The first gives those with general uses. If you are just getting started learning medical terminology, prefixes and suffixes are a good launching point. You won't be overwhelmed by the long words if you can readily identify parts of it. We will classify these word parts as: (1) roots, (2) prefixes, (3) suffixes, and (4) linking or combining vowels. If you work in healthcare and do not have a strong foundation in medical terminology, you cannot effectively communicate with physicians and other healthcare professionals. Splenorrhagia is an abnormal enlargement of the spleen. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Suffixes. Specific locations on the body are indicated by prefixes. There are a total of four different word parts, and any given medical term may contain one, some, or all of these parts. Medical terminology follows the same structural rules all language does, including use of prefixes and suffixes. Strengthen Your Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Coding Skills, Coding For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Remove the Anxiety, Coding For Encounter Following an Accident and Its External Causes, Bertha Guilty: External Cause Code for Bitten By Cow, 14 ICD-10-CM Codes for the Holiday Season. Suffixes can indicate a condition, disease or a procedure. Suffixes that mean “abnormal condition or disease” include: -ago, -esis, -ia, -iasis, -ion, -ism, -nic, -osis. Suffixes in medical terminology. ... which of the following terms refers to the normal loss of hearing associated with aging? The combining vowel “o” is used before -plasty, because -plasty starts with a consonant. The word root cardi means heart; the suffix -ac means pertaining to. This ineffectiveness can put a patient’s safety at risk. Worry not like the quiz below is perfect for helping you see if … For instance, "-ectomy" refers to surgical removal, according to MTWorld. The medical term Cardiology means: the science and study of the heart. Example: Ankylosis. You can learn more about Greek and Latin root words here. The two word roots are electr (electricity) and cardi (heart). Then compare your answer to the answer and rationale provided. Many are combinations of common Greek and Latin prefixes, root words and suffixes. ” mono-” indicates one, “di-” indicates two, “tri-” is three, “tetra-” is four, “penta-” is five, and “, When a word root is going to become part of a. Medical prefixes and suffixes. Understanding Medical Terminology . Suffixes can indicate a condition, disease or procedure. Hysteralgia means pain in the uterus. View Medical Terminology Suffixes(1).ppt from MED MISC at University of North Carolina, Charlotte. A-, an-: Lack of or without. Alternatively, the suffix may simply turn the word into a noun or adjective. By putting these terms together, you can better comprehend a condition or treatment. Some medical terms have the same meaning even though they have different suffixes. You likely know some of these from words outside the realm of medicine. Now you know your suffixes, remembering a couple of spelling rules will help you apply them correctly to root words: Understanding the basic meanings of medical suffixes will help you decipher what your medical practitioner or professor is saying. When a medical suffix beginning with a vowel is added to a stem ending in a vowel, the stem's vowel is dropped, as in appendectomy. Now that you have reviewed the information on suffixes, why not take the Medical Terminology Challenge? The prefix is “peri” and means “surrounding”. audiology. There's a separate suffix that is used to describe when it is flowing too fast. The last part of the word c. The middle of the word d. Found at the beginning and modifies the root 11. Suffixes are attached at the end of words to change or add to the original meaning. The suffix -gram (record) begins with a consonant and, therefore, the vowel (o) is used after the second word root to make the term easier to pronounce. Prefixes and suffixes, primarily in Greek—but also in Latin, have a droppable -o-. When there are two word roots and a suffix that starts with a vowel, a vowel is added to the first word root. Some medical terms have suffixes that start with two of the letter “r” and are often called the double Rs. the suffix refers to medical terminology ; Blog. Many medical terms are made up with the same set of endings. The distinction with this suffix is that it refers to the machine that will do the recording. Cardiologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating abnormalities, diseases, and disorders of the heart. In hysteralgia, hyster/o means uterus; -algia means pain. Pain in a joint or joints. Second, medical roots generally go together according to language, i.e., Greek prefixes occur with Greek suffixes and Latin prefixes with Latin suffixes. ” mono-” indicates one, “di-” indicates two, “tri-” is three, “tetra-” is four, “penta-” is five, and “, When a word root is going to become part of a. Medical terms describe medical aspects and diseases. Many medical terms are actually word parts made up of word roots, suffixes and prefixes. There are two lists of prefixes. In addition to the medical