Learn common medical prefixes, suffixes, and root words to improve your understanding of healthcare language.
Medical terminology is the language used in healthcare. Most terms are made up of prefixes, root words, and suffixes. Understanding these parts helps you break down and understand complex terms.
| Prefix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hyper- | Above normal |
| Hypo- | Below normal |
| Brady- | Slow |
| Tachy- | Fast |
| Neo- | New |
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| -itis | Inflammation |
| -ectomy | Removal |
| -ology | Study of |
| -algia | Pain |
| -emia | Blood condition |
Use interactive tools to test your knowledge:
Medical Terminology Practice