which joins the lip to the gum lact- milk; lactose, milk sugar lacun- space, cavity, lake; lacunae, the spaces occupied by cells of cartilage and bone tissue lamell- small plate; concentric lamellae, rings of bone matrix in compact bone lamina layer, sheet; basal lamina, part of the epithelial basement membrane lat- wide; latissimus dorsi, a broad muscle of the back laten- hidden; latent period of a muscle twitch later- side; lateral (directional term) leuko- white; leukocyte, white blood cell leva- raise, elevate; levator labii superioris, muscle that elevates upper lip lingua- tongue; lingual tonsil, adjacent to the tongue lip-, lipo- fat, lipid; lipophage, a cell that has taken up fat in its cytoplasm lith- stone, cholelithiasis, gallstones luci- clear; stratum lucidum, clear layer of the epidermis lumen tight; lumen, center of a hollow structure lut- yellow; corpus luteum, a yellow, hormone-secreting structure in the ovary lymph water; lymphatic circulation, return of clear fluid to the bloodstream macro- large; macromolecule, large molecule macula spot; macula lutea, yellow spot on the retina magn- large; foramen magnum, largest opening of the skull mal- bad, abnormal; malfunction, abnormal functioning of an organ mamm- breast; mammary gland, breast mast- breast; mastectomy, removal of a mammary gland mater mother; dura mater, pia mater, membranes that envelop the brain meat- passage; external acoustic meatus, the ear canal medi- middle; medial (directional term) medull- marrow; medulla, the middle portion of the kidney, adrenal gland and lymph node mega- large; megakaryocyte, large precursor cell of platelets meio- less; meiosis, nuclear division that halves the chromosome number melan- black; melanocytes, which secrete the black pigment melanin men-, menstru- month, menses, the cyclic menstrual flow meningo- membrane, meningitis, inflammation of the membranes of the brain mer-, mero- a part; merocrine glands, the secretions of which do not include the cell meso- middle; mesoderm, middle germ layer meta- beyond, between, transition; metatarsus, the middle part of the foot between the tarsus and the phalanges metro- uterus; endometrium, the lining of the uterus micro- small; microscope, an instrument used to make small objects appear larger mictur- urinate; micturition, the act of voiding the bladder mito- thread, filament; mitochondria, small, filament-like structures located in cells mnem- memory; amnesia mono- single; monospasm, spasm of a single limb morpho- form; morphology, the study of form and structure or organisms multi- many; multinuclear, having several nuclei mur- wall; intramural ganglion, a nerve junction within an organ muta- change; mutation, change in the base sequence of DNA myelo- spinal cord, marrow; myeloblasts, cells of the bone marrow myo- muscle; myocardium, heart muscle nano- dwarf; nanometer, one-billionth of a meter narco- numbness; narcotic, a drug producing stupor or numbed sensations natri- sodium; atrial natriuretic peptide, a sodium-regulating hormone necro- death; necrosis, tissue death neo- new; neoplasm, an abnormal growth nephro- kidney; nephritis, inflammation of the kidney neuro- nerve; neurophysiology, the physiology of the nervous system noci- harmful; nociceptors, receptors for pain nom- name; innominate artery, innominate bone noto- back; notochord, the embryonic structure that precedes the vertebral column nucle- pit, kernel, little nut; nucleus nutri- feed, nourish; nutrition ob- before, against; obstruction, impeding or blocking up oculo- eye; monocular, pertaining to one eye odonto- teeth; orthodontist, one who specialized in proper positioning of the teeth in relation to each other olfact- smell; olfactory nerves oligo- few; oligodendrocytes, neuroglial cells with few branches onco- a mass; oncology, study of cancer oo- egg; oocyte, precursor of female gamete ophthalmo- eye; opthalmology, the study of the eyes and related disease orb- circular; orbicularis oculi, muscle that encircles the eye orchi- testis; cryptorchidism, failure of the testes to descend into the scrotum org- living; organism straight, direct; orthopedic, correction of deformities of the musculoskeletal system osm- smell; anosmia, loss of sense of smell osmo- pushing; osmosis osteo- bone; osteodermia, bony formations in the skin oto- ear; otoscope, a device for examining the ear ov-, ovi- egg; ovum, oviduct oxy- oxygen; oxygenation, the saturation of a substance with oxygen pan- all, universal; panacea, a cure-all papill- nipple; dermal papillae, projections of the dermis into the epidermal area para- beside, near; paranuclear, beside the nucleus pect-, pectus breast; pectoralis major, a large chest muscle pelv- a basin; pelvic girdle, which cradles the pelvic organs peni- a tail; penis; penile urethra penna- feather; unipenneate, bipennate muscles, whose fascicles have a feathered appearance pent- five; pentose, a 5-carbon sugar pep-, peps-, pept- digest; pepsin, a digestive enzyme of the stomach; peptic ulcer per-, permea- through; permeate, permeable peri- around; perianal, situated around the anus phago- eat; phagocyte, a