Greek and Latin roots in English

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The following is an alphabetical list of Greek and Latin roots commonly used in English. Those used in medicine and medical terminology are not listed here but instead in Wikipedia's List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes.

Contents

[edit] A

Root Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
a-, ab-, abs- from, away from, away, different from, separated from Latin from Latin ab "away", from Greek apo "away" abridged, absorb, abnormal, abrasion, abstract
a-, an- (related cognate prefix un-) not, without Greek Greek α-/αν- "a-/an" "not" atypical, ahistorical
ac-, ak-, acu- sharp Latin from Latin acutus past participle of acuere "to sharpen", from acus "needle" acid, acupunture
acr-, acro- height, summit, tip Greek Greek άκρος ákros "high", "extreme" acrophobia acrobat, acronym acromegalia
ad- (related cognate prefixes a-, ac-, af-, ag-, al-, ap-, as-, at-) movement to or toward; in addition to Latin from Latin ad "to", "toward" adapt, advance, ascend
adip- fat Latin from Latin adepts, adip- "fat" adipose
aer-, aero- air, atomsphere Greek from Greek aer "air" aeronautics, aerosol,
aesth- feeling, sensation Greek from Greek aisthētikos "of sense perception" from aisthanesthai "to perceive" aesthetics
agr-, agri- field Greek and Latin from Greek agros and Latin ager, agr- "field" agriculture, pilgrim
am-, amor- love, loving Latin Latin amor "love" from amāre "to love" amateur, amorous
ambi- both, on both sides Latin Latin ambi "on both sides" ambidextrous, ambivalent
amphi- around, about, both, on both sides of, both kinds Greek Latin from Greek amphi "on both sides" amphibian
ana- again, against Greek from Greek prefix ana- "again", "against" anaplylaxis anabaptist
anima- breath Latin from Latin anima "breath" animal
ann- anni-, anno- year, yearly Latin from Latin annus "year" annual, anniversary
ant-, anti- against, opposed to, preventive Greek from Greek anti "before" "against" antipodes, antibiotic, antibody,
ante- before, in front of, prior to Latin Latin from Greek anti "before", "against" antediluvian, antebellum, anticipate
ar- burn, dry Latin from Latin arere "be dry or parched" arid
anth-, antho- flower Greek from Greek anthos "flower" anther, anthology
anthropo-, anthro- human Greek from Greek anthropos "man" anthropology, anthropomorphic
archaeo- ancient Greek from Greek arkhaios "ancient" from arhkē "beginning" archeology, archaic
arct- , arcto- Relating to the North Pole or the region near it; relating to cold; used as the scientific name of some bear species, e.g.ursus arctos horribilis Greek from Greek arktos "bear" Arctic Ocean
argent- silver Latin from Latin argentum "silver" argent, Argentina
arthr- , arthro- joint Greek from Greek arthon "joint" arthropod
astr-, astro- star, star shaped Greek from Greek astron "star" astronomy
athl- prize Greek from Greek athlos "contest" athlete
aud-, audi- hearing, listening, sound Latin from Latin audire "to hear" auditorium, auditory, audio
aug- grow, increase Latin from Latin augēre "to increase" augmentation, inauguration
aur- relating to gold, or gold-colored Latin from Latin aurum "gold" aureole, aure
auri- Relating to the ear Latin from Latin auris "ear" auricle
aut- auto- self; directed from within Greek from Greek autos αυτός "self", "same" automobile, autonomy
avi- bird Latin avis "bird" aviary, aviation
axi- axis Greek Latin from Greek axios "worth" axis, axiology

[edit] B

Prefix Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Example
bac- rod shaped Latin from baculum rod bacilla, bacteria
baro- weight, pressure Greek Greek Root/Prefix barometer, barograph, baroreceptor
basi- at the bottom Greek from βαίνω, to walk, march basic, basis (βάσις "step")
bel, belli- war Latin bellum, belli - war belligerent, Ante Bellum
ben- good, well Latin bene (adverb) benefit, benign
bi- two Latin bis, "twice" / bini, "in twos" binocular, bigamy
bibl- book Greek βιβλίον bibliography, bible
bi(o)- life Greek βίος biology, biologist, biosphere
blast- germ, embryo, bud, cell with nucleus Greek βλαστάνω, "to put forth shoots" sideroblast
bor- north Greek / Latin (boreas) βόρρας, "the north wind" borealis
bot- plant Greek botany
bov- ox Latin bovis, bovis - ox bovine
brach-, brachio- arm Greek
brach- short Greek
brad- slow Greek βραδύς bradycardia
branch- gill Greek
brev- short (time) Latin brevis, breve - short, brief brevity
briz- to nod
brom- oats, broom, shadow
bronch- windpipe Greek βρόγχος bronchitis
buc- mouth, cavity Latin bucca
bulb- bulbous
bulla- bubble, flask Latin ebullio, "to bubble, boil" ebullient
bursa- pouch, purse Latin bursary, disburse

