Term
Basic Elements of a Medical Word
Word Root
Combining Form
Suffix
Prefix
These four parts of a word are known as ELEMENTS. |
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Definition
Combining Form
Word Root
Suffix
prefix |
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Term
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Definition
Main part or foundation of a word.
All words have at least one word root.
A word root may be used alone or combined with other elements to form a complete word.
IE: SPEAK (word root) + ER (suffix) = SPEAKER (complete word) |
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Definition
“dent” means tooth
“dermat” means skin
“cardi” means heart
“gastr” means stomach
“pancreat” means pancreas |
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Term
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Definition
Correct pronunciation of medical words is important.
In order to make the pronunciation of word roots easier, sometimes it is necessary to insert a vowel after the root.
The combination of a word root and a vowel is known as a COMBINING FORM |
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The combining vowel is usually an “o”, but others may be used.
IE: gastr / o pronounced GASTRO. |
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When a word has more than one root, a combining vowel is used to link the root to each other.
IE: osteoarthritis oste/ o / arthr/ itis |
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Definition
Leukocytopenia
Word Roots: Leuk / (white)
cyt / (cell)
Combining Vowel / o /
Suffix: / penia (decrease) |
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Definition
A suffix is added to the END of a word root or combining form to modify its meaning.
By adding a suffix to the end of a word root, we create a noun or adjective with a different meaning. |
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Definition
A combining vowel is used between a word root and a suffix that begins with a consonant (not a vowel).
This is to make pronunciation easier.
Word root: scler / (hardening)
Suffix: / derma (skin)
Term: Scler / o / derma (hardening of the skin) |
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Term
| Meanings of certain suffixes |
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Definition
-al pertaining to dent/al
(pertaining to teeth)
-er one who speak/er
(one who speaks)
-able capable of being playable
(capable of being played) |
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Definition
-scope (instrument to view)
-rrhexis (rupture)
-rrhea (flow or discharge)
all begin with a consonant, therefore a combining vowel must be used between the word root and the suffix. |
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Definition
-algia (pain)
-edema (swelling)
-uria (urine, urination)
These suffixes begin with a vowel, therefore a combining vowel is NOT used between the word root and the suffix. |
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