Flashcard library · Medical Terminology
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 does the prefix a-/an- mean?
Without or lacking, as in apnea (without breathing).
What does the prefix anti- mean?
Against, as in antibiotic.
What does the prefix brady- mean?
Slow, as in bradycardia (slow heart rate).
What does the prefix tachy- mean?
Fast, as in tachycardia (fast heart rate).
What does the prefix dys- mean?
Difficult, painful or abnormal, as in dyspnea (difficult breathing).
What does the prefix hyper- mean?
Above or excessive, as in hypertension.
What does the prefix hypo- mean?
Below or deficient, as in hypoglycemia.
What does the suffix -ectomy mean?
Surgical removal, as in appendectomy.
What does the suffix -ostomy mean?
Surgical creation of an opening (stoma), as in colostomy.
What does the suffix -otomy mean?
Cutting into (incision), as in tracheotomy.
What does the suffix -itis mean?
Inflammation, as in tonsillitis.
What does the suffix -osis mean?
An abnormal condition, or an increase, as in osteoporosis or leukocytosis.
What does the suffix -pathy mean?
Disease, as in neuropathy.
What does the suffix -logy mean?
The study of, as in cardiology.
What do the suffixes -algia and -dynia mean?
Pain, as in neuralgia (nerve pain) and gastrodynia (stomach pain).