[edit] C

Root Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
cac(o)- bad Greek (kakos) cacophony
cad-, -cid-, cas- fall Latin cadere accident, cadence, case
calc- stone Latin probably from Greek from Latin calx "lime", probably from Greek khalix "pebble" "limestone" calculus, calcite, calcium
calli- beautiful Greek from Greek kallos "beauty" calligraphy
calor- heat Latin calor "heat" calorie
calyp- cover Greek (kaluptein) apocalypse
camer- vault Latin camera bicameral, camera
camp- field Latin campus "field", "level ground" champion, campaign
can(i)- dog Latin canis "dog" canine, Canis Major
can-, cant- sing Latin canere "sing" canto, cantata, cantor
cand- glowing, iridescent Latin candere "to be white or glisten" candid, incandescent, candle, candela
cap-, -cip-, capt-, -cept- take, hold Latin capere "take or hold" (note the vowel change from a to i in compounds) capture, captive, conception, recipient
capit-, -cipit- head Latin caput, capitis "head" capital, chief, chef
capr- goat Latin caper, capri Capricorn, caprine
caps- box, case Latin capsa capsule
carbo- coal Latin carbo, carbonis carbon
carcer- jail Latin carcer, carcerare incarceration
carci- cancer (disease) Latin from Greek Latin from Greek karkinos "crab" carcinoma
cardi(o)- relating to the heart Greek from Greek kardia "heart" cardiology, cardiograph
cardin- hinge Latin cardo, cardinis cardinal
carn- flesh Latin caro, carnis carnival, carnivore
carpo- relating to fruit Greek from Greek karpos "fruit" carpology
carp- relating to the wrist Greek from Greek karpos "wrist" carpal, carpal tunnel syndrome
cata- down Greek kata "down" catastrophe, catatonia
caten- chain Latin catena concatenation
cathar- pure Greek (katharos) catharsis
caud- tail Latin cauda caudal
cav- hollow Latin cavus "hollow" cave, cavity, excavation
ced-, cess- go Latin cedere procession, recede
celer- quick Latin celer, celerare acceleration, celerity
cen(o)- new Greek (kainos)
cen(o)- common Greek (koinos)
cens- Latin censere census
cent- hundred Latin centum "hundred" cent, centennial, centurion
centen- hundred each Latin centeni centenary
centesim- hundredth Latin centesimus centesimal, centesimation
centr- center Greek (kentron) eccentric
cephalo- head Greek from Greek κεφάλι kephale "head" cephalopod, encephalogram
ceram- clay Greek (keramos) ceramic
cerat- horn Greek from Greek keras "horn" ceratin, cornea
cern- Latin cernere discern
cervic- relating to the neck, relating to the cervix Latin cervix, cervicis "neck" cervix, cervical
ceter- other Latin ceterus et cetera
chiro- of the hand or hands Greek from Greek kheir "hand" chiroptera, chiropractic
chelo- relating to a turtle Greek from Greek khelone "tortoise" chelonia
chloro- green Greek from Greek khlōros "green" chlorine, chlorophyll
choreo- relating to dance Greek from Greek khoreia "dancing in unison" from khoros "chorus" choreography
chord- cord Latin chorda "rope" chordata
chrom- color Greek from Greek khrōma "color" chromosome, chromium
chryso- relating gold Greek from Greek khrusos "gold" chrysolite
cili- eyelash Latin cilium cilia
cine- motion Greek (kine-) cinema
ciner- ash Latin cinis, cineris incineration
cing-, cinct- gird Latin cingere succinct
circ- circle Latin circus circus
circum- around Latin circum "around" circumference
cirr- orange Greek kirros cirrhosis
cirr- curl, tentacle Latin cirrus cirrus
civ- citizen Latin civis civility
clad- branch Greek (klados)
clar- clear Latin clarus clarity, declaration
clast- broken Greek from Greek klastos "broken" iconoclast
claud-, -clud-, claus-, -clus- close Latin claudere clause, exclusion
clav- key Greek from Greek kleis "key" from kleiein "to close" conclave
cl(e)ist- closed
cleithr- bar, key
clement- mild Latin clemens, clementis clemency, inclement
clin- bed, lean, recline Latin -clinare declination, inclined
cochl- shell Greek
coel- hollow Greek (koilos)
cogn- know Latin cognitive
col- strain Latin colare, colum colander
coll- neck Latin collum collar
color- color Latin color coloration
con-, co-, col-, com- with, together, joined, against Latin cum connect, collide, compress
condi- season Latin condire condiment
cono- cone Greek konos conic, conical
cond(u)m- protective armor
contra- against Latin contra
copro- dung coprolite
cora(xlg)- raven
cord- heart Latin cor, cordis accord, cordial
corn- horn Latin cornu cornucopia
coron- crown Latin corona, coronare corona, coronation
corpor- body Latin corpus, corporis corporation, corpse
cortic- bark Latin cortex, corticis
cosmet- Greek (kosmet-) cosmetics, cosmetology
cost- rib Latin costa costal
cotyl- cup Greek (kotul-) cotyledon
crani- skull cranium
crass- thick Latin crassus crassitude
cre- make Latin creare creation, creature
crep- shoe
cribi- sieve
cric- ring
cris-, crit- Greek crisis, critic
crisp- curled Latin crispus
crist- crest
crosso- fringe, tassel
cru(rals)- shank
cruc(i)- cross Latin crux, crucis crucial, crucifix, crucify
crypt- hidden Greek (kruptos) cryptic, cryptography
cten- comb
cub- cube Greek (kubos) cubic, cuboid
cub- lie Latin cubare incubation
culin- kitchen Latin culina culinary
culp- blame, fault Latin culpa culpable, exculpate
cune- wedge Latin cuneus cuneiform
curr-, curs- run Latin currere concurrent, recursion
curv- bent Latin curvus curvature
cusp- lance, point Latin cuspis, cuspidis bicuspid
cut(i)- skin Latin cutis cuticle
cyan- blue Greek κυανός (kuanos) cyanide
cycl- circular Greek κύκλος (kuklos) bicycle, cycle, cyclone
cylind- roll Greek (kulindros) cylinder
cyn- dog Greek cynosure
cyst- capsule Greek cystic
cyt- cell Greek cytoplasm

[edit] D

Prefix Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Example
dactyl- finger Greek δάχτυλο, finger dactylology
damn-, -demn- Latin damnare condemn, damnation
deb- owe Latin debere debit
deci- tenth part Latin decimus, tenth; from decem, ten decibel, decimate
deca-, dec-, deka-, dek- ten Greek deka, ten decagram, decahedron
delt- Greek (delta) deltoid
dem- people Greek demos, people demagogue, democracy
den- ten each Latin deni denary
dendr-, dendro- resembling a tree Greek dendron: akin to drys, tree dendrite
dens- thick Latin densus condense, density
dent- tooth Latin dens, dentis dental, dentures
derm- skin Greek δέρμα (derma) skin hypodermic
deuter- second Greek δεύτερος (deuteros) "second" Deuteronomy
dexter- right Latin dexter dexterity
dextro- right Greek δεξ-, right
di- two Greek
dia- apart, through Greek δια diameter
dict- say, speak Latin dictation
digit- finger Latin digitus digital
dino- terrible, fearfully great Greek (deinos) dinosaur
dipl- Greek diploid, diplosis
doc-, doct- teach Latin docere docile, doctor
dodec- twelve Greek δωδεκα (dodeka) dodecasyllabic
dog-/dox- opinion, teaching Greek dogmatic
dom- Latin domus dome
dorm- sleep Latin dormire dormant, dormitory
dors- back Latin dorsum dorsal
dub- doubtful dubious
du- two Latin duo dual
duc-, duct- lead Latin dux abduction, conductor, introduce
dulc- sweet Latin dulcis
dur- hard Latin durus durable
dy- two Greek (duo) dyad
dys- badly, ill Greek δυσ dysentery
dues god Greek

