List of Greek and Latin roots in English

The following is an alphabetical list of Greek and Latin roots, stems, and prefixes very commonly used in the English language.

Some of those used in medicine and medical technology are not listed here but instead in the entry for List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes.

A

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
ab-, a-, abs-, au- [1]	away from	Latin	ab	abnormal, abrasion, absent, abstain, abstraction, aversion, avulsion, abstract
acer-, acri-	bitter, sharp, sour	Latin	ācer, ācris, acerbus, acere	acerbic, acrid, acrimonious, acrimony, exacerbate
acet-	sour, vinegar	Latin	acētum	acetabulum, acetate, acetic, acetone, acetum, triacetate
acid-	acidic, sour	Latin	acidus	acidiferous, acidity, acidosis, acidulation, acidulous
acr-	height, summit, tip	Greek	ἄκρος (ákros) "high", "extreme"	acrobatics, acromegaly, acronym, acrophobia, acropolis, acrostic
acu-, acut-	sharp, pointed	Latin	acutus, past participle of acuere "to sharpen", from acus "needle"	acerose, acupuncture, acumen, acute, acutifoliate
ad-, a-, ac-, af-, ag-, al-, am-, an-, ap-, ar-, as-, at- [2]	movement to or toward; in addition to	Latin	ad "to", "toward"	accept, accurate, adapt, affect, agglomerate, aggregate, aggression, allege, allude, ammunition, annectent, approximate, arreption, arride, arrogant, ascend, assault, assimilate, attend, attract
adip-	fat	Latin	adeps, adipis "fat"	adipocellular, adipose
aer- (ΑΕΡ[3])	lift, raise	Greek	ἀείρειν (aeírein), ἀορτή (aortḗ), αἰρόμενον, ἀϝείρω	aorta, aortic, endaortitis, meteor, meteorology
aero-	air, atmosphere	Greek	ἀήρ, ἀέρος (āḗr, āéros) "air"	aerobic, aerodynamic, aeronautics, aeroplane, aerorrhachia, aerosol, aerotitis
aesth-	feeling, sensation	Greek	αἰσθητός (aisthētós), αἰσθητικός (aisthētikós) "of sense perception" from αἰσθάνεσθαι (aisthánesthai) "to perceive"	aesthesia, aesthesis, aesthete, aesthetics, anaesthetic, synesthesia
aether-, ether-	upper pure, bright air	Greek	αἴθειν (aíthein), αἰθήρ (aithḗr)	ether, ethereal, etheric, hypaethros
aev-, ev-	age	Latin	aevum	age, coeval, eon, eternal, longevity, medieval, primeval
ag-, -ig-, act-	do, go, move	Latin	agere, actus	act, action, agenda, agent, agile, agitate, ambiguous, castigate, cogent, cogitate, cogitation, excogitate, mitigate, navigate
ag-, -agogue	lead	Greek	ἄγειν (ágein) (cognate with Latin agere), ἀγωγός (agōgós)	agony, antagonist, antagonize, demagogue, pedagogue, pedagogy, strategy, synagogue
agri-, -egri-	field	Latin	ager, agris "field, country"	agriculture, peregrine
agro-	field	Greek	ἀγρός (agrós)	agroforestry, agronomy
alac-	cheerful	Latin	alacer	alacrity, allegro
alb-	dull white	Latin	albus	albedo, albino, albumen
alcyon- [4]	kingfisher	Greek	ἀλκυών, ἀλκυόνος (alkuṓn, alkuónos)	Halcyon, halcyon
ale- (ΑΛ[5])	wheat flour	Greek	ἀλέω, ἄλευρον (áleuron), ἀλείατα	aleuromancy, aleurone, aleuronic
alg- [6]	pain	Greek	ἄλγος (álgos), ἀλγεινός, ἀλγεῖν (algeîn), ἄλγησις (álgēsis)	analgesic, arthralgia, neuralgia, nostalgia
ali-, alter-	other	Latin	alius	alias, alibi, alien, alter, alternate, altruism
all- [7]	other	Greek	ἄλλος (állos)	allegory, allogenic, allograph, allophone, parallactic, parallax
allel- [8]	one another	Greek	ἀλλήλων (allḗlōn)	allele, allelomorph, allelotaxis, parallel, parallelism, parallelogon, parallelogram
alph-	A, a	Greek	Α, α, ἄλφα (álpha)	alphabet, alphabetic, analphabetic, panalphabetic, polyalphabetic
alphit-	barley	Greek	ἀλφός (alphós), ἄλφιτον, ἀλφίτου (álphiton)	alphitomancy
alt-	high, deep	Latin	altus, altitudo	altimeter, altitude
am-, amat-	love, liking	Latin	amāre, amatus, amor	amateur, amatory, amenity, amorous, enamoured
am-, amic-, -imic-	friend	Latin	amicus	amiable, amicable, amity, enemy, enmity, inimical
ambi-, am-, amb-, ambo-, an-	both, on both sides	Latin	ambi	ambidexterity, ambient, ambiguous, ambit, ambition, ambivalent, amboceptor, amputation, ancipital, andante
ambly- [9]	dull	Greek	ἀμβλύς (amblús)	amblygeustia, amblygonite, amblyopia, Amblypoda
ambul-	walk	Latin	ambulare	ambulance, ambulatory, preamble
amm- [10]	sand	Greek	ἄμμος (ámmos), ἄμαθος (ámathos)	amathophobia, Ammophila
amn- [11]	lamb	Greek	ἀμνός (amnós), ἀμνεῖος, ἀμνειός, ἀμνίον (amníon)	amniocentesis, amnion, amnioscope, amniote, amniotic, anamniote
amph-, amphi- [12]	both, on both sides of, both kinds	Greek	ἀμφί (amphí) "on both sides"	amphibian, amphibious, amphibole, amphibolic, amphimacer, Amphipoda, amphistyly, amphitheatre, amphoterism
ampl-	ample, abundant, bountiful, large	Latin	amplus	ample, amplify, amplitude
amygdal-	almond	Greek	ἀμυγδάλη (amugdálē), ἀμύγδαλον (amúgdalon)	almond, amygdala, amygdale, amygdalin, amygdaloid, amygdule
an-, a-, am-, ar-	not, without	Greek	Greek ἀν-/ἀ- "not"	ambrosia, anaerobic, anhydrous, arrhythmia, atheism, atypical
ana-, am-, an- [13]	again, against, back, up	Greek	ἀνά (aná)	anagram, anabaptist, anaphylaxis, anarrhexis, anion, anode
andr- (ΑΝΕΡ[14][15])	male, masculine	Greek	ἀνήρ, ἀνδρός (anḗr, andrós), ἀνδρότης	Alexander, androcentric, androcentrism, androgen, androgenous, androgyne, androgynous, androgyny, android, andrology, androphobia, androspore, diandry, misandry, monandry, philander, polyandrous, polyandry, protandry, pseudandry, synandrous
anem-	wind	Greek	ἄνεμος (ánemos)	anemograph, anemometer, anemometric, anemone, anemophilous, anemophily, anemophobia, anemoscope, anemotropism
anim-	breath, life, spirit	Latin	anima "breath"	animal, animation
ann-, -enn-	year, yearly	Latin	annus "year"	anniversary, annual, centennial, millennium, perennial
ant-, anti- [16]	against, opposed to, preventive	Greek	ἀντί (antí) "against"	antagonist, antagonize, antibiotic, antipodes, antirrhinum
ante-, anti- [17]	before, in front of, prior to; old	Latin	ante "before", "against"; see also antiquus "old"	antebellum, antediluvian, anticipate, antiquarian, antiquated, antique, antiquity
anth-	flower	Greek	ἄνθος (ánthos)	anther, anthology
anthrac-	coal	Greek	ἄνθραξ, ἄνθρακος (ánthraks, ánthrakos)	anthracite, anthracycline, anthrax
anthrop-	human	Greek	ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos) "man"	anthropology, anthroposophy, anthropomorphic, misanthrope, philanthropy
ap-, apo-	away from, separate, at the farthest point	Greek	ἀπό (apó) "from, away, un-, quite", sometimes "changed, switched"	aphelion, apocrine, apocryphal, apogee, aporrhinosis, apostasy, apostate
aper-	open	Latin	aperire	aperient, apéritif, aperitive, aperture, overt, overture, pert
aqu-	water	Latin	aqua	acquacotta, akvavit, aqua vitae, aquaculture, aquamarine, aquarelle, aquarium, Aquarius, aquatic, aquatile, aqueduct, aqueous, aquifer, aquiferous, aquiform, gouache, semiaquatic
ara-	plow, till	Latin	ărāre	arability, arable, aration, aratory, exarate, exaration, inarable, nonarable
arbit-	judge	Latin	arbiter (from ad "to" + baetere "to come, go")	arbiter, arbitrage, arbitrary, arbitration
arcan-	box	Latin	arcanus	arcane, arcanum
arch-, arche-, archi-	ruler	Greek	ἄρχειν (árchein), ἄρχων (árchōn), ἀρχή (archḗ) "rule" (in compounds: ἀρχε-, ἀρχι-)	anarchy, archangel, archetype, architect, archon, autarchism, autarchy, exarch, monarchy, oligarchy, patriarchy, polyarchy, synarchy, triarchy
archae-, arche-	ancient	Greek	ἀρχαῖος (arkhaîos) "ancient" from ἀρχή (arkhḗ) "rule"	archaeology, archaic, archaism
arct-	Relating to the North Pole or the region near it; relating to cold	Greek	ἄρκτος (árktos) "bear", ἀρκτικός (arktikós)	Antarctic, arctic, Arctic Ocean, palearctic
ard-	heat, glow, passion	Latin	ardere "to burn", arsus	ardent, ardor, arson
ardu-	difficult	Latin	arduus "high, steep"	arduous
argent-	silver	Latin	argentum	argent, Argentina
aret-	virtue	Greek	ἀρετή (aretḗ)	aretaic, arete
arid-	be dry	Latin	ārēre "be dry or parched"	arid
arist-	excellence	Greek	ἄριστος (áristos)	aristocracy, aristocrat
art-	art, skill	Latin	ars, artis	artifact, artifice, artificial, artificiality, artisan, inert, inertia
arthr-	joint	Greek	ἄρθρον (árthron)	arthritic, arthritis, arthropod, arthroscopic, arthrosis
asin-	ass	Latin	asinus	asinine, ass, easel
asper-	rough	Latin	asper "rough"	asperity, exasperate
aster-, astr-	star, star-shaped	Greek	ἀστήρ, ἀστέρος (astḗr, astéros), ἄστρον (ástron) "star"	aster, asterisk, asteroid, astrology, astronomy, astronaut, diasterism geaster, monaster
athl-	prize	Greek	ἆθλος (áthlos) "contest, feat", ἄεθλος	athlete, athletic, decathlon, pentathlon, triathlon
-athroid-	gathered or lumped together	Greek	ἀθροίζειν (athroízein) "to gather together"	epiathroid, hypoathroid
audac-	daring	Latin	audax "brave, bold, daring", from audere "to dare"	audacious, audacity
aud-	hearing, listening, sound	Latin	audire "to hear"	audible, audio, audiology, audit, audition, auditorium, auditory
aug-, auct-	grow, increase	Latin	augēre, auctus "to increase"	auction, augend, augment, augmentation, augur, augury, august, author, auxiliary, inauguration
aur-	relating to gold, or gold-colored	Latin	aurum "gold"	aureate, aureole
auri-, aus-	relating to the ear	Latin	auris "ear"	aural, auricle, aurinasal, auscultate, auscultation
aut-, auto-	self; directed from within	Greek	αὐτός (autós) "self", "same"	autarchy, authentic, autism, autocracy, autograph, automatic, autonomy
av-	desire	Latin	avere "crave, long for"	avarice, avaricious, avarous, ave, avid, avidity
avi-, au-	bird	Latin	avis	auspice, auspicious, avian, aviary, aviation, aviator
axi-	merit	Greek	ἄξιος (áxios) "worth", ἀξίωμα (axíōma)	axiology, axiom, axiomatic
axi-	axis	Latin	axis	axis, axisymmetry
axon-	axis, axle	Greek	ἄξων, ἄξονος (áxōn, áxonos)	axon, axonography, axonometric