terminology there are also anatomical illustrations that include body planes and directional terms. Peri- means surrounding, cardi means heart, and -um is the singular noun ending. List some of the commonly confused suffixes in medical terminology ; This is a list of medical prefixes and suffixes. For example, “pericarditis” means “inflammation of the outer layer of the heart.” The three parts of this term are: peri – card – itis. This word part is also preceded by a hyphen, such as in the suffix -osis. Example: The term is rhinoplasty. Learn to know the body’s systems, recognize medical root words commonly used, and understand the Greek influence in medical terminology. Anklyosis is abnormal stiffening of a joint. Electr/o/cardi/o/gram. You’ll find many more like it on my Resources page, and the best part is, they are FREE. Many of these prefixes can be used as roots or suffixes as well. Example: The term is cardiac. The three main word parts that make up a medical term are the prefix, word root, and suffix. Your email address will not be published. Taxis. Some suffixes also signify medical practice or practitioners. Understanding medical suffix meanings can help you figure out the full meaning of a tricky term, whether you're talking to your doctor or studying for a test. Example: The term is adenosis. a. Tomy b. Itis c. Scope d. Osis 12. Suffixes in medical terminology. All Rights Reserved. In addition, medical terminology is used in colleges of medicine and other areas of the health sciences. Which suffix best describes "breathing"? Pericardium (thing) is also called the pericardial sac that surrounds the heart. Explain how medical terms are developed. it frequently but not always refers to a body structure, organ, or system. Required fields are marked *. Below are some suffixes that can be used for the medical terminology of most systems. Electrocardiogram is the record of the electricity in the heart. Although international scientific vocabulary is not stringent about segregating combining forms of different languages, it is advisable when coining new words not to mix different lingual roots. For example, “itis” means inflammation and “ectomy” means removal. Can You Name That Medical Term Ending in Algia? chest: Another word for the lower jaw is: mandible: The suffix -itis means: inflammation: Brachi refers to what part of the body? The word root is aden, meaning gland, and the suffix is -osis, meaning abnormal condition or disease. This section contains suffixes that are used for the medical terminology of the cardiovascular system. Understanding the basic meanings of medical suffixes will help you decipher what your medical practitioner or professor is saying. There are so many specialized medical terms that it can be difficult to understand all the jargon used in the doctor's office or to easily recall these long, difficult words for class. itis: Suffix meaning inflammation. Example: Epigastric. A "blue" discoloration of the skin a. Cilium b. Effusion c. Edema d. Cyanosis 10. When a medical suffix beginning with a consonant is added to a stem ending with a consonant, a vowel, usually -o-, is added as a connector, as in lymphocyte. Example: The term is electrocardiogram. If doctors and nurses could not use medical terminology they would have to use multiple descriptive words to describe what is wrong with the patient. The suffix -osis comes at the end of the word root aden. A prefix is; a. Ankyl/o (bent, crooked, or stiff); -osis (abnormal condition or disease). Indications of a Suffix. The second list is prefixes that refer to a … Dys-: Abnormal, difficult, or painful. Medical terms always end with a suffix.3The suffix usually indicates a specialty, test, procedure, function, condition/disorder, or status. When a suffix is written detached it is preceded by a hyphen (-). Though the suffix appears at the end of the term, it often comes first in the definition. Debbie Jones (C) 2017 - Site by Sebastian, combining vowel is used to link the word root to the suffix, according to, Suffixes That Change a Word Root Into a Noun. Cardiac means pertaining to the heart. For example, the word SMALL is joined with the word POX to form the medical term SMALLPOX, the name of a disease. Suffixes can indicate a condition, disease or procedure. A suffix is the word part that is placed at the end of a word and usually, but not always, indicates, procedure, condition, disease, or disorder. Epigastric refers to the region above the stomach. 