[edit] E

Prefix Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Example
ec- out Greek (ek) eccentric
eco- house Greek (oikos) ecology
ecto- outside Greek (ektos)
ed- eat Latin edere edible
ego- self
em-, empt- buy Latin emere exemption, redeem
embol- thrown in
eme- vomit Greek (emetos) emetic
en- in Greek (en)
endo- inside Greek
engy- narrow Greek
ennea- nine Greek (ennea) ennead, enneagon
ensi- sword
eo- dawn, east Greek
epi- upon Greek (epi) epicenter
episteme- knowledge or science Greek
equ- even, level Latin aequus equal
equ- horse Latin equus equestrian
erg- work Greek (ergon) ergonomics
err- stray Latin errare aberration, errant
eso- within Greek esoteric
eth- Greek (ethos)
ethm- sieve Greek
ethn- Greek (ethnos) ethnic
etym- true Greek (etumos) etymology
eu- well Greek (eu) euphoria
eur- wide Greek (eurus)
ex-, e- from, out of Latin ex
exo- outside Greek exothermic
exter-, extra- outer Latin exterior
extrem- Latin extremus extremity

[edit] F

Prefix Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Example
fab- bean Latin faba
fac-, fact, -fect- make Latin facere factory,manufacture
falc- sickle Latin 'falx, falcis
fallac- false Latin fallax
famili- Latin familiarity
fant- Greek fantasy
fasc(ic)- bundle Latin fascis
fatu- foolish, useless Latin fatuus
feder- Latin foedus confederation, federal
fel- cat Latin feles feline
felic- Latin felix felicity
fell- suck Latin fellare
femin- Latin femina femininity
fend-, fens- Latin fendere defense
fenestr- window Latin fenestra fenestration
fer- carry Latin ferre reference, transfer
feroc- fierce Latin ferox ferocity
ferr- iron Latin ferrum
fet- stink Latin fetere fetid
ficar- fig-like Latin ficus
fid- faith, trust Latin fides confide
fil- thread Latin filum filament
fili- Latin affiliate
find-, fiss- split Latin findere fission
firm- Latin confirmation
fistul- hollow, tube
fl- blow Latin flare inflation
flacc- flabby Latin flaccus flaccid
flav- yellow Latin flavus
flexu- wavy
flect-, flex- bend Latin flectere inflection
flor- flower Latin flos floral, florid
flu-, flux- flow Latin fluere effluent, fluency
foc- hearth Latin focus focal
fod-, foss- dig Latin 'fodere, fossus fossil
foen- hay
foetid- foul-smelling
foli- leaf Latin folium defoliate
font- Latin fons
for- bore Latin forare perforation
form- shape Latin forma deformity, formation
fornic- vault Latin fornix fornication
fort- strong Latin fortis fortification
fovea- shallow round depression
frang-, fract-, frag- break Latin frangere fracture, fragment
frater- brother Latin frater fraternity
fric-, frict- rub Latin friction
frig- cold Latin frigere frigid
front- Latin frons
fruct- fruit Latin
fug- flee Latin fugere centrifuge, fugitive, refuge
fum- smoke Latin
fund-, fus- pour Latin fundere
fung-, funct- do Latin function
fur-, furt- steal Latin furare furtive
furc- fork Latin furca bifurcation
fusc- dark Latin fuscus obfuscation

[edit] G

Root Meaning in English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Example
galact- milk Greek (gala) galactic
gastr- stomach Greek (gaster) gastric
ge(o)- earth Greek γη (gē) geology
gel- icy cold Latin gelum gelatin
ger-, gest- bear, carry Latin gerere digest, gestation
germin- sprout Latin germen, germinis germination
glabr- hairless Latin glaber glabrous
glaci- ice Latin glacies glacier
gladi- sword Latin gladius gladiator
glob- Latin globus global, globule
glori- glory Latin gloria glorify
glutin- glue Latin gluten, glutinis agglutination
grad-, gress- walk, step, go Latin gradus, gradere grade, regress
gramm- letter Greek γραμμα (gramma) grammatic
gran- grain Latin granum granary, granule
grand- grand Latin grandis grandiloquous
graph- draw, write Greek (graphē) graphic, graphology
grat- thank, please Latin gratus gratitude
grav- heavy Latin gravis gravity
greg- flock Latin grex, gregis gregarious, segregation
gubern- Latin gubernare gubernatorial
gust- taste Latin gustus gusto
guttur- throat Latin guttur guttural

[edit] H

Root Meaning in English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
haem- blood Greek (haima) haemophilia
hal- salt Greek (hals) halogen
hal-, -hel- breathe Latin halare anhelation, inhale
hapl- simple Greek (haplos) haploid
haur, haust draw Latin haurire exhaust
heli- sun Greek helium
hemi- half Greek ήμισυς (hemisus) hemisphere
hen- one Greek (hen) henad, hyphen
hendec- eleven Greek (hendeka) hendecagon
hept- seven Greek (hepta) heptagon
her-, hes- cling Latin haerere adhesive, coherent
herb- Latin herba herbicide
herp- creep Greek herpetology
heter(o)- different, other Greek (heteros)
heur- find Greek heuristic
hex- six Greek (hex) hexagon
hibern- wintry Latin hibernus hibernation
hiem- winter Latin hiems hiemal
hipp- horse Greek (hippos) hippodrome
hirsu[t]- hairy Latin hirtus, hirsutus
hispid- bristly Latin hispidus
histri- actor histrionic
hod- way Greek (hodos) cathode
hol- whole Greek (holos) holistic
hom(o)- same Greek (homos)
homeo- like Greek (homoios)
homin- human Latin homo hominid
homal- even, flat Greek (homalos) anomalous
horm- that which excites Greek hormone
hort- garden Latin hortus horticulture
hum- ground Latin humus exhumation
hyal- glass Greek (hualos) hyaline, hyaloid
hydr(o)- water Greek hydrology
hygr- wet Greek (hugros) hygrology
hyo- U-shaped Greek
hyp(o)- under Greek (hupo) hyphen
hyper- above, over Greek (huper)
hypn- sleep Greek (hupnos) hypnosis
hyster- later Greek (husteros) hysteresis

