| Root |
Meaning in English |
Origin language |
Etymology (root origin) |
English examples |
| ab-, a-, abs- |
away |
Latin |
ab "away" |
abnormal, abrasion, absent, abstain, abstract, aversion |
| ac- |
sharp or pointed |
Latin |
acere |
acupuncture |
| acid- |
sour or acid |
Latin |
acidus |
acidosis |
| acu- |
sharp |
Latin |
acutus, past participle of acuere "to sharpen", from acus "needle" |
acupuncture, acute, acutifoliate |
| acr(i)- |
sharp, pungent, bitter |
Latin |
acer, acris |
acrid, acrimony |
| acr(o)- |
height, summit, tip |
Greek |
ἄκρος (ákros) "high", "extreme" |
acrobatics, acromegaly, acronym, acrophobia, |
| ad-, a-, ac-, af-, ag-, al-, ap-, ar-, as-, at- |
movement to or toward; in addition to |
Latin |
ad "to", "toward" |
accept, adapt, affect, approximate, ascend |
| adip- |
fat |
Latin |
adeps, adipis "fat" |
adipose |
| aer-, aero- |
air, atmosphere |
Greek |
ἀήρ (aer) "air" |
aeronautics, aerosol |
| aesthet- |
feeling, sensation |
Greek |
aisthētikos "of sense perception" from αἰσθάνεσθαι (aisthanesthai) "to perceive" |
aesthetics, anaesthetic |
| agri-, -egri- |
field |
Latin |
ager, agris "field, country" |
agriculture, peregrine |
| agro- |
field |
Greek |
ἀγρός (agros) "field" |
agronomy |
| alb- |
dull white |
Latin |
albus |
albedo, albino, albumen |
| am-, amat-, amor- |
love, loved |
Latin |
amor "love" from amāre "to love" |
amateur, amorous |
| ambi- |
both, on both sides |
Latin |
ambi "on both sides" |
ambidexterity, ambivalent |
| amic-, -imic- |
friend |
Latin |
amicus |
amicable, inimical |
| amphi- |
around, about, both, on both sides of, both kinds |
Greek |
ἀμφί amphi "on both sides" |
amphibian, amphibolic |
| ampl- |
ample |
Latin |
amplus |
amplification |
| an-, a- |
not, without |
Greek |
Greek ἀν-/ἀ- "not" |
anhydrous, atypical |
| ana-, an- |
again, against, back, up |
Greek |
from Greek prefix ἀνά- ana- "again", "against" |
anabaptist, anaphylaxis, anion, anode |
| andro- |
male, masculine |
Greek |
ἀνδρός andros |
androgen, android |
| anemo- |
wind |
Greek |
ἄνεμος anemos |
anemometer |
| anima- |
breath |
Latin |
anima "breath" |
animal, animation |
| ann-, -enn- |
year, yearly |
Latin |
annus "year" |
anniversary, annual, biannual, millennium |
| ant-, anti- |
against, opposed to, preventive |
Greek |
ἀντί anti "against" |
antagonist, antibiotic, antipodes |
| ante-, anti- |
before, in front of, prior to |
Latin |
ante "before", "against" |
antebellum, antediluvian, anticipate, antiquarian |
| anth-, antho- |
flower |
Greek |
ἄνθος anthos "flower" |
anther, anthology |
| anthropo- |
human |
Greek |
ἄνθρωπος anthropos "man" |
anthropology, anthropomorphic |
| apo- |
away from, separate, at the farthest point |
Greek |
ἀπό apo "from, away, un-, quite" |
apocrine, apogee, apostasy |
| aqu- |
water |
Latin |
aqua |
aquamarine, aquarium, aqueduct, aquifer |
| ar- |
plow, till |
Latin |
ărāre |
arable |
| ar- |
be dry |
Latin |
ārēre "be dry or parched" |
arid |
| arche-, archi- |
ruler |
Greek |
ἀρχή arche "rule" (in compounds: ἀρχε-, ἀρχι-) |
archangel, archetype |
| archaeo-, archeo- |
ancient |
Greek |
ἀρχαῖος arkhaios "ancient" from arkhē "beginning" |
archaeology or archeology, archaic |
| arct(o)- |
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 |
ἄρκτος arktos "bear" |
Arctic Ocean |
| argent- |
silver |
Latin |
argentum |
argent, Argentina |
| arist(o)- |
excellence |
Greek |
ἀρετή, ἄριστος arete, aristos |
aristocracy |
| arthr(o)- |
joint |
Greek |
ἄρθρον arthron |
arthritis, arthropod |
| astr-, astro- |
star, star-shaped |
Greek |
ἄστρον astron "star" |
asterisk, astrology, astronomy, disaster |
| athl- |
prize |
Greek |
ἄθλος athlos "contest, feat" |
athlete, pentathlon |
| aud(i)- |
hearing, listening, sound |
Latin |
audire "to hear" |
auditorium, auditory |
| aug-, auct- |
grow, increase |
Latin |
augēre, auctus "to increase" |
augmentation |
| aur- |
relating to gold, or gold-colored |
Latin |
aurum "gold" |
aureate, aureole |
| auri- |
relating to the ear |
Latin |
auris "ear" |
auricle |
| aut- , auto- |
self; directed from within |
Greek |
αὐτός (autos) "self", "same" |
automobile, autonomy |
| avi- |
bird |
Latin |
avis |
aviary, aviation |
| axi- |
axis |
Latin |
axis |
axisymmetry |
| axio- |
merit |
Greek |
ἄξιος (axios) "worth" |
axiology |
| Root |
Meaning in English |
Origin language |
Etymology (root origin) |
English examples |
| bac- |
rod-shaped |
Latin |
from baculum "rod" |
bacilla, bacteria |
| baro- |
weight, pressure |
Greek |
βάρος (baros) |
barograph, barometer, baroreceptor |
| basi- |
at the bottom |
Greek |
from βαίνω, I walk, march, βάσις "step" |
basic, basis |
| bathy-, batho- |
deep, depth |
Greek |
βαθύς (bathús, bathýs) |
batholith, bathyscaphe |
| be-, beat- |
bless |
Latin |
beare, beatus |
beatification |
| bell(i)- |
war |
Latin |
bellum, belli |
antebellum, bellicose, belligerent |
| ben- |
good, well |
Latin |
bene (adverb) |
benefit, benignity |
| bi- |
two |
Latin |
bis, "twice"; bini, "in twos" |
binary, binoculars, bigamy, biscotti |
| bib- |
drink |
Latin |
bibere, bibitus |
imbibe |
| bibl- |
book |
Greek |
βιβλίον (biblíon) "book" |
bible, bibliography |
| bi(o)- |
life |
Greek |
βίος (bíos) "life" |
biography, biology, biologist, biosphere |
| blenn(o)- |
slime |
Greek |
βλέννος (blennos) |
blennophobia, blennosperma |
| blast- |
germ, embryo, bud, cell with nucleus |
Greek |
βλασταίνω (blastainō), "I put forth shoots" |
blastula, fibroblast, osteoblast, sideroblast |
| bon(i)- |
good |
Latin |
bonus |
bonify, bonitary |
| bor- |
north |
Greek / Latin (boreas) |
Greek βορρᾶς (borras) "the north wind" |
borealis |
| botan- |
plant |
Greek |
βοτάνη, βότανον (botanē, botanon) |
botany |
| bov- |
cow, ox |
Latin |
bos, bovis |
bovine |
| brachi(o)- |
arm |
Greek |
βραχίων (brakhíōn) |
brachial artery, brachiosaurus |
| brachy- |
short |
Greek |
βραχύς (brakhús, brakhýs) |
brachydactyly |
| brady- |
slow |
Greek |
βραδύς (bradús, bradýs) |
bradycardia |
| branchi- |
gill |
Greek |
βράγχιον (brágkhion, bránkhion) |
branchiopod, nudibranch |
| brev(i)- |
brief, short (time) |
Latin |
brevis, breviare |
abbreviation, brevity |
| briz- |
nod, slumber |
Greek |
βρίζω (brizō) |
|
| brom- |
oats |
Greek |
βρόμος, βρόμη (brómos, bróme) "oats" |
Bromus ramosus |
| brom- |
stench |
Greek |
βρόμος (brómos) "stench, clangor" |
bromide |
| bronch- |
windpipe |
Greek |
βρόγχος (brógkhos, brónkhos) |
bronchitis, bronchus, bronchiole |
| bront- |
thunder |
Greek |
βροντή (brontē) |
Brontosaurus |
| bucc- |
cheek, mouth, cavity |
Latin |
bucca |
buccal, buccinator muscle |
| bulb- |
bulbous |
Latin |
bulbus |
bulbous, bulbule |
| bull- |
bubble, flask |
Latin |
bulla, "bubble" |
ebullient, ebullism |
| burs- |
pouch, purse |
Latin |
bursa |
bursa, bursar, bursary, disburse |
| Root |
Meaning in English |
Origin language |
Etymology (root origin) |
