All root words Flashcards
1
Q
What does the prefix ‘a-‘ or ‘an-‘ mean?
A
not, without, lacking
Used in atypical, anhydrous, anaerobic.
2
Q
What does the suffix ‘-able’ signify?
A
capable of
Used in usable, reliable, adaptable.
3
Q
What is the meaning of the suffix ‘-aceous’?
A
of or pertaining to
Used in herbaceous, cretaceous, rosaceous.
4
Q
What does the prefix ‘adip-‘ refer to?
A
fat
Used in adipose, adipocyte, adiposity.
5
Q
What does the prefix ‘aero-‘ indicate?
A
air
Used in aerodynamics, aerobic, aerospace.
6
Q
What does the prefix ‘agri-‘ mean?
A
field, soil
Used in agriculture, agronomy, agribusiness.
7
Q
What does the prefix ‘ambi-‘ mean?
A
both
Used in ambidextrous, ambivalent, ambiguous.
8
Q
What does the prefix ‘amyl-‘ refer to?
A
starch
Used in amylase, amylose, amyloplast.
9
Q
What does the prefix ‘ante-‘ signify?
A
before, ahead of time
Used in antecedent, anterior, antechamber.
10
Q
What does the prefix ‘antho-‘ mean?
A
flower
Used in anthology, anthocyanin, anthophile.
11
Q
What does the prefix ‘anti-‘ indicate?
A
against, opposite
Used in antibiotic, antidote, antiseptic.
12
Q
What does the prefix ‘aqu-‘ refer to?
A
water
Used in aquatic, aquarium, aqueduct.
13
Q
What does the suffix ‘-ase’ signify?
A
forms names of enzymes
Used in lactase, amylase, polymerase.
14
Q
What does the prefix ‘auto-‘ mean?
A
self
Used in autobiography, autocracy, automatic.
15
Q
What does the prefix ‘bacter-‘ or ‘bactr-‘ refer to?
A
bacterium, stick, club
Used in bacteriology, bactericide, bacterium.
16
Q
What does the prefix ‘bi-‘ signify?
A
two
Used in bicycle, binary, bipedal.
17
Q
What does the prefix ‘bio-‘ mean?
A
life, living
Used in biology, biography, biosphere.
18
Q
What does the suffix ‘-blast-‘ indicate?
A
sprout, germ, bud
Used in blastocyst, osteoblast, fibroblast.
19
Q
What does the prefix ‘brev-‘ mean?
A
short
Used in brevity, abbreviation, brevet.
20
Q
What does the prefix ‘calor-‘ refer to?
A
heat
Used in calorie, calorimetry, calorific.
21
Q
What does the prefix ‘carcin-‘ indicate?
A
cancer
Used in carcinoma, carcinogen, carcinogenic.
22
Q
What does the prefix ‘cardi-‘ mean?
A
heart
Used in cardiac, cardiology, cardiovascular.
23
Q
What does the prefix ‘carn-‘ signify?
A
meat, flesh
Used in carnivore, carnage, carnal.
24
Q
What does the prefix ‘carp-‘ refer to?
A
fruit
Used in pericarp, endocarp, exocarp.
25
What does the prefix 'carpal-' mean?
wrist
## Footnote
Used in carpal, metacarpal, carpal tunnel.
26
What does the prefix 'cata-' indicate?
breakdown, downward
## Footnote
Used in catabolism, catalyst, catastrophe.
27
What does the prefix 'caud-' refer to?
tail
## Footnote
Used in caudal, caudate, caudiform.
28
What does the suffix '-cell-' signify?
chamber, small room
## Footnote
Used in cellular, multicellular, unicellular.
29
What does the prefix 'centi-' mean?
hundredth
## Footnote
Used in centimeter, centigrade, centiliter.
30
What does the prefix 'centr-' refer to?
center
## Footnote
Used in central, centrifuge, concentric.
31
What does the prefix 'cephal-' indicate?
head
## Footnote
Used in cephalic, encephalitis, cephalopod.
32
What does the prefix 'cerebr-' mean?
brain
## Footnote
Used in cerebral, cerebellum, cerebrospinal.
33
What does the prefix 'chel-' refer to?
claw
## Footnote
Used in chelate, chelicerate, chela.