[edit] I

Root Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Example
ichth- fish Greek (ichthus) ichthyology
icos- twenty Greek (eikosi) icosagon, icosahedron
id(o)- shape Greek (eidos) idol
idi(o) personal Greek (idios) idiom, idiosyncrasy, idiot
ign- fire Latin ignis igneous, ignition
in- (1), im- in, on Latin in invite, incur, intend
in- (2), il-, im-, ir- in, un- (negation) Latin in- illicit, impossible, inimical, irrational
infra- under Latin infra infrastructure
insul- island Latin insula insular, insulation
inter- among, between Latin inter (preposition) - among, between intermission, intercollegiate, intercourse
intra- within Latin intra intracollegiate
irasc-, irat- be angry Latin irasci irascible, irate
is(o)- equal, the same Greek (isos) isomorphic, isometric
-(i)tat- property of, quality of Latin quality, liberty
iter- again Latin iterum iteration
itin- route, way Latin iter, itinis - march, journey itinerary

[edit] J

Root Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Example
jac- lie Latin jacēre "to be thrown" adjacent
jac- (originally IAC), -ject- cast, throw Latin iacio, iacere, ieci, iectus - "to throw" (and cognates thereof) eject, interject, ejaculate, trajectory
jan- door Latin janua janitor
joc- joke Latin jocus jocularity
jug- yoke Latin jugare, jugum conjugal, subjugate
junct- join Latin jungere, junctus conjunction, juncture
junior- younger Latin junior juniority
jus-, jur, judic (originally IVS) law, justice Latin ius, iuris; iudex, iudicis; iusticia, iusticiae, etc. justice, jury, judge
juv-, jut- help Latin juvare adjutant
juven- young, youth Latin juvenis juvenile, rejuvenate
juxta- beside, near Latin juxta juxtaposition

[edit] K

Root Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Example
kil(o)- thousand Greek chilioi kilogram, kilometer, kilobyte
kine- movement, motion Greek telekinesis, kinetic energy, kinesthetic
klept- steal Greek (kleptēs) kleptomania
kudo- glory Greek (kudos) kudos

[edit] L

Root Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
lab-, laps- slide, slip Latin labi, lapsus elapse, relapse
labi- lip Latin labia, labiae bilabial, labial
labor- toil Latin labor collaboration, elaboration
lacer- tear Latin lacer laceration
lacrim- cry, tears Latin lacrima "tear" lacrimal, lacrimous
lact- of or pertaining to milk Latin lac, lactare lactate, lactation, lactose
lamin- layer, slice Latin lamina laminate, lamination
lamp- shine Greek lampas "torch" lamp
lapid- stone Latin lapis lapidary
larg- Latin largus enlargement
larv- ghost, mask Latin larva larva, larvae, larval
lat(i)- broad, wide Latin latus latitude
later- side Latin latus bilateral
laud-, laus- praise Latin laudere laud
lav- wash Latin lavare lavatory
lax- Latin laxus, laxare laxative, relaxation
led-, les- hurt Latin laedere, laesus lesion
leni- gentle Latin lenis, lenire leniency
leon- lion Latin leo, leonis "lion" Leo, leonine, Leopold
lep- flake, scale Greek lepis Lepidoptera
leuc(o)-, leuk(o) white Greek leukos leucocyte
lev- lift, light Latin levis "light" (in weight), levare elevator, levitation
liber- free Latin liber, liberare liberation
libr- book Latin liber library
lig- bind Latin ligare ligament, ligature
lin- line Latin linea linearity, line
lingu- language, tongue Latin lingua tongue, language bilingual, linguistic
linqu-, lict- leave Latin linquere relict, relinquish
lip(o)- fat Greek lipos lipolysis
liter- letter Latin littera alliteration, literal, obliterate
lith(o)- stone Greek lithos "stone" monolith, Neolithic Era, lithosphere
loc- place Latin locus local, location
log- thought, word Greek logos "word" monologue, logic, morphological
long- Latin longus elongate, longitude
loqu-, locut- speak Latin loqui allocution, eloquent
luc- bright, light Latin lux, lucis light Lucifer (bearer of light)
lud-, lus- play Latin ludere allude, illusion
lumin- light Latin lumen illumination, luminous
lun- moon Latin luna "moon" lunar, lunatic

[edit] M

Root Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
macr- long Greek μακρός (makros) macron
magn- great, large Latin magnus, magna, magnum - great, large magnificent, magnanimous, majesty (from the comparative, MAJ (originally MAI))
maj- greater Latin major, majus majority, majuscule
mal- bad, wretched Latin malus, mala, malum - bad, wretched malicious, malign
mamm- breast Latin mamma mammary, mammal
man- flow Latin manare emanate
man- stay Latin manere permanent, remanent
mand- hand Latin mandare, mandavi, mandatus mandate, remand
manu- hand Latin manus manual, manuscript
mar- sea Latin mare, maris - sea marine, maritime
mater-, matr- mother Latin mater, matris matrix
maxim- greatest Latin maximus maximal
medi-, -midi- middle Latin medius median, medieval
meg- great, large Greek (megas) megaphone
mei- Greek meiosis
melan- black, dark Greek μέλας (melas) Melanesia, melanoma
melior- better Latin melior amelioration
mell- honey Latin mel, mellis mellifluous
mening- membrane Greek (meninx)
ment- mind Latin mens, mentis demented, mentality
mer- part Greek (meros) polymer
merc- Latin merx, mercis mercantile, merchant
merg-, mers- dip, plunge Latin mergere emerge, immersion
mes- middle Greek (mesos) mesolithic, mesozoic
meter-, metr- measure Greek (metron) metric, thermometer
meta- above, among, beyond Greek (meta) metaphysics
micr- small Greek (mikros) microphone, microscope
milit- soldier Latin miles, militis military, militia
mill- thousand Latin mille millennium, million
millen- thousand each Latin milleni millenary
mim- Greek (mimos) mime, mimic
min- less, smaller Latin minor, minus minority, minuscule
mir- wonder, amazement Latin miror, mirari, miratus sum - I wonder at miracle, mirror, admire
mis- hate Greek (misos) misandry, misogyny
misce-, mixt- mix Latin miscere miscellaneous, mixture
mit- thread Greek (mitos) mitochondrion
mitt-, miss- send Latin mittere intermittent, transmission
mne- Greek mnemonic
mol- grind Latin mola molar
moll- soft Latin mollis emollient, mollify
mon(o)- one Greek (monos) monolith, monotone, monism
mont- mountain Latin mons, montis Montana
morph- form, shape Greek (morphe) morpheme, anthropomorphic, morphology
mort- death Latin mors, mortis immortal, mortality
mov-, mot- move, motion Latin moveo, movere, moti, motus; motor, motoris move, motor, momentum
mulg-, muls- milk Latin mulgere emulsion
mult(i)- many, much Latin multus multitude, multiple, multiplex
mur- wall Latin murus mural
mus- thief Latin musca, muscae; mus, muris mouse
mut- change Latin mutare mutation
my- mouse Greek (mus)
myri- countless, ten thousand Greek (murios) myriad
myth- story Greek (muthos) mythic, mythology
myx- slime Greek (muxa)