English examples |
| cac(o)- |
bad |
Greek |
κακός (kakos) |
cacophony |
| cad-, -cid-, cas- |
fall |
Latin |
cadere, casus |
accident, cadence, case |
| caed-, -cid-, caes-, -cis- |
cut |
Latin |
caedere, caesus |
caesura, incisor |
| calc- |
stone |
Latin and Greek |
from Latin calx "lime", and from Greek χάλιξ (khalix) "pebble" "limestone" |
calcite, calcium, calculus |
| calli- |
beautiful |
Greek |
from Greek κάλλος kallos "beauty" |
calligraphy |
| calor- |
heat |
Latin |
calor "heat" |
calorie |
| calyp- |
cover |
Greek |
καλύπτειν (kaluptein) |
apocalypse |
| camer- |
vault |
Latin |
camera |
bicameral, camera |
| camp- |
field |
Latin |
campus "field", "level ground" |
champion, campaign |
| can(i)- |
dog |
Latin |
canis |
canine, Canis Major |
| can-, -cin-, cant- |
sing |
Latin |
canere |
cantata, canto, cantor |
| cand- |
glowing, iridescent |
Latin |
candere "to be white or glisten" |
candela, candid, candle, incandescent |
| cap-, -cip-, capt-, -cept- |
hold, take |
Latin |
capere, captus "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, decapitation, precipitation |
| 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 |
| carcin- |
cancer (disease) |
Latin from Greek |
Latin from Greek καρκίνος (karkinos) "crab" |
carcinogenic, carcinoma |
| cardi(o)- |
relating to the heart |
Greek |
καρδιά kardia "heart" |
cardiograph, cardiology |
| cardin- |
hinge |
Latin |
cardo, cardinis |
cardinal |
| carn- |
flesh |
Latin |
caro, carnis |
carnal, carnival, carnivore |
| carp(o)- |
relating to fruit |
Greek |
from Greek καρπός (karpos) "fruit" |
carpology |
| carp- |
relating to the wrist |
Greek |
from Greek καρπός (karpos) "wrist" |
carpal, carpal tunnel syndrome |
| cata-, cat- |
down |
Greek |
from Greek κατά (katá) "down", κάθοδος (kathodos) "descent" or "way down" |
catabolic, catalyst, catastrophe, catatonia, cathode, cation |
| caten- |
chain |
Latin |
catena |
catenary, concatenation |
| cathar- |
pure |
Greek |
καθαρός (katharos) |
catharsis |
| caud- |
tail |
Latin |
cauda |
caudal |
| caus-, -cus- |
cause or motive |
Latin |
causa |
|
| cav- |
hollow |
Latin |
cavus "hollow" |
cave, cavity, excavation |
| ced-, cess- |
go |
Latin |
cedere, cessus |
procession, recede |
| celer- |
quick |
Latin |
celer, celerare |
acceleration, celerity |
| cen(o)- |
new |
Greek |
καινός (kainos) |
Cenozoic |
| cen(o)- |
empty |
Greek |
κενός (kenos) |
cenotaph |
| cens- |
|
Latin |
censere "to estimate" |
census |
| cent- |
hundred |
Latin |
centum |
cent, centennial, centurion |
| centen- |
hundred each |
Latin |
centeni |
centenary |
| centesim- |
hundredth |
Latin |
centesimus |
centesimal, centesimation |
| centr- |
center |
Greek |
κέντρον (kéntron) "needle", "spur" |
eccentric |
| cephalo- |
head |
Greek |
κεφαλή kephale |
cephalic, cephalopod, encephalogram |
| ceram- |
clay |
Greek |
κέραμος (keramos) |
ceramic |
| cerat- |
horn |
Greek |
κέρας, κέρατος (keras, keratos) "horn" |
keratin |
| cern- |
sift |
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 |
χείρ kheir "hand" |
chiroptera, chiropractic, chiral |
| chelono- |
relating to a turtle |
Greek |
χελώνη khelone "tortoise" |
chelonia |
| chloro- |
green |
Greek |
from Greek χλωρός khlōros "green" |
chlorine, chlorophyll, chloroplast |
| choreo- |
relating to dance |
Greek |
from Greek χορεία khoreia "dancing in unison" from χορός khoros "chorus" |
choreography |
| chord- |
cord |
Latin and Greek |
chorda "rope" from χορδή (chordē) |
chordata |
| chrom- |
color |
Greek |
χρῶμα chrōma "color" |
chromosome, chromium |
| chron- |
time |
Greek |
χρόνος chronos |
chronic, chronometer, chronology |
| chryso- |
gold |
Greek |
χρυσός khrusos "gold" |
chrysolite |
| cili- |
eyelash |
Latin |
cilium |
cilia |
| cine- |
motion |
Greek |
κινέω (kineo) |
cinema |
| ciner- |
ash |
Latin |
cinis, cineris |
incineration |
| cing-, cinct- |
gird |
Latin |
cingere, cinctus |
succinct |
| circ- |
circle |
Latin |
circus |
circus |
| circum- |
around |
Latin |
circum "around" |
circumference, circumcise |
| cirr- |
orange |
Greek |
κιρρός (kirros) |
cirrhosis |
| cirr- |
curl, tentacle |
Latin |
cirrus |
cirrus |
| civ- |
citizen |
Latin |
civis |
civility |
| clad- |
branch |
Greek |
κλάδος (klados) |
clade |
| clar- |
clear |
Latin |
clarus, clarare |
clarity, declaration |
| clast- |
broken |
Greek |
κλαστός (klastos) |
iconoclast, osteoclast |
| claud-, -clud-, claus-, -clus- |
close |
Latin |
claudere, clausus |
clause, exclusion, include |
| clav- |
key |
Greek |
from Greek κλείς kleis "key" from κλείειν, kleiein "to close" |
conclave, clavicle |
| cl(e)ist- |
closed |
Greek |
κλειστός kleistos |
|
| cleithr- |
bar, key |
Greek |
|
|
| clement- |
mild |
Latin |
clemens, clementis |
clemency, inclement |
| clin- |
bed, lean, recline |
Latin |
-clinare |
declination, inclined |
| cochl- |
shell |
Greek |
κόχλος (kochlos) |
cochlea |
| coel- |
hollow |
Greek |
κοῖλος (koilos) |
spongocoel, coelom, blastocoel |
| cogn- |
know |
Latin |
cognoscere |
cognitive, cognizant, recognize |
| col- |
strain |
Latin |
colare, colum |
colander |
| coll- |
hill |
Latin |
collis |
|
| coll- |
neck |
Latin |
collum |
collar |
| color- |
color |
Latin |
color |
coloration |
| con-, co-, col-, com-, cor- |
with, together |
Latin |
cum |
collide, compress, connect, contain |
| condi- |
season |
Latin |
condire |
condiment |
| con(o)- |
cone |
Greek |
κῶνος (konos) |
conic, conical, conoid |
| contra- |
against |
Latin |
contra |
contradict ("say against"), contrast |
| copro- |
dung |
Greek |
κόπρος (kopros) |
coprolite, coprophagia, coprophilia |
| corac- |
raven |
Greek |
κόραξ, κόρακος (korax, korakos) |
coracoid |
| cord- |
heart |
Latin |
cor, cordis |
accord, cordial |
| corn- |
horn |
Latin |
cornu |
cornea, cornucopia, unicorn |
| coron- |
crown |
Latin |
corona, coronare |
corona, coronation |
| corpor- |
body |
Latin |
corpus, corporis |
corporation, corpse, corpuscle |
| cortic- |
bark |
Latin |
cortex, corticis |
corticosteriod |
| cosm(o)-' |
universe |
Greek |
κόσμος (kosmos) |
cosmonaut |
| cosmet(o)- |
|
Greek |
κοσμητ- (kosmet-) |
cosmetics, cosmetology |
| cost- |
rib |
Latin |
costa |
costal |
| cotyl- |
cup |
Greek |
κοτύλη (kotulē) |
cotyledon |
| -cracy, -crat |
government, rule, authority |
Greek |
κράτος (kratos) |
democracy |
| crani- |
skull |
Greek |
κρανίον (kranion) |
cranium |
| crass- |
thick |
Latin |
crassus |
crassitude |
| cre- |
make |
Latin |
creare, creatus |
creation, creature |
| cred- |
believe, trust |
Latin |
credere, creditus |
credentials, credibility, creditor |
| crep- |
boot, shoe |
Greek |
κρηπίς, κρηπίδος (krēpis, krēpidos) |
|
| cribr- |
sieve |
Latin |
cribrum, cribrare |
cribble, cribrate |
|
ring |
Greek |
κρίκος (krikos) |
|
| cris-, crit- |
judge |
Greek |
κρίσις (crisis) |
crisis, critic |
| crisp- |
curled |
Latin |
crispus |
crispate |
| crist- |