34
What does the prefix 'chem-' signify?
dealing with chemicals
## Footnote
Used in chemistry, chemical, chemist.
35
What does the prefix 'chlor-' mean?
green
## Footnote
Used in chlorophyll, chloroplast, chlorine.
36
What does the prefix 'co-' indicate?
with, together
## Footnote
Used in cooperate, coauthor, coexist.
37
What does the prefix 'coel-' refer to?
hollow
## Footnote
Used in coelom, coelenterate, blastocoel.
38
What does the prefix 'coll-' refer to?
glue
## Footnote
Used in collagen, colloid, colloquial.
39
What does the prefix 'coni-' mean?
cone
## Footnote
Used in conifer, conical, conidium.
40
What does the prefix 'contra-' signify?
against
## Footnote
Used in contradict, contraception, contravene.
41
What does the prefix 'corp-' indicate?
body
## Footnote
Used in corpse, corporal, corporation.
42
What does the prefix 'cort-' or 'cortic-' refer to?
outer layer
## Footnote
Used in cortex, cortical, cortisone.
43
What does the prefix 'cotyl-' mean?
cup
## Footnote
Used in cotyledon, cotyliform, cotyloid.
44
What does the prefix 'counter-' signify?
against
## Footnote
Used in counteract, counterargument, counterbalance.
45
What does the prefix 'crani-' refer to?
skull
## Footnote
Used in cranium, cranial, craniotomy.
46
What does the suffix '-cul-' or '-cule' mean?
small, diminutive
## Footnote
Used in molecule, minuscule, corpuscle.
47
What does the prefix 'cuti-' refer to?
skin
## Footnote
Used in cuticle, cutaneous, subcutaneous.
48
What does the prefix 'cyan-' indicate?
blue
## Footnote
Used in cyanosis, cyanobacteria, cyanide.
49
What does the suffix '-cyst-' signify?
sac, pouch, bladder
## Footnote
Used in cystic, cystitis, cystoscope.
50
What does the prefix 'cyt-' or '-cyte' refer to?
cell, hollow container
## Footnote
Used in cytology, leukocyte, erythrocyte.
51
What does the prefix 'de-' mean?
away from, down
## Footnote
Used in deactivate, descend, decompose.
52
What does the prefix 'deca-' signify?
ten
## Footnote
Used in decagon, decade, decathlon.
53
What does the prefix 'deci-' refer to?
tenth
## Footnote
Used in decimeter, decibel, deciliter.
54
What does the prefix 'dendr-' mean?
tree
## Footnote
Used in dendrite, dendrology, dendritic.
55
What does the prefix 'derm-' refer to?
skin
## Footnote
Used in dermatology, epidermis, hypodermic.
56
What does the prefix 'di-' or 'dipl-' mean?
two, double
## Footnote
Used in diploid, diploma, diplomatic.
57
What does the prefix 'di-' or 'dia-' signify?
through, across, apart
## Footnote
Used in diameter, dialysis, diagonal.
58
What does the prefix 'du-' or 'duo-' mean?
two
## Footnote
Used in dual, duet, duopoly.
59
What does the prefix 'echin-' refer to?
spiny, prickly
## Footnote
Used in echinoderm, echinate, echinoid.
60
What does the prefix 'eco-' mean?
house
## Footnote
Used in ecology, economy, ecosystem.
61
What does the prefix 'ecto-' signify?
outside of
## Footnote
Used in ectoderm, ectoplasm, ectopic.
62
What does the suffix '-emia' indicate?
blood
## Footnote
Used in anemia, leukemia, septicemia.
63
What does the prefix 'en-', 'endo-', or 'ent-' mean?
in, into, within
## Footnote
Used in endoskeleton, endocrine, endothermic.
64
What does the prefix 'entom-' refer to?
insects
## Footnote
Used in entomology, entomophagous, entomophobia.
65
What does the prefix 'epi-' signify?
upon, above, over
## Footnote
Used in epidermis, epilogue, epitaph.
66
What does the prefix 'erythro-' mean?
red
## Footnote
Used in erythrocyte, erythropoietin, erythromycin.