meno- moon

mica- grain (Latin) e.g. 'micelle'

monil- string of beads

myo- muscle, mouse

myz- sucker

[edit] N

Root Meaning in English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
nar- nostril Latin naris
narc- numb Greek narcosis, narcotic
narr- tell Latin narrare narrative
nas- nose Latin nasus nasal
nasc-, nat- born Latin nascere, natus nascent, native
naut- ship Greek (naus) astronaut
nav- ship Latin navis naval
ne(o)- new Greek (neos)
necr(o)- dead Greek (nekros)
nect-, nex- join, tie Latin nectere, nexus connection
necto- bananas
neg- say no Latin negare negative
nema- hair Greek
nemoral- in woods
nephr- kidney Greek nephritis
nes- island Greek (nesos) Polynesia
neur- nerve Greek (neuron)
nict- wink Latin nictari nictation
nigr- black Latin niger denigrate
nihil- nothing Latin nihilum annihilation
noct- night Latin nox, noctis nocturnal
nod- knot Latin nodus node, nodule
nom- arrangement, law Greek (nomos)
nomad- Greek (nomas) nomadic
nomin- name Latin nomen, nominis nomination
non- not Latin non
non- ninth Latin nonus nonary
nonagen- ninety each Latin nonageni nonagenary
nonagesim- ninetieth Latin nonagesimus nonagesimal
noth- spurious
noto- back, south Greek (noton)
nov- nine Latin novem novennial
nov- new Latin novus innovation, nova
noven- nine each Latin noveni novenary
novendec- nineteen Latin novendecim
nu- nod Latin
nub- Latin nubes, nubis
nuc- nut Latin nux, nucis
nuch- back of neck
nud- naked Latin nudus denude, nudity
null(i)- none Latin nullus nullify
numer- number Latin numerus numeral
nunti- Latin nuntius
nupti- Latin
nutri- nourish Latin nutrient

[edit] O

Root Meaning in English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
oct- eight Greek (oktō) octagon, octahedron
oct- eight Latin octo octangular, octennial, octovir
octav- eighth Latin octavus octaval
octogen- eighty each Latin octogeni octogenary
octogesim- eightieth Latin octogesimus octogesimal
octon- eight each Latin octoni octonary
ocul- eye Latin oculus ocular
od- hate Latin odium odious
-ode- path, way Greek anode, odometer
odont- tooth Greek (odous) odontology
odor- fragrant
oecious- house of Greek (oikos)
oed- swollen
oen- wine Greek (oinos)
oesoph- gullet Greek (oisophagos)
ogdo- eighth Greek (ogdoos)
-oid like Greek (-oeides)
olecran- skull of elbow
ole- oily Latin
olig- few Greek (oligos) oligarchy
oliv- olive Latin oliva
-ology study of Greek
-oma cancer Greek
omas- paunch Latin omasum
oment- fat skin Latin omentum
omin- Latin omen, ominis ominous
omm- eye
omni- all Latin omnis omnipotence
omo- shoulder
omphal- navel Greek omphalectomy
oner- burden Latin onus, oneris onerous
onom- name Greek όνομα (onoma) onomatopoeia
ont- existing Greek ontology
-onym name Greek (-onum) pseudonym
oo- egg Greek (oion)
opac- shady Latin opacus opacity
oper- work Latin opus, operis opera
opt- choose Latin optare optional
optim- best Latin optimus optimum
op(t)- eye
operculum- little cover
ophi- snake
ophthalm- eye Greek (ophthalmos) ophthalmology
opisth- behind Greek
opoter- either
or- mouth Latin os, oris oral, orator
orb- circle Latin orbis orbit
orch- testicle
ordin- Latin ordo, ordinis ordinal, ordinary
ori- Eastern Latin oriri orient
orn- Latin ornare ornament, ornate
ornith- bird Greek ornithology
orth- straight Greek (orthos) orthosis
os(ti)- mouth
os(s/t)- bone osteoporosis
oscill- swing Latin oscillation
ostrac- shell Greek ostracize
ot- ear Greek otology
ov- egg Latin ovum oval, ovule
ovi- sheep Latin ovis ovine
oxy- sharp, pointed Greek (oxus) oxymoron

