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 is used to precisely describe the human body components, processes, illnesses, medical procedures, and pharmacology. Medical terms are used in the field of medicine, and clinical settings. This section deals with all med terms beginning with the letter X, and features medical roots, prefixes and suffixes. Introduction to Medical Terminology.
Yellowing of the skin, often associated with cancerous tumors.
Xanthoma
Yellowish papules or nodules in the skin caused by fats build up in the skin. Xanthoma may occur on any part of the body and may indicate an underlying disease, such as lipid disorders, diabetes, or liver disease.
Xanthoderma
The occurrence of yellowish patches in the skin that resemble xanthoma.
xen/o
Greek word xénos denoting stranger or foreigner
Xenophobia
A broad term applied to describe the discrimination or hostility towards everything different, strange, or foreign. Most xenophobic people do not have true fear. Instead, they believe that their culture, ethnicity, or country is superior, and want to keep ‘new people’ or ‘outsiders’ out of their community.
xer/o
Prefix denoting dryness
Xeroderma
Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by heightened photosensitivity. XP is heritable and is caused by mutations in the DNA repair mechanism. Blistering sunburns, hyperpigmentation, overly dry skin, muscle rigidity, spasticity, spider veins, and vision & hearing impairment are characteristics of XP. There is no cure for XP, however, symptoms can be managed.
xiph/o or xiphi-
Prefix denoting straight sword, sword-shaped in Greek.
Xiphoid process
Xiphoid process or metasternum is the lower part of the sternum or breastbone. It appears like a small sword, widest at the base and tapering off to a point heading off towards the abdomen; hence the name (G. xiphos = sword). Although the xiphoid process is minuscule, it serves as the site of the insertion of organs of the thoracic diaphragm.
xylo-
Prefix denoting wood, derived from Greek xylon.
Xylology - Scientific study of the woods.
Xylem - Plant vascular tissue that conducts water and nutrients from the roots up to the shoots and leaves.
Xylogen - Premature wood cells.
xys-
Prefix denoting scrape, shredded, or file.
Xyster
A surgical instrument, similar to a rasp or file, which is used to scrape dead or damaged bone during knee surgery. Bone scraping fastens healing.
Quick Introduction- provides an overview and introduction to medical terminology. 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- This resource strengthens your understanding of medical terminology. See how common medical terms are created using the various prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
Medical Terminology Intuitive SectionThis section was developed for 'speed learning' of medical terminology. Start by reviewing the meanings for a block of medical terms, and then go back and choose a previous term randomly and try to recall the meaning of that particular medical term before hovering over the term to determine the answer. These frequent mini-tests will accelerate the learning process and in a relatively short period of time, you will be able to quickly recall the meaning of all of the listed medical terms. This method of learning is superior to flash cards because of the frequent exposure and testing of your recall.