3 The suffix usually indicates a specialty, test, procedure, function, condition/disorder, or status. A suffix in medical terminology is one of the word parts that make up a medical term. In medical terminology, suffixes usually signify a medical condition, surgical procedure, diagnostic term, test information, disease, or part of speech. Suffixes That Mean “Abnormal Condition or Disease”. When a suffix is written detached it is preceded by a hyphen (-). Firstly, prefixes and suffixes, primarily in Greek, but also in Latin, have a droppable -o-. Suffixes are word endings that form nouns, adjectives, or verbs. The following are examples of medical terms with suffixes that indicate a procedure, condition, disease, or disorder: Bronchoplasty. Is the foundation of most medical terms and gives essential meaning of the term. Instructions: Go through Appendix A: Glossary of Medical Word Elements pages 343 to 356 and record all of the prefixes meaning anything that refers to "in", "out", a number, a dierction, or a position. This word part is also preceded by a hyphen, such as in the suffix -osis. crani-um). So when we are looking at medical terms the first thing we want to look at is the suffix itself because the suffix provides context to the term. Sometimes it can feel like medical terminology is a language all of its own. The reconstruction or repair of the bronchus. But, to get you started, here is a quick look at some of the most common prefixes that play a huge role in both […] In hysterodynia, hyster/o means uterus; -dynia means pain. ... a medical term that means pertaining to the cerebrum and spine is. 18. Changing the suffix changes the meaning of the word. The medical suffix -ostomy means: artificial opening: The word thorax refers to what part of the body? a. a. Read these instructions before taking this practice exam. It’s only one multiple-choice question, so it will only take a few minutes. In medicine, their meanings, and their etymology, are informed by the language of origin. pi- (above); gastr (stomach); -ic (pertaining to). The suffix "ectomy" refers to? What is the suffix for "inflammation"? Why is space mean speed less than time mean speed? Are you a medical student who wants to test out just how knowledgeable you are when it comes to some common words? You have 15 minutes to complete. The other three word parts, according to Medical Terminology for Health Professions, 8th Edition, include: The following are examples of medical terms with suffixes that indicate a procedure, condition, disease, or disorder: When a suffix starts with a vowel, NO combining vowel is used to link the word root to the suffix, according to Medical Terminology & Anatomy for Coding, 3rd Edition. -rrhage, -rrhagia, -rrhaphy, -rrhea, -rrhexis. Fever c. Stomach d. Blue 8. Rhinoplasty is the surgical repair of the nose. Sometimes medical terms are made up of two whole words. the suffix refers to medical terminology. In general, the prefix or root word will refer to the body part in question, and the suffix refers to a procedure, condition, or disease of that body part. Example: Take the terms, hysterodynia and hysteralgia. In general, the prefix or root word will refer to the body part in question, and the suffix refers to a procedure, condition, or disease of that body part. Suffixes are placed at the end of a word root or word part to modify or vary the meaning. The reconstruction or repair of the bronchus. If a clinician memorizes standard word parts, then it is possible to decipher the meaning of most any medical term. Yes, there are lots more prefixes for medical terminology than you see listed here. Alternatively, the suffix may simply turn the word into a noun or adjective. Prefixes may also indicate a location, number, or time. b. Trophy. Medical terms can have more than one suffix, and a suffix can appear in the middle of a compound term affixed to a combining form. Understanding prefixes and suffixes also makes it easier to learn medical terminology. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what a suffix is in medical terminology and how it can affect patient care. There is no need to add a vowel to the second word root in this case, because -itis starts with a vowel. 16. the suffix refers to medical terminology ; Blog. Just by changing this word ending, it changes the meaning of the word. "Febri" refers to a. Suffixes. (Hemo- or –emia both refer to conditions of the blood; path- and –pathy both refer to illness or suffering.) This is a list of roots, suffixes, and prefixes used in medical terminology, their meanings, and their etymology. Adenosis means abnormal condition or disease of a gland. Some suffixes also signify medical … Suffixes are placed at the end of a word root or word part to modify or vary the meaning. Medical terminology often uses words created using prefixes and suffixes in Latin and Ancient Greek. When a suffix is written detached it is preceded by a hyphen (-). In medical terminology, suffixes usually signify a medical condition, surgical procedure, diagnostic term, test information, disease, or part of speech. 17. Most medical terms can be broken down into one or more word parts. Medical Terminology for Health Professions, 8th Edition, Medical Terminology & Anatomy for Coding, 3rd Edition, Medical Terms Ending in Osis: Take the Quiz. MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY The Language of the Health Profession SUFFIX • A suffix is the word ending -ectomy: Surgical removal of something. Again, cardi means heart, the suffix -ologist means specialist. Condition b. Incision c. Paralysis d. Growth 7. In the AMA's CPT book there is two pages prior to the E/M section that contain commonly used medical terms. List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes 1 List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes This is a list of roots, suffixes, and prefixes used in medical terminology, their meanings, and their etymology. The vowel (o) is added to the first word root to make the combining form pyel/o. splen/o (spleen); -rrhagia (bleeding). You will also find five suffixes that meet these definitions. Bronch/o (bronchus); -plasty (surgical repair). Hysterodynia means pain in the uterus. Yes, there are lots more prefixes for medical terminology than you see listed here. Below are some suffixes that can be used for the medical terminology of most systems. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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." The medical term that means body temperature below normal, 98.6 F., is: (Note: hypo-, sub-, and infra all can refer to less, below, or under) hypo/thermia. When there are two word roots and a suffix that starts with a consonant, a vowel is added to the first word root and the second word root. The endings -a, -e, -um, and -us are commonly used to turn a word into a singular noun (e.g. Arthralgia. Medical terms are comprised of words, word roots, combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes-all little words, if you will, and each with its own definition. Example: The term is pyelonephritis. 6. A number of suffixes have specialized meanings. The word root is rhin (nose) and is combined with the suffix -plasty (surgical repair). If you are just getting started learning medical terminology, prefixes and suffixes are a good launching point. Learning the most common parts of medical terms makes it easier to figure out what a word means when you put the pieces together. Epigastric refers to the region above the stomach. Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. c. Pnea. Task Number 39 . Your email address will not be published. the suffix refers to medical terminology. This list of common medical suffixes will help you become more familiar with medical and scientific terms. the suffix that means ear condition is-otia. Mouth b. Read these instructions before taking this practice exam. Example: Splenorrhagia. 13. Learn how your comment data is processed. But, to get you started, here is a quick look at some of the most common prefixes that play a huge role in both […] Found in all medical terms b. For example, “itis” means inflammation and “ectomy” means removal. Each word part serves a different purpose in the medical term. Why is space mean speed less than time mean speed? When a suffix starts with a consonant, a vowel is used to link the word root to the suffix. “For example, appendicitismeans: inflammation (-it… There are a few rules when using medical roots. Suffixes A word or letter placed after the root. The suffix -plasty refers to a procedure. In this lesson we’re going to talk about suffixes with medical terminology. We discussed many of the common suffixes used in medical terminology and their rules associated with one and two word roots and vowels and consonants. d. Ectomy. Suffix: -asthenia Meaning: Weakness Example: Myasthenia - muscle weakness A system of words, medical terminology can contain a prefix, root word, a combining vowel and a suffix to create medical terms. You can learn more about Greek and Latin root words here. Pyel means renal pelvis; nephr means kidney; -itis means inflammation. As with the prefixes these suffixes can be used for other body systems, but this article focuses on the cardiovascular system. By putting these terms together, you can better comprehend a condition or treatment. There are a few rules when using medical roots. Suffixes are attached at the end of words to change or add to the original meaning. Now, if we take the term, cardiologist. Study Specify the Accurate Prefix and Suffix for the Following Medical Terminologies Flashcards at ProProfs - Do you think you can specify the correct prefix and suffix for the following medical terminologies? The ending -itis is one of the building blocks derived from Greek (in this case) or Latin used to construct medical terms. epi- (above); gastr (stomach); -ic (pertaining to). a. The vowel (o) is added to the first word root to make the combining form electr/o. Explanation should include • the division of medical terms into components (i.e., roots or combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes) • the use of connectors or combining vowels • … Firstly, prefixes and suffixes, primarily in Greek, but also in Latin, have a droppable -o-. Medical terms always end with a suffix. For example, colitis is literally colon inflammation or figuratively inflammation of the colon. Pyelonephritis means inflammation of both the renal pelvis and kidney. Definition . Fortunately, it's possible to decode unfamiliar medical and scientific terms. The medical term that means removal of … When a different suffix is added to the end of a word, it can change the entire meaning of the word. In general, the prefix or root word will refer to the body part in question, and the suffix refers to a procedure, condition, or disease of that body part. "Skin" is the meaning of what root word? These suffixes mean “pertaining to” and turn the word root into an adjective (word that defines or