Flashcard library · Nursing & Medicine
Medical Terminology: Prefixes & Suffixes
Master the foundational building blocks of medical language with this essential flashcard deck. This resource focuses on the most common and high-yield prefixes and suffixes, crucial for understanding complex medical terms. Sharpen your comprehension and recall to confidently decode diagnoses, procedures, and conditions.
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What is the meaning of the prefix "a-/an-"?
"A-/an-" means "without" or "lack of." For example, "apnea" means "without breathing."
What does the prefix "anti-" signify in medical terms?
"Anti-" means "against" or "opposing." An "antibiotic" works against bacterial life.
Define the prefix "brady-".
"Brady-" means "slow." For instance, "bradycardia" refers to a slow heart rate.
What is the meaning of the prefix "tachy-"?
"Tachy-" means "fast" or "rapid." "Tachycardia" indicates a rapid heart rate.
What does the prefix "dys-" indicate?
"Dys-" means "painful," "difficult," or "abnormal." "Dyspnea" signifies difficult breathing.
Explain the prefix "hyper-".
"Hyper-" means "above," "excessive," or "increased." "Hypertension" is abnormally high blood pressure.
What is the meaning of the prefix "hypo-"?
"Hypo-" means "below," "deficient," or "decreased." "Hypoglycemia" is low blood sugar.
What medical procedure does the suffix "-ectomy" denote?
"-ectomy" refers to the surgical removal of an organ or gland, such as in "appendectomy" (removal of the appendix).
Define the suffix "-ostomy".
"-ostomy" means to surgically create a new permanent opening, often to the outside of the body, as in "colostomy."
What is the meaning of the suffix "-otomy"?
"-otomy" means to make an incision or cut into an organ or tissue. For example, "tracheotomy" is an incision into the trachea.
What does the suffix "-itis" indicate?
"-itis" signifies inflammation. "Tonsillitis" is inflammation of the tonsils.
What is indicated by the suffix "-osis"?
"-osis" typically refers to an abnormal condition or disease, though it can also mean an increase. "Osteoporosis" means porous bone condition.
What is the meaning of the suffix "-pathy"?
"-pathy" means disease or suffering. "Neuropathy" is a disease of the nerves.
Define the suffix "-logy".
"-logy" means the study of. "Cardiology" is the study of the heart.
What do the suffixes "-algia" and "-dynia" mean?
Both "-algia" and "-dynia" refer to pain. "Neuralgia" is nerve pain, and "gastrodynia" is stomach pain.