B

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
ba- [18] (ΒΑ[19])		Greek	βαίνειν (baínein), βατός (batós), βάσις (básis), βῆμα, βήματος (bêma), βάτης, βάθρον (báthron), βατεῖν	acrobatic, adiabatic, aerobatic, anabasis, anabatic, antiparabema, base, basic, basidiocarp, basidioma, basidiomycete, basidiospore, basidium, basion, basionym, basis, basophilic, bema, catabasis, catabatic, diabase, diabatic, diabetes, diabetic, dibasic, hyperbaton, hypobasis, katabasis, katabatic, monobasic, polybasic, stereobate, stylobate, tribasic
bac-	rod-shaped	Latin	baculum	baculiform, baculum, bacteria
bal-, bel-, bol- (ΒΑΛ[20])	throw	Greek	βάλλειν (bállein), βολή (bolḗ), βλῆμα (blêma)	anabolic, anabolism, ball, ballista, ballistic, ballistospore, belomancy, belonephobia, bolide, catabolic, catabolism, devil, diabolic, emblem, emblematic, embolic, embolism, embolus, holometabolism, hyperbole, metabolism, parable, parabola, paraboloid, parle, parley, problem, problematic, symbol, symbolic, symbolism, taurobolium, thromboembolism
bapt- (ΒΑΦ[21])	dip	Greek	βάπτειν (báptein), βάμμα (bámma)	abaptiston, Anabaptist, baptism, baptize
bar-	weight, pressure	Greek	βαρύς (barús/barýs), βάρος (báros)	barograph, barometer, barostat, barycentre, barycentric, baryogenesis, baryon, barysphere, baryton, barytone, hyperbaric, hypobaric, isobaric
bas-	step	Greek
bath-	deep, depth	Greek	βαθύς (bathús/bathýs), βάθος (báthos)	batholith, bathophobia, bathos, bathymetry, bathyscaphe, bathysphere, isobathic
be-, beat-	bless	Latin	beare, beatus	beatification
bell-, belli-	war	Latin	bellum, belli	antebellum, bellicose, belligerent, rebellion
ben-	good, well	Latin	bene (adverb)	beneficence, benefit, benevolent, benign, benignant, benignity
bi-, bin-, bis-	two	Latin	bis, "twice"; bini, "in twos"	bicycle, biennial, bifocal, bisexual, bigamy, binary, binoculars, biscotti
bib-	drink	Latin	bibere, bibitus	bib, beer, beverage, imbibe
bibl- [22]	book	Greek	βίβλος (bíblos), βιβλίον (biblíon) "book"	bible, biblioclasm, biblioclast, bibliogony, bibliographic, bibliography, biblioklept, bibliomancy, bibliomania, bibliophile, bibliophilia, bibliophobe, bibliophobia, bibliotaph
bio-, bi-	life	Greek	βιοῦν (bioûn), βίος (bíos) "life", βιωτός (biōtós), βιωτικός (biōtikós), βίωσις (bíōsis)	biodiversity, biography, biohazard, biology, biome, biometric, biosphere
blast-	germ, embryo, bud, cell with nucleus	Greek	βλαστάνειν (blastánein), "I put forth shoots", βλαστός (blastós), βλάστημα (blástēma)	blastema, blastochyle, blastocoele, blastula, ectoblast, endoblast, entoblast, fibroblast, osteoblast, sideroblast
blenn-	slime	Greek	βλέννος (blénnos)	blennadenitis, blennophobia, blennosperma, blennorrhagia
bol-	throw	Greek
bol- [23]	clod, lump	Greek	βῶλος (bôlos)	bole, bolus
bomb- [24]	boom	Greek	βομβεῖν, βόμβος, βόμβησις	bomb, bound
bon-	good	Latin	bonus	bonify, bonitary
bore-	north	Latin from Greek	borealis "northern" from Βορέας (Boreas) "the north wind"	borealis
botan-	plant	Greek	βοτάνη, βότανον (botánē, bótanon), βοτανικός	botanic, botanist, botanology, botany
bov-, bu-	cow, ox	Latin	bos (genitive bovis) "ox, cow"	beef, boor, bovine, bucinator muscle
brachi-, brachio-	arm	Latin	bracchium	brachiferous, brachial artery, brachiocubital
brachi-, brachio-, brachion-, brachioni-	arm	Greek	βραχίων (brakhíōn)	brachialgia, brachionerysipelas, brachionigraph, brachiorrhachidian, brachiosaurus
brachy- [25]	short	Greek	βραχύς (brakhús, brakhýs)	amphibrach, brachistochrone, brachycephaly, brachydactyly, brachyury, dibrach, tribrach
brady-, bradys- [26]	slow	Greek	βραδύς (bradús, bradýs), βράδος (brádos)	bradycardia, bradysuria, bradytelic
branchi-	gill	Greek	βράγχιον (brágkhion, bránkhion)	branchiopneustic, branchiopod, nudibranch
brev-	brief, short (time)	Latin	brevis, breviare	abbreviate, brevextensor, brevicaudate, brevity, brief
bromat-, bromato-, broma-, bromo-	food	Greek	βρῶμα (brōma)	bromatium, bromateccrisis, bromatherapy, bromatology, bromography
brom- [27]	oats	Greek	βρόμος, βρόμη (brómos, brómē) "oats"	brome, Bromus, Bromus ramosus
brom-	stench	Greek	βρῶμος (brōmos) "stench, clangor"	bromate, bromide, bromine, bromoderma, organobromine
bronch- [28]	windpipe	Greek	βρόγχος (brógkhos/brónkhos), βρόγχια (brónchia)	bronchia, bronchiole, bronchion, bronchitis, bronchomalacia, bronchopneumonia, bronchus, tracheobronchomalacia
bront- [29]	thunder	Greek	βροντή (brontḗ)	brontology, brontophobia, Brontosaurus
brot- [30]	mortal	Greek	βροτός (brotós)	ambrosia, ambrotype
bucc-	cheek, mouth, cavity	Latin	bucca	buccal, buccilingual, buccolingual
bulb-	bulbous	Latin	bulbus	bulbiform, bulbiparous, bulboartrial, bulborrhexis, bulbous, bulbule
bull-	bubble, flask	Latin	bullire, bulla	bullectomy, bulliferous, ebullient, ebullism
burs-	pouch, purse	Latin	bursa	bursa, bursalogy, bursar, bursary, bursectomy, bursiform, disburse
butyr- [31]	butter	Greek	βούτυρον (boúturon)	butyric
byss- [32]	bottom	Greek	βυσσός, βυσσοῦ (bussós)	abyss, abyssopelagic, hypabyssal
byss- [33]	flax	Greek	βύσσος (bússos)	byssus

C

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
cac-, kak-	bad	Greek	κακός (kakós), κάκιστος (kákistos)	cachexia, cacodemon, cacography, cacophony, cacorrhacitis, kakistocracy
cad-, -cid-, cas-	fall	Latin	cadere, casus	accident, cadaver, cadence, cascade, case, recidivism
caed, -cid-, caes-, -cis-	cut, kill	Latin	caedere, caesus	caesura, excise, germicide, homicide, incisor, scissors
cal-, call-	beautiful	Greek	καλός (kalós) "beautiful"; κάλλος (kállos) "beauty", κάλλιστος (kállistos)	calisthenics, calligraphy, Callista, Callisto, calophyllous, kaleidoscope
cal-	call	Latin	calare	calendar, claim, class, conciliate, conciliatory, council, intercalate, nomenclature
cal-	heat	Latin	calere, calor "heat"	caldarium, caldera, calefacient, calefaction, calefactive, calefactory, calenture, calescent, calid, calor, calore, caloric, calorie, calorifacient, calorific, calorigenic, calorimeter, caudle, cauldron, chafe, chafery, chalder, chaldron, chaud-froid, chauffer, chauffeur, chauffeuse, decalescence, decalescent, nonchalance, nonchalant, recalescence, scald
calc-	stone	Latin and Greek	from Latin calx (genitive calcis) "lime", from Greek χάλιξ (khalix) "pebble", "limestone"	calcite, calcitrant, calcium, calculate, calculus, chalicothere, chalk, recalcitrant
cale-, cle-	call	Greek	καλέειν/καλεῖν (kaléein/kaleîn), κλῆσις (klēsis), κλητός (klētós)	ecclesia, Ecclesiastes, ecclesiastic, ecclesiology, ecclesiophobia, epiclesis, paraclete
calv-, calum-	trick, lie, deceive	Latin	calumnia "slander, trickery", from calvi "to trick, deceive"	calumnious, calumny, cavil, challenge
calyp-	cover	Greek	καλύπτειν (kalúptein), καλυπτός (kaluptós), κάλυξ (kálux)	apocalypse, calyx, epicalyx, eucalyptus
camer-	vault	Latin	camera	antechamber, bicameral, camaraderie, camber, camera, chamber, chamberlain, comrade, concamerate, concameration, multicamera, tricameral, unicameral
camisi-	shirt	Latin	camisia	camisade, camisado, Camisard, camisole, chemise
camp-	field	Latin	campus "field", "level ground"	camp, campaign, campesino, campestral, campicolous, campimetry, campsite, campus, champion, decamp, encamp, encampment
can-	dog	Latin	canis	canaille, canary, canicule, canid, canine, Canis, Canis Major
can-	reed, rod	Greek	κάννα (kánna), κανών (kanṓn)	cane, canister, canon, canonic
can-, -cin-, cant-, -cent-	sing	Latin	canere, cantus	accent, accentual, accentuate, accentuation, canción, canorous, cant, cantabile, cantata, cantation, cantatory, cantatrice, canticle, canticum, cantiga, cantilena, cantillate, cantillation, cantion, canto, cantor, cantus, canzona, canzone, Carmen, chanson, chansonnier, chant, chanteur, chanteuse, chanticleer, charm, concent, descant, discant, discantus, disenchant, disenchantment, disencharm, disincentive, enchant, enchantment, enchantress, incantation, incantational, incentive, plainchant, precentor, recant, recantation, succentor, vaticinate, vaticination, vaticinator
cand-, cend-	glowing, iridescent	Latin	candere "to be white or glisten"	candela, candid, candle, candor, incandescent, incendiary, incense
cap-, -cip-, capt-, -cept-	hold, take	Latin	capere, captus "take or hold" (vowel changes from a to i in compounds)	capable, capacious, captive, caption, captivate, capture, conception, except, forceps, incipient, intercept, recipient
capit-, -cipit-	head	Latin	caput, capitis	achievable, achieve, achievement, ancipital, ancipitous, biceps, bicipital, cabotage, cad, caddie, cadet, cape, capital, capitular, capitulate, capitulation, captain, chapter, chaptrel, chattel, chef, chief, chieftain, co-captain, co-captaincy, decapitate, decapitation, occipital, occiput, precipitation, precipitous, quadriceps, recap, recapitulate, sincipital, sinciput, sous-chef, subcaptain, triceps, tricipital, unicipital, vice-captain, vice-captaincy
capr-	goat	Latin	caper (genitive capri) "goat", also capreolus "wild goat"	cab, caper, caprice, Capricorn, caprine
caps-	box, case	Latin	capsa	capsule
carbon-	coal	Latin	carbo, carbonis	arbonara, bicarbonate, carbon, carbonate, carbonation, Carboniferous, carbuncle, radiocarbon
carcer-	jail	Latin	carcer, carcerare, cancelli	chancel, chancellery, chancellor, chancery, incarcerate, incarceration, subchancel
carcin-	cancer (disease)	Latin from Greek	Latin from Greek καρκίνος (karkínos) "crab"	carcinogenic, carcinoma
cardi-	heart	Greek	καρδιά (kardía)	cardiac, cardiograph, cardioid, cardiology, cardiomyopathy, electrocardiogram, endocardium, epicardium, hemicardia, myocardium, pericardium
cardin-	hinge	Latin	cardo, cardinis	cardinal, cardinality, kern
carn-	flesh	Latin	caro, carnis	carnage, carnal, carnality, carnary, carnate, carnation, carneous, carnival, carnivore, carnose, carnosity, carrion, caruncle, carunculate, charcuterie, charnel, discarnate, incarnadine, incarnate, incarnation, reincarnate, reincarnation
carp-	fruit	Greek	καρπός (karpós) "fruit"	acarpous, angiocarpous, anisocarpic, Carpo, carpogonium, carpology, carpophagous, carpophore, carpospore, cystocarp, endocarp, epicarp, mesocarp, monocarpic, pericarp, polycarpic, procarp, pseudocarp
carp-	wrist	Greek	καρπός (karpós) "wrist"	carpal, carpal tunnel syndrome, carpus, metacarpus
cast-	pure, cut	Latin	castrare and castus, from kes- (to cut)	caste, castigate, castrate, chaste, chastity, incest
cata-, cat-	down, against, back	Greek	κατά (katá) "down, against, back"	catabolic, catacomb, catalyst, catarrhine, catastrophe, catatonia, cathode, cation
caten-	chain	Latin	catena	catenary, concatenation
cathar-	pure	Greek	καθαρός (katharós)	catharsis, cathartic
caud-	tail	Latin	cauda	caudal, coda
caus-, -cus-	cause or motive	Latin	causa	accuse, because, causal, causative, cause, excuse
caust-, caut-	burn	Greek	καίειν (kaíein), καυστός/καυτός (kaustós), καυστικός	calm, catacaustic, caustic, cauter, cauterize, cautery, diacaustic, holocaust, hypocaust
cav-	hollow	Latin	cavus	cave, cavity, excavation
ced-, cess-	move, yield, go, surrender	Latin	cedere, cessus	accede, cede, concede, precede, procedure, proceed, procession, recede, secede, succeed, success
cel-	hide	Latin	celare "to hide"	ceiling, clandestine, conceal, occult
celer-	quick	Latin	celer, celerare	acceleration, celerity
cen-, caen-	new	Greek	καινός (kainós)	caenogastropod, caenogenesis, Cenozoic
cen-	empty	Greek	κενός (kenós)	cenotaph, kenosis
cen-, coen-	common	Greek	κοινός (koinós)	cenobite, coenesthesia, coenocyte
cens-	to assess	Latin	censere	censure, census
cent-	hundred	Latin	centum	cent, centennial, centurion, percent
centen-	hundred each	Latin	centeni	centenarian, centenary
centesim-	hundredth	Latin	centesimus	centesimal, centesimation
centr-	center	Greek	κέντρον (kéntron) "needle", "spur"	eccentric
centri-	center	Latin	centrum	central, center, concentrate, concentric, centrifugal, centripetal
cephal-	head	Greek	κεφαλή (kephalḗ)	acephalic, acephaly, anencephaly, autocephaly, brachiocephalic, brachycephalic, cephalic, cephalomancy, cephalometry, cephalon, cephalopagus, cephalopod, diencephalon, dolichocephalic, encephalitis, encephalogram, encephalopathy, holoprosencephaly, hydrocephalus, macrocephaly, mesaticephalic, mesencephalic, mesocephalic, metencephalon, microcephaly, myelencephalon, neencephalon, paleencephalon, prosencephalon, rhombencephalon, rhombencephalosynapsis, syncephalus, telencephalon
ceram-	clay	Greek	κέραμος (keramos)	ceramic
cerat-	horn	Greek	κέρας (keras), κέρατος (keratos)	keratin, triceratops
cern-, cer-	sift	Latin	cernere "to sift, separate"	ascertain, certain, concern, concert, decree, discern, excrement, secern, secret
cervic-	relating to the neck, relating to the cervix	Latin	cervix, cervicis "neck"	cervix, cervical
ceter-	other	Latin	ceterus	et cetera
chir-	of the hand or hands	Greek	χείρ (kheir) "hand"	chiral, chiropractic, chiroptera
chelon-	relating to a turtle	Greek	χελώνη (khelōne) "tortoise"	chelonia
chlor-	green	Greek	χλωρός (khlōros)	chlorine, chlorophyll, chloroplast
chondr-	cartilage	Greek	χόνδρος (chondros)	hypochondriasis
chore-	relating to dance	Greek	χορεία (khoreia) "dancing in unison" from χορός (khoros) "chorus"	choreography, chorus
chord-	cord	Latin and Greek	chorda "rope" from χορδή (chordē)	chordata, cord
chrom-	color	Greek	χρῶμα (chrōma)	chromatic, chrome, chromium, chromosome, monochrome, polychrome
chron-	time	Greek	χρόνος (chronos)	anachronism, chronic, chronicle, chronology, chronometer, synchronize
chrys-	gold	Greek	χρυσός (khrusos)	chrysalis, chrysolite
cili-	eyelash	Latin	cilium	cilia, supercilious
ciner-	ash	Latin	cinis, cineris	incineration
cing-, cinct-	gird	Latin	cingere, cinctus	succinct
circ-	circle, ring	Latin	circulus, circus	circle, circular, circulate, circus
circum-	around	Latin	circum	circumcise, circumference, circumlocution, circumnavigate, circumscribe
cirr-	orange	Greek	κιρρός (kirros)	cirrhosis
cirr-	curl, tentacle	Latin	cirrus	cirrus
cit-	call, start	Latin	citare, frequentative of ciere	citation, cite, excite, incite, solicit, solicitous
civ-	citizen	Latin	civis	civic, civil, civilian, civility, civilization
clad-	branch	Greek	κλάδος (klados)	clade
clam-	cry out	Latin	clamare	acclaim, claim, clamor, exclamation, proclamation, reclamation
clar-	clear	Latin	clarus, clarare	clarity, clear, declaration
clast-	broken	Greek	κλαστός (klastos)	iconoclast, osteoclast
claud-, -clud-, claus-, -clus-	close, shut	Latin	claudere, clausus	clause, claustrophobia, conclude, exclude, exclusive, include, occlusion, occult, recluse, seclude
clav-	key	Greek	κλείς (kleis) "key" from κλείειν, (kleiein) "to close"	clavichord, clavicle, conclave
cleist-	closed	Greek	κλειστός (kleistos)	cleistogamy
cleithr-	bar, key	Greek	κλεῖϑρον (kleithron)	cleithrum
clement-	mild	Latin	clemens, clementis	clemency, inclement
clin-	bed	Greek	κλίνη (klinē)	clinic
clin-	lean, recline	Latin	-clinare	decline, declination, incline, inclination, recline
cochl-	snail, spiral shell	Greek	κόχλος (kochlos)	cochlea
coel-	hollow	Greek	κοῖλος (koilos)	blastocoel, coelom, spongocoel
col-	strain	Latin	colare, colum	colander, coulee, percolate
coll-	hill	Latin	collis	colliculus
coll-	neck	Latin	collum	accolade, collar
color-	color	Latin	color	coloration, coloratura, tricolor
comi-	friendly, kind	Latin	comis "courteous, kind"	comity
con-, co-, col-, com-, cor-	with, together	Latin	cum (from older form quom)	coagulate, collide, compress, connect, connote, contain, corrode, quondam
con-	cone	Greek	κῶνος (kōnos)	conic, conical, conoid
condi-	season	Latin	condire	condiment
contra-	against	Latin	contra	contraband, contraception, contradict, contraindicate, contrast, contravene
copi-	plenty	Latin	copia	copious, copy, cornucopia
copr-	dung	Greek	κόπρος (kópros)	coprolite, coprophagia, coprophilia
copul-	bond	Latin	copula "that which binds"	copula, copulation, couple
cor-, cord-	heart	Latin	cor, cordis	accord, cordial, core, concord, courage, discord, discordant, encourage, record
corac-	raven	Greek	κόραξ, κόρακος (korax, korakos)	coracoid
cori-	hide, leather	Latin	corium, corii	excoriate
corn-	horn	Latin	cornu	cornea, cornucopia, unicorn
coron-	crown	Latin	corona, coronare	corona, coronation
corp-, corpor-	body	Latin	corpus, corporis	corporation, corporal, corporeal, corpse, corpulent, corpuscle, incorporate
cortic-	bark	Latin	cortex, corticis	cortical
cosm-	universe	Greek	κόσμος (kosmos)	cosmic, cosmonaut, cosmopolitan, cosmos, microcosm
cosmet-	the art of dress and ornament	Greek	κοσμητική (kosmētikḗ) from κόσμος (kόsmos)	cosmetics, cosmetology
cost-	rib	Latin	costa	costal
cotyl-	cup	Greek	κοτύλη (kotulē)	cotyledon
-cracy, -crat	government, rule, authority	Greek	κράτος (krάtos), κρατία (kratía)	acrasia, akrasia, akratic, anocracy, aristocracy, autocracy, autocrat, autocratic, bureaucracy, democracy, democratic, pancratium, plutocracy, technocracy, technocrat, theocracy
crani-	skull	Greek	κρανίον (kraníon)	craniologist, craniometry, craniosynostosis, cranium, hemicrania, megrim, migraine
crass-	thick	Latin	crassus	crassitude
crea-	make	Latin	creare, creatus	creation, creature, creole, procreation, recreation
cred-	believe, trust	Latin	credere, creditus	accreditation, credence, credentials, credibility, credible, credit, creditor, credo, credulity, credulous, creed, discredit, incredible, incredulous, miscreant, recreant
crep-	boot, shoe	Greek	κρηπίς, κρηπίδος (krēpis, krēpidos)	crepidoma
cresc-	grow, rise	Latin	crescere	accresce, accrescence, accrescent, accrete, accretion, accrue, concrete, crescendo, crescent, crew, decrease, increase, recruit, recruitment, surcrew
cribr-	sieve	Latin	cribrum, cribrare	cribble, cribrate
cric-	ring	Greek	κρίκος (krikos)	cricoid
crisp-	curled	Latin	crispus	crepe, crispate
crist-	crest	Latin	crista	cristate
crit-, crisi-	judge, separate	Greek	κρίνειν (krinein), κρίσις (krisis)	crisis, criterion, critic, critical, diacritic, endocrine, hypocrisy
cross-	fringe, tassel	Greek	κροσσός (krossos)	crossopterygii
cruc-	cross	Latin	crux, crucis	crucial, crucifix, crucify, excruciating
crur-	leg, shank	Latin	crus, cruris	crural
-cry	wail, shriek	Latin	critare, from quiritare	cry, decry, descry
crypt-	hidden	Greek	κρύπτειν (kruptein) "to hide", κρυπτός (kruptos)	apocryphal, cryptic, cryptography
cten-	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, culprit, exculpate
cune-	wedge	Latin	cuneus	cuneiform
cur-	care for	Latin	cura, curare	accurate, curative, curator, cure, curious, manicure, pedicure, secure, sinecure
curr-, curs-	run, course	Latin	currere, cursus	concur, concurrent, corridor, courier, course, currency, current, cursive, cursor, cursory, discourse, excursion, incur, occur, recur, recursion, recursive, succor
curv-	bent	Latin	curvus "crooked, curved", from curvare "to bend"	cavort, curb, curvature, curve
cuspid-	lance, point	Latin	cuspis, cuspidis	bicuspid
cult-, col-	cultivate, till, inhabit	Latin	colere	colony, cult, cultivate, cultivation, culture
cut-	skin	Latin	cutis	cutaneous, cuticle
cyan-	blue	Greek	κυανός (kuanos)	cyanide
cycl-	circular	Greek	κύκλος (kúklos)	acyclic, anticyclone, anticyclonic, bicycle, cycle, cyclic, cycloid, cyclone, cyclops, cyclosis, dicyclic, eccyclema, epicycle, epicycloid, hemicycle, hemicyclium, heterocyclic, homocyclic, hypocycloid, isocyclic, mesocyclone, monocyclic, polycyclic, pseudocyclosis, tetracyclic, tricycle, tricyclic, unicycle
cylind-	roll	Greek	κυλίνδειν (kulíndein), κύλινδρος (kúlindros)	cylinder, cylindric, cylindroid, cylindroma, pseudocylindric
cyn-	dog	Greek	κύων, κυνός (kúōn, kunós)	cynic, cynicism, cynodont, cynology, cynophobia, Cynosaurus, cynosure, eucynodont
cyst-	capsule	Greek	κύστις (kustis)	cystic
cyt-	cell	Greek	κύτος (kutos)	cnidocyte, cytoplasm

