GlobalRPh Medical Terminology Section- Letter K
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 K, and features medical roots, prefixes and suffixes. Introduction to Medical Terminology.
Medical Terminology - Letter K
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kal/i
potassium
kary/o
nucleus
kel/o
tumor, fibrous growth
kerat/o
cornea; hard, horny tissue
keraun/o
lightning
kern-
nucleus (collection of nerve cells in the brain)
ket/o
ketones; acetones
keton/o
ketones; acetones
kines/o
movement
kinesi/o
movement
-kinesis
movement
klept/o
to steal
koil/o
hollow, concave, depressed
kraur/o
dry
kym/o
waves
kyph/o
humpback
Word Building and Medical Terms beginning with the letter K
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K
keratoscope
Prefix:
Prefix Definition:
1st Root Word: kerat/o
1st Root Definition: cornea; hard; horny tissue
2nd Root Word:
2nd Root Word Definition:
Suffix: -scope
Suffix Definition: instrument for visual examination
Definition: instrument used to evaluate the shape of the anterior surface
of the cornea
kinesthesia
Prefix:
Prefix Definition:
1st Root Word: kines/o
1st Root Definition: movement
2nd Root Word:
2nd Root Word Definition:
Suffix: -esthesia
Suffix Definition: nervous sensation
Definition: sense that identifies bodily position; weight; movement of muscles,
tendons and joints
koilocyte
Prefix:
Prefix Definition:
1st Root Word: koil/o
1st Root Definition: hollow; concaved; depressed
2nd Root Word:
2nd Root Word Definition:
Suffix: -cyte
Suffix Definition: cell
Definition: squamous epithelial cell that has gone through a number of
structural changes
kyphoscoliosis
Prefix:
Prefix Definition:
1st Root Word: kyph/o
1st Root Definition: humpback
2nd Root Word:
2nd Root Word Definition:
Suffix: -osis
Suffix Definition: condition, usually abnormal
Definition: combination of lateral and outward curvature of the spine
Increasing your understanding of medical terminology
Additional references:
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. 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.
