GlobalRPh Medical Terminology Section- Letter E
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 E, and features medical roots, prefixes and suffixes. Introduction to Medical Terminology.
Medical Terminology - Letter E
For a quick overview and tutorial on medical terminology, check out our Introduction to Medical Terminology. Quiz yourself / speed learning
-eal
pertaining to
ec-
out; outside
echin/o
spiny, prickly
echo-
reflected sound
-ectasia
dilation; dilatation; widening
-ectasis
dilation; dilatation; widening
ecto-
out; outside
ectro/o
congenital absence
-ectomy
removal; excision; resection
-edema
swelling
eight
octa-, octi-
-elasma
flat plate
electr/o
electricity
ele/o
oil
em-
in
-ema
condition
embolo/o
embolus
embry/o
embryo
-emesis
vomiting
-emia
blood condition
-emic
pertaining to blood condition
emmetr/o
in due measure
-emphraxis
stoppage, obstruction
en-
in; within
enanti/o
opposite, opposed
encephal/o
brain
end-
in; within
endo-
in; within
enter/o
intestines (usually small intestine)
eosin/o
red; rosy; dawn-colored
epi-
above; upon; on
epididym/o
epididymis
epiglott/o
epiglottis
episi/o
vulva
epitheli/o
skin; epithelium
equi-
equality, equal
equin/o
horse
-er
one who
erg/o
work
erethism/o
irritation
erythem/o
flushed; redness
erythr/o
red
eschar/o
scab
-esis
action; condition; state of
eso-
inward
esophag/o
esophagus
esthes/o
nervous sensation
esthesi/o
nervous sensation
-esthesia
nervous sensation
estr/o
female
ethm/o
sieve
eti/o
cause
eu-
good; normal
-eurysm
widening
ex-
out; away from
exanthemat/o
rash
exo-
out; away from
extra-
outside
Word Building and Medical Terms beginning with the letter E
See if you can spot the suffixes, prefixes, and/or root words.
E
ec-
Prefix denoting out, out of place, outside, or away from.
Ectopia
Congenital displacement of an organ or a body part
Ectopia Cordis
A rare congenital anomaly in which a portion or all of a baby's heart is located outside of the thoracic cavity.
Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic or tubal pregnancy, when an embryo implants outside the uterus, in one of the fallopian tubes.
echin/o
Prefix denoting spiny or prickly.
echo-
Prefix denoting reflected sound.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography, or echo, is the ultrasound of the cardiovascular system. It is the first exam of choice in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).
Echocardiogram
The diagnostic image produced by echocardiography.
Echoencephalography
Electroencephalography (EEG), is the ultrasound of the cranial cavity; used in the diagnosis of seizure, cerebral diseases, or certain cognitive disorders.
-ectasia, -ectasis
Prefix denoting dilation, widening, or distention.
Atelectasis
Inflation of all, or part of, the lung, caused by dilation of the alveoli; a common postoperative pulmonary complication.
Bronchiectasis
Chronic, progressive dilation of the bronchi, which often occurs secondary to other lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sinopulmonary syndromes, respiratory tract infections, and allergies.
Gastrectasia
Distension of the stomach caused by a thickened pylorus (pyloric stenosis), abdominal surgery, or trauma; also referred to as gastric distension.
Telangiectasia
The medical term for dilated blood vessels; commonly referred to as "spider veins". Telangiectasias are characteristic of autoimmune disorders such as scleroderma, lupus, and Dermatomyositis.
ecto-
Prefix denoting "out", "outer," "outside," or "external".
Ectopic
In an abnormal location - as in an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs outside the uterus, in the fallopian tubes.
ectro/o
Denoting congenital absence or defect of a part.
Ectrodactyly
Ectrodactyly, split hand, or cleft hand, is a congenital limb abnormality where all or a part of one or more fingers or toes is absent.
Ectrotic
A reference to the termination of pregnancy; abortion.
-ectomy
Suffix denoting the act of excision, cutting out, removal or resection.
Adenoidectomy - Excision of Adenoid
Appendectomy - Excision of Appendix
Bunionectomy - Excision of bunion
Hysterectomy - Excision of Uterus
Hysterosalpingectomy - Excision of the uterus and one or both fallopian tubes
Laryngectomy - Excision of Larynx
Laminectomy - Excision of the lamina of the vertebrae
Ganglionectomy - Excision of a ganglion
Iridectomy - Excision of a small part of the iris
Mastectomy - Excision of either one or both breasts
Neurectomy - Excision of a nerve
Oophorectomy - Excision of one or both ovaries
Orchidectomy - Excision of one or both testicles
Splenectomy - Excision of the spleen
Sympathectomy - Excision of the sympathetic ganglion
Tonsillectomy - Excision of Tonsils
Edema
The medical term for swelling, puffiness, or fluid retention; also referred to as hydropsy. Edema is a result of systemic diseases, infections, or allergic reactions. Diabetes drugs, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory medicines can cause edema. Edema usually affects the feet, ankles, and legs. However, it can occur in any part of the body.
Angioedema - swelling of the skin and mucous membrane; often affects the face.