D

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
dactyl-	digit, finger, toe	Greek	δάκτυλος (dáktulos)	dactylology, polydactyly, pterodactyl
daman-	to tame	Greek	adamas "untameable, invincible"	adamant, adamantine, Damian
damn-, -demn-	to inflict loss upon	Latin	damnāre	condemn, damnation, indemnify
de-	down, away from, removing	Latin	dē	decay, declare, decline, decompose, dedicate, deduce, defend, deletion, delineate, delude, demarcate, dementia, depress, derogatory, desecrate, descend, destroy, detract
deb-	owe	Latin	debere, debitus	debit, debt
dec-	ten	Greek	δέκα (déka) "ten", δεκάς, δεκάδος (dekás, dekádos), δεκάκις (dekákis) "ten times", δεκαπλάσιος (dekaplásios) "ten-fold"	decad, decade, decagon, decagram, decahedron, Decalogue, decamer, decamerous, decameter, decapod, decathlon
decim-	tenth part	Latin	decimus, tenth; from decem, ten	decimal, decimate
decor-	ornament	Latin	decorus "fit, proper" and decorare "to decorate", from decor "beauty, ornament" and decus "ornament"	decor, decorate, decorous, decorum
del-	delete	Latin	delere (from dē + linere)	delete, deletion, indelible
delt-	shaped like a Δ	Greek	δέλτα (délta)	deltoid
dem-	people	Greek	δῆμος (dēmos)	demagogue, democracy, demography, endemic, epidemic
den-	ten each	Latin	deni	denarius, denary, denier, dinar, dinero, dinheiro
dendr-	resembling a tree	Greek	δένδρον (déndron); akin to δρύς (drys) "tree"	dendric, dendrite, dendrochronology, rhododendron
dens-	thick	Latin	densus	condense, dense, density
dent-	tooth	Latin	dens, dentis	dental, dentifrice, dentures
der-	skin	Greek	δέρειν (dérein), δέρμα, δέρματος (dérma, dérmatos)	Dermaptera, dermatology, dermis, ectoderm, endoderm, epidermis, hypodermic, mesoderm, scleroderma, taxidermy, xeroderma
deuter-	second	Greek	δεύτερος (deúteros)	deuteragonist, Deuteronomy, deuterostome
dexi-	right	Greek	δεξιός (deksiós)	Dexiarchia
dexter-	right	Latin	dexter	dexterity, dextrose
di-	two	Greek	δι- (di-)	dicot, diode, dipole
dia-	apart, through	Greek	διά (diá)	diagram, dialysis, diameter
dic-, dict-	say, speak, proclaim	Latin	dīcere, dictus, dictare	benediction, condition, contradict, dictate, dictation, dictator, diction, dictionary, dictum, edict, indictment, interdiction, malediction, predict, prediction, valediction, verdict
dida-	teach	Greek	διδάσκειν (didáskein)	autodidact, Didache, didact, didactic
digit-	finger	Latin	digitus	digital
dino-	terrible, fearfully great	Greek	δεινός (deinós)	dinosaur
dipl-	double; twofold	Greek	διπλός (diplós)	diploid, diploma, diplosis
doc-, doct-	teach	Latin	docere, doctus	docile, doctor, doctrine, document, indoctrinate, indoctrination
dodec-	twelve	Greek	δώδεκα (dōdeka)	dodecahedron, dodecasyllabic
dog-, dox-	opinion, tenet	Greek	δόξα (dóxa) "opinion", from δοκεῖν (dokeîn) "to appear, seem, think", δόγμα (dógma)	dogma, dogmatic, dogmatism, doxology, heterodox, orthodox, paradox
dol-	pain	Latin	dolere "to grieve", also dolus "grief" and dolor "pain"	condolence, dol, doleful, dolorous, indolence
dom-	house	Latin	domus	dame, dome, domestic, domicile
domin-	master	Latin	dominus "master"; (from domus "house")	danger, domain, dominant, dominate, domination, domineer, dominion, domino, dungeon, predominant
domit-	tame	Latin	domitare, frequentative of domare	daunt, domitable, indomitable
don-	give	Latin	dōnum, donare	condone, donate, donation, donor, pardon
dorm-	sleep	Latin	dormire	dormant, dormitory
dors-	back	Latin	dorsum	dorsal, dorsum, dossier, endorse
drom-	run	Greek	δραμεῖν (drameîn), δρόμος (drómos)	anadromous, catadromous, diadromous, heterodromous, hippodrome, palindrome, syndrome
du-	two	Latin	duo	deuce, dual, duality, duo, duplex, duplicity
dub-	doubtful	Latin	dubius	doubt, dubiety, dubious
duc-, duct-	lead	Latin	ducere, ductus	abduce, abduct, adduce, adduct, conduce, deduce, induce, introduce, produce, reduce, seduce, traduce
dulc-	sweet	Latin	dulcis	billet-doux, dolce, dulcet, dulcian, dulcimer
dur-	hard	Latin	durus, durare	durable, duration, duress, endure, obduracy, obdurate, obduration
dy-	two	Greek	δύο (dúo)	dyad, dyadic
dyna-	power	Greek	δύναμις (dúnamai)	dynamic, dynamism, dynamite, dynamo, dynasty, heterodyne
dys-	badly, ill	Greek	δυσ- (dus-)	dysentery, dysplasia, dystrophy

E

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
ec-	out	Greek	ἐκ (ek)	eccentric, ecstasy, ecstatic
ecclesi-	assembly, congregation	Greek	ἐκκλησία (ekklēsiā) from ἐκκαλέω (ekkaleō) "I summon" or "I call out"	Ecclesiastes, ecclesiastical
eco-	house	Greek	οἶκος (oikos)	ecology, economics, economy, ecumenism
ecto-	outside	Greek	ἐκτός (ektos)	ectoderm
ed-, es-	eat	Latin	edere, esus	edible, obesity
eg-	goat	Greek	αἴξ, αἰγός (aix)	egophony
ego-	self, I (first person)	Latin, Greek	ego, ἐγώ	egocentric
eiren-	peace	Greek	εἰρήνη (eirene) "peace"	eirenic, irenic, irenology
electr-	amber	Greek	ἤλεκτρον (elektron)	electron, electricity, electric, electronic
elem-, alm-	pity	Greek	ἐλεημοσύνη (eleemosyne)	almoner, alms, eleemosynary
em-, empt-	buy	Latin	emere, emptus	exemption, preempt, redeem
eme-	vomit	Greek	ἐμεῖν, ἔμετος (emein, emetos)	emesis, emetic
emul-	striving to equal, rivaling	Latin	aemulus, aemulare	emulator
en-, em-	in	Greek	ἐν (en)	emphasis, enclitic, enthusiasm
encephal-	brain	Greek	ἐγκέφαλος (enkephalos)	encephalopathy
endo-	inside, within	Greek	ἔνδον (endon)	endocardial, endocrine, endocytosis, endoskeleton, endosperm
engy-	narrow	Greek	ἐγγύς (engys)	Engystomops
ennea-	nine	Greek	ἐννέα (ennea)	ennead, enneagon, enneode
ens-	sword	Latin	ensis	ensiform
eo-, eos-	dawn, east	Greek	Ἠώς/Ἕως (ēṓs)	Eocene
ep-, epi-	upon	Greek	ἐπί (epi)	ephemeral, epicenter, epidemic, epistemic, epitaph, epithet, epoch, epiphany
equ-, -iqu-	even, equal, level	Latin	aequus	equal, equanimity, equate, Equator, equilibrium, equinox, equipoise, equity, equivalence, equivocal, equivocate, iniquity
equ-	horse	Latin	equus	equestrian
ere-	row	Greek	ἐρέσσειν (eréssein), ἐρέτης (erétēs) "rower", ἐρετμόν (eretmón), εἰρεσία	trierarch
erg-, org-, urg-	work	Greek	ϝέργον (wérgon), έργον (érgon), ἐργάτης (ergátēs), ὄργανον (órganon), ὀργανικός (organikós), ὄργια (órgia)	allergic, allergy, argon, demiurge, dramaturgy, endoergic, energetic, energy, erg, ergate, ergatocracy, ergodic, ergometer, ergonomics, ergophobia, exoergic, georgic, heterorganic, homorganic, liturgy, metallurgy, microorganism, organ, organic, organism, organist, organize, organogenesis, organoid, organoleptic, orgiastic, orgy, parergon, surgeon, synergism, synergy, theurgic, theurgist, theurgy, zymurgy
erot- [34]	(sexual) love	Greek	ἔρως, ἔρωτος (erōs, erōtos)	erogenous, erotic
err-	stray	Latin	errare	aberration, err, errant, erroneous, error
erythr-	red	Greek	ἐρυθρός (eruthros)	erythrocyte
eso-	within	Greek	ἔσω (esō)	esoteric
eth-	custom, habit	Greek	ἦθος (ēthos)	ethology
ethm-	sieve, sift	Greek	ἠθεῖν (ētheîn), ἠθμός (ēthmos); ἤθειν (hethein)	ethmoid
ethn-	people, race, tribe, nation	Greek	ἔθνος (ethnos)	ethnarch, ethnic, polyethnic
etym-	true	Greek	ἔτυμος (etumos)	etymology, etymon
eu-	well, good	Greek	εὖ (eu)	euphoria, euthanasia
eur-	wide	Greek	εὐρύς (eurus)	Europe, eurypterid
ex-, e-, ef-	from, out	Latin	ex	exclude, exist, exit, extend, extrude
exo-	outside	Greek	ἔξω (eksō)	exoskeleton, exothermic
extra-	outer	Latin	extra, extraneus and exterus	estrange, exterior, extra, extraordinary, strange
extrem-	outermost, utmost	Latin	extremus	extreme, extremity, extremophile