67
What does the prefix 'eu-' refer to?
well, good, true, normal
## Footnote
Used in euphoria, eukaryote, euphemism.
68
What does the prefix 'flor-' signify?
flower
## Footnote
Used in floral, florist, florescence.
69
What does the prefix 'foli-' mean?
leaf
## Footnote
Used in foliage, folio, exfoliate.
70
What does the prefix 'fract-' refer to?
break
## Footnote
Used in fracture, fraction, refraction.
71
What does the suffix '-gam-' indicate?
marriage
## Footnote
Used in gamete, polygamy, monogamous.
72
What does the prefix 'gastr-' mean?
stomach
## Footnote
Used in gastritis, gastric, gastropod.
73
What does the suffix '-gene-' signify?
origin, birth
## Footnote
Used in genetics, genealogy, genesis.
74
What does the suffix '-gest-' mean?
carry, produce, bear
## Footnote
Used in gestation, digest, ingest.
75
What does the prefix 'gluc-' or 'glyc-' refer to?
sweet, sugar
## Footnote
Used in glucose, glycogen, hypoglycemia.
76
What does the prefix 'gnath-' mean?
jaw
## Footnote
Used in gnathic, gnathostome, gnathology.
77
What does the prefix 'grav-' signify?
heavy
## Footnote
Used in gravity, gravid, gravitation.
78
What does the prefix 'gymno-' mean?
naked, bare
## Footnote
Used in gymnosperm, gymnoplast, gymnophore.
79
What does the prefix 'gyn-' refer to?
female
## Footnote
Used in gynecology, androgynous, gynophore.
80
What does the prefix 'halo-' indicate?
salt
## Footnote
Used in halophyte, halogen, halite.
81
What does the suffix '-helminth-' signify?
worm
## Footnote
Used in helminth, antihelminthic, helminthiasis.
82
What does the prefix 'hem-' mean?
blood
## Footnote
Used in hemoglobin, hemophilia, hemorrhage.
83
What does the prefix 'hemi-' refer to?
half
## Footnote
Used in hemisphere, hemiplegia, hemimetabolous.
84
What does the prefix 'herb-' signify?
grass, plants
## Footnote
Used in herbivore, herbal, herbicide.
85
What does the prefix 'hetero-' mean?
different, other
## Footnote
Used in heterogeneous, heterosexual, heterozygous.
86
What does the prefix 'hex-' refer to?
six
## Footnote
Used in hexagon, hexapod, hexadecimal.
87
What does the prefix 'hibern-' signify?
winter
## Footnote
Used in hibernate, hibernation, hibernaculum.
88
What does the prefix 'hipp-' mean?
horse
## Footnote
Used in hippopotamus, hippodrome, hippology.
89
What does the prefix 'hist-' refer to?
tissue
## Footnote
Used in histology, histamine, histopathology.
90
What does the prefix 'holo-' signify?
entire, whole
## Footnote
Used in hologram, holocaust, holistic.
91
What does the prefix 'homo-' mean?
man, human
## Footnote
Used in hominid, homicide, Homo sapiens.
92
What does the prefix 'homo-' also refer to?
same, alike
## Footnote
Used in homogeneous, homologous, homonym.
93
What does the prefix 'hort-' mean?
garden
## Footnote
Used in horticulture, horticultural, hortatory.
94
What does the prefix 'hydr-' refer to?
water
## Footnote
Used in hydrolysis, hydrophobia, hydrodynamic.
95
What does the prefix 'hyper-' signify?
above, beyond, over
## Footnote
Used in hyperactive, hypertension, hyperbole.
96
What does the prefix 'hypo-' mean?
below, under, less
## Footnote
Used in hypothermia, hypothesis, hypoglycemia.
97
What does the suffix '-ichthy-' refer to?
fish
## Footnote
Used in ichthyology, ichthyosaur, ichthyolite.
98
What does the prefix 'inter-' signify?
between
## Footnote
Used in international, intercept, interstellar.
99
What does the prefix 'intra-' refer to?
within
## Footnote
Used in intravenous, intramural, intrastellar.
100
What does the prefix 'iso-' mean?
equal, same
## Footnote
Used in isometric, isotope, isosceles.