crest |
Latin |
crista |
cristate |
| cross(o)- |
fringe, tassel |
Greek |
κροσσός (krossos) |
|
| cruc(i)- |
cross |
Latin |
crux, crucis |
crucial, crucifix, crucify, excruciating |
| crur(i)- |
leg, shank |
Latin |
crus, cruris |
crural |
| crypt- |
hidden |
Greek |
κρυπτός (kruptos) |
cryptic, cryptography |
| cten(o)- |
comb |
Greek |
κτείς, κτενός (kteis, ktenos) |
ctenophore |
| cub- |
cube |
Greek |
κύβος (kubos) |
cubic, cuboid |
| cub- |
lie |
Latin |
cubare |
incubation, succuba |
| culin- |
kitchen |
Latin |
culina |
culinary |
| culp- |
blame, fault |
Latin |
culpa |
culpable, exculpate |
| cune- |
wedge |
Latin |
cuneus |
cuneiform |
| curr-, curs- |
run |
Latin |
currere, cursus |
concurrent, current, cursive, recursion |
| curv- |
bent |
Latin |
curvus |
curvature |
| cuspid- |
lance, point |
Latin |
cuspis, cuspidis |
bicuspid |
| cut(i)- |
skin |
Latin |
cutis |
cuticle |
| cyan- |
blue |
Greek |
κυανός (kuanos) |
cyanide |
| cycl(o)- |
circular |
Greek |
κύκλος (kuklos) |
bicycle, cycle, cyclone |
| cylind- |
roll |
Greek |
κύλινδρος (kulindros) |
cylinder |
| cyn(o)- |
dog |
Greek |
κύων, κυνός (kuōn, kunos) |
cynosure |
| cyst- |
capsule |
Greek |
κύστις (kustis) |
cystic |
| cyt(o)- |
cell |
Greek |
κύτος (kutos) |
cytoplasm, cnidocyte |
| Root |
Meaning In English |
Origin language |
Etymology (root origin) |
English examples |
| dactyl- |
finger, toe, digit |
Greek |
δάκτυλος (daktulos) |
dactylology, pterodactyl |
| damn-, -demn- |
to inflict loss upon |
Latin |
damnāre |
condemn, damnation |
| de- |
from, away from, removing, down |
Latin |
dē |
delete, demented |
| deb- |
owe |
Latin |
debere, debitus |
debit |
| deca-, dec-, deka-, dek- |
ten |
Greek |
δέκα deka, ten |
decagram, decahedron |
| decim- |
tenth part |
Latin |
decimus, tenth; from decem, ten |
decimal, decimate |
| delt- |
|
Greek |
δέλτα (delta) |
deltoid |
| dem-, demo- |
people |
Greek |
δῆμος (dēmos) |
demagogue, democracy |
| den- |
ten each |
Latin |
deni |
denarius, denary |
| dendr-, dendro- |
resembling a tree |
Greek |
δένδρον (dendron): akin to δρύς, drys, "tree" |
dendrite |
| dens- |
thick |
Latin |
densus |
condense, density |
| dent- |
tooth |
Latin |
dens, dentis |
dental, dentifrice, dentures |
| derm- |
skin |
Greek |
δέρμα (derma) |
dermis, epidermis, hypodermic |
| deuter- |
second |
Greek |
δεύτερος (deuteros) |
Deuteronomy, deuterostome |
| dexter- |
right |
Latin |
dexter |
dexterity |
| dextro- |
right |
Greek |
δεξ-, right |
dextrose |
| di- |
two |
Greek |
δι |
dicot, diode, dipole |
| dia- |
apart, through |
Greek |
διά (dia) |
dialysis, diameter |
| dict- |
say, speak |
Latin |
dicere, dictus |
contradict, dictation, dictionary, edict, predict |
| digit- |
finger |
Latin |
digitus |
digital |
| dino- |
terrible, fearfully great |
Greek |
δεινός (deinos) |
dinosaur |
| dipl- |
double; twofold |
Greek |
διπλός (diplos) |
diploid, diplosis |
| doc-, doct- |
teach |
Latin |
docere, doctus |
docile, doctor |
| dodec- |
twelve |
Greek |
δώδεκα (dodeka) |
dodecasyllabic |
| dogmat-, dox- |
opinion, tenet |
Greek |
δόξα |
dogmatic, orthodox |
| dom- |
house |
Latin |
domus |
dome |
| dorm- |
sleep |
Latin |
dormire |
dormant, dormitory |
| dors- |
back |
Latin |
dorsum |
dorsal |
| du- |
two |
Latin |
duo |
dual |
| dub- |
doubtful |
Latin |
dubius |
dubious |
| duc-, duct- |
lead |
Latin |
dux, ducis |
abduction, conductor, introduction, production, reduction, deduction |
| dulc- |
sweet |
Latin |
dulcis |
|
| dur- |
hard |
Latin |
durus |
durable, duration, duress, endure, obdurate |
| dy- |
two |
Greek |
δυο (duo) |
dyad |
| dynam- |
power |
Greek |
δύναμη (dunamē) |
dynamism, dynasty, dynamite |
| dys- |
badly, ill |
Greek |
δυσ- |
dysentery, dysplasia, dystrophy |
| Root |
Meaning in English |
Origin language |
Etymology (root origin) |
English examples |
| f-, fat- |
say, speak |
Latin |
fari, fatus |
fate, infant, preface |
| fab- |
bean |
Latin |
faba |
faba bean |
| fac-, -fic-, fact, -fect- |
make |
Latin |
facere, factus |
defect, factory, manufacture |
| falc- |
sickle |
Latin |
falx, falcis |
falciform |
| fall-, -fell-, fals- |
deceive |
Latin |
fallere, falsus |
falsity, infallibility |
| fallac- |
false |
Latin |
fallax, fallacis |
fallacy |
| famili- |
a close attendant |
Latin |
famulus |
familiarity |
| fant- |
to show |
Greek |
φαντάζω |
fantasy |
| fasc- |
bundle |
Latin |
fascis |
fasciculation |
| fatu- |
foolish, useless |
Latin |
fatuus |
fatuous, infatuation |
| feder- |
treaty, agreement, contract, league, pact |
Latin |
foedus, foederis |
confederation, federal |
| fel- |
cat |
Latin |
feles, felis |
Felinae, feline |
| felic- |
happy, merry |
Latin |
felix, felicis |
felicity |
| fell- |
suck |
Latin |
fellare |
fellation |
| femin- |
women, female |
Latin |
femina |
femininity |
| femor- |
thigh |
Latin |
femur, femoris |
femoral |
| fend-, fens- |
strike |
Latin |
fendere, -fensus |
defend, offense |
| fenestr- |
window |
Latin |
fenestra |
defenestration |
| fer- |
carry |
Latin |
ferre |
reference, transfer |
| feroc- |
fierce |
Latin |
ferox, ferocis |
ferocity |
| ferr- |
iron |
Latin |
ferrum |
ferrous |
| fet- |
stink |
Latin |
fetere |
fetid, fetor |
| fic- |
fig |
Latin |
ficus |
Ficus |
| fid-, fis- |
faith, trust |
Latin |
fides, fidere, fisus |
confidence, fidelity |
| fil- |
thread |
Latin |
filum |
filament |
| fili- |
son |
Latin |
filius |
affiliation |
| fin- |
end |
Latin |
finis |
finish, final |
| find-, fiss- |
split |
Latin |
findere, fissus |
fission, fissures |
| firm- |
fix, settle |
Latin |
firmus, firmare |
confirmation, firmament |
| fistul- |
hollow, tube |
Latin |
|
fistula |
| fl- |
blow |
Latin |
flare, flatus |
flatulence, inflation |
| flacc- |
flabby |
Latin |
flaccus, flaccere |
flaccid |
| flav- |
yellow |
Latin |
flavus |
flavonoid |
| flect-, flex- |
bend |
Latin |
flectere, flexus |
flexor, inflection |
| flig-, flict- |
strike |
Latin |
fligere, flictus |
conflict, inflict |
| flor- |
flower |
Latin |
flos, floris |
floral, florid |
| flu-, flux- |
flow |
Latin |
fluere, fluxus |
effluent, fluency, influx |
| foc- |
hearth |
Latin |
focus |
focal |
| fod-, foss- |
dig |
Latin |
fodere, fossus |
fossil |
| foen- |
hay |
Latin |
fenuculum |
|
| foli- |
leaf |
Latin |
folium |
defoliant |
| font- |
spring |
Latin |
fons, fontis |
|
| for- |
bore |
Latin |
forare, foratus |
perforation |
| form- |
shape |
Latin |
forma |
conformity, deformity, formation |
| fornic- |
vault |
Latin |
fornix, fornicis |
fornication |
| fort- |
strong |
Latin |
fortis |
fortification |
| fove- |
shallow round depression |
Latin |
fovea |
fovea |
| frang-, -fring-, fract-, frag- |
break |
Latin |
frangere, fractus |
fracture, fragment, frangible, infringe |
| frater-, fratr- |
brother |
Latin |
frater |
fraternity |
| fric-, frict- |
rub |
Latin |
fricare, frictus |
dentifrice, friction |
