Medical Terminology - Prefixes & Suffixes
Build a strong foundation in medical language with this essential medical terminology flashcard deck covering the most commonly used prefixes and suffixes in healthcare. Understanding these word parts allows you to decode the meaning of thousands of medical terms without memorizing each one individually. This deck covers directional prefixes, body system prefixes, numerical prefixes, and procedural, diagnostic, and condition-related suffixes used across all medical specialties. Essential for nursing students, medical assistants, pre-med students, NCLEX candidates, and anyone entering a healthcare career.
All Cards in This Deck
Question
What does the prefix a- / an- mean?
Answer
Without, absence of. Apnea = without breathing. Anemia = without enough blood cells.
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What does the prefix brady- mean?
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Slow. Bradycardia = slow heart rate. Bradypnea = slow breathing.
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What does the prefix tachy- mean?
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Fast, rapid. Tachycardia = fast heart rate. Tachypnea = rapid breathing.
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What does the prefix hyper- mean?
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Above normal, excessive. Hypertension = high blood pressure. Hyperglycemia = high blood sugar.
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What does the prefix hypo- mean?
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Below normal, deficient. Hypotension = low blood pressure. Hypoglycemia = low blood sugar.
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What does the prefix dys- mean?
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Difficult, painful, abnormal. Dyspnea = difficulty breathing. Dysphagia = difficulty swallowing.
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What does the prefix peri- mean?
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Around, surrounding. Pericardium = membrane surrounding the heart. Perioperative = around the time of surgery.
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What does the prefix sub- mean?
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Below, under. Subcutaneous = under the skin. Sublingual = under the tongue.
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What does the prefix trans- mean?
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Across, through. Transdermal = through the skin. Transfusion = transferring blood through vessels.
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What does the prefix intra- mean?
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Within, inside. Intravenous = within a vein. Intramuscular = within a muscle.
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What does the prefix inter- mean?
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Between. Intercostal = between the ribs. Intervertebral = between vertebrae.
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What does the prefix poly- mean?
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Many, much, excessive. Polyuria = excessive urination. Polydipsia = excessive thirst.
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What does the prefix oligo- mean?
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Few, little, deficient. Oliguria = scant urine output (< 400 mL/day).
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What does the prefix hemi- mean?
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Half. Hemiplegia = paralysis of one side of the body. Hemianopia = vision loss in half the visual field.
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What does the prefix bi- mean?
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Two. Bilateral = affecting both sides. Bifurcation = splitting into two branches.
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What does the prefix macro- mean?
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Large. Macrocyte = abnormally large red blood cell. Macrosomia = abnormally large fetus.
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What does the prefix micro- mean?
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Small. Microcyte = abnormally small red blood cell. Microorganism = a tiny organism.
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What does the prefix neo- mean?
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New. Neoplasm = new, abnormal growth (tumor). Neonatal = relating to a newborn.
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What does the prefix ante- mean?
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Before. Antepartum = before birth. Antecubital = before/in front of the elbow.
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What does the prefix post- mean?
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After. Postoperative = after surgery. Postpartum = after childbirth.
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What does the suffix -itis mean?
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Inflammation. Appendicitis = inflammation of the appendix. Arthritis = inflammation of joints.
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What does the suffix -ectomy mean?
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Surgical removal. Appendectomy = removal of the appendix. Mastectomy = removal of the breast.
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What does the suffix -ostomy mean?
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Creating an artificial opening. Colostomy = opening into the colon. Tracheostomy = opening into the trachea.
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What does the suffix -otomy mean?
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Cutting into. Tracheotomy = cutting into the trachea. Thoracotomy = cutting into the chest cavity.
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What does the suffix -plasty mean?
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Surgical repair or reconstruction. Rhinoplasty = surgical repair of the nose. Angioplasty = repair of a blood vessel.
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What does the suffix -scopy mean?
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Visual examination using a scope. Colonoscopy = visual exam of the colon. Bronchoscopy = visual exam of the airways.
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What does the suffix -graphy mean?
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Process of recording or imaging. Radiography = X-ray imaging. Electrocardiography = recording heart activity.
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What does the suffix -gram mean?
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Record or image produced. Electrocardiogram (ECG) = recording of heart activity. Mammogram = X-ray image of breast tissue.
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What does the suffix -logy mean?
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Study of. Cardiology = study of the heart. Neurology = study of the nervous system.
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What does the suffix -ology vs -ologist mean?
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-ology = the study or science. -ologist = the specialist who studies it. Cardiology vs Cardiologist.
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What does the suffix -algia mean?
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Pain. Myalgia = muscle pain. Neuralgia = nerve pain. Cardialgia = heart pain.
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What does the suffix -dynia mean?
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Pain. Pleurodynia = pain in the pleura (chest). Cephalodynia = headache.
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What does the suffix -pathy mean?
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Disease or disorder. Neuropathy = nerve disease. Cardiomyopathy = disease of the heart muscle.
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What does the suffix -emia mean?
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Blood condition. Anemia = low red blood cells. Septicemia = bacteria in the blood. Hypoglycemia = low blood sugar.
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What does the suffix -uria mean?
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Urine condition. Hematuria = blood in urine. Proteinuria = protein in urine. Polyuria = excessive urination.
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What does the suffix -pnea mean?
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Breathing. Dyspnea = difficult breathing. Apnea = no breathing. Tachypnea = rapid breathing.
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What does the suffix -phobia mean?
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Fear of. Hydrophobia = fear of water. Claustrophobia = fear of enclosed spaces.
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What does the suffix -plegia mean?
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Paralysis. Hemiplegia = paralysis of one side. Paraplegia = paralysis of lower body. Quadriplegia = all four limbs.
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What does the suffix -stenosis mean?
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Narrowing. Aortic stenosis = narrowing of the aortic valve. Spinal stenosis = narrowing of the spinal canal.
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What does the suffix -megaly mean?
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Enlargement. Cardiomegaly = enlarged heart. Hepatomegaly = enlarged liver. Splenomegaly = enlarged spleen.