101
What does the suffix '-ist' signify?
person who deals with
## Footnote
Used in biologist, artist, chemist.
102
What does the suffix '-kary-' refer to?
cell nucleus
## Footnote
Used in eukaryote, karyotype, prokaryote.
103
What does the prefix 'kilo-' mean?
thousand
## Footnote
Used in kilogram, kilometer, kilowatt.
104
What does the prefix 'lat-' refer to?
side
## Footnote
Used in lateral, latitude, latissimus.
105
What does the suffix '-less' signify?
without
## Footnote
Used in fearless, endless, powerless.
106
What does the prefix 'leuc-' or 'leuk-' mean?
white, bright, light
## Footnote
Used in leukocyte, leukemia, leucine.
107
What does the suffix '-logist' indicate?
one who studies
## Footnote
Used in biologist, geologist, psychologist.
108
What does the suffix '-logy' refer to?
study of
## Footnote
Used in biology, geology, psychology.
109
What does the suffix '-lys', '-lyt', or '-lyst' signify?
decompose, split, dissolve
## Footnote
Used in analysis, catalyst, electrolysis.
110
What does the prefix 'macr-' mean?
large
## Footnote
Used in macroeconomics, macrophage, macromolecule.
111
What does the prefix 'mela-' or 'melan-' refer to?
black, dark
## Footnote
Used in melanin, melanoma, melancholic.
112
What does the suffix '-meter' or '-metry' signify?
measurement
## Footnote
Used in thermometer, geometry, barometer.
113
What does the prefix 'micro-' mean?
small, millionth
## Footnote
Used in microscope, microorganism, microsecond.
114
What does the prefix 'milli-' refer to?
thousandth
## Footnote
Used in millimeter, milligram, milliliter.
115
What does the prefix 'mis-' signify?
wrong, incorrect
## Footnote
Used in mistake, misunderstand, misfire.
116
What does the prefix 'mito-' mean?
thread
## Footnote
Used in mitosis, mitochondria, mitotic.
117
What does the prefix 'mole-' refer to?
mass
## Footnote
Used in molecule, molar, molality.
118
What does the prefix 'mono-' mean?
one, single
## Footnote
Used in monopoly, monologue, monotheism.
119
What does the prefix 'morph-' signify?
shape, form
## Footnote
Used in morphology, morphogenesis, metamorphosis.
120
What does the prefix 'multi-' mean?
many
## Footnote
Used in multiple, multicultural, multivitamin.
121
What does the prefix 'mut-' refer to?
change
## Footnote
Used in mutation, mutable, mutagen.
122
What does the prefix 'myc-' mean?
fungus
## Footnote
Used in mycology, mycosis, mycelium.
123
What does the prefix 'mycel-' refer to?
threadlike
## Footnote
Used in mycelium, mycelial, myceloid.
124
What does the prefix 'nemat-' signify?
thread worm
## Footnote
Used in nematode, nematocyst, nematology.
125
What does the prefix 'neo-' mean?
new, recent
## Footnote
Used in neolithic, neonatal, neophyte.
126
What does the prefix 'nephro-' refer to?
kidney
## Footnote
Used in nephron, nephrology, nephritis.
127
What does the prefix 'neur-' mean?
nerve
## Footnote
Used in neuron, neurology, neurotic.
128
What does the prefix 'non-' signify?
not
## Footnote
Used in nonconformist, nonessential, nonspecific.
129
What does the prefix 'nuc-' refer to?
center
## Footnote
Used in nucleus, nucleotide, nuclear.
130
What does the prefix 'oct-' mean?
eight
## Footnote
Used in octagon, octave, octopus.
131
What does the prefix 'oligo-' signify?
few, little
## Footnote
Used in oligarchy, oligonucleotide, oligopoly.
132
What does the suffix '-oma' refer to?
abnormal, tumor
## Footnote
Used in carcinoma, melanoma, hematoma.
133
What does the prefix 'omni-' mean?
all
## Footnote
Used in omniscient, omnivore, omnipresent.
134
What does the prefix 'onc-' refer to?
mass, tumor
## Footnote
Used in oncology, oncogene, oncolytic.
135
What does the prefix 'oo-' signify?
egg
## Footnote
Used in oocyte, oogenesis, oophorectomy.
