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Medical terminology is composed of a prefix, root word, and suffix:
Prefix: A prefix is placed at the beginning of a word to modify or change its meaning. Pre means "before." Prefixes may also indicate a location, number, or time.
Root: central part of a word.
Suffix: The ending part of a word that modifies the meaning of the word.
Additional resources: [Intro to med terms] [Med terms rules] [Med term reference] [Word building reference] [Practice Exams]
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Medical Terminology Reference
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Use this reference to see how common medical terms are created using the various prefixes, suffixes, and root words. |
idiopathic
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Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: idi/o 1st Root Definition: unknown; individual; distinct 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -ic Suffix Definition: pertaining to Definition: pertaining to of unknown cause |
ileocecal valve
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Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: ile/o 1st Root Definition: ileum 2nd Root Word: cec/o 2nd Root Word Definition: cecum (first part of the colon) Suffix: -al Suffix Definition: pertaining to Definition: pertaining to the valve between the ileum of the small intestine and the cecum of the large intestine |
interarticular
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Prefix: inter- Prefix Definition: between 1st Root Word: articul/o 1st Root Definition: joint 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -ar Suffix Definition: pertaining to Definition: between joints |
intercostal
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Prefix: inter- Prefix Definition: between 1st Root Word: cost/o 1st Root Definition: rib 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -al Suffix Definition: pertaining to Definition: pertaining to between the ribs |
intravenous
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Prefix: intra- Prefix Definition: within; into 1st Root Word: ven/o 1st Root Definition: vein 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -ous Suffix Definition: pertaining to Definition: present; taking place within; administered into a vein(s) |
ipsilateral
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Prefix: ipsi- Prefix Definition: same 1st Root Word: later/o 1st Root Definition: side 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -al Suffix Definition: pertaining to Definition: belonging to; occurring on the same side of the body |
iridectomy
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Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: irid/o 1st Root Definition: iris (colored portion of the eye) 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -ectomy Suffix Definition: removal; excision; resection Definition: surgical removal of part of the iris |
ischemia
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Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: isch/o 1st Root Definition: to hold back; back 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -emia Suffix Definition: blood condition Definition: insufficient blood supply to an organ or part of the body |
ischioanal
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Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: ischi/o 1st Root Definition: ischium (part of hip bone) 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -al Suffix Definition: pertaining to Definition: pertaining to the ischium |
isotonic
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Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: is/o 1st Root Definition: same; equal 2nd Root Word: ton/o 2nd Root Word Definition: tension Suffix: -ic Suffix Definition: pertaining to Definition: pertaining to having equal tension |
isotropic
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Prefix: Prefix Definition: 1st Root Word: is/o 1st Root Definition: same; equal 2nd Root Word: 2nd Root Word Definition: Suffix: -tropic Suffix Definition: turning; changing Definition: equal values when measured in all directions |
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