[edit] P

Root Meaning in English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
pac- peace Latin pax, pacis pacify, pacifist
pach- thick Greek (pachus) pachydermata
paed- child Greek (pais, paidos) paediatric
pagin- page Latin pagina pagination
pal- stake Latin palus impale
palae-, pale- ancient, old Greek (palaios) paleontology
palin- back Greek (palin) palindrome
pall- pale Latin pallere pallid, pallor
palli- mantle Latin pallium
palustri- in marshes
pan-, pam- all Greek pas
pand-, pans- spread Latin pandere, pansus expand, expansion
par(a)- beside, near Greek (para) parallel, parameter
pariet- wall Latin paries, parietis parietal
part(i)- part Latin pars, partis partition
parv- little Latin parvus
pass- pace, step Latin passus
pat- be open Latin patere patent
path- Greek pathetic, pathology
patr- father Latin pater, patris
pauc- Latin paucus paucity
pav- Latin pavement
pecc- sin Latin peccare impeccable
pect- fixed Greek pectin
pector- chest Latin pectus, pectoris pectoral
pectin- comb-like
pecun- Latin pecunia pecuniary
ped- child Greek (pais, paidos) pedagogy
ped- foot Latin pes, pedis pedal
pejor- worse Latin pejor pejorative
pel-, puls- drive Latin pellere propellent, propulsion
pen- almost Latin paene peninsula, penultimate, penumbra
pend-, pens- hang Latin pendere suspend
penia- deficiency Latin
penn-, pinn- feather Latin penna pennate
pent- five Greek (pente) pentagon
pentecost- fiftieth Greek (pentekostos) pentecostalism
pept- Greek peptic
per- thoroughly, through Latin per perfect
peran- across, beyond Greek
peri- around Greek perimeter, periscope
persic- peach
pessim- worst Latin
pet- Latin petere appetite, competition
petr- rock Greek (petra) petroglyph
phaeo- dark
phag- eat
phalan(g/x)- close formation of troops
phalar- shining
phanero- visible Greek
pher- bear, carry Greek pheromone
philia- love, friendship Greek
phleg- Greek
phloe- tree bark
phob- fear Greek (phobos)
phon- sound Greek (phone) microphone, phonograph
phor- carry Greek (phoros) metaphor
phos-, phot- light Greek photograph
phragm- fence Greek (phragma) diaphragm
phren- diaphragm, mind
phryno- toad, toad-like
phyl- tribe
phyll- leaf Greek (phullon)
physa- bladder
phys- nature Greek physics
phyt- plant Greek (phuton) neophyte
pic- pitch Latin pix, picis
pil- hair Latin
pin- pine Latin
ping-, pict- paint Latin pingere picture
pino- drink Greek pinocytosis
pir- pear Latin
pisc- fish Latin piscis Pisces
pisum- pea
plac- plate, tablet Greek
plac- Latin placare placate
plac- Latin placere placid
plagi- oblique Greek (plagios)
plan- flat Latin planus explanation, planar
plang- Latin plangere plangent
plas- mould Greek plasma, plastic
platy- flat, broad Greek (platus) platypus
plaud-, plaus- clap Latin plaudere, plausus applaud
ple-, plet- fill Latin plere complete, suppletive
pleb- Latin plebs, plebis plebian
plect-, plex- plait Latin plectere
plen- full Latin plenus plenary
plesi- near Greek (plēsios)
pleth- full Greek (plēthos) plethora
pleur- side Greek pleura
plex- interwoven Greek (plexis)
plic- fold Latin plicare duplication, replicate
plinth- brick Greek (plinthos)
plor- Latin plorare implore
plu- rain Latin
plum- feather Latin pluma plumage
plumb- lead Latin plumbum
plur- Latin plural
plurim- most Latin plurimus
plus- more Latin plus
pluvi- rain Latin
pneu- air, lung Greek pneumatic
pod- foot Greek (pous, podos) podiatry, tripod
pogo- beard
poie- make Greek poiesis
pol- city Greek (polis) metropolis, politics
pol- pole Greek (polos) dipole
pol- pole Latin polus polar
polem- war Greek (polemos) polemic
poli(o)- grey Greek (polios)
pollic- thumb Latin pollex, pollicis
pollin- Latin pollen, pollinis pollinate
poly- many Greek (polus) polygon
pon-, posit- put Latin ponere position, postpone
ponder- weight Latin pondus, ponderis ponderable
pont- bridge Latin pons, pontis
popul- people Latin populus population
por- passage Greek (poros) pore
porc- pig Latin porcus porcine, pork
porphyr- purple
port- gate Latin porta portal
port- carry Latin portare export, transportation
post- after, behind Latin post
pot- drink Latin potare potable
potam- river Greek (potamos)
praeco- early
prasin- leek-green Greek (prasinos) prasinous
prat- meadow Latin pratum
prav- crooked Latin pravus depravity
pre- before Latin prae
prec- pray Latin prex, precare deprecation
pred- Latin praedari predator
prehend-, prend- grasp Latin prehendere comprehend
prem-, -prim-, press- press Latin premere pressure
presb- old Greek (presbus) Presbyterianism
preter- past Latin praeter
preti- price Latin pretium
prim- first Latin primus primary, primitive
prior- former Latin prior priority
priv- Latin privare
pro- before, in front of Greek (pro)
pro- for, forward Latin pro propulsion
prob- try Latin probare probation
proct- anus Greek (proktos) proctology
proliger- bear offspring
propri- Latin proprius appropriate
pros(o)- forward Greek (pros)
prot(o)- first Greek (protos) protoplasm
proxim- nearest Latin proximus proximity
prun- plum Latin prunus prune
psamma- sand Greek (psammos)
pseud(o)- false Greek (pseudos) pseudonym
psil(o)- bare Greek (psilos) epsilon
psych(o)- mind Greek (psychē)
psychr(o)- cold Greek (psuchros)
pter- wing, fern Greek (pteron) helicopter
pto- fall Greek ptosis
ptyal- sahva
ptych- fold, layer Greek (ptuchē) triptych
pubi- sexually mature
public- Latin publicus publication
pude- Latin pudere impudent
pugn- fight Latin pugnare pugnacious
pulchr- Latin pulcher
pulmon- lung Latin pulmo, pulmonis pulmonary
pulver- dust Latin pulvis, pulveris pulverize
pung-, punct- prick Latin pungere puncture, pungent
puni Latin punure
pup- doll Latin pupa
pur- pure Latin purus impure, purity
purg- Latin purgare expurgate, purgatory
purpur- purple Latin purpura
put- Latin putare compute, putative
pygo- rump
pyl- gate Greek (pulon) pylon
pyo- pus
pyr- heat, fire Greek
pyrus- pear

[edit] Q

Root Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
quadr- four Latin quattuor quadrangle
quadragen- forty each Latin quadrageni quadragenary
quadragesim- fortieth Latin quadragesimus quadragesimal
quart- fourth Latin quartus quartary, quartile
quasi- as if Latin quasi
quatern- four each Latin quaterni quaternary, quaternion
quati-, quass- shake Latin quatere
quer-, -quir-, quesit-, -quisit- search, seek Latin quaerere Inquisition, query
qui- Latin quies quiet
quin- five each Latin quini quinary
quindecim- fifteenth Latin quindecimus quindecimal
quinden- fifteen each Latin quindeni quindenary
quinque- five Latin quinque quinquennium
quint- fifth Latin quintus quintary, quintile
quo- Latin quota, quotient

