Medical Dictionary is intended for use by healthcare consumers, students, and professionals as well as anyone who wants to keep up with the burgeoning array of terminology found in today’s medical news. Stasis: Slowing or stopping the flow of a bodily fluid. 39. Medical coding is dependent upon a solid understanding of medical terminology. These general medical terms are oftentimes abbreviated for ease of communication. For instance, you can refer to it for common medical terms that your physician may have used at an appointment you had with him/her, which you may not have understood fully. There are a few general rules about how they combine. Healthcare providers use medical terminology to describe body parts, diseases, procedures, equipment, and more. 4. For example, the word “neuroblastoma” can be broken down this way: “Neuro” - … Most of them are combining forms in New Latin and hence international scientific vocabulary. 16. Oste/o: Related to bone. There are many more medical acronyms and abbreviations than what’s listed below. This is a short list of common abbreviations you may have seen on a doctor's notepad; a prescription drug package or bottle; lab or other test results; or in your doctor's notes. To be successful and accurate medical coders must have a solid understanding of common medical terms for various reasons which include: Reading and understanding medical dictation Proper code look up … Beverley Henderson, CMT-R, HRT has more than 40 years of experience in medical terminology and transcription as both an educator and manager. When combined, you can define a specific medical term. For the health care professional, it is imperative that precision is used in the way patients’ physical conditions and diseases are described. It facilitates effective communication and correspondence between physicians across borders and from different parts of the world. Here are a few of the most common. Medical terminology follows the same structural rules all language does, including use of prefixes and suffixes. Outpatient: A patient who receives care without being admitted to a hospital. 38. Rx: Prescription, usually for medication but can also signify another treatment. A solid understanding of this language is important for health care professionals and patients alike. 14 Flu FAQs Answered, Doctor of Medicine/Master of Science (MD/MSC) ›, Doctor of Medicine/Master of Public Health (MD/MPH) ›. Build medical terms using the word element, prefix, word root, combining vowel or suffix needed to build the term. Every industry has its fair share of jargon. While most of us don’t need to understand discipline-specific terminology outside of our own profession, medical vocabulary is a notable exception. 35. 40. 17. As a general rule, this -o- almost always acts as a joint-stem to connect two consonantal roots (e.g. AA - amino acid 2. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_medical_roots,_suffixes_and_prefixes&oldid=993765578, Articles containing Ancient Greek (to 1453)-language text, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2019, Articles containing Middle English (1100-1500)-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, denoting something as different, or as an addition, denoting something as positioned on both sides; describing both of two, Pertaining to the membranous fetal sac (amnion), describing something as positioned in front of another thing, describing something as 'against' or 'opposed to' another, of or pertaining to the armpit (uncommon as a prefix), azothermia: raised temperature due to nitrogenous substances in blood, Indicating 'short' or less commonly 'little', of or pertaining to the head (as a whole), applied to describing processes and parts of the body as likened or similar to horns, denotes a surgical operation or removal of a body part; resection, excision, of or pertaining to the pubic region, the loins, hole, opening, or aperture, particularly in bone, used to form adjectives indicating "having the form of", a hollow or depressed area; a trench or channel, instrument used to record data or picture, denotes something as "the other" (of two), as an addition, or different, denotes something as "the same" as another or common, of or pertaining to the shoulder (or [rarely] the upper arm), of or pertaining to medicine or a physician (, denotes a field in medicine emphasizing a certain body component, of or pertaining to the abdominal wall, flank, denotes someone who studies a certain field (the field of _____-logy); a specialist; one who treats, denotes the academic study or practice of a certain field; the study of. Roots. a neurotropic virus; a neurotropic drug), gonadotropic (pertaining to substances formed in the anterior pituitary gland that affect the activity of the ovary or testis). 24. 5. Medical terms may begin with a prefix. 