2 Medical Prefixes Free Online FlashCards

What is a prefix in medical terminology?

A prefix is a word part placed at the beginning of a medical term that modifies the root or combining form. Not every medical term has a prefix.

What does sub- mean in subcutaneous?

Sub- means under or below. Subcutaneous means beneath the skin.

How do inter- and intra- differ?

Inter- means between; intra- means within. Intercostal means between the ribs, while intravenous means within a vein.

How do peri- and endo- differ?

Peri- means around; endo- means within or inside. Pericardial means around the heart, while endocardium is the inner layer of the heart.

What does trans- mean in transdermal?

Trans- means across or through. Transdermal describes something that passes across or through the skin.

How do ab- and ad- differ in movement terms?

Ab- means away from, while ad- means toward. Abduction is movement away from the body’s midline; adduction is movement toward it.

What quantities do uni-, mono-, and bi- indicate?

Uni- and mono- mean one; bi- means two or both. Unilateral means one-sided, while bilateral relates to both sides.

What do hemi- and semi- indicate?

Hemi- and semi- mean half. Hemiplegia describes paralysis affecting one side, or half, of the body.

How do poly- and oligo- differ in quantity terms?

Poly- and multi- mean many, and can sometimes mean excessive; oligo- means few or scanty. Polyuria is unusually large urine volume; oliguria is low urine output.

How do hyper- and hypo- differ?

Hyper- means above normal or excessive; hypo- means below normal or deficient. Hyperglycemia is elevated blood glucose; hypoglycemia is low blood glucose.

How do macro- and micro- differ in size terms?

Macro- means large; micro- means small. A macrocyte is an unusually large cell, while microcephaly describes an unusually small head.

What do a- and an- mean in apnea?

A- and an- mean without or absent. Apnea is a temporary absence of breathing.