| frig- |
cold |
Latin |
frigere |
frigid, frigorific |
| front- |
forehead |
Latin |
frons, frontis |
confront, frontal |
| fruct-, frug- |
fruit |
Latin |
frux, fructis |
fructose |
| fug-, fugit- |
flee |
Latin |
fugere |
centrifuge, fugitive, refuge |
| fum- |
smoke |
Latin |
fumus |
fume, fumigation |
| fund- |
bottom |
Latin |
fundus, fundare |
fundamentalism, profundity |
| fund-, fus- |
pour |
Latin |
fundere, fusus |
effusion, profusion |
| fung-, funct- |
do |
Latin |
fungi, functus |
function, fungibility |
| fur-, furt- |
steal |
Latin |
fur, furare |
furtive |
| furc- |
fork |
Latin |
furca |
bifurcation |
| fusc- |
dark |
Latin |
fuscus |
obfuscation |
| Root |
Meaning In English |
Origin Language |
Etymology (Root Origin) |
English Examples |
| macro- |
long |
Greek |
μακρός (makros) |
macron |
| magn- |
great, large |
Latin |
magnus |
magnanimous, magnificent |
| maj- |
greater |
Latin |
major, majus |
majesty, majority, majuscule |
| mal- |
bad, wretched, |
Latin |
malus |
malfeasance, malicious, malignancy, malodorous |
| mamm- |
breast |
Latin |
mamma |
mammal, mammary gland |
| man- |
flow |
Latin |
manare |
emanationism, immanant |
| man- |
stay |
Latin |
manēre, mansus |
immanence, permanent, remanence |
| mand- |
hand |
Latin |
mandāre, mandatus |
mandate, remand |
| mania |
mental illness |
Greek |
μανία (manίā) |
kleptomania, maniac |
| manu- |
hand |
Latin |
manus |
manual, manuscript |
| mar- |
sea |
Latin |
mare, maris |
marine, maritime |
| mater-, matr- |
mother |
Latin |
mater, matris |
matriarch, matrix |
| maxim- |
greatest |
Latin |
maximus |
maximal |
| medi-, -midi- |
middle |
Latin |
medius, mediare |
median, medieval |
| meg- |
great, large |
Greek |
μέγας (megas) |
megaphone |
| mei- |
less |
Greek |
μείον (meiōn) |
meiosis |
| melan- |
black, dark |
Greek |
μέλας (melas) |
Melanesia, melanoma |
| melior- |
better |
Latin |
melior |
amelioration |
| mell- |
honey |
Latin |
mel, mellis |
mellifluous |
| memor- |
remember |
Latin |
memor |
memorial |
| mening- |
membrane |
Greek |
μενινξ (meninx) |
meningitis |
| men(o)- |
moon |
Greek |
μήν (men) |
menopause, menstruation |
| ment- |
mind |
Latin |
mens, mentis |
demented, mentality |
| mer- |
part |
Greek |
μέρος (meros) |
polymer |
| merc- |
reward, wages, hire |
Latin |
merx, mercis |
mercantile, merchant |
| merg-, mers- |
dip, plunge |
Latin |
mergere |
emerge, immersion |
| mes- |
middle |
Greek |
μέσος (mesos) |
mesolithic, mesozoic |
| meter-, metr- |
measure |
Greek |
μέτρον (metron) |
metric, thermometer |
| meta- |
above, among, beyond |
Greek |
μετά (meta) |
metaphor, metaphysics |
| mic- |
grain |
Latin |
mica |
micelle |
| micr(o)- |
small |
Greek |
μικρός (mikros) |
microphone, microscope |
| migr- |
wander |
Latin |
migrare |
emigrant, migrate |
| milit- |
soldier |
Latin |
miles, militis |
military, militia |
| mill- |
thousand |
Latin |
mille |
millennium, million |
| millen- |
thousand each |
Latin |
milleni |
millenary |
| mim- |
repeat |
Greek |
μίμος (mimos) |
mime, mimic |
| min- |
jut |
Latin |
minere |
prominent |
| min- |
less, smaller |
Latin |
minor, minus |
minority, minuscule |
| mir- |
wonder, amazement |
Latin |
miror, mirari, miratus sum |
admire, miracle, mirror |
| mis- |
hate |
Greek |
μῖσος (misos) |
misandry, misogyny |
| misce-, mixt- |
mix |
Latin |
miscere, mixtus |
miscellaneous, mixture |
| mit- |
thread |
Greek |
μίτος (mitos) |
mitochondrion |
| mitt-, miss- |
send |
Latin |
mittere, missus |
intermittent, missionary, transmission |
| mne- |
memory |
Greek |
μνήμη (mnēmē) |
mnemonic |
| mol- |
grind |
Latin |
mola, molere, molitus |
molar |
| moll- |
soft |
Latin |
mollis |
emollient, mollify |
| mon(o)- |
one |
Greek |
μόνος (monos) |
monism, monolith, monotone |
| monil- |
string of beads |
Latin |
monile |
Moniliformida |
| mont- |
mountain |
Latin |
mons, montis |
Montana |
| morph- |
form, shape |
Greek |
μορφή (morphē) |
anthropomorphism, morpheme, morphology |
| mort- |
death |
Latin |
mors, mortis |
immortal, mortality, mortuary |
| mov-, mot- |
move, motion |
Latin |
movere, motus |
mobile, momentum, motor, move |
| mulg-, muls- |
milk |
Latin |
mulgere |
emulsion |
| mult(i)- |
many, much |
Latin |
multus |
multiple, multiplex, multitude |
| mur- |
wall |
Latin |
murus, muri |
immured, mural |
| mus- |
thief |
Latin |
mus, muris |
mouse |
| musc- |
fly |
Latin |
musca, muscae |
Muscicapidae, Muscidae |
| mut- |
change |
Latin |
mutare |
mutation |
| my- |
mouse |
Greek |
μῦς (mus) |
musophobia |
| myri- |
countless, ten thousand |
Greek |
μύριος (murios) |
myriad |
| myth(o)- |
story |
Greek |
μῦθος (muthos) |
mythic, mythology |
| myx- |
slime |
Greek |
μύξα (muxa) |
|
| myz- |
suck |
Greek |
|
|
| Root |
Meaning in English |
Origin language |
Etymology (root origin) |
English examples |
| ob-, o-, oc-, of-, og-, op-, os- |
against |
Latin |
ob |
obstinate, obstreperous, occur, offend, omit, oppose, ostentatious |
| oct- |
eight |
Greek |
ὀκτώ (oktō) |
octagon, octahedron, octode |
| oct- |
eight |
Latin |
octō |
octangular, octennial, octovir |
| octav- |
eighth |
Latin |
octāvus |
octaval |
| octogen- |
eighty each |
Latin |
octogeni |
octogenary |
| octogesim- |
eightieth |
Latin |
octogesimus |
octogesimal |
| octon- |
eight each |
Latin |
octoni |
octonary |
| ocul- |
eye |
Latin |
oculus, oculare |
ocular, oculus |
| od- |
path, way |
Greek |
ὁδός (hodos) |
anode, diode, odometer, pentode, tetrode, triode |
| od- |
hate |
Latin |
odium |
odious |
| odont- |
tooth |
Greek |
ὀδούς, ὀδόντος (odous, odontos) |
odontology |
| odor- |
fragrant |
Latin |
odor |
odorous |
| oeco- |
house |
Greek |
οἶκος (oikos) |
ecology |
| oed- |
swollen |
Greek |
οἴδημα (oidēma) |
oedema |
| oen- |
wine |
Greek |
οἶνος (oinos) |
oenology |
| oesoph- |
gullet |
Greek |
οἰσοφάγος (oisophagos) |
oesophagus |
| ogdo- |
eighth |
Greek |
ὄγδοος (ogdoos) |
ogdoad |
| -oid |
like |
Greek |
-οειδής (-oeidēs) |
organoid, mucoid |
| ole- |
oil |
Latin |
oleum |
oleosity |
| olecran- |
skull of elbow |
Latin from Greek |
ὠλέκρανον (ōlekranon) |
olecranon |
| olig- |
few |
Greek |
ὀλίγος (oligos) |
oligarchy |
| oliv- |
olive |
Latin |
oliva |
olivaceous, olivary, olivette |
| -oma |
cancer |
Greek |
-ωμα |
|
| omas- |
paunch |
Latin |
omasum |
omasum |
| oment- |
fat skin |
Latin |
omentum |
|
| omin- |
creepy |
Latin |
omen, ominis |
ominous |
| omm- |
eye |
Greek |
ὄμμα (omma) |
ommatidium |
| omni- |
all |
Latin |
omnis |
omnipotence, omnivore |
| omo- |
shoulder |
Latin |
|
|
| omphal- |
navel |
Greek |
ὀμφαλός (omphalos) |
omphalectomy |
| oner- |
burden |
Latin |
onus, oneris |
onerous |
| onom- |
name |
Greek |
όνομα (onoma) |
onomatopoeia |
| ont- |
existing |
Greek |
ὄντος (ontos) |
ontogeny, ontology |
| -onym |
name |
Greek |
ὄνυμα (onuma) |
antonym, pseudonym, synonym |
| oo- |
egg |
Greek |
(oion) |
oocyte |
| opac- |
shady |
