How do you break down words in medical terminology?
Isabella Ramos
Updated on June 10, 2026
Medical terms always end with a suffix. The suffix usually indicates a specialty, test, procedure, function, condition/disorder, or status. For example, “itis” means inflammation and “ectomy” means removal. Alternatively, the suffix may simply make the word a noun or adjective.
What are the different parts of a word in medical terminology?
There are three basic parts to medical terms: a word root (usually the middle of the word and its central meaning), a prefix (comes at the beginning and usually identifies some subdivision or part of the central meaning), and a suffix (comes at the end and modifies the central meaning as to what or who is interacting ...
What is the four step process to break down medical terms?
Most medical terms can be broken down into one or more word parts. There are a total of four different word parts, and any given medical term may contain one, some, or all of these parts. We will classify these word parts as: (1) roots, (2) prefixes, (3) suffixes, and (4) linking or combining vowels.
Why is it important to know and understand how do you break down medical terms?
Medical terminology can look and sound complex, but it's important to be able to break words down and understand their roots, prefixes and suffixes to prevent any misunderstandings or errors.
What is the best way to memorize medical terminology?
7 Ways to Learn Medical Terminology
- Get your Greek (and Latin) on. Nearly all medical terms come from Greek or Latin words. ...
- See the patterns in words. ...
- Use Acronyms. ...
- Imagine it. ...
- Flash cards. ...
- Medical Term Bingo. ...
- Slow and steady. ...
- Start Your Healthcare Administration Journey Today.
How do you learn medical prefixes and suffixes?
Super Easy Tips to Learn Medical Terminology
- Using visual cues to remember complex terms.
- Practicing terms using apps for iOS and Android.
- Deciphering terms by learning basic Latin components (root, suffix, prefix)
- Bulk learning using self-made acronyms.
- Using engaging guides and workbooks.
- Taking free online classes.
What does Tachy mean in medical terminology?
Tachy- = prefix denoting fast, rapid. Tachypnoea = rapid breathing. Tachycardia = rapid heart beat.
Which is the correct breakdown and translation of the medical TErm hydrophobia?
Hydrophobia: 1. Literally, an irrational fear of water, to drink or to swim in. Someone who is scared of the water is hydrophobic.
Which is the correct breakdown and translation of the medical TErm Rhinorrhagia?
n. Nosebleed, especially one in which bleeding is profuse.
What are the 5 basic word parts of medical terminology?
Medical terms are built from word parts. Those word parts are prefix , word root , suffix , and combining form vowel . When a word root is combined with a combining form vowel the word part is referred to as a combining form .
How are medical words constructed?
Many medical terms are 'constructed' from a combination of word parts… prefixes, Greek or Roman root words, and suffixes. Determine the meaning of the whole word by first deciphering the meaning of the suffix, then the prefix, and finally the root word.
What is the correct word part breakdown for the term infarction?
The word "infarction" comes from the Latin "infarcire" meaning "to plug up or cram." It refers to the clogging of the artery.
Which is the correct breakdown of the medical term Hysterosalpingectomy?
Which is the correct breakdown of the medical term hysterosalpingectomy into its component parts? Hysterosalpingectomy breaks into hystero (uterus) + salping (fallopian tube) + ec(out) + tomy (cut) = surgical removal of the uterus and fallopian tube(s).
What is the correct breakdown and translation of the medical term Aortectasia?
What is the correct breakdown and translation of the medical term aortectasia? aort (aorta) + ectasia ( dialation) = dilation of the aorta. The superior vena cava is : a large-diameter vein that gathers blood from the upper portion of the body and returns it to the heart.
Which is the correct breakdown of the medical term Pectoralgia?
(pek'tō-ral'jē-ă), Pain in the chest.
Which is the correct breakdown of the medical term Otorhinolaryngologist?
The word otorhinolaryngology or its shorter form, otolaryngology, is derived from the Greek root words: otos (ear), rhino (nose), laryngo (windpipe) and logos (science). So an otorhinolaryngologist is a physician who studied, trained in, and treats diseases of the ear, nose, throat, face, head and neck.
What is the correct breakdown and translation of the medical term dysphasia?
Dysphasia: One in a group of speech disorders in which there is impairment of the power of expression by speech, writing, or signs, or impairment of the power of comprehension of spoken or written language.
Which is the correct breakdown and translation of the medical term hypercholesterolemia?
Hypercholesterolemia: High blood cholesterol.
What does Dia mean in medical terminology?
Dia-: Prefix meaning through, throughout, or completely, as in diachronic (over a period of time), diagnosis (to completely define the nature of a disease), and dialysis (cleansing the blood by passing it through a special machine).
What does Hydro mean in medical terms?
1. Prefix denoting the presense of water or watery fluid or of hydrogen.
What does Hypo mean?
Definition of hypo- (Entry 5 of 5) 1 : under : beneath : down hypoblast hypodermic. 2 : less than normal or normally hypesthesia hypotension. 3 : in a lower state of oxidation : in a low and usually the lowest position in a series of compounds hypochlorous acid hypoxanthine.
Why is medical terminology so hard?
The first reason clinical terminology is hard is therefore its vast scale and the multiplicity of potential activities, tasks and users it is expected to serve. The lists in Section 1.3 should give pause for thought. The total combination from the products of information types, tasks and users is very large indeed.
How do you teach medical terminology in a fun way?
Medical Terminology Pictionary - Students draw pictures and try to identify the correct term. Medical Terminology Relay Race - Learners correctly identify medical terms before running to the next station. Funny Stories with Medical Terms - Students learn common abbreviations by writing short stories with med terms.
What resources can you utilize to learn medical terminology?
Med Term Resource Guides
- Merck Manual for Health Professionals. Includes free online medical information resources from the Merck Manual.
- Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. ...
- OpenMD.com Medical Terminology Dictionary. ...
- Free Online Dictionary. ...
- Understanding Medical Words: A Tutorial from the National Library of Medicine.
Which is the correct breakdown and translation of the medical term Exophthalmos?
Exophthalmos (also known as proptosis) is the protrusion of one eye or both anteriorly out of the orbit. It derives from Greek, meaning 'bulging eyes.