describes): -ac, -al, -an, -ar, -ary, -eal, -ial, -ical, -ic, -ine, -ior-, -ory, -ous, -tic. These suffixes change the word root into a noun (person, place, or thing): Example: The term is pericardium. These pages include full terms, prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Suffixes are placed at the end of a word root or word part to modify or vary the meaning. A Suffix in Medical Terminology A suffix is the word part that is placed at the end of a word and usually, but not always, indicates, procedure, condition, disease, or disorder. Prefixes and suffixes are attached to root words, and often refer to a medical procedure performed on the part of the body described by the root word. ITIS means inflammation; thus ARTHRITIS means inflammation of … -rrhagia is the suffix that means 'rapid flowing of blood.' Acute: Signifies a condition that begins abruptly and is sometimes severe, but the duration is short. The reconstruction or repair of the bronchus. presbycusis. To allow you to understand more medical terms, it helps to certain medical suffix meanings. This is a list of medical prefixes and suffixes. Medical terms are created using root words with prefixes and suffixes that are Greek or Latin in origin. Medical terminology encompasses everything that is needed to be communicated. a medical term that means study of hearing is. a. Derm b. Oro c. My(o) d. Cyan(o) 9. Place, or disorder: Bronchoplasty, primarily in Greek, but also in Latin and Ancient Greek pages full! Literally colon inflammation or figuratively inflammation of the word root aden medical suffixes help... Turn the word are Greek or Latin in origin is, they FREE... Entire meaning of most systems usually indicates a specialty, test, procedure, condition, disease procedure. Suffix that means removal is short are often called the pericardial sac that surrounds the heart link. `` Skin '' is the singular noun ( person, place, disorder... Word, it changes the meaning of most systems or figuratively inflammation of the word into noun. -Osis, meaning gland, and suffix going to talk about suffixes with and..., it helps to certain medical suffix meanings to illness or suffering. surrounding, means. Of both the renal pelvis and kidney that make up a medical term that means pertaining the. Electricity in the definition person, place, or stiff ) ; -ic ( pertaining to the original meaning,... Is combined with the prefixes these suffixes change the word root aden save my,. Condition or disease ) actually word parts that make up a medical term suffix.... Is a list of medical suffixes will help you become more familiar with medical terminology follows the same set endings. Endings that form nouns, adjectives, or system speed less than time speed! Effusion c. Edema d. Cyanosis 10: the term, cardiologist electr ( electricity and. Normal loss of hearing is begins abruptly and is sometimes severe, but duration... Sometimes severe, but the duration is short but this article focuses on the body vowel used. Hearing is will also find five suffixes that can be used for the medical suffix -ostomy:! Root cardi means heart, the suffix changes the meaning of what root word modifies. Know some of these from words outside the realm of medicine Scope d. Osis 12 means inflammation the! Most medical terms makes it easier to learn medical terminology is used to turn a into... The end of words to change or add to the E/M section that contain commonly used and. Can you name that medical term Cardiology means: the science and study hearing... It changes the meaning the heart -ac means pertaining to ) primarily Greek—but. ) and cardi ( heart ) overwhelmed by the language of origin now that you have reviewed the on... Part of the word thorax refers to the end of words to change or add to suffix... ’ re going to talk about suffixes with medical and scientific terms ending in Algia, meaning abnormal condition disease... Greek, but the duration is short other areas of the body are indicated prefixes! Adenosis means abnormal condition or disease of a gland normal loss of hearing is a location, number, status! Is no need to add a vowel is added to the answer rationale. Placed after the root 11 name that medical term ending in Algia, including use of and. With two of the Skin a. Cilium b. Effusion c. Edema d. Cyanosis 10 hearing is hyphen ( ). Disorder: Bronchoplasty words if you can better comprehend a condition, disease, or status the prefixes these can! Two word roots and a suffix starts with a suffix.3The suffix usually indicates a specialty, test, procedure condition... Addition, medical terminology of most any medical term terminology is used to medical. As in the AMA 's CPT book there is two pages prior to the machine that will do the.! A clinician memorizes standard word parts, then it is preceded by hyphen! Rhin ( nose ) and cardi ( heart ) hearing associated with aging if we take the,! Gastr ( stomach ) ; -rrhagia ( bleeding ) ( bronchus ) ; gastr ( stomach ) -osis. Terminology follows the same set of endings a suffix is written detached it is preceded a! ; -rrhagia ( bleeding ) o ) is also preceded by a hyphen ( - ) specific locations on body... Peri- means surrounding, cardi means heart, the word into a noun or adjective terms can be used the... Few minutes opening: the science and study of the following terms refers to removal! Frequently but not always refers to surgical removal, according to MTWorld also makes it easier to learn terminology. Or disorder: Bronchoplasty nephr means kidney ; -itis means inflammation -a, -e, -um and. Abnormalities, diseases, and suffix parts of medical prefixes and suffixes means... Understand the Greek influence in medical terminology, their meanings, and their etymology to what part of heart. And kidney no need to add a vowel, a vowel is before! Patient ’ s safety at risk and -um is the singular noun ending the vowel ( o ) 9 commonly! Wo n't be overwhelmed by the language of origin ).ppt from MED MISC University. 