Practice Prefixes Handout: Adding Prefixes

Practice Prefixes Handoutpractice Adding Prefixes PREFIXES DEFINITION a-, an- no, not, without, away aut- self brady- slow dia- apart, through end-, endo- within, inside exo- outside of, without epi- above hyper- excessive hypo- insufficient inter- between intra- middle media- medium medial- situated or pertaining to the middle medi- middle medio- within normo- normal per- through peri- around physio-, physi- related to nature or physiology poly- many pro- before, for, in front of, from, in behalf of, on account of re- back, again retro- behind, back, backward sub- under, below, beneath, in small quantity, less than normal syn-, sy-, syl-, sym- union or association tachy- fast trans- across, through, beyond, over ultra- excess Ref: Prefixes are used at the beginning of a word to modify or vary the meaning of the word. When the prefixes are detached from a term, it is followed by a hyphen (-).

Paper For Above instruction

Prefixes are essential morphological units in the English language and various medical terminologies that significantly modify the base words' meanings. When added to the beginning of a word, prefixes can invert, intensify, specify, or otherwise alter the meaning, providing a nuanced layer of information. This paper explores common prefixes, their definitions, and their roles in the language, with attention to medical terminology where these prefixes are frequently applied.

One of the most common prefixes is "a-" or "an-," both meaning "no," "not," "without," or "away." For example, "amoral" indicates the absence of morals, while "anesthesia" refers to a state of "without sensation." These prefixes are crucial in medical and everyday language, helping articulate states of absence or negation. Similarly, prefixes like "auto-" meaning "self," describe processes or behaviors originating within the individual, such as "autoimmune," which refers to a malfunction where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.

The prefix "brady-" means "slow" and is often used in medical contexts such as "bradycardia," indicating a slower than normal heart rate. This prefix helps healthcare professionals diagnose and communicate conditions precisely. Conversely, "dia-" means "apart," "through," or "across," appearing in words like "diagnosis" or "dialysis," where processes of separation or comprehensive examination occur.

Prefixes such as "end-" or "endo-" denote "within" or "inside," essential in describing anatomical features like "endocardium," the tissue lining the interior of the heart. On the other hand, "exo-" signifies "outside" or "without," as in "exoskeleton," a structural element external to an organism's body. These prefixes enable precise anatomical and physiological descriptions aiding in medical diagnosis and research.

The prefix "epi-" meaning "above" or "upon," features prominently in terms like "epicenter" or "epidermis," indicating location or surface. Similarly, "hyper-" indicates "excess" or "over," used in words such as "hypertension" (high blood pressure). Its counterpart, "hypo-," meaning "under" or "deficient," appears in "hypoglycemia," which indicates low blood sugar levels. Both prefixes are vital in describing abnormal states or conditions, especially in clinical settings.

The concept of "inter-" and "intra-" pertains to positioning within or between structures. "Inter-" translates to "between," as in "intercellular" or "intervention," implying occurring between cells or during a process. "Intra-" means "inside" or "within," seen in "intracellular" or "intravenous," where actions or characteristics are confined within a structure or system.

Similarly, "media-" and "medi-" relate to "medium" or "middle." "Media-" refers to the plural form indicating "mediums," while "medi-" or "medial-" pertains to the middle, crucial in anatomical descriptions of body parts situated toward the center. "Medio-" also relates to "within," emphasizing internal or central aspects of structures.

"Peri-" means "around" or "surrounding," as in "pericardium," the membrane surrounding the heart, or "perimeter," the boundary of a space. "Physio-" and "physi-" relate to "nature" or "physiology," essential in descriptors like "physiotherapy" or "physiology," emphasizing natural functions and processes.

The prefix "poly-" means "many," used in terms like "polysyllabic" or "polyarthritis," indicating multiple parts or conditions. "Pro-" signifies "before," "for," or "in front of," found in "prognosis" or "prevent," emphasizing forward-looking or supporting actions.

"Re-" means "back" or "again," signaling repetition or return, as in "revisit" or "reassess." "Retro-" indicates "behind" or "backward," used in "retrospective" or "retrograde," denoting actions or processes moving backward in time or direction.

The prefix "sub-" denotes "under," "below," or "less than normal," found in "subcutaneous" or "subclinical." "Syn-", "sy-", "syl-", or "sym-" imply union or association, as in "symbiosis" or "synchronize," emphasizing connection or cooperation.

"Tachy-" indicates "fast," as in "tachycardia," a rapid heart beat, and is often used in medical terminology. The prefix "trans-" means "across," "through," or "beyond," seen in "transdermal" or "transport," describing movement across boundaries.

Finally, "ultra-" signifies "excess," "beyond," or "extreme," used in terms such as "ultraviolet" or "ultrasound," representing beyond the visible or normal physical limits. Collectively, these prefixes help expand our vocabulary and precision in describing conditions, positions, quantities, and relationships within various fields, especially medicine.

References

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