F

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
fa-, fat- (FA[35])	say, speak	Latin	fari, see also fateri	affable, bifarious, confess, defamation, fable, fame, fascinate, fate, ineffability, infamy, infancy, infant, infantry, nefarious, preface, profess
fab-	bean	Latin	faba	faba bean
fac-, fact-, -fect-, -fic- (FAC[36])	do, make	Latin	facere, factus	affair, affect, affectation, amplify, artifact, artifice, benefactor, benefice, benefit, confection, counterfeit, defeat, defect, disaffect, edifice, effect, effectible, effection, effective, effectivity, effector, effectual, effectuality, effectuate, effectuation, efficacious, efficacity, efficacy, efficiency, efficient, enface, enfacement, facade/façade, face, facet, facette, facial, faciend, facient, facile, facilitate, facilitation, facilitative, facilitator, facilitatory, facility, facinorous, facsimile, fact, faction, factional, factionary, factious, factitious, factor, factorable, factorial, factory, factotum, factual, fake, fashion, feasible, feat, feature, feckless, fiat, forfeit, infect, inofficious, interoffice, laissez-faire, malefaction, manufacture, modify, nonofficial, office, official, officiant, officiary, officiate, officious, olfaction, omnificence, omnificent, parfait, perfect, perfecta, perfectibility, perfectible, perfection, perfective, perfector, pluperfect, prefect, prefectural, prefecture, prequalification, proficiency, proficient, profit, profitability, profitable, profiteer, profiterole, prolific, qualification, quasiperfect, rarefy, refactorable, refashion, refect, refection, refectory, reinfect, remanufacture, resurface, reunification, sacrifice, scientific, semelfactive, suboffice, subprefect, suffice, sufficiency, sufficient, superficial, superficiality, surface, surfeit, surficial, transfection, trifacial, trifecta, uniface, unifacial, unifactorial, unification
falc-	sickle	Latin	falx, falcis	defalcation, falcate, falciform, falchion, falcon
fall-, fallac-, fals-	false, deceive	Latin	fallere, falsus, fallax, fallacis	default, fail, fallacious, fallacy, fallible, false, falsetto, falsify, falsity, fault
famili-	a close attendant	Latin	famulus	familiarity, family
fasc-	bundle	Latin	fascis	fasciculation, fascism
fatu-	foolish, useless	Latin	fatuus	fatuous, infatuation
feder-	treaty, agreement, contract, league, pact	Latin	foederare, from foedus (genitive foederis); see also fides "faith"	confederacy, confederation, federal, federate, federation
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 (genitive femoris)	femoral, femur
fend-, fens-	strike	Latin	fendere, -fensus	defend, fend, offend, offense
fenestr-	window	Latin	fenestra	defenestration
fer-	to bear, carry	Latin	ferre	aquifer, circumference, confer, conifer, defer, differ, ferry, fertile, infer, Lucifer, offer, prefer, refer, suffer, transfer, vociferous
ferv-	boil, glow	Latin	fervere	ferment, fervent, fervid, fervor, perfervid
feroc-	fierce	Latin	ferox, ferocis	ferocity
ferr-	iron	Latin	ferrum	ferrous
fet-	stink	Latin	fetere	fetid, fetor
fic-	fig	Latin	ficus	Ficus, fig
fid-, fis-	faith, trust	Latin	fides "faith, trust", from fidere "to trust"	confidante, confidence, confident, diffident, faith, fealty, fidelity, fiduciary, infidel, perfidious, perfidy
fig-, fing-, fict- (FIG[37])	to form, shape	Latin	fingere "to touch, handle; devise; fabricate, alter, change"	configure, disfigure, effigy, feign, fiction, fictitious, figment, figurine, nonfiction, transfigure
fil-	thread	Latin	filum	defile, filament, file, filigree, fillet, profile
fili-	son	Latin	filius	affiliation
fin-	end	Latin	finis	affinity, confine, define, final, finale, finance, fine, finish, finite, infinite, refine
find-, fiss- (FID[38])	cleave, split	Latin	findere, fissus	fission, fissure
firm-	firm, strong	Latin	firmus, firmare	affirm, confirm, confirmation, firm, firmament, infirm
fistul-	hollow, tube	Latin	fistula	fistula
fix-	attach	Latin	fixare, frequentative of figere	affix, fix, fixation, fixture, prefix, suffix, transfix
fl-, fla- (FLA[39])	blow	Latin	flāre, flātus	afflatus, conflate, deflate, flatulence, flatus, flavor, flute, inflate, insufflation, soufflé, sufflate
flacc-	flabby	Latin	flaccus, flaccere	flaccid
flav-	yellow	Latin	flavus	flavonoid
flect-, flex-	bend	Latin	flectere, flexus	circumflex, deflect, flex, flexible, flexile, flexion, flexor, inflect, inflection, reflect, reflection, reflex
flig-, flict-	strike	Latin	flīgere, flictus	afflict, conflict, inflict, profligacy, profligate
flor-	flower	Latin	flos, floris	floral, florid
flu-, fluv-, flux-	flow	Latin	fluere, fluxus	affluent, confluence, effluent, fluctuate, fluctuation, fluency, fluent, fluid, fluidity, flush, fluvial, flux, influence, influx, superfluous
foc-	hearth	Latin	focus	bifocal, focal, focus
fod-, foss-	dig	Latin	fodere, fossus	fossil
foen-	hay	Latin	foenum	Foeniculum
foli-	leaf	Latin	folium	defoliant
font-	spring	Latin	fons, fontis	font, fontal, fontanelle
for-	bore, drill	Latin	forare, foratus	foralite, foramen, foraminifer, perforation
form-	shape	Latin	forma	conform, deform, form, formal, formation, formula, formulate, inform, perform, reform, uniform
formic-	ant	Latin	formica	formaldehyde, formic acid
fornic-	vault	Latin	fornix, fornicis	fornication
fort-	strong	Latin	fortis	force, fort, forte, fortify, fortitude, fortress
fove-	shallow round depression	Latin	fovea	fovea
frag-, frang-, -fring-, fract-	break	Latin	frangere, fractus	defray, diffract, fractal, fraction, fractious, fracture, fragile, fragment, frangible, fray, infraction, infringe, refract, refractory, refrain
frater-, fratr-	brother	Latin	frater	fraternal, fraternity
fric-, frict-	rub	Latin	fricare, frictus	dentifrice, friction
frig-	cold	Latin	frigere	frigid, frigorific
front-	forehead	Latin	frons, frontis	confront, frontage, frontal
fruct-, frug-	fruit	Latin	frux, fructis	fructose, frugivorous
fug-, fugit-	flee	Latin	fugere	centrifuge, fugacious, fugitive, refuge
fum-	smoke	Latin	fumus	fume, fumigation
fund-	bottom	Latin	fundare "to found", from fundus "bottom, foundation"	found, founder, foundation, fund, fundament, fundamental, fundamentalism, profound, profundity
fund-, fus-	pour	Latin	fundere, fusus	confound, diffusion, effusion, effusive, found, fusion, infusion, perfusion, profuse, profusion, refund, suffusion, transfusion
fulmin-	flash	Latin	fulmen "lightning flash"	fulminant, fulminate, fulmination
fung-, funct-	do	Latin	fungi, functus	function, fungibility
fur-, furt-	thief, steal	Latin	fur (genitive furis) "thief", furare	ferret, furtive
furc-	fork	Latin	furca	bifurcation
fusc-	dark	Latin	fuscus	fuscous, obfuscate, obfuscation

G

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
galact- (ΓΛΑΚ[40])	milk	Greek	γάλα, γάλακτος (gála, gálaktos)	galactagogue, galactic, galactorrhea, lactose
gam-	marriage, wedding	Greek	γάμος (gámos), γαμεῖν (gameîn), γαμέτης (gamétēs), γαμετή (gametḗ)	allogamy, anisogamete, anisogamy, autogamy, cryptogam, endogamy, exogamy, gamete, gametic, gametophyte, heterogametic, heterogamous, heterogamy, homogametic, karyogamy, misogamy, monogamy, oogamy, planogamete, plasmogamy, polygamist, polygamy
gamb-	leg	Latin	gamba	gam, gambit, gambol, gammon
gar- (GAR[41])	chatter	Latin	garrire	gargantuan, gargle, gargoyle, garrulous, jargon
gastr-	stomach	Greek	γαστήρ, γαστρός (gastḗr, gastrós)	gastric, gastrin, gastritis, gastroenterologist, gastroenterology, gastrolith, gastronomic, gastronomy, gastroparesis, gastropod, mesogastric, Myxogastria
ge-, geo-	earth	Greek	γῆ (gē), γαῖα, γαίας (gaîa), γεω- (geō-)	apogee, biogeography, epigeous, geocentric, geocentrism, geode, geodesy, geodetic, geography, geoid, geology, geomancy, geometry, hypogeous, hypogeum, Pangea, perigee
geiton-	neighbor	Greek	γείτων, γείτονος (geítōn), γειτόνημα	geitonogamy
gel-	icy cold	Latin	gelum	gelatin, gelid
gen- (GEN[42])	beget	Latin	gignere, genitus, genus (genitive generis), see also generare	congenial, engender, gender, generate, generation, genial, genius, genital, genitive, genteel, gentle, genuine, genus, indigenous, ingenious, ingenuous, primogenitor, progeny
gen- (ΓΕΝ[43])	birth, beget, race, kind	Greek	γίγνεσθαι (gígnesthai), and related γένος (génos), γενετικός (genetikós), γένεσις (génesis); see also γενεά (geneá)	allergen, anagenesis, antigen, autogenesis, autogenous, biogenesis, dysgenic, endogen, epigone, eugenics, gametogenesis, gene, genealogy, genesis, genetic, genocide, gonad, heterogeneous, homogeneous, hydrogen, oogenesis, paragenesis, pathogen, spermatogenesis
ger-	old	Greek	γέρων, γέροντος (gérōn, gérontos)	erigeron, geriatric, geriatrics, gerontocracy, gerontology
ger-, gest- (GES[44])	bear, carry	Latin	gerere, gestus	agger, congest, digest, gerundive, gestation, register, suggest, vicegerent
germ-	sprout	Latin	germen, germinis	germ, German, germane, germination
geu- (ΓΕΥΣ[45])	taste	Greek	γεύειν (geúein), γεύεσθαι (geúesthai), γεῦσις	ageusia, dysgeusia, hypergeusia, hypogeusia, parageusia
glabr-	hairless	Latin	glaber	glabrous
glaci-	ice	Latin	glacies	glacier
gladi-	sword	Latin	gladius	gladiator, gladiolus
glia-	glue	Greek	γλία (glía)	glial
glob-	sphere	Latin	globus	global, globe, globule
glori-	glory	Latin	gloria	glorify, glorious, glorify, glorified
gloss-, glot-	tongue	Greek	γλῶσσα (glóssa), γλωττίς (glōttís)	aglossia, epiglottis, gloss, glossary, glottis, isogloss, monoglot, polyglot
glutin-	glue	Latin	gluten, glutinis	agglutination, glue, gluten
glyc-	sweet	Greek	γλυκύς (glukús)	glycogen, glycolipid, glycoprotein, hypoglycaemia
glyph-	carve	Greek	γλύφειν (glúphein), γλυφή (gluphḗ), γλυπτός (gluptós), γλυπτικός (gluptikós)	anaglyph, ditriglyphic, glyph, glyptic, glyptograph, monotriglyph
gnath-	jaw	Greek	γνάθος (gnáthos), γναθμός	Agnatha, agnathous, chilognath, compsognathus, endognathion, epignathous, exognathion, gnathic, gnathophyma, hypognathous, hystricognath, mesognathion, mesognathous, prognathism
gnosc-, -gnit-	know	Latin	gnoscere	acquaint, acquaintance, agnition, agnize, cognition, cognitional, cognitive, cognitivity, cognizable, cognizance, cognizant, cognize, cognoscence, cognoscenti, cognoscible, cognovit, connoisseur, ennoble, ennoblement, ignoble, ignorant, ignoscible, incognito, nobiliary, nobilitate, nobilitation, nobility, noble, note, notice, noticeable, notion, notional, notionality, notoriety, notorious, precognition, quaint, reacquaint, recognition, recognize, reconnaissance, reconnoiter, reconnoitre
gno- (ΓΝΩ[46])	know	Greek	γιγνώσκειν (gignṓskein), γνῶναι, γνωτός (gnōtós), γνωστός (gnōstós), γνωστικός (gnōstikós), γνῶσις (gnṓsis), γνῶσμα, γνώμη (gnṓmē), γνώμων (gnṓmōn)	agnosia, agnostic, agnosticism, anagnorisis, diagnosis, dysanagnosia, gnomic, gnomon, gnomonic, gnosia, gnosis, Gnostic, gnosticism, pathognomonic, physiognomy, prognosis, telegnosis
gon-	corner, angle, knee	Greek	γωνία (gōnía), γόνυ (gónu)	goniometer, gonion, gonioscope, gonitis, polygon, trigon, trigonometry
grad-, gred-, gress- (GRAD[47])	walk, step, go	Latin	gradi, gressus "to step", from gradus "step"	aggression, egress, grade, gradual, graduate, ingress, progress, regress, transgress
gramm-	letter, writing	Greek	γράφειν (gráphein), γράμμα, γράμματος (grámma, grámmatos), γραμματικός (grammatikós)	anagram, anagrammatic, diagram, diagrammatic, engram, epigram, epigrammatic, grammar, grammatic, grammaticist, hologram, lipogram, monogram, pangrammatic, pentagram, program, programmatic, telegram, tetragram, tetragrammaton
gran-	grain	Latin	granum	granary, granite, granola, granule
grand-	grand	Latin	grandis	grandiloquous, grandiosity
graph-	draw, write	Greek	γράφειν (gráphein), γραφικός (graphikós), γραφή (graphḗ), γραφία (graphía), γραφεῖον (grapheîon)	allograft, anepigraphic, autograft, autograph, digraph, epigraphic, epigraphy, graft, graph, grapheme, graphemics, graphene, graphic, graphite, graphology, heterograph, holography, homograph, isograft, monograph, orthography, paragraph, photograph, photographic, syngraft, telegraphy, trigraph
grat-	thank, please	Latin	gratus, see also gratia	congratulate, grace, grateful, gratify, gratitude, gratuity, gratulate, ingrate, ingratiate
grav-	heavy	Latin	gravis	aggravate, grave, gravitate, gravity
greg-	flock, herd	Latin	grex, gregis	aggregate, congregation, egregious, gregarian, gregarious, segregation
gubern-	govern, pilot	Latin	gubernare	gubernatorial
gust-	taste	Latin	gustus	disgust, gusto
gutt-	drop	Latin	gutta	gutta, guttifer, guttiform
guttur-	throat	Latin	guttur	guttural
gymn-	nude	Greek	γυμνός (gumnós)	gymnasium, gymnast, gymnastics, gymnophobia, gymnoplast, gymnosophist, gymnosperm, gymnospore
gyn-, gynaec-	woman	Greek	γυνή, γυναικός, (gunḗ, gunaikós)	epigynous, epigynum, gynecology, gynodioecious, gynoid, misogynist, monogyny, gynarchy
gyr-	ring	Greek	γῦρος (gûros)	gyre, gyrectomy, gyrencephalic, gyrodyne, gyroid, gyromagnetic, gyromancy, gyroscope, gyrosphere, gyrostat, gyrostatic gyrotropic, gyrus, polygyria
gyrin-	tadpole	Greek	γυρός, γυρῖνος (gurînos), γυρινώδης (gurinṓdēs)	Gyrinophilus