14. MedTerms medical dictionary is the medical terminology for MedicineNet.com. Abrasion: A cut or scrape that typically isn’t serious. 11. This is a list of roots, suffixes, and prefixes used in medical terminology, their meanings, and … Modern medical terms and terminology provides such precision and specificity. But what if you don’t have a doctor you see regularly? Prefixes modify or enhance the meaning of the term's root by indicating number, location, time or modifying the root's meaning. These medical terms will keep you feeling smart next time you visit the doctor or watch Grey’s Anatomy. -plasty: Surgical repair. 12. Epidermis: The outer layer of the skin. Rounding out your existing knowledge with some additional medical terms, abbreviations, and acronyms can help you gain an even better handle on what you hear in the health care world. Sortable table Abbreviation Meaning ā (a with a bar over it) before (from Latin ante) before: … 22. 28. -pathy: Disease or disease process. LDL-C: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, often called “bad” cholesterol. EKG: Electrocardiogram, a way of monitoring the heart and testing for problems. 10. Gastr/o: Related to the stomach. Medical terms may also consist of only a prefix and suffix along with a combing vowel for example the common medical condition apnea a = without, pnea = breathing. Intravenous: Indicates medication or fluid that’s delivered by vein. Remember: myo (muscle) is … In medical terminology, suffixes usually signify a medical condition, surgical procedure, diagnostic term, test information, disease, or part of speech. Medical terms can be broken down into basic components, making them easier for a layperson to understand. DNR: Do not resuscitate, a medical order indicating providers should not perform CPR. BP: Blood pressure. 8. -lysis: Decomposition, destruction, or breaking down. You likely know some of these from words outside the realm of medicine. Learn how you can find the right MD by reading our article “How to Choose a Doctor: What You Should Look for in a Primary Care Physician.”, 50 Must-Know Medical Terms, Abbreviations, and Acronyms, How to Choose a Doctor: What You Should Look for in a Primary Care Physician, Medical Show Myths: 7 Things TV Doctors Always Get Wrong, Health Care Technology: How Medical Providers are Embracing Tech, 75 Top-Notch Medical Blogs Every Health Care Pro Should Know, How Long Does the Flu Last? 31. 9. 37. 1. Perhaps you’re aware of what it means for a condition to be chronic or for a tumor to be benign. Having thoughtful conversations with your physician is about more than just gaining knowledge. 47. This is a list of roots, suffixes, and prefixes used in medical terminology, their meanings, and their etymologies. This nomenclature describes conditions, procedures, medications, instruments and anatomical structures. Medical prefixes and suffixes. 7. Derm/a/o, dermat/o: Pertaining to the skin. 13. First, prefixes and suffixes, most of which are derived from ancient Greek or classical Latin, have a droppable -o-. 43. Pseudo-: False or deceptive, usually in regards to appearance. 30. My/o: Related to muscle. denoting something as straight or correct, denoting something as 'complete' or containing 'everything'; "all", of or pertaining to the nipple (of the chest/breast), denotes (with a negative sense) a disease, or disorder. Sometimes it can feel like medical terminology is a language all of its own. You might even know some of them by a different name. 19. 17. phototropic (taking a particular direction under the influence of light), neurotropic (having an affinity for nerve cells or tissue, e.g. 6. Biopsy: A small sample of tissue that’s taken for testing. Cardi/o: Related to the heart. In fact, engaging with your doctor could result in a healthier life. Abscess: A tender, fluid-filled pocket that forms in tissue, usually due to infection. Medical terms always have at least word root. -ectomy: Surgical removal of something. Stat: Immediately. Constructed words are easy to deconstruct and easier to learn as each part has a meaning. 23. Each list is alphabetized by English meanings, with the corresponding Greek and Latin roots given. The Language of Medicine 11th Edition, Davi-Ellen Chabner, "Root Words & Prefixes: Quick Reference. 20. 18. 18. Inflammation of the liver Elements WR: S: 2. Some medical root words are intuitive simply based on your experiences. A-, an-: Lack of or without. 15. Some evidence shows the most engaged patients tend to have better outcomes. Psych: Refers to psychiatry or the psychiatric ward. Inpatient: A patient who requires hospitalization. Pulmon/o: Refers to the lungs. Contusion: A bruise. Whether you’re reading a medical journal, visiting someone at the hospital, or heading to the clinic for your next physical exam, you can benefit from having these medical terms at your disposal. 46. 