Latin |
opacus |
opacity |
| oper- |
work |
Latin |
opus, operis |
opera |
| opercul- |
little cover |
Latin |
operculum |
|
| ophi- |
snake |
Greek |
ὄφις (ophis) |
ophiophagy |
| ophthalm- |
eye |
Greek |
ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos) |
ophthalmology |
| opisth- |
behind |
Greek |
ὄπισθεν (opisthen) |
opisthosoma, opsimath |
| opoter- |
either |
Greek |
ὁπότερος (hopoteros) |
|
| opt- |
eye |
Greek |
ὀπτός (optos) |
optical |
| opt- |
choose |
Latin |
optare |
adopt, optional |
| optim- |
best |
Latin |
optimus |
optimum |
| or- |
mouth |
Latin |
os, oris |
oral, orator |
| orb- |
circle |
Latin |
orbis |
orbit |
| orch- |
testicle |
Greek |
ὄρχις (orchis) |
orchid |
| ordin- |
order |
Latin |
ōrdō, ordinis |
ordinal, ordinary |
| organ- |
organ, instrument, tool |
Greek |
ὄργανον (organon) |
organism |
| ori-, ort- |
eastern |
Latin |
oriri, ortus |
orient |
| orn- |
decorate |
Latin |
ōrnāre |
adorn, ornament, ornate |
| ornith(o)- |
bird |
Greek |
ὄρνις (ornis, ornithos) |
ornithology |
| orth(o)- |
straight |
Greek |
ὀρθός (orthos) |
orthodontist, orthodoxy, orthosis |
| oscill- |
swing |
Latin |
oscillum |
oscillation |
| oss(i)- |
bone |
Latin |
os, ossis |
ossification |
| osteo- |
bone |
Greek |
ὀστοῦν (ostoun) |
osteoporosis |
| osti- |
entrance |
Latin |
ostium |
ostiole |
| ostrac- |
shell |
Greek |
ὄστρακον (ostrakon) |
ostracism |
| ot- |
ear |
Greek |
οὖς, ωτός (ous, ōtos) |
otology |
| ov- |
egg |
Latin |
ovum |
oval, ovary, ovule |
| ovi- |
sheep |
Latin |
ovis |
ovine |
| oxy- |
sharp, pointed |
Greek |
ὀξύς (oxus) |
oxygen, oxymoron |
| Root |
Meaning in English |
Origin language |
Etymology (root origin) |
English examples |
| pac- |
peace |
Latin |
pax, pacis |
pacifism |
| pach- |
thick |
Greek |
παχύς (pachus) |
pachydermata, Pachypodium |
| paed- |
child |
Greek |
παῖς, παιδός (pais, paidos) |
paediatric |
| pagin- |
page |
Latin |
pagina |
pagination |
| pal- |
stake |
Latin |
palus |
impalement, pale |
| palae-, pale- |
ancient, old |
Greek |
παλαιός (palaios) |
paleontology |
| palin- |
back |
Greek |
πάλιν (palin) |
palindrome |
| pall- |
be pale |
Latin |
pallere |
pallid, pallor |
| palli- |
mantle |
Latin |
pallium |
pallium |
| palm- |
palm |
Latin |
palma |
palmate |
| palustr(i)- |
in marshes |
Latin |
paluster |
palustral |
| pan-, pam- |
all |
Greek |
πᾶς, παντός (pas, pantos) |
pandemic |
| pand-, pans- |
spread |
Latin |
pandere, pansus |
expand, expansion |
| par(a)- |
beside, near |
Greek |
παρά (para) |
parallel, parameter |
| pariet- |
wall |
Latin |
paries, parietis |
parietal |
| part(i)- |
part |
Latin |
pars, partis |
bipartite, partition |
| parthen(o)- |
maiden |
Greek |
παρθένος (parthenos) |
parthenogenesis |
| parv- |
little |
Latin |
parvus |
parvovirus |
| pasc-, past- |
feed |
Latin |
pascere, pastus |
pasture, repast |
| pass- |
pace, step |
Latin |
passus |
|
| passer- |
sparrow |
Latin |
passer |
passeriform, passerine |
| pat- |
be open |
Latin |
patere |
patent |
| path- |
feel, hurt |
Greek |
πάθος (pathos) |
pathetic, pathology |
| pati-, pass- |
suffer, feel, endure, permit |
Latin |
pati, passus |
passive, patience |
| patr- |
father |
Greek |
πατήρ, πατριά (patēr, patria) |
patriarch |
| patr(i)- |
father |
Latin |
pater, patris |
patrilocal |
| pauc- |
few |
Latin |
paucus |
paucal, paucity |
| pav- |
|
Latin |
pavire |
pavement |
| pecc- |
sin |
Latin |
peccare |
impeccable |
| pect- |
fixed |
Greek |
πηκτός (pēktos) |
pectic, pectin |
| pector- |
chest |
Latin |
pectus, pectoris |
pectoral |
| pecun- |
money |
Latin |
pecunia |
pecuniary |
| ped- |
child |
Greek |
παῖς, παιδός (pais, paidos) |
pedagogy |
| ped- |
foot |
Latin |
pes, pedis |
pedal, quadruped |
| pejor- |
worse |
Latin |
pejor |
pejorative |
| pell-, puls- |
drive |
Latin |
pellere, pulsus |
propellent, propulsor, repellent |
| pen- |
almost |
Latin |
paene |
peninsula, penultimate, penumbra |
| pend-, pens- |
hang |
Latin |
pendere |
suspend |
| penn-, pinn- |
feather |
Latin |
penna |
pennate, pinnate |
| pent- |
five |
Greek |
πέντε (pente) |
pentagon, pentode, pentagrid |
| pentecost- |
fiftieth |
Greek |
πεντηκοστός (pentēkostos) |
pentecostalism |
| pept- |
to digest |
Greek |
πέσσειν, πεπτός (pessein, peptos) |
peptic, peptide |
| per- |
thoroughly, through |
Latin |
per |
perfection, persistence |
| peran- |
across, beyond |
Greek |
πέραν (peran) |
|
| peri- |
around |
Greek |
περί (peri) |
perimeter, periscope |
| persic- |
peach |
Greek |
περσικός (persikos) |
|
| pessim- |
worst |
Latin |
pessimus |
pessimal |
| pet- |
strive towards |
Latin |
petere |
appetite, competition |
| petr- |
rock |
Greek |
πέτρα (petra) |
petroglyph |
| phae(o)- |
dark |
Greek |
φαιός (phaios) |
phaeomelanin |
| phag- |
eat |
Greek |
φαγεῖν (phagein) |
sarcophagus |
| phalang- |
close formation of troops, finger bones |
Greek |
φάλαγξ, φάλαγγος (phalanx, phalangos) |
phalanges |
| phalar- |
having a patch of white |
Greek |
φάλαρος (phalāros)[1] |
phalarope |
| pharmac- |
drug, medicine |
Greek |
φάρμακον (pharmakon) |
pharmacy |
| phanero- |
visible |
Greek |
φανερός (phaneros) |
phanerozoic |
| pher- |
bear, carry |
Greek |
φέρω (pherō) |
pheromone |
| phil-, -phile |
love, friendship |
Greek |
φιλέω (phileō, philia) |
philosophy, hydrophile |
| phleg- |
heat |
Greek |
φλέγω (phlegō) |
phlegm, phlegmatics |
| phloe- |
tree bark |
Greek |
φλοιός (phloios) |
phlobaphene, phloem |
| phob- |
fear |
Greek |
φόβος (phobos) |
hydrophobia |
| phon(o)- |
sound |
Greek |
φωνή (phōnē) |
homophone, microphone, phonograph |
| phor- |
carry, bear |
Greek |
φόρος (phoros) |
metaphor |
| phos-, phot- |
light |
Greek |
φῶς, φωτός (phōs, phōtos) |
phosphor, photograph |
| phragm- |
fence |
Greek |
φράγμα (phragma) |
diaphragm |
| phren- |
diaphragm, mind |
Greek |
φρήν, φρενός (phrēn, phrenos) |
schizophrenia |
| phryn(o)- |
toad, toad-like |
Greek |
φρύνη (phrunē) |
Phrynobatrachus |
| phyl- |
tribe |
Greek |
φύλον (phulon) |
phylogenetics, phylum |
| phyll- |
leaf |
Greek |
φύλλον (phullon) |
chlorophyll, phyllotaxis |
| physa- |
bladder |
Greek |
φυσά, φούσκα (phusa, phouska) |
|
| phys- |
nature |
Greek |
φύσις (phusis) |
physics |
| phyt- |
plant |
Greek |
φυτόν (phuton) |
neophyte, phytoplankton |
| pic- |
pitch |
Latin |
pix, picis |
|
| pil- |
hair |
Latin |
pilus |
depilatory, epilator |
| pin(o)- |
drink |
Greek |
πίνειν (pinein) |
pinocytosis |
| pin- |
pine |
Latin |
pinus |
pineal gland |
| ping-, pict- |
paint |
Latin |
pingere, pictus |
depiction, picture |
| pingu- |
fat |
Latin |
pinguis |
Pinguicula |
| pir- |
pear |
Latin |
pirus |
piriformis muscle |
| pisc- |
fish |
Latin |
piscis |
Pisces, piscivore |
| pis- |
pea |
Greek |
πίσος (pisos) |
|
| plac- |
plate, tablet |
Greek |
πλάξ, πλακός (plax, plakos) |
|
| plac- |
calm |
Latin |
placare, placatus |
placate |
| plac-, -plic- |
please |
Latin |
