Greek/Latin Roots Master Flashcards
cap
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Head
Example: Captain; decapitate
The heartless king used the guillotine to decapitate his enemies; its sharp blade sliced and made heads roll on the ground.
anti
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Against; opposite
Example: antibiotic; antiseptic
The doctor prescribed the patient an antibiotic for her ear infection.
auto
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Self
Example: autopilot; autograph
The author sold autographed copies of her bestselling novel to her rabid fans.
bio
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Life
Example: biography; biodiversity
The biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest is being threatened by deforestation; many animal and plant species are becoming extinct.
centr
Origin: Latin
Meaning: center
Examples: centrifuge; central
The scientist placed the blood sample in the centrifuge; as the machine spun rapidly it separated the plasma and red blood cells.
log
Origin: Greek
Meaning: word
Examples: monologue, dialogue
The audience erupted in laughter as the comedian delivered a witty and entertaining monologue on stage; reciting a lengthy satire with comical theatrics earned him a rousing standing ovation.
cycl
Origin: Latin
Meaning: circle
Examples: cyclist; recycle; cyclone
The experienced cyclist effortlessly navigated the bustling city; avoiding potholes as the circular tires on the bike spun and swerved with each pedal stroke.
man
Origin: Latin
Meaning: hand
Examples: manuscript, manufacture
The author took several years to perfect her manuscript as each word was written by hand.
logy
Origin: Greek
Meaning: study of
Examples: entomology, etymology
The entomology department observes and studies diverse insects from around the world.
form
Origin: Latin
Meaning: shape
Examples: transformation; deformed
The slumbering caterpillar underwent a remarkable transformation within the chrysalis; metamorphosing its fuzzy body into a magnificent butterfly with iridescent wings.
meter
Origin: Greek
Meaning: measure
Examples: pedometer, thermometer
She wore a pedometer to track her daily steps and maintain her health.
multi
Origin: Latin
Meaning: many, much
Examples: multiply, multicolor
The rainbow was multicolor; it was a prism of many colors.
ped
Origin: Latin
Meaning: foot
Examples: pedestrian, centipede
I shrieked when I saw a creepy centipede scurrying across the floor; its wriggly segmented body had multiple pairs of feet.
phone
Origin: Greek
Meaning: sound
Examples: microphone, telephone
The singer’s powerful vocals captivated the audience; the sound of her voice was amplified by the microphone.
aster/astr
Origin: Greek
Meaning: star
Examples: astronomy, asteroid
The stargazer loves astronomy and every night she peers through her telescope to study the stars.
aud
Origin: Latin
Meaning: hear
Examples: audible, audiobook
She listened to an audiobook while driving to work; engrossed in the fascinating story being read out loud by the narrator.
dic/dict
Origin: Latin
Meaning: say
Examples: predict, verdict
After finding the man guilty, the jury recited the verdict to the judge in the courtroom.
geo
Origin: Greek
Meaning earth/ground
Examples: geography, geologist
The geologist examined the rock formation to determine the age of the earth’s crust.
graph
Origin: Greek
Meaning: written
Examples: telegraph, biography
The early invention of the telegraph allowed people to transmit written messages from afar.
Ject
Origin: Latin
Meaning: thrown
Examples: projector, eject
The pilot was alerted to engine failure, so he pressed the eject button and was propelled safely out of the plane.