cell that engulfs and digests particles or cells pheno- show, appear; phenotype, the physical appearance of an individual phleb- vein; phlebitis, inflammation of the veins pia tender; pia mater, delicate inner membrane around the brain and spinal cord pili hair; arrector pili muscles of the skin, which make the hairs stand erect pin-, pino- drink; pinocytosis, the engulfing of small particles by a cell platy- flat, broad; platysma, broad, flat muscle of the neck pleur- side, rib; pleural serosa, the membrane that lines the thoracic cavity and covers the lungs plex-, plexus net, network; brachial plexus, the network of nerves that supplies the arm pneumo- air, wind; pneumothorax, air in the thoracic cavity pod- foot; podiatry, the treatment of food disorders poly- multiple; polymorphism, multiple forms post- after, behind; posterior, places behind (a specific) part pre-, pro- before, ahead of; prenatal, before birth procto- rectum, anus; proctoscope, an instrument for examining the rectum pron- bent forward; prone, pronate propri- one's own; proprioception, awareness of body parts and movement pseudo- false; pseudotumor, a false tumor psycho- mind, psyche; psychogram, a chart of personality traits ptos- fall; renal ptosis, a condition in which the kidneys drift below their normal position pub- of the pubis; puberty pulmo- lung; pulmonary artery, which brings blood to the lungs pyo- pus; pyocyst, a cyst that contains pus pyro- fire; pyrogen, a substance that induces fever quad-, quadr- four-sided; quadratus lumborum, a muscle with a square shape re- back, again; reinfect rect- straight; rectus abdominis, rectum ren- kidney; renal, renin, an enzyme secreted by the kidney retin, retic- net, network; endoplasmic reticulum, a network of membranous sacs within a cell retro- backward, behind; retrogression to move backward in development rheum- watery flow, change, or flux; rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever rhin-, rhino- nose; rhinitis, inflammation of the nose ruga- fold, wrinkle; rugae, the folds of the stomach, gallbladder, and urinary bladder sagitt- arrow; sagittal salta- leap; saltatory conduction, the rapid conduction of impulses along myelinated neurons sanguin- blood; consanguineous, indicative of a genetic relationship between individuals sarco- flesh; sarcomere, unit of contraction in skeletal muscle saphen- visible, clear; great saphenous vein, superficial vein of the thigh and leg sclero- hard; sclerodermatitis, inflammatory thickening and hardening of the skin seb- grease; sebum, the oil of the skin semen seed, sperm; semen, the discharge of the male reproductive system semi- half; semicircular, having the form of half a circle sens- feeling; sensation, sensory septi- rotten; sepsis, infection, antiseptic septum fence; nasal septum sero- serum; serological tests, which assess blood conditions serrat- saw; serratus anterior, a muscle of the chest wall that has a jagged edge sin-, sino- a hallow; sinuses of the skull soma- body; somatic nervous system somn- sleep; insomnia, inability to sleep sphin- squeeze; sphincter splanchn- organ; splanchnic nerve, autonomic supply to abdominal viscera spondyl- vertebra; ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis affecting the spine squam- scale, flat; squamous epithelium, squamous suture of the skull steno- narrow; stenocoriasis, narrowing of the pupil strat- layer; strata of the epidermis, stratified epithelium stria- furrow, streak; striations of skeletal and cardiac muscle tissue stroma spread out; stroma, the connective tissue framework of some organs sub- beneath, under; sublingual, beneath the tongue sucr- sweet; sucrose, table sugar sudor- sweat, sudoriferous glands, the sweat glands super- above, upon; superior, quality or state of being above others or a part supra- above, upon; supracondular, above a condyle sym-, syn- together, with; synapse, the region of communication between two neurons synerg- work together; synergism systol- contraction; systole, a contraction of the heart tachy- rapid; tachycardia, abnormally rapid heartbeat tact- touch; tactile sense telo- the end; telophase, the end of mitosis templ-, tempo- time; temporal summation of nerve impulses tens- stretched; muscle tension terti- third; fibularis tertius, one of three fibularis muscles tetan- rigid, tense; tetanus of muscles therm- heat; thermometer, an instrument used to measure heat thromb- clot; thrombocyte, thrombus thyro- a shield; thyroid gland tissu- woven; tissue tono- tension; tonicity, hypertonic tox- poison; toxicology, study of poisons trab- beam, timber; trabeculae, spicules of bone in spongy bone tissue trans- across, through; transpleural, through the pleura trapez- table; trapezius, the four-sided muscle of the upper back tri- three; trifurcation, division into three branches trop- turn, change; tropic hormones, whose targets are endocrine glands troph- nourish; trophoblast, from which develops the fetal portion of the placenta tuber- swelling; tuberosity, a bump on a bone tunic- covering; tunica albuginea, the covering of the testis tympan- drum; tympanic