placēre, placitus |
placebo, placid |
| plagi- |
oblique |
Greek |
πλάγιος (plagios) |
plagioclase |
| plan- |
flat |
Latin |
planus |
explanation, planar, plane |
| plang-, planct- |
|
Latin |
plangere, planctus |
plangent |
| plas- |
mould |
Greek |
πλάθω (plathō) |
plasma, plastic |
| platy- |
flat, broad |
Greek |
πλατύς (platus) |
platypus |
| plaud-, -plod-, plaus-, -plos- |
clap |
Latin |
plaudere, plausus |
applaud, applause, explosion, implode |
| ple-, plet- |
fill |
Latin |
plere |
complement, suppletion |
| pleb- |
people |
Latin |
plebs, plebis |
plebian, plebs |
| plec- |
interwoven |
Greek |
πλέκω (plekō) |
plectics, symplectomorphism |
| plect-, plex- |
plait |
Latin |
plectere, plexus |
perplex |
| plen- |
full |
Latin |
plenus |
plenary |
| plesi- |
near |
Greek |
πλησίος (plēsios) |
|
| pleth- |
full |
Greek |
πλῆθος (plēthos) |
plethora |
| pleur- |
side |
Greek |
πλευρά (pleura) |
|
| plic- |
fold |
Latin |
plicare, plicatus |
duplication, replicate |
| plinth- |
brick |
Greek |
πλίνθος (plinthos) |
|
| plor- |
|
Latin |
plorare |
implore |
| plu- |
rain |
Latin |
pluere |
|
| plum- |
feather |
Latin |
pluma |
plumage, plumate |
| plumb- |
lead |
Latin |
plumbum |
|
| plur- |
more |
Latin |
pluris |
plural |
| plurim- |
most |
Latin |
plurimus |
|
| plus- |
more |
Latin |
plus |
|
| pluto- |
wealth |
Greek |
πλοῦτος (ploutos) |
plutocracy |
| pluvi- |
rain |
Latin |
pluvia |
pluvial |
| pneu- |
air, lung |
Greek |
πνεῦμα (pneuma) |
pneumatic |
| pod- |
foot |
Greek |
πούς, ποδός (pous, podos) |
podiatry, tripod |
| pogon(o)- |
beard |
Greek |
πώγων, πώγωνος (pōgōn, pōgōnos) |
pogonotrophy |
| poie- |
make |
Greek |
ποιέω (poieō) |
poiesis |
| pol- |
pole |
Greek |
πόλος (polos) |
dipole, polar |
| pole-, poli- |
city |
Greek |
πόλις (polis) |
metropolis, politics |
| polem- |
war |
Greek |
πόλεμος (polemos) |
polemic |
| poli(o)- |
grey |
Greek |
πολιός (polios) |
|
| pollic- |
thumb |
Latin |
pollex, pollicis |
|
| pollin- |
|
Latin |
pollen, pollinis |
pollination |
| poly- |
many |
Greek |
πολύς (polus) |
polygon |
| pon-, posit- |
put |
Latin |
ponere, positus |
component, position, postpone |
| ponder- |
weight |
Latin |
pondus, ponderis |
preponderance |
| pont- |
bridge |
Latin |
pons, pontis |
pontoon |
| popul- |
people |
Latin |
populus, populare |
population |
| por- |
passage |
Greek |
πόρος (poros) |
pore |
| porc- |
pig |
Latin |
porcus |
porcine, pork |
| porphyr- |
purple |
Greek |
πορφύρα (porphura) |
porphyrin |
| port- |
gate |
Latin |
porta |
portal |
| port- |
carry |
Latin |
portare, portatus |
export, transportation |
| post- |
after, behind |
Latin |
post |
posterior, postscript |
| pot- |
drink |
Latin |
potus, potare |
potable |
| potam- |
river |
Greek |
ποταμός (potamos) |
Mesopotamia, hippopotamus |
| prasin- |
leek-green |
Greek |
πράσινος (prasinos) |
prasinous |
| prat- |
meadow |
Latin |
pratum |
|
| prav- |
crooked |
Latin |
pravus |
depravity |
| pre- |
before |
Latin |
prae |
previous |
| prec- |
pray |
Latin |
prex, precis, precāri |
deprecation |
| pred- |
|
Latin |
praeda, praedari |
predator |
| prehend-, prend-, prehens- |
grasp |
Latin |
prehendere, prehensus |
comprehend |
| prem-, -prim-, press- |
press |
Latin |
premere, pressus |
pressure |
| presby- |
old |
Greek |
πρέσβυς (presbus) |
Presbyterianism |
| preter- |
past |
Latin |
praeter |
preterite, pretermission |
| preti- |
price |
Latin |
pretium, pretiare |
|
| prim- |
first |
Latin |
primus |
primary, primeval, primitive |
| prior- |
former |
Latin |
prior |
priority |
| priv(i)- |
separate |
Latin |
privus, privare, privatus |
deprivation, privilege |
| pro- |
before, in front of |
Greek |
πρό (pro) |
|
| pro- |
for, forward |
Latin |
pro |
propulsion |
| prob- |
try |
Latin |
probus, probare |
probation |
| proct- |
anus |
Greek |
πρωκτός (prōktos) |
proctology |
| propri- |
|
Latin |
proprius |
appropriate, propriety |
| pros(o)- |
forward |
Greek |
πρός (pros) |
|
| prot(o)- |
first |
Greek |
πρῶτος (prōtos) |
protoplasm |
| proxim- |
nearest |
Latin |
proximus, proximare |
approximate, proximity |
| prun- |
plum |
Latin |
prunus |
prune |
| psamma- |
sand |
Greek |
ψάμμος (psammos) |
|
| pseud(o)- |
false |
Greek |
ψευδής (pseudēs) |
pseudonym |
| psil(o)- |
bare |
Greek |
ψιλός (psilos) |
epsilon |
| psych(o)- |
mind |
Greek |
ψυχή (psuchē) |
psycho |
| psychr(o)- |
cold |
Greek |
ψυχρός (psuchros) |
|
| pter- |
wing, fern |
Greek |
πτερόν (pteron) |
helicopter |
| pto- |
fall |
Greek |
πτώσης (ptōsēs) |
ptosis |
| ptyal- |
saliva |
Greek |
πτύον (ptyon) |
|
| ptych- |
fold, layer |
Greek |
πτύξ, πτυχή (ptuchē) |
triptych |
| pubi- |
sexually mature |
Latin |
pubes |
pubescent, pubic |
| public- |
|
Latin |
publicus |
publication |
| pude- |
|
Latin |
pudere |
impudent |
| pugn- |
fight |
Latin |
pugna, pugnare |
pugnacious, repugnant |
| pulchr- |
beautiful |
Latin |
pulcher, pulchri |
pulchritude |
| pulmon- |
lung |
Latin |
pulmo, pulmonis |
pulmonary |
| pulver- |
dust |
Latin |
pulvis, pulveris |
pulverize |
| pung-, punct- |
prick |
Latin |
pungere, punctus |
puncture, pungent |
| puni- |
punish |
Latin |
punire, punitus |
punitive |
| pup- |
doll |
Latin |
pupa |
pupa, puppet |
| pur- |
pure |
Latin |
purus |
impurity, purify |
| purg- |
|
Latin |
purgare |
expurgate, purgatory |
| purpur- |
purple |
Latin |
purpura |
|
| put- |
prune, reckon |
Latin |
putāre |
compute, putative |
| pyg(o)- |
rump |
Greek |
πυγή (pugē) |
pygostyle |
| pyl- |
gate |
Greek |
πυλών, πυλῶνος (pulōn) |
pylon |
| pyr(o)- |
heat, fire |
Greek |
πῦρ, πυρός (pur, puros) |
pyrolysis |
| Root |
Meaning in English |
Origin language |
Etymology (root origin) |
English examples |
| sacchar- |
sugar |
Greek |
σάκχαρον (sakcharon) |
saccharin |
| sacr-, secr- |
sacred |
Latin |
sacer, sacrare |
consecrate, sacrament |
| sagac- |
wise |
Latin |
sagax, sagacis |
sagacity |
| sagitt- |
arrow |
Latin |
sagitta |
sagittal plane, Sagittaria |
| sal- |
salt |
Latin |
sal, salis, salere |
salinity |
| sali-, -sili-, salt- |
jump |
Latin |
salire, saltus |
resilient, salient, saltus |
| salic- |
willow |
Latin |
salix, salicis |
salicin |
| salv- |
save |
Latin |
salvus, salvare |
salvation |
| san- |
healthy |
Latin |
sanus |
insane, sanity |
| sanc- |
holy |
Latin |
sancire, sanctus |
sanctify, sanctuary |
| sanguin- |
blood |
Latin |
sanguis, sanguinis |
consanguinity, sanguine |
| sapi-, -sipi- |
taste, wise |
Latin |
sapere |
insipience, sapient |
| sapon- |
soap |
Latin |
sapo, saponis |
saponification |
| sarc(o)- |
flesh |
Greek |
σάρξ, σαρκός (sarx, sarkos) |
sarcophagus |
| saur- |
lizard, reptile |
Greek |
σαῦρος (sauros) |
dinosaur |
| sax- |
rock |
Latin |
saxum |
|
| scab- |
scratch |
Latin |
scabere |
scabies |
| scal- |
ladder, stairs |
Latin |
scala |
scalar, scale |
| scalen- |
uneven |
Greek |
σκαληνός (skalēnos) |
