STRUCTURE OF A MEDICAL TERM
Prefix: The prefix of a word is before the main part of the word. If you can recognize the meaning of the prefix, you will be able to guess the word’s definition more accurately. We have categorized a selected group of medically related prefixes. They fall into three categories–position, description, and measurement.
Suffix: A suffix is added to the end of a word root to modify its meaning. The suffix will usually tell what is happening to the root. Remember that suffixes will usually follow a combining form.
Combining vowel: It is a vowel that combines one root word with other or one root word with a suffix.
Root word: It is the foundation of a medical term.
Combining form: The root word along with combining vowel is called combining form.