[edit] R

Root Meaning in English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Example
rach- spine Greek (rhachis)
rad-, ras- scrape, shave Latin radere abrasion
radi- beam Latin radius radiation
radic- root Latin radix radical
ram- branch Latin ramus ramification, ramose
ran- frog Latin rana
ranc- Latin rancid
rap- turnip Latin rapum
raph- seam Greek
rar- Latin rarus rarity
re-, red- again, back Latin recede, redact
rect- straight Latin erect
reg-, -rig-, rect- straight Latin dirigible
rem- oar Latin remus
ren- kidney Latin renes renal
rep-, rept- crawl, creep Latin repere reptile
ret- net Latin rete
retic- network
retina- little net
retro- behind, backward Latin
rhabd- rod Greek (rhabdos)
rhach- spine Greek (rhachis)
rhage- tear, rent
rhe- flow Greek rheostat
rhin- nose, snout Greek rhinoplasty
rhiz- root Greek (rhiza) rhizome
rhod- red Greek rhododendron
rhomb- Greek rhombus
rhynch- snout
-rrh- flow
rid-, ris- laugh Latin ridere derision, ridicule
roborem- oak tree, strength
rod-, ros- gnaw Latin rodere corrode, erosion, rodent
rog- ask Latin rogare interrogation
rogos- wrinkled
rostr- beak, prow Latin rostrum
rot- wheel Latin rota rotation
rub(e)r- red Latin ruber
rug- wrinkle Latin ruga corrugation
rumin- throat Latin rumen rumination
rump-, rupt- break Latin rumpere rupture
rur- Latin rus rural

[edit] S

sapien- thinking, wise, knowing

sacchar- sugar

saccul- little sac

sacr-, secr- sacred Latin sacer consecrate, sacrament

sagac- Latin sagax

sagitt- arrow Latin Sagittarius

sal- salt Latin sals salinity

sali- jump Latin resilient, salient, saltus

salv- save Latin salvation

sanct- holy Latin sanctify

sanguin- bloody Latin sanguis sanguine

sapi-, sipi- Latin sapient

sapon- soap Latin

sarc- flesh Greek (sarx)

sativus- cultivated

saur- lizard, reptile Greek dinosaur

saxum-rock

scala- ladder Latin scala

scalene- uneven Greek

scaph- anything hollow, bowl, ship

schem- Greek (schema) schematic

schis- split Greek schism

sci- know Latin prescient, science

scind-, sciss- split Latin scissors

scler- hard Greek (skler-) scleroderma

scoli- crooked Greek (skolios) scoliosis

scop-, scopy, scept- look at, examine, view, observe Greek

scrib-, script- write Latin scripture

scut- shield

scyph- cup

seba- tallow, wax

sec-, sect-, seg- cut Latin secare secant, section, segment

sed-, sid- sit Latin sediment, supersede

sedec- Latin sedecimal

segetum- in cornfields

sei- shake Greek (seismos) seismograph

selen- moon Greek

sella- saddle, seat

sema- Greek (sema) semantics, semaphore

semi- half Latin

semin- seed Latin semen insemination

sen- old man Latin senex senator, senility

sen- six each Latin seni senary

sept- seven, wall Latin

septim- seventh Latin septimus

septuagen- seventy Latin septuageni septuagenary

sequ- follow Latin sequence

ser(olu)- any body fluid

serot- late

serp- crawl Latin

serr- saw, saw-toothed Latin serra serration

set- hair

sex-, se- six Latin sex semester, sexangle

sexagen- sixty each Latin sexageni sexagenary

sext- sixth Latin sextus sextant

sibil- hiss Latin sibilance

sicc- dry Latin desiccate

sider- Latin sidus

sign- Latin signum signal

silv- forest Latin

simi- ape, monkey Latin simian

simil- Latin similis assimilate, similarity

sinistr- left Latin sinister

sinu- Latin insinuate

sinus- hollow, bay

sipho- tube

sol- sun solar

solen- pipe, channel Greek solenoid

solv-, solut- Latin

soma- body Greek (soma) somatic

somn- sleep Latin somnus

son- sound Latin resonance

soph- Greek (sophos) sophist

sord- dirt Latin

soror- sister Latin sorority

spas- hope

spec-, spect- look, see Latin specimen

specios- showy

specto- watch, to look at

sper- hope Latin desperation

sperm- seed Greek (sperma)

sphen- wedge

spher- Greek (sphaira) spheroid

sphinct- closing

spic- spike Latin

spinos- spiny

spondyl- vertebra

spu- spew Latin

squalid- squalid

squam- scale

squarros- spreading at tips

st- stand Latin stare stable, station, status

stalact- Greek (stalaktites) stalactite

stalagm- Greek (stalagmos) stalagmite

stae(rlt)- fat

stann- tin Latin

statu-, stitu- Latin

steg- covering Greek steganography

stell- star Latin constellation, stellar

sten- narrow Greek (stenos) stenography

stere- solid Greek (stereos)

steril- sterile

stern- breastbone

stich- line, row Greek (stichos)

stig- Greek stigma

stingu-, stinct- Latin distinguish

stoch- aim Greek

stom- mouth Greek

strat- layer

strept- twisted

string-, strict- upright, stiff Latin

strigos- having stiff bristles

stroph- turning Greek

stupor- wonder

styl- column

sub- below

sucr- sugar

sulc- furrow

super- beyond

supin- lying back

supra- above

sutur- seam

sym- with

syn-, sy-, syl-, sym- with Greek (sum) symbol, system

syrin(glx)- pipe

sys- with

[edit] T

Root

tac-, -tic- silent Latin reticent, tacit

tach- swift Greek (tachus) tachometer

tachy- heavy[1]

