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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]

Alphabetical Listing (word building)

a b c d e f g h i j k l m
n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Medical Terminology Reference

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

xenograft

Prefix:
Prefix Definition:
1st Root Word: xen/o
1st Root Definition: stranger; foreigner
2nd Root Word:
2nd Root Word Definition:
Suffix: graft
Suffix Definition:
Definition: graft of tissue taken from a donor and grafted into a recipient

xeroderma

Prefix:
Prefix Definition:
1st Root Word: xer/o
1st Root Definition: dry; dryness
2nd Root Word: derm/o
2nd Root Word Definition: skin
Suffix:
Suffix Definition:
Definition: dry skin

xerostomia

Prefix:
Prefix Definition:
1st Root Word: xer/o
1st Root Definition: dry; dryness
2nd Root Word:
2nd Root Word Definition:
Suffix: -stomia
Suffix Definition: condition of the mouth
Definition: condition of having a dry mouth
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