F - Word Building Reference

Medical terminology is composed of a prefix, root word, and suffix:
Prefix: A prefix is placed at the beginning of a word to modify or change its meaning. Pre means "before." Prefixes may also indicate a location, number, or time.
Root: central part of a word.
Suffix: The ending part of a word that modifies the meaning of the word.
Additional resources: [Intro to med terms] [Med terms rules] [Med term reference] [Word building reference] [Practice Exams]

Medical Terminology Reference

Use this reference to see how common medical terms are created using the various prefixes, suffixes, and root words.

facioplegic

Prefix:
Prefix Definition:
1st Root Word: faci/o
1st Root Definition: face
2nd Root Word:
2nd Root Word Definition:
Suffix: -plegic
Suffix Definition: paralysis; palsy
Definition: paralysis of the face

falciform

Prefix: falci-
Prefix Definition: sickle
1st Root Word:
1st Root Definition:
2nd Root Word:
2nd Root Word Definition:
Suffix: -form
Suffix Definition: resembling the shape of
Definition: resembling the shape of a sickle; hooked

fibrin

Prefix:
Prefix Definition:
1st Root Word: fibr/o
1st Root Definition: fibrin
2nd Root Word:
2nd Root Word Definition:
Suffix: -in
Suffix Definition: a substance, chemical, chemical compound
Definition: insoluble protein that is essential to clotting of blood

fibroblast

Prefix:
Prefix Definition:
1st Root Word: fibros/o
1st Root Definition: fibrous connective tissue
2nd Root Word:
2nd Root Word Definition:
Suffix: -blast
Suffix Definition: embryonic; immature cell
Definition: cell in connective tissue that produces fibers

fluoroscope

Prefix:
Prefix Definition:
1st Root Word: fluor/o
1st Root Definition: luminous
2nd Root Word:
2nd Root Word Definition:
Suffix: -scope
Suffix Definition: instrument for visual examination
Definition: instrument for visual examination with a fluorescent screen

frontonasal

Prefix: fronto-
Prefix Definition: forehead; face
1st Root Word: nas/o
1st Root Definition: nose
2nd Root Word:
2nd Root Word Definition:
Suffix: -al
Suffix Definition: pertaining to
Definition: pertaining to the frontal and nasal bones

fungus

Prefix:
Prefix Definition:
1st Root Word: fung/i
1st Root Definition: fungus
2nd Root Word:
2nd Root Word Definition:
Suffix: -us
Suffix Definition: structure; thing
Definition: organism that feeds on organic matter

Navigation

Check out the following resources to support your learning and understanding of medical terminology:

Quick Introduction– provides an overview and introduction to medical terminology.

Medical Terms – Prefixes, roots, suffixes – Alphabetical listing of Med Terms.

Medical Terms – Rules governing singular versus plural versions of medical terms are described.

Medical Terminology Exams– twenty new exams were created to test your knowledge of medical terminology.

Word building reference [ F ]

Alphabetical Listing (word building)