Cerebral edema - excess water/fluid accumulation in the intracellular or extracellular spaces of the brain.
Lymphedema - Localized swelling, of arms and legs, caused by impaired lymphatic circulation
Papilledema - optic disc swelling
Pulmonary edema - fluid build-up in the alveoli
electr/o
Prefix denoting electric, electricity.
Electromyography
Electromyography (EMG), assessment of bioelectrical activity generated by muscle fibers.
Electrodesiccation
A dermatological procedure that uses high-frequency electric current to burn and destroy tissue; used primarily in skin cancer treatment to remove or dry up the basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
Electrosurgery
A widely used surgical procedure that employs alternating current at radiofrequency levels to cut, coagulate or dessicate tissues.
Electrophoresis
A laboratory method used to separate charged suspended particles - DNA, RNA, or proteins - under the influence of an electric field. Clinically, serum protein electrophoresis is used to diagnose a wide variety of conditions such as serum protein disorders, kidney or liver diseases, and multiple myeloma.
Electronystagmography
Electronystagmography (ENG) is a test to the vestibulo-ocular reflex of an individual; done especially to evaluate nystagmus or dancing eyes and balance disorders such as vertigo.
Electroretinogram
Electroretinogram (ERG), an ophthalmic diagnostic test that measures electrical responses of the retina to a light stimulus.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain to treat several psychiatric illnesses, including depression.
embolo/o
Prefix derived from Greek embolos; denoting embolus = stopper, piston, or blockage.
Embolus
A blood clot, plaque, clumps of bacteria, air bubbles, or any foreign object that obstructs a blood vessel.
Embolism
Embolism, interruption of blood flow within the blood vessel by an embolus. Embolism can occur all over the body, the most common ones are pulmonary embolism, systemic embolism, amniotic embolism, brain embolism, air embolism, and fat embolism.
embry/o
Prefix denoting embryo.
Embryo
The term, embryo, refers to the early stages of fetal growth, from conception to the eighth week (56 days) of pregnancy.
Embryology
The study of an embryo’s development from a zygote to a multicellular organism.
Embryogenesis
A sequential series of dynamic processes, initiated with a sperm fertilizing an egg and culminated with the formation of an embryo; the first eight weeks
Emesis
Emesis, also called vomiting, the forceful, involuntary ejection of gastric contents through the mouth, or, less often, the nose. Causes of vomiting vary widely and can include intestinal obstruction, medication, pregnancy, gastrointestinal disorders, injury to the head, and overeating.
-emia, -emic
Suffix denoting various blood disorders or conditions.
Anemia
Anemia is when the blood has a lower-than-normal amount of red blood cells; <13.5 gm/dl in a man or<12.0 gm/dl in a woman.
Azotemia
A type of nephrotoxicity, characterized by abnormal levels of nitrogenous compounds such as urea or creatinine in the blood.
Leukemia
Malignancy or cancer of blood or bone marrow, caused by the rapid overproduction of white blood cells (WBC).
Glycemia
Presence of glucose in the circulation. Glycemia can be hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Albuminemia
Albumin in blood. Alubuminemia can be hypoalbuminemia (deficit of albumin in the blood) or hyperalbuminemia (higher-than-normal albumin in the blood).
Lipidemia
Unhealthy levels of any or all lipids, fats, or lipoproteins in the bloodstream.
Polycythemia
Polycythemia, or erythrocytosis, an increase in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and the number of circulating erythrocytes (RBCs); a type of blood cancer.
Uremia
Elevated levels of nitrogen wastes such as urea in the bloodstream.
emmetr/o
Prefix denoting ‘correct measure’ or well-proportioned.
Emmetropia
The normal refractive state of an eye in which parallel rays focus accurately on the retina, creating crisp and in-focus images. Simply, the perfect eye.
Emphraxis
Denoting clogging, stoppage, and obstruction of a duct.
Enanti/o
Prefix denoting opposite or opposing.
Enantiomer
A pair of molecules that are mirror images of each other; they have the same physical and chemical properties. Enantiomerically pure compounds are of medical and pharmaceutical value.
encephala/o
Prefix denoting brain.
Encephalography
A noninvasive diagnostic method of recording and interpreting electrical activity in the brain.
Encephalitis
Acute inflammation of the brain tissues caused by an infection or an autoimmune response.
end- , endo-
Prefix denoting in, within, or inner.
Endocardium
The innermost endothelial lining of the heart.
Endoscopy
A minimally invasive procedure that allows direct visualization of internal organs.
Endometrium
The inner epithelial lining of the uterus; plays a crucial role during menstruation and pregnancy.
enter/o
Prefix denoting intestine.
Enteropathy
Any disorder of the small intestine.
Enterospasm
Painful, intense peristalsis of the intestinal muscles.
Enterococcus
Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacteria present in the intestinal tract.
eosin/o
Prefix denoting eosin; from Greek eos meaning red, pink-rosy, or dawn-colored.
Eosinophil
A type of leukocyte (white blood cell) characterized histologically by its ability to stain pink-red color with an acidic dye. Eosinophils mediate certain types of inflammation and allergic reactions.