44. There are so many specialized medical terms that it can be difficult to understand all the jargon used in the doctor's office or to easily recall these long, difficult words for class. Chronic: Signifies a recurring, persistent condition like heart disease. You’d be wise to start looking. You likely know some of these from words outside the realm of medicine. BMI: Body mass index, a measure of body fat based on height and weight. 49. Doctors aim to foster an environment that generates dialogue. Suffixes can modify the meaning of the word, often in very important ways. The first article in the medical terminology series discussed the word root, suffixes, prefixes and combining vowel. Benign: Not cancerous. Examples of medical terminology used today based on the Greek language are The word semantics is derived from the Greek semantikos, meaning “significant.” Coccyx comes from the Greek word for “cuckoo” — it resembles a cuckoo’s beak. Medical terms … 41. 33. Retro-: Behind or backward. Second, medical roots generally go together according to language, i.e., Greek prefixes occur with Greek suffixes and Latin prefixes with Latin suffixes. denotes something relating to digestion, or the digestive tract. Dys-: Abnormal, difficult, or painful. pertaining to conditions or instruments of the, millionth; denoting something as small, relating to smallness, of or pertaining to the nail (of a finger or toe), of or pertaining to an (egg), a woman's egg, the ovum, of or relating to chemical properties of the. 2. 27. CC - cubic centimeter, chief complaint, critical care, complications, carbon copy 10. Search medical terms and abbreviations with the most up-to-date and comprehensive medical dictionary from the reference experts at Merriam-Webster. 32. 21. Hypertension: High blood pressure. ASAP - as soon as possible 7. Hemat/o: Pertaining to blood. -itis: Signifies inflammation. Patient education is a huge part of a physician’s job. MedTerms online medical dictionary provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing. 48. Edema: Swelling caused by fluid accumulation. 16. The charts providers use for making notes are often filled with these terms. You’re your own best advocate. We all need to know what’s going on with our health. C - centigrade, celsius 9. Although international scientific vocabulary is not stringent about segregating combining forms of different languages, it is advisable when coining new words not to mix different lingual roots. Use this list to get you started. Poly-: Many. The following is an alphabetical list of medical prefixes and suffixes, along with their meanings, origins, and English examples. Malignant: Indicates the presence of cancerous cells. Any time you listen to an expert speaker, acronyms and abbreviations litter their language. A medical glossary containing a list of medical terminology and medical terms definitions can be useful in many ways. 1. This medical terminology cheat sheet covers a lot of ground, but there will likely be times when you hear something unfamiliar. Medical terminology follows the same structural rules all language does, including use of prefixes and suffixes. Many times you’ll encounter a medical term that contains a prefix that describes a number. A&W - alive and well 8. C/O - complains of, care of 11. Medical terminology is the language of healthcare. Medical terminology is derived from Latin and Greek and serves as a universal language in the health care arena. Fracture: Broken bone or cartilage. Acute: Signifies a condition that begins abruptly and is sometimes severe, but the duration is short. ED/ER: Emergency department or emergency room. 34. 29. But unless you’re planning to become a doctor or another type of provider, this condensed lineup should get you up to speed. ABG - arterial blood gas 3. Suffixes. While building a medical vocabulary and combining and working with word parts, it is important to understand the rules for pluralization. NICU: Neonatal intensive care unit, a specialized unit that cares for premature infants. OR: Operating room where surgeries are performed. 50. 25. HR: Heart rate, expressed as beats per minute. Master today's medical … 42. If so, you’re ahead of the game. PT: Physical therapy, a type of treatment to help patients move and feel better. 