taenia- ribbon

tag-, tact- Latin

talus- ankle Latin

tang-, -ting-, tact-, tag- touch Latin tangent

tapetum- carpet

tard- slow Latin tardus retard, tardy

tarsus- ankle tarsal

taur- bull Greek (tauros) Minotaur

taur- bull Latin taurus Taurus

tax- arrangement, order Greek (taxis) taxonomy

techn- Greek (techne) technology

teg-, tect- cover Latin tegere protection

tegmen- covering

tel- far, end Greek telephone

teleo- complete

temno- cut Greek

tempor- time Latin tempus, temporis temporary

ten-, -tin- hold Latin tenere continent, tenacious

tenacul- holding

tend-, tens- stretch Latin tendere extend, extension

tentor- spread like a tent

tenu- slender, thin Latin tenuis attenuate, tenuous

tep- warm Latin tepere tepid

ter-, trit- rub Latin terere attrition

teres- round

terg- wipe Latin detergent

termin- Latin terminus termination

tern- three each Latin terni ternary

terr- Latin terra

terti- third Latin tertius tertiary

test- witness Latin testis testimony

tetr- four Greek (tetra-) tetrahedron

tex- weave Latin texere texture

textilis- of textiles

thalam- chamber, bed

thalass- sea Greek

than- death Greek euthanasia

the- put Greek (tithemi) theme, thesis

theca- case Greek

thel- nipple, female

the- god

theor- Greek theorem, theory

therm- heat Greek (thermos) thermometer

thero- breast, mammal

thus- Greek enthusiasm

thyreo- large shield

tinctori- of dyes

tom- cut Greek ectomy

ton- stretch Greek

top- place Greek (topos) topic, topography

torn- cut

torpe- numb

torqu-, tort- twist Latin torquere extortion, torque, torture

tot- all, whole Latin totus total

toxo- arrow, dart

trab- beam

trachy- rough

trago- goat

trah-, tract- pull Latin trahere subtrahend, tractor

trans-, tra-, tran- across Latin tradition, transcend, transportation

trapez- four-sided, table Greek (trapeza) trapezoid

traum- Greek traumatic

trecent- three hundred Latin trecenti

tredec- thirteen Latin tredecim

treiskaidek- thirteen Greek triskaidekaphobia

trem- tremble Latin tremor

trema- hole

tremulans- trembling

tri- three Greek (treis, tria) triad, trigon

tri- three Latin tres triangle, trivia

trich- hair Greek (thrix)

troch- wheel

trop- turning Greek tropic

troph- feed Greek

trud-, trus- thrust Latin trudere extrusion, intrude

tuss- cough Latin tussis pertussis

tympan- drum Greek (tumpan-) tympani

[edit] U

Root Meaning in English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
uber- udder Latin uber, uberare exuberant
ulig- in marshes Latin
ulo- wooly Greek
ultim- farthest Latin ultimus ultimate
ultra- beyond Latin ultra
umbilic- navel Latin umbilicus
umbr- shade, shadow Latin umbra penumbra, umbrella
un-, uni- one Latin unus, unius unary, union
unc- hooked Latin uncus
und- wave Latin unda abundant, undulate
undecim- eleventh Latin undecimus undecimal
unden- eleven each Latin undeni undenary
ungui- claw, nail Latin unguis
ungul- claw, hoof Latin ungula ungulate
ur-, uro- tail Greek (oura) uroid
urb- city Latin urbs, urbis urban
urg- Latin urgere urgent
urs- bear Latin ursus Ursa Major, ursine
ut-, us- use Latin uti, usus utility
uv- grape Latin uva
uxor- wife Latin uxor

[edit] V

Root Meaning in English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
vac- empty Latin vacare vacancy, vacation, vacuum
vad-, vas- go Latin vadere evade, pervasive
vag- wander Latin vagus, vagare vague
van- Latin vanus vanity
vap- Latin evaporation, vapid
veh-, vect- carry Latin vehere, vectus vehicle, vector
vel- veil Latin velum revelation, velate
vell-, vuls- pull Latin vellere, vulsus convulsion
veloc- quick Latin velox, velocis velocity
ven- vein Latin vena venosity
ven- hunt Latin venari venison
ven-, vent- come Latin venire advent, convention
vend- sell Latin vendere vendor
vener- Latin venus veneration, venereal
vent- wind Latin ventus ventilation
ventr- belly Latin venter ventral
ver- true Latin verus verify, verity
verb- word Latin verbum verbal, verbosity
verber- whip Latin verber reverberation
verm- worm Latin vermis vermiform
vern- spring Latin ver, vernus vernal
vert-, vers- turn Latin vertere, versus convert, inversion
vesic- bladder Latin vesica vesical
vesper- evening, western Latin
vest- clothe, garment Latin vestis divest, vest
vestig- Latin vestigium investigate
vet- forbid Latin vetare veto
veter- old Latin vetus veteran
vi- way Latin via deviate, obvious
vic- change Latin vicis vice versa, vicissitude
vicen-, vigen- twenty each Latin viceni vicenary
vicesim-, vigesim- twentieth Latin vecesimus vicesimary, vigesimal
vid-, vis- see Latin videre video, vision
vil- cheap Latin vilis vile, vilify
vill- shaggy hair, velvet Latin villus villiform
vin- wine Latin vinum vinous
vinc-, vict- conquer Latin vincere, victus invincible, victory
vir- man Latin vir virility
vir- green Latin virere virid
visc- Latin viscum viscosity
viscer- organs of body cavity Latin viscus, visceris visceral
vit- life Latin vita vital
vitell- yolk Latin vitellus
viti- Latin vitium vice, vitiate
vitr- glass Latin vitrum vitreous
viv- live Latin vivere revive, survive, vivid
voc- voice Latin vox vocal
vol- fly Latin volare volatility
vol- wish Latin velle volition
volv-, volut- roll Latin volvere, volutus convolution, revolve
vom- Latin vomere vomit
vor-, vorac- swallow Latin vorare, vorax devour, voracious
vov-, vot- vow Latin vovere, votus votive
vulg- common, crowd Latin vulgus divulge, vulgarity, vulgate
vulner- wound Latin vulnus vulnerable
vulp- fox Latin vulpes vulpine

[edit] X

Root Meaning in English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
xanth- yellow Greek (xanthos) xanthogenic
xen- foreign Greek (xenos) xenophobia
xer- dry Greek (xeros) xerography
xiph- sword Greek (xiphos) xiphoid
xyl- wood Greek (xulon) xylophone

[edit] Z

Root Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Example
-zo- animal, living being Greek (zōion) protozoa, zoo, zoology
zon- belt, girdle Greek ζωνη (zōnē) zone
zyg- yoke, joined, paired Greek (zugon) heterozygous, zygote
zym- ferment Greek (zumē) enzyme, lysozyme

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Louis, Norman, Word Power Made Easy, pg. 420

[edit] External links

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