GlobalRPh Medical Terminology Section
Medical Prefixes for Numbers
bi-
Two, double.
bicuspid (having two cusps or points)
hemi–
Half.
hemiplegia (paralysis of one side [half] of the body)
Milli-
One-thousandth.
milliliter (one-thousandth of a liter)
mono-
One, single.
monocyte (a white cell with a singular nucleus)
nulli-
None.
nullipara (a woman who has borne no children)
primi-
First.
primigravida (first pregnancy)
quadri-
Four.
quadriplegia (paralysis of all four extremities)
semi-
Half.
semiconscious (half conscious)
tetra-
Four.
tetraplegia (paralysis of both arms and both legs; also known as quadriplegia)
tri-
Three.
triceps (“a muscle” having three heads)
uni-
One.
uninuclear (“a cell” having one nucleus)
Increasing your understanding 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 Section
This section was developed for ‘speed learning’ of medical terminology.
Additional references:
Prefixes denoting numbers
Prefixes denoting position and/or direction
Prefixes denoting measurement
Medical Terminology Noun Suffixes
Combining forms for color
Common Prefixes
Adjective Suffixes
Specialties and specialists med terms
Instruments, surgical, and diagnostic procedures
Negative prefixes
Common suffixes
Quick Introduction– provides an overview and introduction to medical terminology.
Medical Terms – rules governing singular versus plural versions of medical terms are described.