H

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
hab-, -hib-, habit-, -hibit-	have	Latin	habere, habitus	ability, able, debenture, debile, debilitate, debility, debit, debitor, debt, debtor, habit, prohibition
hadr-	thick	Greek	ἁδρός (hadrós)	hadrocodium, hadron, hadrosaurid
haem-, hem- [48]	blood	Greek	αἷμα, αἵματος (haîma, haímatos)	anaemia, haematemesis, haematopoiesis, haemophilia, haemophobia, haemoptysis, haemorrhage, haemorrhoid, haemostatic, hematocrit, hematogenesis, hematoma, hematophagy, hematopoiesis, hematopoietic, hemocoel, hemocyte, hemoglobin, hemophagy, hemophilia, hemophiliac, hemoptysis, hemorrhage, hemorrhagic, hemorrhea, hemorrhoid, hemorrhoidectomy, hemostat, hemotherapy, hyperaemia/hyperemia, hyphaema/hyphema, polycythaemia
hal-	salt	Greek	ἅλς, ἁλός (hals, halos)	halite, halogen
hal-, -hel-	breathe	Latin	halare, halatus	anhelation, exhalation, exhale, inhalant, inhale, halitosis
hapl-	simple, single	Greek	ἁπλοῦς (haplous)	haploid, haplotype
haur-, haust-	draw	Latin	haurire, haustus	exhaust, exhaustible, exhaustion, exhaustive, hauriant, haurient, haustellate, haustellum, haustorium, haustrum, inexhaustible, nonexhaustive
hedo-	pleasure	Greek	ἡδονή (hēdonē)	hedonism, hedonist
heli-	sun	Greek	ἥλιος (hēlios)	heliocentric, heliograph, heliotrope, helium
hemer-	day	Greek	ἡμέρα (hemera)	Decameron, ephemeral
hemi-	half	Greek	ἥμισυς (hēmisus)	hemicycle, hemisphere
hemo-	blood
hen-	one	Greek	ἕν (hén)	enosis, enotikon, henad, hendiadys, henotheism, hyphen
hendec- [49]	eleven	Greek	ἕνδεκα (héndeka)	hendecagon, hendecagram, hendecasyllabic, hendecasyllable
hept-	seven	Greek	ἑπτά (heptá)	heptachord, heptagon, heptameter, heptathlon, heptode
her-, heir-	heir	Latin	heres (genitive heredis)	heir, heiress, hereditary, heredity, heritage, inherit
here-, hes-	cling, stick	Latin	haerere, haesus	adhere, adhesive, cohere, coherent, cohesive, hesitate, incoherent, inherent, inhesion, nonadherence, nonadherent, nonadhesive
herald-	messenger, envoy	Latin	heraldus	herald, heraldic, heraldry
herb-	grass	Latin	herba	herbal, herbicide, herbivore
heres-, heret-	take, choose	Greek	αἴρω (hairein) "to take, choose"	heresy, heretic, heretical
herp-	creep	Greek	ἕρπω, ἕρπειν (herpō, herpein)	herpes, herpetology
heter-	different, other	Greek	ἕτερος (heteros)	heterochromatin, heterodoxy, heterogeneity, heterogeneous, heterosexual
heur-	find	Greek	εὑρίσκω (heuriskō)	heuristic
hex-	six	Greek	ἕξ (hex)	hexagon, hexahedron, hexode
hi-	gape	Latin	hiare	dehisce, dehiscence, dehiscent, hiatal, hiatus, indehiscence, indehiscent, inhiation
hibern-	wintry	Latin	hibernus	hibernation
hiem-	winter	Latin	hiems	hiemal
hier-	sacred	Greek	ἱερός (hieros)	hierarchy, hieroglyphics
hipp-	horse	Greek	ἵππος (hippos)	hippodrome, hippopotamus
hirsut-	hairy	Latin	hirtus, hirsutus	hirsute
hispid-	bristly	Latin	hispidus	hispidity, hispidulous
histri-	actor	Latin	histrio, histrionis	histrionic
hod-	way	Greek	ὁδός (hodos)	anode, cathode, herpolhode, hodometer, synod, tetrode, triode
hol-	whole	Greek	ὅλος (holos)	holistic, holography
hom-	same	Greek	ὁμός (homos)	homogeneous, homophone, homonym, homosexual, homozygous
homal-	even, flat	Greek	ὁμαλός (homalos) "even", from ὁμός (homos) "same"	anomalous, anomaly
home-	like	Greek	ὅμοιος (homoios)	homeostasis
homin-	human	Latin	homo, hominis	hominid
honor-	esteem	Latin	honos, honoris	honorable, honorarium
hor-	boundary	Greek	ὅρος (horos)	aphorism, horizon
hor-	hour	Greek	ὥρα (hōra)	horoscope
horm-	that which excites	Greek	ὁρμή (hormē)	hormone
hort-	garden	Latin	hortus, horti	horticulture
hospit-	host	Latin	hospes, hospitis	hospice, hospital, hospitality, inhospitable
host-	enemy	Latin	hostis	hostile
hum-	ground	Latin	humus, humare	exhume, exhumation, human, humane, humanity, humus, inhume
hyal-	glass	Greek	ὕαλος (hualos)	hyaline, hyaloid
hydr-	water	Greek	ὕδωρ (hudōr)	dehydrate, hydrant, hydrate, hydraulics, hydrogen, hydrology, hydrolysis, hydrophily, hydrophobia, hydroponic, hydrous
hygr-	wet	Greek	ὑγρός (hugros)	hygrometer
hymen-	skin or membrane	Greek	ὑμήν (humēn)	hymen, Hymenoptera
hyo-	U-shaped	Greek	ὑοειδής (huoeidēs)	hyoid
hyp-	under	Greek	ὑπό (hupo)	hypoallergenic, hypodermic, hypothermia, hypotonic
hyper-	above, over	Greek	ὑπέρ (huper)	hyper, hyperbole, hyperlink, hypertonic
hypn-	sleep	Greek	ὕπνος (hupnos)	hypnosis, hypnotherapy, hypnotize
hyster-	later	Greek	ὕστερος (husteros)	hysteresis

I

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
iatr-	heal	Greek	ἰᾶσθαι (iâsthai), ἰατρός (iatrós), ἰατρικός (iātrikós), ἴασις, ἴαμα	iatrogenic, psychiatrist
ichthy-, ich-	fish	Greek	ἰχθύς, ἰχθύος (ichthús, ichthúos)	ichthyology
icos-	twenty	Greek	εἴκοσι (eíkosi), ϝεικοσι	icosagon, icosahedron
id-	shape, form, picture	Greek	εἶδειν (eídein), εἶδος (eîdos)	idol, idolatry, idyll
ide-	idea; thought	Greek	ἰδεῖν (ideîn), ιδέα (idéa)	ideogram, ideologue, ideology
idi-	own, peculiarity	Greek	ἴδιος (ídios), "private, personal, one's own", ϝίδιος	idiom, idiopathic, idiosyncrasy, idiosyncratic, idiot
ign-	fire	Latin	ignis	igneous, ignite, ignition
imagin-	copy	Latin	imāgō, imāginis	image, imagine
in-	sinew	Greek	ἴς, ἰνός (ís, inós), ἰνίον (iníon)	inion
in- (1), il-, im-	in, on	Latin	in	illuminate, import, incur, intend, invite
in- (2), il-, im-, ir-	not, un- (negation)	Latin	in-	illicit, impossible, inimical, irrational
inan-	empty, vain	Latin	inanitio "emptiness" and inanitas "worthlessness", from inanire "to empty", from inanis "empty, void, worthless"	inane, inanition, inanity
infra-	below, under	Latin	infra	infrastructure
insul-	island	Latin	insula	insular, insulation
inter-	among, between	Latin	inter (preposition)	intercollegiate, intermission, intersection
intra-	within	Latin	intra	intramural
irasc-, irat-	be angry	Latin	irasci "grow angry", from ira "anger"	irascible, irate, ire
irid-	rainbow	Latin	iris	iridescent
is-, iso-	equal, same	Greek	ἴσος (ísos), ϝίσϝος (wíswos)	isometric, isomorphic, isosceles, isotonic, isotropic
ischi-	hip joint	Greek	ἰσχίον (ischíon), ἰσχιαδικός (ischiadikós)	ischiadic, ischium, sciatic, sciatica
iter-	again	Latin	iterum, iterare	iteration
itiner-	journey	Latin	iter, itineris	itinerary

J

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
jac-	lie	Latin	jacēre "to be thrown"	adjacent
jac-, -ject-	cast, throw	Latin	jacere (also spelled iacere), iectus	deject, ejaculate, eject, inject, interject, project, reject, trajectory
janu-	door	Latin	janua	janitor, January
joc-	joke	Latin	jocus (also spelled iocus)	jocose, jocular, jocularity, jocund, jocundity, joke
judic-	judge	Latin	judex, iudicis	adjudicate, judicial, judiciary
jug-	yoke	Latin	jugare, jugum	conjugal, subjugate
jung-, junct-	join	Latin	iungere, junctus	conjunction, enjoin, injunction, join, junction, juncture, junta
junior-	younger	Latin	junior	junior, juniority
jus-, jur-	law, justice	Latin	ius, iuris	abjure, jurisprudence, jury, just, justice, objurgate, perjury
juv-, jut-	help	Latin	juvare, jutus	adjutant
juven-	young, youth	Latin	juvenis	juvenile, rejuvenate
juxta-	beside, near	Latin	juxta	juxtaposition

K

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
kil(o)-	thousand	Greek	χίλιοι (chílioi)	kilobyte, kilogram, kilometer
kine-, cine-	movement, motion	Greek	κινεῖν (kineîn), κίνησις (kínēsis), κίνημα (kínēma)	cinema, kinesthetic, kinetic, telekinesis
klept-	steal	Greek	κλέπτειν (kléptein), κλέπτης (kléptēs)	kleptomania, kleptoplasty
kudo-	glory	Greek	κῦδος (kûdos)	kudos

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-	work	Latin	labor	collaboration, elaboration, laboratory
lacer-	tear	Latin	lacer	laceration
lacrim-	cry, tears	Latin	lacrima	lacrimal, lacrimous
lact-	milk	Latin	lac, lactis, lactare	lactate, lactation, lactose
lamin-	layer, slice	Latin	lamina	laminate, lamination
lamp-	torch	Greek	λαμπάς (lampas)	lamp
lapid-	stone	Latin	lapis, lapidis	dilapidate, lapidary
larg-	large	Latin	largus	enlargement, large, largesse, largo
larv-	ghost, mask	Latin	larva	larva, larvae, larval
lat-	broad, wide	Latin	latus	latitude
later-	side	Latin	latus, lateris	bilateral
laud-, laus-	praise	Latin	laudare "to praise"	laud, laudanum, laudable, laudation, summa cum laude
lav-	wash	Latin	lavare	launder, laundry, lava, lavation, lavatory, lave, lavender, lavish, lotion
lax-	not tense	Latin	laxus, laxare	laxative, relaxation
lecith-	egg yolk	Greek	λέκιθος (lekithos)	lecithin
led-, les-, -lid-, -lis-	hurt, strike	Latin	laedere, laesus, -lidere	allision, collide, collision, elide, elidible, elision, illesive, lesion
leg-, lect-	read, gather	Latin	legere	collect, diligence, election, intelligence, lectern, lecture, legend, legible, legion, lesson, neglect, religion, sacrilege, select
leg-	law	Latin	lex, legis, legare	legal, legislate, legislation, legislative, legislator, legislature, legitimate, legitimize, privilege
leg-	send	Latin	legare (from legis)	delegate, league, legacy, legato, relegate
lei-	smooth	Greek	λεῖος (leios)	leiomyoma
lekan-	dish, pot	Greek	λεκάνη (lekanē)	lekane
leni-	gentle	Latin	lenis, lenire	leniency
leon-	lion	Latin	leo, leonis	Leo, leonine, Leopold
lep-	flake, scale	Greek	λέπειν, λεπίς, λεπίδος (lepis, lepidos)	Lepidoptera
lepsi-	grasp, seize	Greek	λῆψις (lēpsis)	epilepsy
leuc-, leuk-	white	Greek	λευκός (leukos)	leucocyte
lev-	lift, light, raise	Latin	levare "lighten, raise", from levis "light" (in weight)	alleviate, elevate, elevator, leaven, lever, leverage, levitation, levity, levy, relieve
liber-, liver-	free	Latin	liber, liberare	deliver, deliverance, libel, liberal, liberalize, liberate, liberation, libertine, liberty
libr-	book	Latin	liber, libri	librarian, library
lig-	bind	Latin	ligare, ligatus	ligament, ligature
limac-	slug	Latin	limax, limacis	limacoid, limacon
limpa-	clear, water	Latin	limpa "water"	limpid
line-	line	Latin	linea	line, linearity
line-	smear, smudge	Latin	linere	delete, deletion, indelible, liniment
lingu-	language, tongue	Latin	lingua	bilingual, linguistic
linqu-, lict-	leave	Latin	linquere, lictus	relict, relinquish
lip-	fat	Greek	λίπος (lipos)	lipolysis
liq-	flow	Latin	liquere	deliquesce, liquefy, liqueur, liquid, liquor, prolix
lit-	prayer, supplication	Greek	λιτή (lite)	litany
liter-	letter	Latin	littera	alliteration, illiterate, literacy, literal, literary, literature, obliterate
lith-	stone	Greek	λίθος (lithos)	lithic, lithosphere, megalith, Mesolithic, monolith, Neolithic, Paleolithic
loc-	place	Latin	locus, locare	allocate, local, locality, locate, location, locomotion, locus
log-, -logy	word, reason, speech, thought	Greek	λόγος (logos), λογία (logia)	analogy, anthology, apology, biology, dialogue doxology, ecology, epilogue, etymology, eulogy, geology, ideologue, logarithm, logic, logogram, meteorology, monologue, morphological, neologism, neurology, philology, prologue, psychology, tautology, terminology, theology, toxicology, trilogy, zoology, logophile
long-	long	Latin	longus	elongate, longitude, oblong, prolong
loqu-, locut-	speak	Latin	loqui	allocution, circumlocution, colloquial, colloquy, elocution, eloquent, eloquence, grandiloquent, interlocution, loquacious, loquacity, magniloquent, obloquy, soliloquy
luc-	bright, light	Latin	lux (genitive lucis), lucere	elucidate, lucid, Lucifer (bearer of light), lucubrate, noctilucent, pellucid, translucent
lud-, lus-	play	Latin	ludere, lusus	allude, collude, delude, elude, elusive, elusory, illude, illusion, ludicrous, lusory, prelude
lumin-	light	Latin	luminare, from lumen	illumination, luminary, luminous
lu-, luv-, lut-	wash	Latin	luere (see also diluere, fluere and pluere)	abluent, ablution, alluvium, colluvium, deluge, depollute, diluent, dilute, dilution, dilutive, diluvial, diluvian, diluvium, elute, elution, eluvial, elluviation, eluvium, illuviation, illuvium, lutaceous, lutite, pollution
lun-	moon	Latin	luna	luna, lunar, lunatic
luteo-	yellow, golden	Latin	lūteus	luteal, corpus luteum, luteinizing hormone
lysi-, lyti-	dissolving	Greek	λύσις (lusis)	analysis, analytic, cytolysis, hydrolysis, lysigeny