membrane, the eardrum ultra- beyond; ultraviolet radiation, beyond the band of visible light vacc- cow; vaccine vagin- a sheath; vagina vagus wanderer; the vagus nerve, which starts at the brain and travels into the abdominopelvic cavity valen- strength; valence shells of atoms venter, ventr- abdomen, belly; ventral, ventricle vent- the wind; pulmonary ventilation vert- turn; vertebral column vestibul- a porch; vestibule, the anterior entryway to the mouth and nose vibr- shake, quiver; vibrissae, hairs of the nasal vestibule villus shaggy hair; microvilli, which have the appearance of hair in light microscopy viscero- organ, viscera; visceroinhibitory, inhibiting the movements of the viscera viscos- sticky; viscosity, resistance to flow vita- life; vitamin vitre- glass; vitreous humor, the clear jelly of the eye viv- live; in vivo vulv- a covering; vulva, the female external genitalia zyg- a yoke, twin; zygote -able able to , capable of; viable, ability to live or exist -ac referring to; cardiac, referring to the heart -algia pain in a certain part; neuralgia, pain along the course of a nerve -apsi juncture; synapse, where two neurons communicate -ary associated with, relating to; coronary, associated with the heart -asthen weakness; myasthenia gravis, a disease involving paralysis -bryo swollen; embryo -cide destroy or kill; germicide, an agent that kills germs -cipit head; occipital -clast break; osteoclast, a cell that dissolves one matrix -crine separate; endocrine organs, which secrete hormones into the blood -dips thirst, dry; polydipsia, excessive thirst associated with diabetes -ectomy cutting out, surgical removal; appendectomy, cutting out of the appendix -ell, -elle small; organelle -emia condition of the blood; anemia, deficiency of red blood cells -esthesi sensation; anesthesia, lack of sensation -ferent carry; efferent nerves, nerves carrying impulses away from the CNS -form, -forma shape; cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone -fuge driving out; vermifuge, a substance that expels worms of the intestine -gen an agent that initiates; pathogen, any agent that produces disease -glea, -glia glue; neuroglia, the connective tissue of the nervous system -gram data that are systematically recorded, a record; electrocardiogram, a recording showing action of the heart -graph an instrument used for recording data or writing; electrocardiograph, an instrument used to make an electrocardiogram -ia condition; insomnia, condition of not being able to sleep -iatrics medical specialty; geriatrics, the branch of medicine dealing with disease associated with old age -ism condition; hyperthyroidism -itis inflammation; gastritis, inflammation of the stomach -lemma sheath, husk; sarcolemma, the plasma membrane of a muscle cell -logy the study of; pathology, the study of changes in structure and function brought on by disease -lysis loosening or breaking down; hydrolysis, chemical decomposition of a compound into other compounds as a result of taking up water -malacia soft; osteomalacia, a process leading to bone softening -mania obsession, compulsion; erotomania, exaggeration of the sexual passions -nata birth; prenatal development -nom govern; autonomic nervous system -odyn pain; coccygodynia, pain in the region of the coccyx -oid like, resembling; cuboid, shaped as a cube -oma tumor; lymphoma, a tumor of the lymphatic tissues -opia defect of the eye; myopia, nearsightedness -ory referring to, of; auditory, referring to hearing -pathy disease; osteopathy, any disease of the bone -phasia speech; aphasia, lack of ability to speak -phil, -philo like, love; hydrophilic, water-attracting molecules -phobia fear; acrophobia, fear of heights -phragm partition; diaphragm, which separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities -phylax guard, preserve; prophylaxis, to guard in advance, as in preventive treatment -plas grow; neoplasia, an abnormal growth -plasm form, shape; cytoplasm -plasty reconstruction of a part, plastic surgery; rhinoplasty, reconstruction of the nose through surgery -plegia paralysis; paraplegia, paralysis of the lower half of the body or lower limbs -rrhagia abnormal or excessive discharge; metrorrhagia, uterine hemorrhage -rrhea flow or discharge; diarrhea, abnormal emptying of the bowels -scope instrument used for examination; stethoscope, instrument used to listen to sounds of parts of the body -some body; chromosome -sorb suck in; absorb -stalsis compression; peristalsis, muscular contractions that propel food along the digestive tract -stasis arrest, fixation; hemostasis, arrest of bleeding -stitia come to stand; interstitial fluid, between the cells -stomy establishment of an artificial opening; enterostomy, the formation of an artificial opening into the intestine through the abdominal wall -tegm cover; integument -tomy to cut; appendectomy, surgical removal of the appendix -trud thrust; protrude, detrusor muscle -ty condition of, state; immunity, condition of being resistant to infection or disease -uria urine; polyuria, passage of an excessive amount of urine -zyme ferment; enzyme