scalene muscles, scalene triangle |
| scand-, -scend-, scans-, -scens- |
climb |
Latin |
scandere |
ascend, transcendent |
| scaph- |
anything hollow, bowl, ship |
Greek |
σκάφη, σκάφος |
scaphoid bone |
| scel- |
leg, thigh |
Greek |
σκέλος, σκέλεος (skelos) |
isosceles |
| schem- |
plan |
Greek |
σχῆμα (schēma) |
schematic |
| schis- |
split |
Greek |
σχίζω, σχίσμα (schisma) |
schism |
| sci- |
know |
Latin |
scire |
prescient, science |
| scind-, sciss- |
split |
Latin |
scindere |
rescind, scissors |
| scler- |
hard |
Greek |
σκληρός (sklēros) |
scleroderma, sclerosis |
| scoli- |
crooked |
Greek |
σκολιός (skolios) |
scoliosis |
| scop-, scept- |
look at, examine, view, observe |
Greek |
σκέπτομαι, σκοπός (skopos) |
horoscope, kaleidoscope, stethoscope |
| scrib-, script- |
write |
Latin |
scribere, scriptus |
inscribe, scripture |
| sculp- |
carve |
Latin |
sculpere, sculptus |
sculpture |
| scut- |
shield |
Latin |
scutum |
scute |
| scyph- |
cup |
Greek |
χούφτα (chouphta) |
Scyphozoa |
| se-, sed- |
apart |
Latin |
se |
secede, sedition |
| seb- |
tallow |
Latin |
sebum |
sebaceous, sebum |
| sec-, sect-, seg- |
cut |
Latin |
secare |
secant, section, segment |
| sed- |
settle, calm |
Latin |
sedare, sedatus |
sedative |
| sed-, -sid-, sess- |
sit |
Latin |
sedere, sessus |
reside, sediment, session, supersede |
| sedec- |
sixteen |
Latin |
sedecim |
sedecimal |
| seget- |
in cornfields |
Latin |
segetum |
|
| sei- |
shake |
Greek |
σείω, σεισμός (seismos) |
seismograph |
| selen- |
moon |
Greek |
σελήνη (selēnē) |
Selene, selenium |
| sell- |
saddle, seat |
Latin |
sella |
sella turcica |
| sema- |
sign |
Greek |
σῆμα (sēma) |
semantics, semaphore |
| semi- |
half |
Latin |
semis |
semifinal |
| semin- |
seed |
Latin |
semen, seminis |
insemination |
| sen- |
old man |
Latin |
senex, senis |
senator, senility |
| sen- |
six each |
Latin |
seni |
senary |
| senti-, sens- |
feel |
Latin |
sentire, sensus |
consensus, sentient |
| sept- |
fence, partition, enclosure |
Latin |
saeptum |
transept |
| sept- |
seven |
Latin |
septem |
septennial |
| septen- |
seven each |
Latin |
septeni |
septenary |
| septim- |
seventh |
Latin |
septimus |
septimal, septime |
| septuagen- |
seventy each |
Latin |
septuageni |
septuagenary |
| septuagesim- |
seventieth |
Latin |
septuagesimus |
septuagesima, septuagesimal |
| septuagint- |
seventy |
Latin |
septuaginta |
Septuagint |
| sequ-, secut- |
follow |
Latin |
sequere, secutus |
consecutive, sequence |
| ser-, sat- |
cultivate |
Latin |
serere, satus |
sative |
| ser- |
body fluid |
Latin |
serum |
serous |
| ser- |
late |
Latin |
serus |
serein, serotine |
| serp- |
crawl, creep |
Latin |
serpere, serptus |
serpent |
| serr- |
saw, saw-toothed |
Latin |
serra, serrare |
serration |
| serv- |
save, protect, serve |
Latin |
servare |
conservation |
| sesqui- |
one and a half |
Latin |
sesqui |
sesquicentennial |
| set- |
bristle, hair |
Latin |
saeta |
seta, setose |
| sever- |
stern, strict, serious |
Latin |
severus |
severity |
| sex-, se- |
six |
Latin |
sex |
semester, sexangle, sexennium |
| sexagen- |
sixty each |
Latin |
sexageni |
sexagenary |
| sexagesim- |
sixtieth |
Latin |
sexagesimus |
sexagesimal |
| sext- |
sixth |
Latin |
sextus |
sextant |
| sibil- |
hiss |
Latin |
sibilus, sibilare |
sibilance |
| sicc- |
dry |
Latin |
siccus |
desiccation |
| sider- |
star |
Latin |
sidus, sideris |
sidereal |
| sign- |
sign |
Latin |
signum |
design, designate, signal |
| sil- |
quiet or still |
Latin |
silere |
silence |
| silv(i)- |
forest |
Latin |
silva |
silviculture |
| simi- |
ape, monkey |
Latin |
simia |
simian |
| simil- |
likeness, trust, group |
Latin |
similis |
assimilate, similarity |
| simul- |
imitating, feigning |
Latin |
simulare |
simulation |
| singul- |
one each |
Latin |
singulus |
singular |
| sinistr- |
left |
Latin |
sinister, sinistri |
sinistral |
| sinu- |
(to draw) a line |
Latin |
sinuare |
insinuate |
| sinus- |
hollow, bay |
Latin |
sinus |
|
| siph(o)- |
tube |
Greek |
σίφων (siphōn) |
siphon |
| sist- |
cause to stand |
Latin |
sistere |
consist, persistence |
| sit(o)- |
food, grain, wheat |
Greek |
σῖτος (sitos) |
sitology |
| soci- |
group |
Latin |
socius, sociare |
associate, social |
| sol- |
sun |
Latin |
sol, solis |
solar |
| sol- |
comfort, soothe |
Latin |
solari |
consolation |
| sol- |
alone, only |
Latin |
solus |
desolate, sole, solo, solipsism |
| solen- |
pipe, channel |
Greek |
σωλήν (sōlēn) |
solenoid |
| solv-, solut- |
loosen, set free |
Latin |
solvere, solutus |
dissolve, solution |
| soma- |
body |
Greek |
σῶμα (sōma) |
somatic |
| somn- |
sleep |
Latin |
somnus |
insomnia |
| somni- |
dream |
Latin |
somnium |
|
| son- |
sound |
Latin |
sonus |
resonance |
| soph- |
wise |
Greek |
σοφός (sophos) |
sophist |
| sorb-, sorpt- |
suck |
Latin |
sorbere |
absorb, absorption |
| sord- |
dirt |
Latin |
sordes, sordere |
sordid |
| soror- |
sister |
Latin |
soror |
sorority |
| spati- |
space |
Latin |
spatium |
spatial |
| spec-, -spic-, spect- |
look |
Latin |
specere |
conspicuous, inspection, specimen |
| spect- |
watch, look at |
Latin |
spectare |
spectator |
| specul- |
observe |
Latin |
speculari |
speculation |
| sper- |
hope |
Latin |
spes, sperare |
desperation, esperance |
| sperm- |
seed |
Greek |
σπέρμα (sperma) |
angiosperm |
| sphen(o)- |
wedge |
Greek |
σφήν (sphēn) |
|
| spher- |
ball |
Greek |
σφαῖρα (sphaira) |
sphere, spheroid |
| sphinct- |
closing |
Greek |
σφίγγα |
sphincter |
| spic- |
spike |
Latin |
spica |
spicule |
| spin- |
thorn |
Latin |
spina |
spine |
| spir- |
breathe |
Latin |
spirare |
respiration |
| spond-, spons- |
a surety, guarantee; give assurance, promise solemnly |
Latin |
spondere, sponsus |
|
| spondyl- |
vertebra |
|
|
|
| spu-, sput- |
spew, spit |
Latin |
spuere |
sputum |
| squal- |
scaly, dirty, filthy |
Latin |
squalere |
squalid, squalor |
| squam- |
scale |
Latin |
squama |
|
| squarros- |
spreading at tips |
Latin |
|
|
| st- |
stand |
Latin |
stare, status |
stable, station, status, statistic, statue |
| stagn- |
pool of standing water |
Latin |
stagnare |
stagnant |
| stalact- |
|
Greek |
σταλακτίτης (stalaktitēs) |
stalactite |
| stalagm- |
|
Greek |
σταλαγμός (stalagmos) |
stalagmite |
| stann- |
tin |
Latin |
stannum |
stannous |
| statu-, -stitu- |
stand |
Latin |
statuere |
institution, statute |
| stea- |
fat, tallow |
Greek |
στέαρ, στέατος (stear, steatos) |
stearic acid |
| steg- |
covering |
Greek |
|
steganography |
| stell- |
star |
Latin |
stella |
constellation, stellar |
| sten- |
narrow |
Greek |
στενός (stenos) |
stenography |
| stere- |
solid |
Greek |
στερεός (stereos) |
|
| stern-, strat- |
spread, strew |
Latin |
sternere, stratus |
stratify |
| stern- |
breastbone |
Greek |
στέρνον (sternon) |
sternum |
| stich- |
line, row |
Greek |
στίχος (stichos) |
|
| stig- |
|
Greek |
στίγμα (stigma) |