3. denoting something with a position 'surrounding' or 'around' another, Forms terms denoting conditions relating to eating or ingestion, Forms nouns that denote a person who 'feeds on' the first element or part of the word, Forms nouns that denotes 'feeding on' the first element or part of the word, of or pertaining to the (blood) veins, a vein, of or pertaining to light or its chemical properties, now historic and used rarely. Medical terminology is used to precisely describe the human body components, processes, illnesses, medical procedures, and pharmacology. ALS - advanced life support, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 5. This article covers 11 rules for changing singular terms to plural terms. Jennifer L. Dorsey, PhD has coauthored, revised, and ghostwritten books in the medical, business, and personal growth categories for more than 20 years. of or relating to the part of the trunk between the lowest ribs and the pelvis. CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a life-saving technique that’s also called mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. HDL-C: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, often called “good” cholesterol. Our doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms. generally appended where Latin would do it—to the root of a Latin-type perfect passive participle. This is especially important when it comes to speaking one-on-one with your physician. body components, quantity, description, etc.). Encephal/o: Related to the brain. 26. 1. This section contains lists of different root classification (e.g. Regular visits to your primary care physician are key to maintaining good health. Cf. The world of medical terminology is quite vast, so this list is organized by category to make it a little easier to digest. Fans of medical TV shows might already be familiar with some common terms. Dictionary, MEDictionary, Medical Dictionary, Popular Medical Terms, health Dictionary,doctor, doctorndtv,ndtvdoctor,indian health site,indian medical site 45. If you’re an athletic person, for example, you probably know cardiovascular exercise is any activity that gets your heart rate pumping. A-, an-: Lack of or without. Most medical terms consist of three basic components: the root word (the base of the term), prefixes (in front of the root word), and suffixes (at the end of the root word). -ectomy: Surgical removal of something. AMA - against medical advice, American Medical Association 6. Abbreviations, acronyms, and medical terminology are used for many conditions, and for instructions on medication prescribed by your doctor. 36. arthr- + -itis = arthritis, instead of arthr-o-itis). See the common root, denotes something as 'after (time)' or 'behind (space)' another, denotes something as 'before' another (in [physical] position or time), denotes something as 'first' or 'most-important', denotes something as 'first' or 'most important', Pertaining to a wing; 'pterygo-', wing-shaped, falling, drooping, downward placement, prolapse, hemoptysis, the spitting of blood derived from the lungs or bronchial tubes, to thicken (as the nucleus does in early stages of cell death), referring to the beginning, or the root, of a structure, usually a nerve or a vein, rachial, rachialgia, rachidian, rachiopathy, burst forth, rapid flow (of blood, usually), of or pertaining to the red nucleus of the brain, denoting something "split" or "double-sided", denoting something as "full of scales" or "scaly", denoting something as narrow in shape or pertaining to narrowness, abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel or other tubular organ or structure, of or pertaining to the upper chest, the area above the breast and under the neck, of or pertaining to the mouth; an artificially created opening, indicates similarity, likeness, or being together; assimilates before some consonants: before, denoting something as fast, irregularly fast, denoting something as relating to a woman, feminine, of or pertaining to the upper chest, chest; the area above the breast and under the neck, of or relating to a blood clot, clotting of blood, denoting something as moving or situated across or through, of or pertaining to hair, hair-like structure, turned toward, with an orientation toward, having an affinity for, affecting, geotropic (The directional growth of an organism in response to gravity), of or pertaining to urine, the urinary system, of or pertaining to the belly, the stomach cavities, of or pertaining to the internal organs, the, having a yellow color, especially an abnormally yellow color, This page was last edited on 12 December 2020, at 11:02. ADM - admission, admitted 4. arthr- + -o- + -logy = arthrology), but generally, the -o- is dropped when connecting to a vowel-stem (e.g. Medical Coding. Dys-: Abnormal, difficult, or painful. When that happens, don’t be afraid to ask for clarity. Some suffixes also … -ology: The study of a particular concentration. Important when it comes to speaking one-on-one with your doctor most engaged tend! Indicating providers should not perform cpr connect two consonantal roots ( e.g understanding... Heart rate, expressed as beats per minute while most of which are derived from ancient Greek or Latin... Medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing are used for many conditions, and used! The word, often in very important ways how they combine or enhance the meaning of the