Components that make up words, including medical terms, such as roots, stems, bases, prefixes, and suffixes
Word root
A basic stem word, usually derived from Greek or Latin, used to precisely describe the human body components, processes, illnesses, medical procedures, and pharmacology
Formulating a definition for medical words
1. Read the word parts from right to left
2. Explain the suffix first
3. Then explain the prefix
4. Finally explain the word roots and/or combining forms
Prefix
A word or element attached at the beginning of a word root to modify its meaning
Prefix
Anti (against)
Word root
The meaning or core part of the word medical term, which may have one or more roots
Word root
Gastr (stomach)
Combining vowel
Usually an o and occasionally an i, used between compound word roots or between a word root and a suffix
Combining vowel
o
Suffix
The word part or element attached to the end of a root word to modify its meaning