Eosinophilia
The clinical term for an increased eosinophil count; 450 to 550 eosinophils/µL in the bloodstream.
epididym/o
Prefix denoting epididymis. Located at the posterior surface of the testes, the epididymis is a comma-shaped, tightly coiled tubule that acts as the site of sperm storage and maturation until their discharge from the testes.
Epididymectomy
Surgical removal of one or both epididymis.
Epididymitis
Acute or chronic inflammation or swelling of the epididymis caused by a urinary tract or prostate infection, STDs, catheter use, or obstruction in the urethra.
epiglott/o
Prefix denoting epiglottis.
Epiglottis
A thin leaf-shaped cartilaginous flap located just above the larynx; covers the entrance of the larynx and prevents abnormal swallowing and aspiration.
episi/o
Prefix derived from Greek epision, meaning vulva or pubic region.
Episiotomy
Episiotomy, or perineotomy, is a surgical incision of the perineum and vaginal wall to assist vaginal birth.
epitheli/o
Prefix denoting epithelium. The epithelium is a continuous sheet of cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the body.
equi-
Prefix denoting equal or equality.
erg/o
Prefix denoting work. Ergonomics, for example.
erethism/o
Prefix denoting irritation or to irritate.
Erethism
A neuropsychological disorder characterized by an excessive degree of irritability in a tissue or an organ.
erythem/o
Prefix denoting redness or flush on the skin.
Erythema
A type of hypersensitivity, characterized by red, pink, or purple marks on the skin; caused by drug reactions, increased blood flow (hyperemia) in superficial capillaries, skin injury and autoimmune diseases.
erythr/o
Prefix denoting red.
Erythrocyte
Mature red blood cells (RBC); cellular components of blood, which give the blood its characteristic color and carry gases and nutrients throughout the human body.
Erythroderma
Literally ‘red skin’, an inflammatory skin condition with intense and widespread reddening of the skin.
Erythroblast
Precursor red blood cells
Erythropoiesis
Erythropoiesis, the formation of red blood cells from multipotent hematopoietic stem cells; takes place in the yolk sac, spleen, and liver.
Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone secreted by fibroblasts in the renal cortex, stimulates erythropoiesis.
eschar/o
Prefix denoting eschar, the scab or dead tissue formed, particularly after cautery or burning.
Escharotomy
Surgical incision of the eschar. An escharotomy is performed when circumferential burns impair circulation and or respiration.
-esis
Suffix denoting an action, condition, process, or state.
Enuresis
The medical term for the act of involuntary urination; caused by anxiety, constipation, urinary tract infection, sleep apnea, or diabetes.
eso-
Prefix denoting into, inward, or within.
Esotropia
Inward deviation (convergence) of one or both eyes. Esotropia can be acquired (due to diabetes, hypothyroidism, and genetic disorders) or present at birth.
esophag/o
Denoting the esophagus, a hollow, muscular tube of the digestive system, about 24 cm long, which connects the pharynx to the stomach.
esthes/o, esthesi/o, -esthesia
Prefix denoting feeling or sensation.
Anesthesia
A local or general insensitivity to pain, as when an anesthetic is administered during surgery.
Hyperesthesia
A somatosensory disorder characterized by an increased sensitivity to pain, heat, cold, or touch
Paresthesia
An abnormal burning, prickling, or numbness felt in the extremities with no apparent physical cause.
Bradyesthesia
Slowed or dulled perception.
estr/o
Prefix denoting female.
Estrogen
Group of steroid hormones that primarily influence the menstrual cycle and the development of secondary sex characteristics in females.
ethm/o
Prefix denoting porous or sieve. From Greek
ethmos.
Ethmoid bone
A cuboid-shaped, porous cranial bone that contributes to the molding of the orbit, nasal cavity, and the superior sinuses.
eti/o
Prefix denoting cause or origin.
Etiology
The study of causes, as in the causes of a disease or an abnormality.
eu-
Prefix denoting good, normal, proper, or well.
Eupnea
Resting breathing or quiet, unlabored respiration.
-eurysm
Suffix denoting aneurysm, a localized bulge or ballooning in the wall of an artery. Caused by hypertension or atherosclerosis, the aneurysm is most common in the brain, aorta, legs, and spleen.
exanthemat/o
Prefix denoting rash or breaking out.
Exanthema
A skin eruption or rash accompanying measles or scarlet fever.
ex- exo-
Prefix denoting outer, outside, or away from.
Exogenous
Growing or originating outside the body
Exocrine gland
A gland that secretes hormones and neurotransmitters externally into ducts in the epithelium, such as an oil gland or a sweat gland.
Exophthalmia
Exophthalmia, also called proptosis, or exorbitism, the abnormal protrusion of one or both eyeballs outwards. Exophthalmia can be congenital and familial, or due to pathology, such as Graves’ disease or tumors.
Exotropia
Unilateral divergence of the eyes, away from the nose, also called wall-eye.
extra-
Prefix denoting beyond; outside of.
Extrahepatic
Situated outside the liver. Extrahepatic bile duct, for example. A part of the biliary system,
Extraocular