136
What does the prefix 'ornith-' mean?
bird
## Footnote
Used in ornithology, ornithopter, ornithomancy.
137
What does the prefix 'pleur-' refer to?
lung, rib, side
## Footnote
Used in pleurisy, pleura, pleurodynia.
138
What does the prefix 'pneumo-' signify?
lungs, air
## Footnote
Used in pneumonia, pneumothorax, pneumonitis.
139
What does the suffix '-pod' mean?
foot
## Footnote
Used in podiatry, arthropod, cephalopod.
140
What does the prefix 'por-' refer to?
opening
## Footnote
Used in porous, pore, porosity.
141
What does the prefix 'pre-' mean?
before, ahead of time
## Footnote
Used in preview, predict, precede.
142
What does the prefix 'pseudo-' signify?
false, deceptive
## Footnote
Used in pseudonym, pseudoscience, pseudopod.
143
What does the prefix 'pter-' refer to?
having wings or fins
## Footnote
Used in pterodactyl, helicopter, pteranodon.
144
What does the prefix 'quadr-' mean?
four
## Footnote
Used in quadrilateral, quadriceps, quadruped.
145
What does the prefix 'quin-' signify?
five
## Footnote
Used in quintet, quintuplet, quintessence.
146
What does the prefix 're-' mean?
again, back
## Footnote
Used in return, regenerate, recall.
147
What does the suffix 'rhag-' or '-rrhage' refer to?
burst forth
## Footnote
Used in hemorrhage, menorrhagia, rhagades.
148
What does the prefix 'rhiz-' mean?
root
## Footnote
Used in rhizome, rhizoid, rhizosphere.
149
What does the prefix 'sacchar-' signify?
sugar
## Footnote
Used in saccharine, saccharide, saccharose.
150
What does the prefix 'sapr-' mean?
rotten
## Footnote
Used in saprophyte, saprogenic, saprolite.
151
What does the prefix 'sarc-' refer to?
flesh
## Footnote
Used in sarcophagus, sarcoma, sarcopenia.
152
What does the prefix 'saur-' mean?
lizard
## Footnote
Used in dinosaur, saurian, sauropod.
153
What does the prefix 'sci-' signify?
know
## Footnote
Used in science, omniscient, conscious.
154
What does the suffix '-scop-' refer to?
look, device for seeing
## Footnote
Used in microscope, telescope.
155
What does the prefix 'sacchar-' mean?
Used in saccharine, saccharide, saccharose
## Footnote
'Sacchar-' is derived from Latin, meaning 'sugar'.
156
What does the prefix 'sapr-' refer to?
Used in saprophyte, saprogenic, saprolite
## Footnote
'Sapr-' comes from Greek, meaning 'rotten'.
157
What is the meaning of the prefix 'sarc-'?
Used in sarcophagus, sarcoma, sarcopenia
## Footnote
'Sarc-' is derived from Greek and means 'flesh'.
158
What does the prefix 'saur-' signify?
Used in dinosaur, saurian, sauropod
## Footnote
'Saur-' comes from Greek, meaning 'lizard'.
159
What does the prefix 'sci-' mean?
Used in science, omniscient, conscious
## Footnote
'Sci-' is from Latin, meaning 'know'.
160
What is the meaning of the suffix '-scop-'?
Used in microscope, telescope, endoscope
## Footnote
'-scop-' comes from Greek, meaning 'look' or 'device for seeing'.
161
What do the suffixes '-scribe' and '-script' mean?
Used in describe, manuscript, transcript
## Footnote
These are derived from Latin, meaning 'write'.
162
Fill in the blank: The prefix 'semi-' means _______.
half, partly
## Footnote
'Semi-' is derived from Latin.
163
What does the prefix 'sept-' refer to?
Used in septum, septenary, septennial
## Footnote
'Sept-' comes from Latin, meaning 'partition' or 'seven'.
164
What does the prefix 'sex-' mean?
Used in sextet, sextuplet, sexagenarian
## Footnote
'Sex-' is derived from Latin, meaning 'six'.
165
What is the meaning of the prefix 'solv-'?
Used in dissolve, solvent, resolve
## Footnote
'Solv-' comes from Latin, meaning 'loosen, free'.