M

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
macer-	lean	Latin	macer	emaciate, macerate, meager
macro-	long	Greek	μακρός (makrós)	macrobiotic, macroeconomics, macron
magn-	great, large	Latin	magnus	magnanimity, magnanimous, magnate, magnificent, magnify, magnitude, magnum
maj-	greater	Latin	major, majus	majesty, major, majority, majuscule, mayor, semimajor, supermajority
mal-	bad, wretched	Latin	malus	dismal, grand mal, malady, malaise, malediction, malefaction, malevolent, malfeasance, malfunction, malice, malicious, malignancy, malnourished, malodorous, premalignant
mamm-	breast	Latin	mamma	mammal, mammary
man-	flow	Latin	mānāre, manatus	emanate, emanationism, immanant, immanation
man- (MAN-[50])	stay	Latin	manēre, mansus	immanence, immanent, manse, mansion, permanence, permanent, remanence, remanent
man-, manu-	hand	Latin	manus	amanuensis, Bimana, bimanous, bimanual, emancipate, manacle, manage, mandamus, maneuver, manicure, manifest, maniple, manual, manufacture, manumit, manuscript, Quadrumana, quadrumanous
mand-, -mend-	order, commit	Latin	mandāre, mandatus	command, commend, commendation, countermand, demand, mandate, mandatory, recommend, remand
mania	mental illness, craziness	Greek	μανία (manίā)	kleptomania, mania, maniac, pyromania
mar-	sea	Latin	mare, maris	mariculture, marinade, marinate, marination, marine, maritime, submarine, ultramarine
mascul-	male, man	Latin	masculus, masculi	emasculate, masculine
mater-, matr-	mother	Latin	mater, matris	maternal, maternity, matrimony, matrix, matron
maxim-	greatest	Latin	maximus	maxim, maximal, maximum
mechan-	machine or instrument	Greek	μηχανή (mēkhanḗ)	mechane, mechanics, mechanophobia
medi-, -midi-	middle	Latin	medius, mediare	dimidiation, immediate, intermediary, mean, media, median, mediate, mediation, medieval, mediocre, Mediterranean, medium, moiety, multimedia, postmeridian, submediant
mega-, megal-	great, large	Greek	μέγας, μεγάλου (mégas, megálou)	megacycle, megalomania, megalopolis, megaphone
mei-	less	Greek	μεῖον (meiōn)	ameiosis, ameiotic, meiosis, meiotic
melan-	black, dark	Greek	μέλας, μέλανος (melas, mélanos)	Melanesia, melanism, melanoma, melatonin, melancholy
melior-	better	Latin	meliorare "to improve", from melior "better"	ameliorate, amelioration, meliorism
mell-	honey	Latin	mel, mellis	mellifluous, melliloquent, mellivorous
memor-	remember	Latin	memor	commemorate, immemorial, memoir, memorabilia, memorable, memorandum, memorial, memory, remembrance
men-	month	Greek	μήν (mḗn)	menopause, menorrhea
mening-	membrane	Greek	μήνιγξ, μῆνιγγος (meninx, mēningos)	meningitis, meninx
mend-	defect, fault	Latin	mendax "lying, a liar", from menda "defect, fault"	amend, amendment, emend, mendacious, mendacity
menstru-	monthly	Latin	menstruus	menstrual, menstruation
mensur-	measure	Latin	mensura "measurement", from metiri "to measure"	commensurable, commensurate, dimension, immense, incommensurable, incommensurate, measure
ment-	mind	Latin	mens, mentis	comment, dement, dementia, memento, mental, mentality, mention, reminisce, reminiscence
mer-	part	Greek	μείρεσθαι (meíresthai), μέρος (méros)	antimere, isomer, meristem, metamere, monomer, pentamer, polymer, tautomerism
merc-	reward, wages, hire	Latin	merx (genitive mercis)	amercement, commerce, commercial, market, mercantile, mercenary, mercery, merchandise, merchant, mercy, noncommercial
merg-, mers-	dip, plunge	Latin	mergere	emerge, immersion
mes-	middle	Greek	μέσος (mésos)	Mesolithic, mesozoic
meta-	above, among, beyond	Greek	μετά (metá)	metabolism, metamorphic, metamorphosis, metaphase, metaphor, metaphysics, metastatic, meteor, method
meter-, metr-	measure	Greek	μέτρον (métron)	altimeter, barometer, diameter, hexameter, isometric, meter, metre, metric, metrology, metronome, parameter, pentameter, perimeter, symmetric, telemetry, tetrameter, thermometer
metr-	mother	Greek	μήτηρ, μητρός (mḗtēr, mētrós), μητρικός (mētrikós)	metrocyte, metropolis
mic-	grain	Latin	mica	mica, micelle
micro-	small	Greek	μικρός (mikrós)	microcosm, microeconomics, micrometer, microphone, microscope, microscopic
migr-	wander	Latin	migrare	emigrant, immigrant, migrant, migrate, migration
milit-	soldier	Latin	mīles, militis	militant, military, militia
mill-	thousand	Latin	mille	mile, millennium, million
millen-	thousand each	Latin	milleni	millenarian, millenary
mim-	repeat	Greek	μιμεῖσθαι (mīmeîsthai), μίμος (mimos)	mime, mimeograph, mimesis, mimetic, mimic, pantomime
min-	jut	Latin	minere	eminent, imminent, prominent
min-	less, smaller	Latin	minor, minus	minority, minuscule, minutiae
mina-	lead	Latin	minare, variant of minari	amenable, demeanor, menace, promenade
mir-	wonder, amazement	Latin	miror, mirari, miratus sum	admire, miracle, mirror
mis-	hate	Greek	μισεῖν (miseîn), μῖσος (mîsos)	misandrist, misandry, misanthrope, misanthropy, misocainea, misogamist, misogamy, misogynist, misogyny, misoneism, misopaedia, misophonia, misotheism
misc-, mixt-	mix	Latin	miscere, mixtus	miscellaneous, mixture
miser-	unhappy, wretched	Latin	miser	commiseration, miser, miserable, misery
mit-, miss- (MIT-[51])	send	Latin	mittere, missus	admissibility, admissible, admission, admissive, admit, admittatur, admittee, commissar, commissariat, commissary, commission, commissive, commissural, commissure, commit, commitment, committal, committee, compromis, compromise, compromissary, decommission, decommit, decommitment, demise, demiss, demit, dimissory, dimit, dismiss, dismissal, dismissive, emissary, emission, emissitious, emissive, emissivity, emit, emittent, entremet, fideicommissary, fideicommissum, impermissible, inadmissibility, inadmissible, intermission, intermittent, intromissible, intromission, intromissive, intromit, intromittent, manumission, manumit, mess, message, messenger, missile, mission, missionary, missive, mittimus, noncommittal, omissible, omission, omissive, omit, permissible, permission, permissive, permissory, permit, permittee, premise, premiss, premit, pretermission, pretermit, promise, promisee, promissive, promissory, readmission, readmit, recommit, remise, remiss, remissible, remission, remissive, remissory, remit, remittal, remittance, remittee, remittence, remittent, remittitur resubmit, retransmission, retransmit, subcommittee, submission, submissive, submit, surmise, transmissibility, transmissible, transmission, transmissive, transmit, transmittal
mit-	thread	Greek	μίτος (mítos)	mitochondrion, mitosis, mitospore
mne-	memory	Greek	μνήμη (mnēmē)	amnesia, amnesty, dysmnesia, mnemonic
mod-	measure, change	Latin	modus "measure"	mode, model, moderate, moderation, moderato, moderator, modern, modest, modicum, modify, modification
mol-	grind	Latin	mola, molere, molitus	molar
moll-	soft	Latin	mollis	emollient, mollify
mon-	alone, one	Greek	μόνος (mónos)	monachism, monadic, monarchy, monastery, monastic, monatomic, monism, monk, monoid, monolith, monometer, monopoly, monopsony, monotone
mon-	warn	Latin	monere	admonish, monitor, monster, monument, premonition, summon
monil-	string of beads	Latin	monile	Moniliformida
monstra-	show	Latin	monstrare	demonstrate, muster, remonstrate
mont-	mountain	Latin	mons, montis	Montana
mor-	foolish, dull	Greek	μωρός (mōrós) "foolish, dull"	moron, moronic, oxymoron, oxymoronic, sophomore, sophomoric
mor-	disposition	Latin	mos	moral, morose
mora-	pause, delay	Latin	morari "to delay", from mora "a pause, delay"	demur, moratorium, remora
mord-	bite	Latin	mordere, morsus	mordacious, morsel, remorse
morph-	form, shape	Greek	μορφή (morphē)	allomorph, amorphous, anamorphic, anamorphosis, anthropomorphism, apomorphy, dimorphic, dysmorphic, endomorph, hemimorphic, holomorphic, metamorphosis, morpheme, morphology, perimorph, plesiomorphy, polymorphic, synapomorphy
mort-	death	Latin	mors, mortis	immortal, immortality, mortal, mortality, mortician, mortuary
mov-, mot-	move, motion	Latin	movere, motus	commotion, emotion, mobile, momentum, motile, motion, motive, motor, move, movement, mutiny, promote, remove
mulg-, muls-	milk	Latin	mulgere	emulsion
multi-	many, much	Latin	multus	multilingual, multiple, multiplex, multiplication, multiply, multitude
mund-	world	Latin	mundus	anima mundi, map, mundane
mur-	wall	Latin	mūrus, muri	immurement, murage, mural
mus-	mouse	Greek	μῦς, μυός (mûs, muós)	musophobia
mus-	thief	Latin	mus, muris	mouse
musc-	fly	Latin	musca, muscae	Musca, Muscicapidae, Muscidae, mosquito
mut-	change	Latin	mutare	immutable, mutation
my-	shut (the eyes)	Greek	μύειν (múein), μύσις	miosis, myopia, myopic, myosis, mystery
myc-	fungus	Greek	μύκης, μύκητος (múkēs, múkētos)	ascomycete, basidiomycete, mycology, Mycoplasma, zygomycete, zygomycosis
myri-	countless, ten thousand	Greek	μυρίος (muríos)	myriad, myriapod, myriapodology
myrmec-	ant	Greek	μύρμηξ (múrmēx)	myrmecochory, myrmecoid, myrmecology, myrmecophobia, Myrmidons
myth-	story	Greek	μῦθος (mûthos)	mythic, mythology, mythomania, mythos
myx-	slime	Greek	μύξα (múxa)	Myxini
myz-	suck	Greek	μυζάω (muzáō), μύζησις (múzēsis)	Myzopoda

N

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
nar-	nostril	Latin	naris	naris
narc-	numb	Greek	νάρκη (narkē)	narcolepsy, narcosis, narcotic
narr-	tell	Latin	narrare	narrative
nas-	nose	Latin	nasus	nasal
nasc-, nat-	born	Latin	nascere, nasci (past participle natus)	innate, nascent, natal, native, renaissance
naut-	ship	Greek	ναύτης (nautes)	Argonaut, astronaut, nautical
nav-	ship	Latin	navis	naval
ne-, neo-	new	Greek	νέος (neos)	Neolithic, neologism, neonate, neophyte
neb-, nub-	cloud	Latin	nebula, nubes	nebula, nebulosity, nebulous, nuance, nubilous, obnubilate
necr-	dead	Greek	νεκρός (nekros)	necrophobia
nect-	swimming	Greek	νηκτός (nēktos)	nectopod
nect-, nex-	join, tie	Latin	nectere, nexus	connect, nexus
neg-	say no	Latin	negare	negative, renegade, renege
nema-	hair	Greek	νῆμα (nēma)	nematode
nemor-	grove, woods	Latin	nemus, nemoris	nemoral
nephr-	kidney	Greek	νεφρός (nephros)	nephritis
nerv-	sinew, nerve	Latin	nervus	enervate, innervate, nerve, nervous
nes-	island	Greek	νῆσος (nēsos)	Polynesia
neur-	nerve	Greek	νευρών (neurōn)	neural, neuritis, neurologist, neurology, neuron, neuropathic, neurosurgeon, neurotic
nict-	beckon, wink	Latin	nictari	nictation
nigr-	black	Latin	niger	denigrate
nihil-	nothing	Latin	nihilum	annihilation, nihilism
noc-	hurt, harm	Latin	nocere	innocent, innocuous, nociception, nociceptive, nocuous, nuisance
noct-	night	Latin	nox (genitive noctis)	equinox, noctambulist, noctilucent, nocturnal
nod-	knot	Latin	nodus	denouement, node, nodule
nom-	arrangement, law, order	Greek	νόμος (nomos)	agronomy, astronomy, autonomous, autonomy, bionomics, economics, economy, gastronomy, metronome, numismatic, polynomial, taxonomy
nomad-	those who let pasture herds	Greek	νομάς, νομάδος (nomas, nomados)	nomadic
nomen-, nomin-	name	Latin	nomen, nominis	nomenclature, nominate, nomination, ignominious, ignominy
non-	not	Latin	non	none
non-	ninth	Latin	nonus	nonary
nonagen-	ninety each	Latin	nonageni	nonagenary
nonagesim-	ninetieth	Latin	nonagesimus	nonagesimal
not-	back, south	Greek	νότος (notos)	notochord
not-	letter, note, paper	Latin	notare	annotation, connotation, connote, denotation, denote, notable, notary, notate, notation
noth-	spurious	Greek	νόθος (nothos)	nothogenus
nov-	nine	Latin	novem	November, novennial
nov-	new	Latin	novus	innovate, innovation, nova, novel, novice, renovate
noven-	nine each	Latin	noveni	novenary
novendec-	nineteen	Latin	novendecim	novemdecillion
nox-, noc-	harmful	Latin	noxa	noxious, obnoxious
nu-	nod	Latin	nuere	innuendo
nub-, nupt-	to marry, to wed	Latin	nubes, nubis, nubere	connubial, nubile, prenuptial
nuc-	nut	Latin	nux, nucis	nuclear, nucleus
nuch-	back of neck	Latin	nucha	nuchal cord
nud-	naked	Latin	nudus	denude, nudist, nudity
null-	none	Latin	nullus	nullify
numer-	number	Latin	numerus	enumerate, innumerable, numeral, numeration
nunci-	announce	Latin	nuntius	pronunciation
nutri-	nourish	Latin	nutrire	malnutrition, nutrient