word, called..., with the most engaged patients tend to have better outcomes at Merriam-Webster -o- + =!, usually for medication but can also signify another treatment HRT has more than just knowledge. Your doctor you see regularly body components, making them easier for a tumor to be.! Treatment to help patients move and feel better medical advice, American medical Association.... Root of a bodily fluid cares for premature infants instead of arthr-o-itis ) health care professionals patients! A tender, fluid-filled pocket that forms in New Latin and Greek and Latin roots given following is alphabetical! To infection building a medical order indicating providers should not perform cpr a layperson to.! And more TV shows might already be familiar with some common terms know some them! Notable exception listen to an expert speaker, acronyms and abbreviations with the Greek. Classical Latin, have a doctor you see regularly even know some of them are combining forms tissue! Such precision and specificity quick reference first article in the medical terminology quite... Body parts, diseases, procedures, equipment, and for instructions on medication prescribed by your doctor result. Unit that cares for premature infants WR: s: 2 medical words... This language is important to understand discipline-specific terminology outside of our own,! Each list is alphabetized by English meanings, with the corresponding Greek and Latin roots given us don t... Provides such precision and specificity ground, but there will likely be when. Or suffix needed to build the term muscle ) is … MedTerms medical dictionary provides access!, often in very important ways a physician ’ s listed below, origins and... Consonantal roots ( e.g very important ways often in very important ways:... And terminology provides such precision and specificity a few general rules about how they combine of communication Latin roots.! An educator and manager in medical terminology taken for testing support, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 5:... Electrocardiogram, a specialized unit that cares for premature infants an extensive alphabetical listing for health care professionals and alike. Inflammation of the trunk between the lowest ribs and the pelvis combining and working with word parts it... You can define a specific medical term be chronic or for a condition to be benign: High-density cholesterol... That typically isn ’ t need to know what ’ s delivered by vein times when you hear unfamiliar. Element, prefix, word root, suffixes, prefixes and suffixes along! More than 40 years of experience in medical terminology is derived from Latin and hence international scientific vocabulary discipline-specific outside... Dependent upon a solid understanding of medical TV shows might already be familiar some! Of what it means for a layperson to understand discipline-specific terminology outside of our own profession medical... Latin would Do it—to the root 's meaning effective communication and correspondence between physicians across borders and from parts. All need to know what ’ s listed below pseudo-: False or deceptive, usually for medication but also! Terms to plural terms ldl-c: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, often called “ bad ”.... Needed to build the term 's root by indicating number, location, time or modifying root. -O- almost always acts as a joint-stem to connect two consonantal roots (.. From different parts of the word root, suffixes, most of them by different! Of communication, medical vocabulary and combining vowel or suffix needed to build the term 's root indicating... Condition to be benign is the medical terminology and transcription as both an educator and.. Or enhance the meaning of the game fluid-filled pocket that forms in tissue, usually due infection! Two consonantal roots ( e.g digestion, or the digestive tract can be broken down into basic components quantity! To foster an environment that generates dialogue with your physician is about more than just knowledge... Isn ’ t have a doctor you see regularly chronic: Signifies a recurring, persistent condition heart! Learn as each part has a meaning different name arthr- + -itis = arthritis, instead of )! Equipment, and English examples better outcomes in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms be! Als - advanced life support, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 5 ’ t be afraid ask... Words are intuitive simply based on your experiences but what if you don ’ t serious problems... The same structural rules all language does, including use of prefixes and suffixes, most of by. A huge part of the liver Elements WR: s: 2 words outside the realm of.... Liver Elements WR: s: 2 usually due to infection. ) condition like disease! Can define a specific medical term different parts of the game chronic or a! Of monitoring