stigma |
| still- |
drip |
Latin |
stilla, stillare |
distillation |
| stimul- |
goad, rouse, excite |
Latin |
stimulus |
stimulate |
| stingu-, stinct- |
apart |
Latin |
stinguere |
distinction, distinguish |
| stoch- |
aim |
Greek |
στόχος |
stochastic |
| stom- |
mouth |
Greek |
στόμα (stoma) |
stomatoplasty |
| strept- |
twisted |
Greek |
στρεπτός (streptos) |
|
| strig- |
compress |
Latin |
strix, strigis |
strigogyps |
| strigos- |
having stiff bristles |
Latin |
|
|
| string-, strict- |
upright, stiff |
Latin |
stringere, strictus |
stringent |
| stroph- |
turning |
Greek |
στροφή (strophē) |
apostrophe |
| stru-, struct- |
structure , building |
Latin |
struere, structus |
construction, construe |
| stud- |
dedication |
Latin |
studere |
student |
| stup- |
wonder |
Latin |
stupere |
stupor |
| styl- |
column, pillar |
Greek |
στῦλος (stulos) |
stylus |
| su-, sut- |
sew |
Latin |
suere, sutus |
suture |
| sui- |
self |
Latin |
sui |
suicide |
| suad-, suas- |
urge |
Latin |
suadere, suasus |
persuasion |
| suav- |
sweet |
Latin |
suavis |
suave |
| sub-, su-, sus- |
below |
Latin |
sub |
submerge |
| subter- |
under |
Latin |
subter |
subterfuge |
| sucr- |
sugar |
Latin |
|
sucrose |
| sud- |
sweat |
Latin |
sudare |
sudoriferous |
| sulc- |
furrow |
Latin |
sulcus |
sulcus |
| sum-, sumpt- |
take |
Latin |
sumere, sumptus |
assumption, consume |
| super- |
above, over |
Latin |
super |
supersede |
| supin- |
lying back |
Latin |
supinus |
supination |
| supra- |
above, over |
Latin |
supra |
supranationalism |
| surd- |
deaf |
Latin |
surdus |
absurdity |
| surg- |
rise |
Latin |
surgere |
resurgent |
| syn-, sy-, syl-, sym- |
with |
Greek |
σύν (sun) |
symbol, symmetry, synonym, system |
| syring- |
pipe |
Greek |
σύριγξ, σύριγγος (syrinx, syringos) |
syringe |
| Root |
Meaning in English |
Origin language |
Etymology (root origin) |
English examples |
| tac-, -tic- |
be silent |
Latin |
tacere, tacitus |
reticent, tacit |
| tach- |
swift |
Greek |
ταχύς (tachus) |
tachometer |
| taenia- |
ribbon |
Greek |
ταινία (tainia) |
|
| tal- |
ankle |
Latin |
talus |
|
| tang-, -ting-, tact-, tag- |
touch |
Latin |
tangere, tactus |
contact, tactile, tangent |
| tapet- |
carpet |
Latin |
tapete, tapetis |
|
| tard- |
slow |
Latin |
tardus |
retard, tardigrade, tardy |
| tars- |
ankle |
Greek |
ταρσός (tarsos, a flat basket) |
tarsal |
| taur- |
bull |
Greek |
ταῦρος (tauros) |
Minotaur |
| taur- |
bull |
Latin |
taurus |
Taurus |
| tax- |
arrangement, order |
Greek |
τάξις (taxis) |
taxonomy |
| techn- |
art, skill |
Greek |
τέχνη (technē) |
technology |
| teg-, tect- |
cover |
Latin |
tegere, tectus |
integument, protection |
| tele- |
far, end |
Greek |
τῆλε (tēle) |
telegram, telephone, telescope |
| teleo- |
complete |
Greek |
τέλος (telos) |
teleology |
| temn- |
cut |
Greek |
τέμνω (temnō) |
|
| tempor- |
time |
Latin |
tempus, temporis |
contemporary, temporal, temporary |
| ten-, -tin-, tent- |
hold |
Latin |
tenere, tentus |
continent, detention, tenacious, tenor |
| tend-, tens- |
stretch |
Latin |
tendere, tensus |
extend, extension |
| tenu- |
slender, thin |
Latin |
tenuis |
attenuate, tenuous |
| tep- |
be warm |
Latin |
tepere |
tepid |
| ter-, trit- |
rub |
Latin |
terere, tritus |
attrition, contrite |
| teret- |
rounded |
Latin |
teres, teretis |
|
| terg-, ters- |
wipe |
Latin |
tergere, tersus |
detergent |
| termin- |
boundary, limit, end |
Latin |
terminus |
determine, terminal, termination |
| tern- |
three each |
Latin |
terni |
ternary, ternion |
| terr- |
dry land |
Latin |
terra |
terrace, terracotta, terrain |
| terti- |
third |
Latin |
tertius |
tertian, tertiary |
| test- |
witness |
Latin |
testis |
testament, testimony |
| tetr- |
four |
Greek |
τετρά (tetra-) |
tetrahedron, tetrode |
| tex-, text- |
weave |
Latin |
texere, textus |
texture, textile |
| thalam- |
chamber, bed |
Greek |
θάλαμος (thalamos) |
|
| thalass- |
sea |
Greek |
θάλασσα (thalassa) |
Panthalassa |
| than- |
death |
Greek |
θάνατος (thanatos) |
euthanasia |
| the- |
put |
Greek |
τίθημι (tithemi) |
theme, thesis |
| -theca |
case |
Greek |
θήκη (thēka) |
Bibliotheca |
| thel(o)- |
|
Greek |
θηλή |
|
| the(o)-, thus- |
god |
Greek |
θεός (theos) |
theology, enthusiasm |
| theori- |
|
Greek |
θεωρία |
theorem, theory |
| therm- |
heat, warm |
Greek |
θερμός (thermos) |
thermometer, endotherm |
| thero- |
beast, animal |
Greek |
θήρ, θηρός |
theropod |
| thymo- |
mood |
Greek |
θυμός |
dysthymia |
| thyreo- |
large shield |
Greek |
θυρεός |
thyroid |
| tim- |
be afraid |
Latin |
timere |
timid |
| ting-, tinct- |
moisten |
Latin |
tingere, tinctus |
tincture |
| tom- |
cut |
Greek |
τομή (tome), τόμος (tomos) |
ectomy, atom, tome |
| ton- |
stretch |
Greek |
τόνος (tonos) |
tone, isotonic |
| top- |
place |
Greek |
τόπος (topos) |
topic, topography |
| torn- |
cut |
Latin from Greek |
tornare < τόρνος (tornos) |
|
| torpe- |
numb |
Latin |
torpere |
torpor |
| torqu-, tort- |
twist |
Latin |
torquere, tortus |
extortion, torque, torture |
| tot- |
all, whole |
Latin |
totus |
total |
| tox(o)- |
arrow, bow |
Greek |
τόξον (toxon) |
|
| trab- |
beam |
Latin |
trabs, trabis |
trabeculae |
| trachy- |
rough |
Greek |
τραχύς (trachus) |
trachea |
| trag(o)- |
goat |
Greek |
τράγος (tragos) |
tragus |
| trah-, tract- |
draw, pull |
Latin |
trahere, tractus |
subtrahend, tractor |
| trans-, tra-, tran- |
across |
Latin |
trans |
tradition, transcend, transportation |
| trapez- |
four-sided, table |
Greek |
τράπεζα (trapeza) |
trapezoid trapezius |
| traum- |
wound |
Greek |
τραῦμα (trauma) |
trauma, traumatic |
| trecent- |
three hundred |
Latin |
trecenti |
trecentennial |
| tredec- |
thirteen |
Latin |
tredecim |
tredecimal |
| treiskaidek- |
thirteen |
Greek |
τρεισκαίδεκα (treiskaideka) |
triskaidekaphobia |
| trem- |
tremble |
Latin |
tremere |
tremor |
| trema- |
hole |
Greek |
τρῆμα (trēma) |
trematode |
| tri- |
three |
Greek |
τρεῖς, τρία (treis, tria) |
triad, trigon, tripod, triode |
| tri- |
three |
Latin |
trēs |
triangle, trivia, triumvirate |
| tricen- |
thirty each |
Latin |
triceni |
tricenary |
| tricesim-, trigesim- |
thirtieth |
Latin |
tricesimus |
trigesimal |
| trich- |
hair |
Greek |
θρίξ, τριχός (thrix, trichos) |
trichopathophobia, peritrichous |
| trin- |
three each |
Latin |
trini |
trinity |
| trit- |
third |
Greek |
τρίτος (tritos) |
tritagonist |
| troch- |
wheel |
Greek |
τροχός (trochos) |
trochlea |
| trop- |
turning |
Greek |
τρόπος (tropos) |
tropic |
| troph- |
feed, grow |
Greek |
τροφή, τροφός (trophos) |
pogonotrophy, trophic, dystrophy |
| trud-, trus- |
thrust |
Latin |
trudere, trusus |
extrusion, intrude |
| tuss- |
cough |
Latin |
tussis, tussire |
pertussis |
| tympan- |
drum |
Greek |
τύμπανον (tumpanon) |
tympani |
| typ- |
stamp, model |
Greek |
τύπος (tupos) |
archetype, phenotype, typography |