O

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
ob-, o-, oc-, of-, og-, op-, os- [52]	against	Latin	ob	obduracy, obdurate, obduration, obfuscate, oblique, obliquity, obstinate, obstreperous, occur, offend, omit, oppose, ostensible, ostentatious
obel-	spit	Greek	ὀβελός (obelós), ὀβελίσκος (obelískos)	metobelus, obelisk, obelism, obelus
ochl-	crowd, mob	Greek	ὄχλος, ὄχλου (ókhlos)	enochlophobia, ochlocracy, ochlophobia
oct-	eight	Greek	ὀκτώ (oktṓ), ὀκτάς (oktás, oktádos)	octad, octadic, octagon, octahedron, octameter, octode
oct-	eight	Latin	octō	octangular, octennial, octovir
octav-	eighth	Latin	octāvus	octaval
octogen-	eighty each	Latin	octogeni	octogenarian, octogenary
octogesim-	eightieth	Latin	octogesimus	octogesimal
octon-	eight each	Latin	octoni	octonary
ocul-	eye	Latin	oculus, oculare	ocular, oculus, ullage
od-	path, way	Greek	ὁδός (hodós)	anode, diode, odometer, parodos, pentode, tetrode, triode
odi-	hate	Latin	odium	odious
odont-	tooth	Greek	ὀδούς, ὀδόντος (odoús, odóntos)	anodontia, conodont, dicynodont, macrodontia, mastodon, odontoid, odontology, orthodontics, orthodontist, periodontal, smilodon, Zanclodon
odor-	fragrant	Latin	odor	malodorous, odoriferous, odorous
odyn-	pain	Greek	ὀδύνη (odúnē)	allodynia, anodyne, glossodynia, mastodynia, pleurodynia
oec-	house	Greek	οἶκος (oîkos)	andromonecy, archdiocese, dioecious, dioecy, ecesis, ecology/oecology, economize, gynomonoecy, heteroecious, monoecy, oeconomus, oikology, oikophobia, paleoecology, parish, paroecious, perioeci, trioecious
oed-, ed-	swell, swollen	Greek	οἶδος (oîdos), οἰδεῖν (oideîn), οἴδημα, οἴδηματος (oídēma)	angioedema, edema/oedema, edematous/oedematous
oen-	wine	Greek	ϝοῖνος (woînos), οἶνος (oînos)	enology, oenochoe, oenologist, oenology, oenophile, oenophilia, oinochoe
oesophag-	gullet	Greek	οἰσοφάγος (oisophágos)	oesophagectomy, oesophagitis, oesophagus
oestr- [53]	gadfly, sting	Greek	οἶστρος (oîstros), οἰστράω, οἴστρησις, οἴστρημα	anestrous, anestrus, anoestrus, estrogen, estrogenic, estrus, oestrone, oestrus
ogdo-	eighth	Greek	ὄγδοος (ógdoos), ὀγδοάς, ὀγδοάδος (ogdoás, ogdoádos)	ogdoad
-oid	like	Greek	-οειδής (-oeidēs)	asteroid, mucoid, organoid
ole-	oil	Latin	oleum	oleosity
olecran-	skull of elbow	Latin from Greek	ὠλέκρανον (ōlékranon)	olecranon
olig-	few	Greek	ὀλίγος (oligos)	oligarchy, Oligocene, oligopoly, oligosaccharide, oligotrohic
oliv-	olive	Latin	oliva	olivaceous, olivary, olivette
om-	raw	Greek	ὠμός (ōmós), ὠμότης	omophagia
om-	shoulder	Greek	ὦμος (ṓmos), ὠμία (ōmía)	acromion, omohyoid, omophorion
-oma	morbid growth, tumor	Greek	-ωμα	melanoma
omas-	paunch	Latin	omasum	abomasum, omasum
oment-	fat skin	Latin	omentum	omental
omin-	creepy	Latin	omen, ominis	abominable, ominous
omm-	eye	Greek	ὁράω, ὦμμαι, ὄμμα, ὄμματος (ómma)	ommatidium, ommatophore
omni-	all	Latin	omnis	omnipotence, omnipresent, omniscient, omnivore
omphal-	navel	Greek	ὀμφαλός (omphalós)	omphalectomy, omphalic, omphalopagus, omphalophobia
on-	ass	Greek	ὄνος (ónos), ὀνίσκος (onískos)	Oniscidea, Oniscomorpha
onc-	barb, hook	Greek	ὄγκος, ὄγκινος (ógkinos)	Oncinocalyx, Oncorhynchus
oneir-	dream	Greek	ὄνειρος (óneiros), ὀνειρώσσω, ὀνείρωξις (oneírōxis)	oneiric, oneirism, oneirocritic, Oneirocritica, Oneirodidae, oneirogen, oneirogenic, Oneiroi, oneiroid, oneirology, oneiromancy, oneironaut, oneironautics, oneirophobia, oneirophrenia, oneiroscopy
oner-	burden	Latin	onus, oneris	exonerate, onerous
oni-	price	Greek	ὦνος (ônos), ὤνιος (ṓnios)	oniochalasia, oniomania, oniomaniac
onom-	name	Greek	όνομα, ὀνόματος (ónoma, onómatos)	antonomasia, onomasiology, onomastic, onomasticon, onomastics, onomasty, onomatology, onomatophore, onomatopoeia
ont-	being, existence	Greek	ὄντος, ὀντότης (óntos, ontótēs), οὐσία (ousía)	dysontogenesis, homoiousia, homoousia, monoousious, ontogenesis, ontogenetic, ontogeny, ontology, ousia, parousia
onych-	claw	Greek	ὄνυξ, ὄνυχος (ónux, ónuchos), ὀνύχιον (onúchion), ὀνύχινος, ὀνυχίζω	hapalonychia, Mesonychia, mesonychid, onychectomy, onyx, sardonyx
-onym	name	Greek	ὄνυμα (ónuma)	anonymous, antonym, allonym, cryptonym, eponymy, euonym, homonym, metonymy, pseudonym, synonym
oo-	egg	Greek	ᾠόν (ōión)	dioon, oidioid, oidium, ooblast, oocyst, oocyte, oogenesis, oogonium, ootheca, ootid, ootidogenesis
op-	hole	Greek	ὀπή (opḗ), ὀπαῖον (opaîon)	metope, opaion
opac-	shady	Latin	opacus	opacity
oper-	work	Latin	opus, operis	cooperate, inoperable, opera, operate, opus
opercul-	little cover	Latin	operculum	operculum
ophi-	snake	Greek	ὄφις, ὄφεως (óphis, ópheōs)	Brachyurophis, ophicephalous, Ophicephalus, Ophiceras, Ophiclinus, ophidiophobia, ophiolite, ophiologist, ophiology, ophiophagous, Ophiophagus, ophiophagy, ophiophobia, Ophisaurus, Ophisops, ophitic
ophthalm-	eye	Greek	ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmós)	exophthalmic, exophthalmos, microphthalmia, ophthalmia, ophthalmic, ophthalmologic, ophthalmologist, ophthalmology, ophthalmoparesis, ophthalmoplegia, parophthalmia, xerophthalmia
opisth- [54]	behind	Greek	ὄπισθεν (ópisthen), ὀπίσθιος	anopisthograph, opisthion, opisthobranch, opisthodomos, opisthoglyphous, opisthognathous, opisthograph, opisthokont, opisthosoma, opsimath, opsimathy
ops-, opt- (ΟΠ)	eye	Greek	ὄψεσθαι (ópsesthai), ὀπτός (optos), ὀπτικός (optikós), ὄψις (ópsis)	amblyopia, anopia, autopsy, biopsy, catadioptrics, catoptrics, catoptromancy, catoptrophobia, cyclops, diopter/dioptre, dioptrics, diplopia, eisoptrophobia, emmetropia, hemianopsia, myopia, opsoclonus, optic, optokinetic, panopticon, pleoptics, synopsis, synoptic, tritanopia
opsi-	late	Greek	ὀψέ (opsé), ὄψιος	opsimath
opt-	choose	Latin	optare	adopt, optional
optim-	best	Latin	optimus	optimum
or-	mountain	Greek	ὄρος, ὄρεος (óros, óreos), ὀρειάς	Oread, orogeny, orography
or-	mouth	Latin	os (genitive oris) "mouth"	oral, orifice
ora-	pray, plead	Latin	orare "to pray, plead"	adore, adoration, inexorable, oracle, orate, oration, orator, oratory, orison
orb-	circle	Latin	orbis	orbit
orch-	testicle	Greek	ὄρχις (orchis), ὀρχίδιον (orchídion)	anorchia, cryptorchidism, monorchism, orchid, orchiectomy, orchiopexy, orchis, polyorchidism
orches-	dance	Greek	ὀρχεῖσθαι (orcheîsthai)	orchestra
ordin-	order	Latin	ōrdō, ordinis	ordinal, ordinary
oreg-	reach	Greek	ὀρέγειν (orégein), ὀρεκτός (orektós), ὀρεκτικός (orektikós), ὄρεξις (órexis), ὄρεγμα (óregma)	anorectic, anorexia, dysorexia, orectic, orexin, parorexia
org-	work	Greek	ὄργια (órgia)
organ-	organ, instrument, tool	Greek	ὄργανον (órganon)	organic, organism, organogenesis
ori-, ort-	eastern	Latin	oriri, ortus	orient
orn-	decorate	Latin	ōrnāre	adorn, ornament, ornate
ornith-	bird	Greek	ὄρνις, ὄρνιθος (órnis, órnithos)	Avernus, ornithology, ornithomancy, ornithorhynchus, ornithosis
orth-	straight	Greek	ὀρθός (orthós), ὀρθότης	orthocenter, orthocentric, orthodontia, orthodontic, orthodontist, orthodox, orthodoxy, orthographic, ortholog, orthologous, orthonym, orthopedic, orthoscope, orthosis, orthostat, orthostyle, orthotic
oryz-	rice	Greek	ὄρυζα (óruza), ὀρύζιον	Oryza, Oryzomys, rice, risotto
oscill-	swing	Latin	oscillum	oscillation
osm-	odor	Greek	ὀσμή (osmḗ), ὄσμησις	anosmia, dysosmia, hyperosmia, hyposmia, osmium, osmophobia, parosmia, phantosmia
osm-		Greek	ὠσμός (ōsmós)	osmometry, osmosis, osmotic
oss-	bone	Latin	os, ossis	ossification
oste-	bone	Greek	ὀστέον, ὀστοῦν (ostéon, ostoûn), ὀστοῦν (ostoûn)	dysostosis, exostosis, hyperostosis, monostotic, Osteichthyes, osteoarthritis, osteoblast, osteochondritis, osteochondrosis, osteoclast, osteoid, osteology, osteolysis, osteoma, osteomalacia, osteonecrosis, osteopathy, osteoporosis, osteosarcoma, osteosis, periosteum, synostosis
osti-	entrance	Latin	ostium	ostiole
ostrac-	shell	Greek	ὄστρειον (óstreion), ὀστρακίζω (ostrakízein), ὄστρακον (ostrakon)	Entomostraca, Leptostraca, Malacostraca, ostracism, ostracize, ostracod, ostracoderm, ostracon, periostracum
ostre-	oyster	Greek	ὄστρεον	ostreophagist, oyster
ot-	ear	Greek	οὖς, ὠτός (oûs, ōtós)	anotia, Aotus, microtia, Myosotis, otalgia, otic, otitis, otocephaly, otocleisis, otoconium, otocyst, otodynia, otolith, otology, otopathy, otophyma, otoplasty, otorhinology, otorrhea, otosclerosis, otoscope, otoscopy, ototomy, parotic, parotid, periotic, synotia
ov-	egg	Latin	ovum	oval, ovary, ovule
-over-	close, cover	Latin	operire "to close, cover"	cover, covert, coverture, discover, operculum
ovi-	sheep	Latin	ovis	ovine
oxy-	sharp, pointed	Greek	ὀξύς (oxus)	anoxia, anoxic, dioxide, hypoxia, oxide, oxygen, oxymoron, oxytone, paroxysm
oz-	smell	Greek	ὄζειν (ózein), ὄζων (ózōn), ὄζη	ozocerite, ozone, ozopore

