Word Building Rules

Question 1

Rule #1

Answer 1

If suffix starts with a vowel
a combining vowel is NOT needed to join the parts.

arthr/o + -itis = arthritis
You don’t need to keep the “o,” because the suffix starts with a vowel.

Question 2

Rule #2

Answer 2

If the suffix starts with a consonant, a combining vowel IS needed to join the two word parts.

arthr/o + -plasty = arthroplasty

Question 3

Rule #3

Answer 3

If a combining form ends with the same vowel that begins a suffix, one of the vowels is dropped.

endocardi/o + -itis = endocarditis

Question 4

Rule #4

Answer 4

If two or more combining forms are used in a term, the combining vowel is retained between the two, regardless of whether the second combining form is a vowel or a suffix.

gastr/o + enter/o + -itis = gastroenteritis

Question 5

Rule #5

Answer 5

Sometimes when two or more combining forms are used to make a term, special notice needs to be paid to the order in which the combining forms are joined.

esophag/o + gastr/o + duoden/o + -scopy = esophagogastroduodenoscopy