Word building rules

Question 1

Word Root

Answer 1

Basic foundation of a word, to which component parts are added. Also called stem of word or the base of a word. Word roots keep their same meaning throughout. Adding prefixes and suffixes changes the meaning.

Question 2

Combining Form

Answer 2

Created when a word root is combines with a vowel.
cardi / o / my / o / pathy
root + vowel + root + vowel + suffix

root + vowel = combining form

Question 3

Suffix

Answer 3

A word element attached at the end of the word root. All medical words have an ending, or suffix, unless the root is a word itself. If the suffix begins with a vowel the root will attach directly, if it begins with a consonant the root will need a combining vowel before attaching to the suffix.

Question 4

Prefix

Answer 4

Added at the beginning of the word. Not part of all medical words.

Question 5

Compound word

Answer 5

compound words are usually composed in the following order:

combining form + word root + suffix

Question 6

Defining medical words

Answer 6

the definition of a medical word usually begins with defining the suffix (the word ending) first an continuing to “read” backward through the word as you define it.

Define suffix first, prefix second, and root(s) last.