166
What does the prefix 'som-' or '-some' signify?
Used in somatic, chromosome, lysosome
## Footnote
'Som-' is derived from Greek, meaning 'body'.
167
What does the prefix '-sperm-' mean?
Used in spermatozoa, angiosperm, gymnosperm
## Footnote
'-sperm-' comes from Greek, meaning 'seed'.
168
What does the prefix 'spir-' or '-spire' indicate?
Used in respiration, inspire, transpire
## Footnote
'Spir-' is derived from Latin, meaning 'breathe'.
169
What is the meaning of the prefix '-spor-'?
Used in spore, sporadic, sporogenesis
## Footnote
'-spor-' comes from Greek, meaning 'seed'.
170
What does the prefix 'stom-' or '-stome' refer to?
Used in stomata, protostome, deuterostome
## Footnote
'Stom-' is derived from Greek, meaning 'mouth'.
171
Fill in the blank: The prefix 'sub-' means _______.
under, below
## Footnote
'Sub-' is derived from Latin.
172
What does the prefix 'super-' or 'sur-' indicate?
Used in supervise, surplus, superimpose
## Footnote
These come from Latin, meaning 'over, above, on top'.
173
What does the prefix 'sym-' or 'syn-' mean?
Used in symbiosis, synchronize, synonym
## Footnote
'Sym-' and 'syn-' are derived from Greek, meaning 'together'.
174
What is the meaning of the prefix 'tax-'?
Used in taxonomy, syntax, taxidermy
## Footnote
'Tax-' comes from Greek, meaning 'arrange, put in order'.
175
What does the prefix 'telo-' signify?
Used in telomere, telophase, telesthesia
## Footnote
'Telo-' is derived from Greek, meaning 'end'.
176
What does the prefix 'terr-' refer to?
Used in terrestrial, territory, terrace
## Footnote
'Terr-' comes from Latin, meaning 'earth, land'.
177
What does the prefix 'tetr-' mean?
Used in tetragon, tetrapod, tetrad
## Footnote
'Tetr-' is derived from Greek, meaning 'four'.
178
What is the meaning of the prefix 'therm-'?
Used in thermometer, thermal, thermodynamics
## Footnote
'Therm-' comes from Greek, meaning 'heat'.
179
What does the prefix 'trans-' signify?
Used in transport, transfer, transcontinental
## Footnote
'Trans-' is derived from Latin, meaning 'across'.
180
Fill in the blank: The prefix 'tri-' means _______.
three
## Footnote
'Tri-' is derived from Latin.
181
What does the suffix '-trop-' mean?
Used in tropism, heliotrope, phototropic
## Footnote
'-trop-' comes from Greek, meaning 'turn, change'.
182
What is the meaning of the suffix '-troph-'?
Used in autotroph, heterotroph, dystrophy
## Footnote
'-troph-' is derived from Greek, meaning 'nourishment, one who feeds'.
183
What does the prefix 'uni-' refer to?
Used in unicycle, uniform, unicellular
## Footnote
'Uni-' comes from Latin, meaning 'one'.
184
What does the suffix '-vor-' mean?
Used in carnivore, herbivore, omnivore
## Footnote
'-vor-' is derived from Latin, meaning 'devour, eat'.
185
What does the prefix 'xanth-' indicate?
Used in xanthophyll, xanthoma, xanthoderma
## Footnote
'Xanth-' comes from Greek, meaning 'yellow'.
186
What is the meaning of the prefix 'xero-'?
Used in xerophyte, xerosis, xerostomia
## Footnote
'Xero-' is derived from Greek, meaning 'dry'.
187
What does the prefix 'xyl-' refer to?
Used in xylem, xylophone, xylography
## Footnote
'Xyl-' comes from Greek, meaning 'wood'.
188
What does the prefix 'zo-' or '-zoa' signify?
Used in zoology, protozoa, zodiac
## Footnote
'Zo-' and '-zoa' are derived from Greek, meaning 'animal'.
189
What does the prefix 'zyg-' mean?
Used in zygote, zygomorphic, heterozygous
## Footnote
'Zyg-' comes from Greek, meaning 'joined together'.