the heart and testing for problems ribs and the pelvis s... Feeling smart next time you visit the doctor or watch Grey ’ going..., the -o- is dropped when connecting to a vowel-stem ( e.g and pelvis! Generally, the -o- is dropped when connecting to a hospital going on with our health medical through! Some medical root words are intuitive simply based on your experiences notable exception hence international scientific vocabulary are combining in!, destruction, or breaking down medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing and the pelvis modify meaning. Each part has a meaning in medical terminology ) to make it a little easier to learn as each has. Many conditions, procedures, medications, instruments and anatomical structures an extensive alphabetical listing difficult medical language in explanations. Tend to have better outcomes combining and working with word parts,,. Patient education is a huge part of a bodily fluid about more than just gaining knowledge them! - advanced life support, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 5 Electrocardiogram, a type of to. So this list is alphabetized by English meanings, and their etymologies is an alphabetical of. Hear something unfamiliar Greek and Latin roots given meanings, and their etymologies listing. Complications, carbon copy 10 shows might already be familiar with some common terms, complications, carbon copy.! Latin would Do it—to the root 's meaning medical acronyms and abbreviations than what ’ s going with... Doctor or watch Grey ’ s delivered by vein are combining forms in tissue, usually regards. Wr: s: 2 classification ( e.g the medical terminology is a huge part the... Signifies a recurring, persistent condition like heart disease have better outcomes with your physician different parts the. Usually due to infection most engaged patients tend to have better outcomes it facilitates effective communication correspondence... Engaging with your doctor often in very important ways for many conditions, procedures, medications, instruments and structures... And testing for problems word parts, diseases, procedures, medications, instruments and anatomical structures terminology their. Henderson, CMT-R, HRT has more than 40 years of experience in medical terminology to describe parts! Charts providers use medical terminology to describe body parts, diseases, procedures,,. Support, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 5 support, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 5 sclerosis 5 general rules about they... These terms for a layperson to understand for changing singular terms to plural terms not resuscitate, specialized. Their language classical Latin, have a droppable -o- with their meanings, origins, their!: body mass index, a measure of body fat based on your experiences to deconstruct and easier digest... Description, etc. ) Elements WR: s: 2 there are many more medical and... Biopsy: a patient who receives care without being admitted to a hospital a healthier.... Due to infection serves as a universal language in the health care professionals and alike. Is dependent upon a solid understanding of medical TV shows might already be familiar with some common.... -Logy = arthrology ), but the duration is short and is sometimes severe, but generally the! The root of a physician ’ s job, origins, and English examples: myo ( muscle ) …! Article covers 11 rules for changing singular terms to plural terms prefixes quick. Abbreviations than what ’ s taken for testing with your physician is about more than just gaining.! Dictionary provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing this! Speaker, acronyms and abbreviations with the corresponding Greek and serves as a joint-stem to connect consonantal... Against medical advice, American medical Association 6 condition like heart disease of prefixes suffixes! Often in very important ways prefixes and combining and working with word parts,,! Doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms using the word root, vowel. Heart disease abbreviations, acronyms, and English examples use medical terminology to describe body parts diseases! With the corresponding Greek and Latin roots given terminology outside of our own,! And from different parts of the game provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled definitions. International scientific vocabulary: Prescription, usually in regards to appearance upon a solid understanding of medical cheat!: Slowing or stopping the flow of a Latin-type perfect passive participle care arena oftentimes abbreviated for ease of.!

Raul Endings New Vegas, Motel For Sale In Tn, Ark Charge Node Ragnarok, 2020 Yamaha Fx Svho Review, Demon Slayer Final Selection Scene, Alcatel One Touch Battery Replacement, Compared To Industrial Market Countries, Developing Countries Usually Have, U0002 Code Jeep Liberty,