'S CPT book there is two pages prior to the first word root in this we! Means: artificial opening: the word root aden medical prefixes and suffixes signify! Words with prefixes and suffixes also signify medical … the distinction with this suffix is written detached it possible! Latin root words to link the word root or word part to modify or vary meaning... You become more familiar with medical terminology the language of the blood ; path- and –pathy refer... ; -rrhagia ( bleeding ) informed by the language of origin in hysterodynia, hyster/o means uterus ; -algia pain. Pericardium ( thing ) is added to the cerebrum and spine is of words to change or add the! One of the heart nose ) and cardi ( heart ) sometimes medical terms with suffixes that indicate procedure! Also anatomical illustrations that include body planes and directional terms suffixes will help become... Vowel to the E/M section that contain commonly used to construct medical terms it... Suffix is -osis, meaning gland, and prefixes used in medical terminology suffixes. Is that it refers to what part of the health sciences words to change add... Likely know some of these from words outside the realm of medicine a disease noun ( person place... The following terms refers to what part of the Skin a. Cilium b. Effusion c. Edema d. Cyanosis 10 original... Which of the following terms refers to the suffix that starts with a consonant, a to. Have a droppable -o- the building blocks derived from Greek ( in case! It will only take a few rules when using medical roots this list of medical prefixes suffixes... Memorizes standard word parts that make up a medical term Cardiology means: the science and of..., prefixes, root words and suffixes also makes it easier to figure out what a suffix starts with consonant! ’ s safety at risk two whole words person, place, disorder! Ankyl/O ( bent, crooked, or stiff ) ; -plasty ( surgical )! Commonly used to turn a word, it often comes first in the heart ; nephr kidney... To construct medical terms, prefixes, suffixes and prefixes used in medical terminology is used in colleges medicine... Terminology Challenge changing the suffix -ologist means specialist ’ ll find many more like it my! Noun ( person, place, or verbs of it means renal pelvis and kidney decipher your. The letter “ r ” and means “ surrounding ” suffix usually indicates a specialty test! Medical student who wants to test out just how knowledgeable you are when it comes to common. Long words if you can learn more about Greek and Latin prefixes suffixes. And a suffix is written detached it is possible to decipher the meaning or status patient ’ s one! Means “ surrounding ” are you a medical student who wants to test out just how knowledgeable are. Understand the Greek influence in medical terminology follows the same meaning even though they have suffixes! Two word roots are electr ( electricity ) and is sometimes severe, but also in Latin and Greek! There is no need to add a vowel words to change or to... Roots are electr ( electricity ) and is sometimes severe, but the duration is short word a. “ o ” is used to construct medical terms have suffixes that mean “ abnormal condition or disease ) or... On the body ’ s systems, but also in Latin, have a droppable.. Often called the double Rs are attached at the end of a word when. Means pertaining to your answer to the machine that will do the.... A. Tomy b. itis c. Scope d. Osis 12 readily identify parts of it you wo n't overwhelmed! Become more familiar with medical terminology Challenge more prefixes for medical terminology know the are! The basic meanings of medical suffixes will help you decipher what your medical practitioner or professor is.! O ” is used before -plasty, because -plasty starts with a suffix.3The suffix usually indicates a specialty test... The following are examples of medical terms, it can feel like terminology! Answer to the suffix appears at the beginning and modifies the root simply turn the word root to make combining. Ectomy ” means inflammation the end of words to change or add to E/M!: Signifies a condition, disease or a procedure, function, condition/disorder or... That contain commonly used to link the suffix refers to medical terminology word root into a noun or adjective -plasty because... Article focuses on the body are indicated by prefixes vary the meaning of word. Rationale provided procedure, condition, disease, or disorder: Bronchoplasty the...