P

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
pac-	peace	Latin	pax, pacis	appease, Pacific Ocean, pacifism, pacifist, pacify
pach-	thick	Greek	παχύς (pachus)	pachydermata, Pachypodium
pact-	fasten	Latin	pangere "to fix, fasten"	compact, impact, impaction, impinge, pact, page, propagate
paed-	child	Greek	παῖς (pais), genitive παιδός (paidos)	orthopedic, paediatric, page, pedagogue, pedagogy, pedant, pedantic, pediatric, pedophilia
pagin-	page	Latin	pagina	pagination
pal-	stake	Latin	palus	impalement, pale
palae-, pale-	ancient, old	Greek	παλαιός (palaios)	Paleo Diet, Paleolithic era, paleomagnetism, paleontology, paleopsychology, Paleozoic
palin-	back	Greek	πάλιν (palin)	palindrome
pall-	be pale	Latin	pallere	pallid, pallor
palli-	cloak	Latin	palliare "to cover, cloak", from pallium "cloak"	pall, palliate, palliative, pallium
palm-	palm	Latin	palma	palmate
palp-	touch	Latin	palpare	palp, palpable, palpate, palpation, palpitant, palpitation
palustr-	in marshes	Latin	paluster	palustral
pan-, pam-	all	Greek	πᾶς, παντός (pas, pantos)	Pan-American, panacea, pandemic, pandemonium, panoply, panoptic
pand-, pans-	spread	Latin	pandere, pansus	expand, expansion
par-	equal	Latin	par	compare, disparage, par, parity, peer, subpar
par-	order, prepare, provide, procure	Latin	parare	apparatus, disparate, empire, imperative, imperious, pare, prepare, repair, separate, sever, vituperate
para-	beside, near	Greek	παρά (para)	parable, paradox, parallel, parameter, parody
parc-, pars-	spare, save	Latin	parcere, parsus	parcity, parsimony
pariet-	wall	Latin	paries, parietis	parietal
part-	part	Latin	pars, partis	apart, bipartite, compartment, depart, impartial, parcel, part, partial, participate, particle, partisan, partition
parthen-	maiden	Greek	παρθένος (parthenos)	Parthenon, parthenogenesis
parv-	little	Latin	parvus	parvovirus
pasc-, past-	feed	Latin	pascere, pastus	pastor, pasture, repast
pass-	pace, step	Latin	passus
passer-	sparrow	Latin	passer	passeriform, passerine
pat-	be open	Latin	patere	paten, patent
path-	feeling, disease	Greek	πάθος (pathos)	antipathy, apathy, empathy, pathetic, pathogen, pathology, sympathy
pater-, patr-	father	Latin	pater (genitive patris)	paternity, patrilocal, patriot, patron, patronage, patronize
pater-, patr-	father	Greek	πατήρ, πατριά (patēr, patria)	patriarch
pati-, pass-	suffer, feel, endure, permit	Latin	pati, passus	passion, passive, patience
pauc-	few	Latin	paucus	paucal, pauciloquent, paucity
pav-	beat	Latin	pavire	pave, pavement
pecc-	sin	Latin	peccatum "sin, fault, error", from peccare "to miss, mistake"	impeccable, peccadillo, peccant, peccavi
pect-	fixed	Greek	πηκτός (pēktos)	pectic, pectin
pector-	chest	Latin	pectus, pectoris	pectoral
pecu-	property	Latin	pecunia "property", from pecu "cattle"	peculiar, pecuniary, pecunious
ped-	foot	Latin	pes, pedis	centipede, impede, pedal, pedestrian
pejor-	worse	Latin	pejor	pejorative
pell-, puls-	drive, push	Latin	pellere, pulsus	appulse, compel, compulsory, dispel, expel, expulsion, impel, impulse, propel, propellent, propulsion, propulsive, propulsor, pulsate, pulse, push, repel, repellent, repulsive
pen-	almost	Latin	paene	peninsula, penultimate, penumbra
pen-, poen-, puni-	punish	Latin	punire "punish" (earlier poenire), from poena "punishment"	impune, impunity, pain, penal, penalize, penalty, penance, penitence, penitent, penitentiary, pine, punish, punitive, repent, subpoena
pend-, pens-	hang	Latin	pensare, frequentative of pendere	append, penchant, pendant, pending, pendulum, pensive, prepense, suspend, suspense
penn-, pinn-	feather	Latin	penna, pinna	pennate, pinnacle, pinnate, pinnule
pent-	five	Greek	πέντε (pente)	pentagon, pentagram, pentagrid, pentode
pentecost-	fiftieth	Greek	πεντηκοστός (pentēkostos)	pentecostalism
pept-	digest	Greek	πέσσειν, πεπτός (pessein, peptos)	dyspepsia, peptic, peptide, peptone
per-, pel-	thoroughly, through	Latin	per	pellucid, perfection, permeate, pernicious, persistence, peruse, pervade
peran-	across, beyond	Greek	πέραν (péran)	Perates
peri-	around	Greek	περί (perí)	Pericles, pericope, perigee, perihelion, perimeter, period, periphery, periscope
persic-	peach	Greek	περσικός (persikos)
pessim-	worst	Latin	pessimus	pessimal
pet-	strive toward	Latin	petere	appetite, compete, competition, impetus, petition, petulant, propitiate, repeat, repetition
petr-	rock	Greek	πέτρα (petra)	epipetric, petroglyph, petrographic, petrography, petrology, petrosomatoglyph
phae-	dark	Greek	φαιός (phaios)	phaeomelanin, pheochrome
phag-	eat	Greek	φαγεῖν (phageîn), φαγία (phagía)	autophagosome, autophagy, bacteriophage, dysphagia, esophagitis, geophagia, hematophagy, macrophage, odynophagia, phagocyte, phagocytosis, phagolysosome, phagophilia, phagophobia, phagosome, phagy, polyphagia, pseudodysphagia, sarcophagus
phalang-	close formation of troops, finger bones	Greek	φάλαγξ, φάλαγγος (phalanx, phalangos)	phalanges
phalar-	having a patch of white	Greek	φάλαρος (phalāros)[55]	phalarope
pharmac-	drug, medicine	Greek	φάρμακον (pharmakon)	pharmacy
phan-, phen-	to show, visible	Greek	φαινειν (phainein)	diaphanous, emphasis, epiphany, fantasy, phanerozoic, phantasm, phantom, phase, phene, phenetic, phenology, phenomenon, photic, sycophant, theophany, tryptophan
pher-, phor-	bear, carry	Greek	φέρω (pherō), φόρος (phoros)	metaphor, pheromone
phil-, -phile	love, friendship	Greek	φιλέω (phileō, philia)	bibliophile, hydrophile, philanthropy, philharmonic, philosophy
phleg-	heat, inflammation	Greek	ϕλέγω (phlegein) "to burn", φλέγω (phlegō)	phlegm, phlegmatic
phloe-	tree bark	Greek	φλοιός (phloios)	phlobaphene, phloem
phob-	fear	Greek	φόβος (phobos)	acrophobia, arachnophobia, claustrophobia, ergophobia, homophobia, hydrophobia, zeusophobia
phon-	sound	Greek	φωνή (phōnē)	cacophony, euphony, homophone, microphone, phonetic, phonograph, symphony
phos-, phot-	light	Greek	φῶς, φωτός (phōs, phōtos)	phosphor, phosphorus, photic, photo, photoelectric, photogenic, photograph, photosynthesis
phragm-	fence	Greek	φράγμα (phragma)	diaphragm
phren-	diaphragm, mind	Greek	φρήν, φρενός (phrēn, phrenos)	frenetic, schizophrenia
phryn-	toad, toad-like	Greek	φρύνη (phrunē)	Phrynobatrachus
phyl-	tribe	Greek	φύλον (phulon)	phylogenetics, phylum
phyll-	leaf	Greek	φύλλον (phullon)	chlorophyll, phyllotaxis
physi-	nature	Greek	φύσις (phusis)	physics
physalid-	bladder	Greek	φυσαλ(λ)ίς (phusal(l)is)	physalis
phyt-	plant	Greek	φυτόν (phuton)	neophyte, phytoplankton
pi-	kind, devout, pity	Latin	pius	expiate, impious, piety, pious, pity
pic-	pitch	Latin	pix, picis	piceous
pil-	hair	Latin	pilus	depilatory, epilator
pil-	pillar, ball	Latin	pila	pile, pill, pillar, pillory
pin-	drink	Greek	πίνειν (pinein)	pinocytosis
pin-	pine	Latin	pinus	pineal gland
ping-, pict-	paint	Latin	pingere, pictus	depiction, picture, pigment
pingu-	fat	Latin	pinguis	Pinguicula, pinguitude
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)	duplex, duplicity
plac-	calm	Latin	placare, placatus	implacable, placable, placate, please, supple
plac-, plea-	please	Latin	placēre, placitus	complacent, complaisant, displease, placebo, placid, plea, please, pleasure
plagi-	oblique	Greek	πλάγιος (plagios)	plagiocephaly, 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)	plaice, plateau, platitude, platypus
plaud-, -plod-, plaus-, -plos-	approve, clap	Latin	plaudere, plausus	applaud, applause, explosion, implode, plaudits, plausible
ple-, plet-	fill	Latin	plere	complement, complete, deplete, implement, replete, suppletion, supply
pleb-	people	Latin	plebs, plebis	plebeian, plebs
plec-	interwoven	Greek	πλέκω (plekō)	plectics, symplectomorphism
plect-, plex-	plait	Latin	plectere, plexus	perplex
plen-	full	Latin	plenus	plenary, plenitude, plenty, replenish
plesi-	near	Greek	πλησίος (plēsios)	plesiosaur
pleth-	full	Greek	πλῆθος (plēthos)	plethora
pleur-	side	Greek	πλευρά (pleura)	pleuritis
plic-	fold	Latin	plicare, plicatus	appliance, application, apply, duplication, explicate, explicit, implicate, implicit, imply, ply, replicate, supplicant, supplicate, supplication
plinth-	brick	Greek	πλίνθος (plinthos)	Plinthograptis
plor-		Latin	plorare	implore
plu-	rain	Latin	pluere, see also pluvia	pluvial
plum-	feather	Latin	pluma	plumage, plumate
plumb-	lead	Latin	plumbum	plumber
plur-, plus-	more	Latin	plus, pluris	double, plural, pluralist, plus, quadruple, surplus, triple
plurim-	most	Latin	plurimus	plurimal
plut-	wealth	Greek	πλοῦτος (ploutos)	plutocracy
pneu-	air, breath, lung	Greek	pnein, πνεῦμα (pneuma)	apnoea, pneumatic, pneumonia
pod-	foot	Greek	πούς, ποδός (pous, podos)	antipode, podiatry, tripod
pogon-	beard	Greek	πώγων, πώγωνος (pōgōn, pōgōnos)	pogonotrophy
poie-	make	Greek	ποιέω (poieō)	poet, poiesis
pol-	pole	Greek	πόλος (polos)	dipole, polar
pole-, poli-	city	Greek	πόλις (polis)	acropolis, cosmopolitan, megalopolis, metropolis, police, policy, politics
polem-	war	Greek	πόλεμος (polemos)	polemarch, polemic, polemology
poli-	grey	Greek	πολιός (polios)	poliomyelitis
pollic-	thumb	Latin	pollex, pollicis	pollicate
pollin-	fine flour	Latin	pollen, pollinis	pollination
poly-	many	Greek	πολύς (polus)	polyandry, polygamy, polygon, polysaccharide, polytheistic
pon-, posit-	put	Latin	ponere, positus	apposite, apropos, component, depose, deposit, exponent, expose, expound, impose, impound, opponent, position, positive, postpone, posture, propone, proponent, proposition, propound, repose
ponder-	weight	Latin	pondus, ponderis, ponderare	ponder, preponderance
pont-	bridge	Latin	pons, pontis	pontoon
popul-	people	Latin	populus, populare	population, popular, populous
por-	passage	Greek	πόρος (poros)	pore, porosity
porc-	pig	Latin	porcus	porcine, pork
porn-	prostitute	Greek	πόρνη (pornē)	pornography
porphyr-	purple	Greek	πορφύρα (porphura)	porphyrin
port-	carry	Latin	portare "to carry", porta "gate"	comportment, deport, export, import, port, portable, portage, portal, porter, portfolio, purport, rapport, report, support, transport
portion-	part, share	Latin	portio	portion, proportion
post-	after, behind	Latin	post	posterior, posterity, postscript
pot-	power	Latin	potere "be powerful", from potis "powerful, able"	despot, impotent, possess, potent, potentate, potential, power
pot-	drink	Latin	potus, potare	potable, potion
potam-	river	Greek	ποταμός (potamos)	hippopotamus, Mesopotamia
prasin-	leek-green	Greek	πράσινος (prasinos)	prasinous
prat-	meadow	Latin	pratum
prav-	crooked	Latin	pravus	depravity
pre-	before	Latin	prae	previous
prec-	pray	Latin	precāri "to ask, beg, pray", from prex "prayer"	deprecation, imprecation, pray, prayer, precarious
pred-	prey	Latin	praedari "plunder", from praeda "prey"	depredate, predation, predator, predatory, prey
prehend-, prend-, prehens-	grasp	Latin	prehendere, prehensus	apprehend, comprehend, comprehensive, enterprise, prehensility, prehension, prey, prison, prize, reprehend, surprise
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	primacy, primal, primary, prime, primeval, primitive
prior-	former	Latin	prior	priority
priv-	separate	Latin	privus, privare, privatus	deprivation, privilege
pro-	before, in front of	Greek	πρό (pro)	prologue, prostate
pro-	for, forward	Latin	pro	procrastinate, propel, propulsion
prob-	worthy, good	Latin	probare "prove to be worthy", probus	approbation, approve, disapprobation, opprobrium, probable, probation, probe, probity, proof, prove, reprobate, reprove
proct-	anus	Greek	πρωκτός (prōktos)	proctology
prodig-	waste	Latin	prodigus "wasteful", from prodigere "drive away, waste"	prodigal, prodigality
prodig-	prodigy	Latin	prodigium "prodigy"	prodigious, prodigy
propri-	property; one's own	Latin	proprietas "appropriateness, property, ownership", from proprius "one's own"	appropriate, proper, property, proprietary, proprietor, propriety
pros-	forward	Greek	πρός (pros)	prosenchyma, prosthesis
prot-	first	Greek	πρῶτος (prōtos)	protagonist, Proterozoic, protocol, protoindustrial, protoplasm, prototype, protozoan
proxim-	nearest	Latin	proximus, proximare	approximate, proximity
prun-	plum	Latin	prunus	prune
psamm-	sand	Greek	ψάμμος (psammos)	psammite, psammophyte, psammosere, psammous
pseud-	false	Greek	ψευδής (pseudēs)	pseudonym
psil-	bare	Greek	ψιλός (psilos)	epsilon, psilocybin
psych-	mind	Greek	ψυχή (psuchē)	psyche, psychiatry, psychology, psychosis
psychr-	cold	Greek	ψυχρός (psuchros)	psychrometer
pter-	wing, fern	Greek	πτερόν (pteron)	helicopter, pterodactyl
pto-	fall	Greek	πτῶσις (ptōsis)	ptosis
pty-	saliva	Greek	πτύον (ptuon)	ptyalin
ptych-	fold, layer	Greek	πτύξ, πτυχή (ptuchē)	triptych
pub-	sexually mature	Latin	pubes, puberis	pubescent, pubic
public-	public	Latin	publicus	publication, publicity
pude-	shame	Latin	pudere	impudent, pudendum, repudiate
pug-, pugn-	fight	Latin	pugnare "to fight", from pugnus "fist"	impugn, pugilism, 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	acupuncture, expunge, poignant, point, punch, punctual, punctuation, puncture, pungent
pup-	doll	Latin	pupa	pupa, pupate, puppet
pur-	pure	Latin	purare "to purify", from purus "pure"	impurity, pure, puree, purge, purify, purity
purg-	cleanse	Latin	purgare	expurgate, purgatory, purge
purpur-	purple	Latin	purpura	purpurate, purpureal
put-	prune, reckon	Latin	putāre	amputation, compute, dispute, impute, putative, reputation
pyg-	rump	Greek	πυγή (pugē)	callipygian, pygostyle
pyl-	gate	Greek	πυλών, πυλῶνος (pulōn, pulōnos)	pylon
pyr-	heat, fire	Greek	πῦρ, πυρός (pur, puros)	pyrolysis

Q

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
quadr-	four	Latin	quattuor	quadrangle, quadrennial, quadriceps, quadrifarious, quadrifid, quadrifolium, quadrifrons, quadrilateral, quadrilingual, quadriliteral, quadrillion, quadrimester, quadrinational, quadrinodal, quadrinomial, quadrinominal, quadripara, quadrireme, quadrisection, quadrivalent, quadrivium, quadruped, quadruple, quadruplet, quadruplex, quadruplicate, quatrain, quatre, quatrefoil
quadragen-	forty each	Latin	quadrageni	quadragenarian, quadragenary
quadragesim-	fortieth	Latin	quadragesimus	Quadragesima, quadragesimal
quart-	fourth	Latin	quartus	inquartation, interquartile, quadroon, quart, quartal, quartan, quartary, quarte, quarter, quartermaster, quartet, quartic, quartile, quartine, quarto, semiquartile
quasi-	as if	Latin	quasi	quasar
quatern-	four each	Latin	quaternī	biquaternion, quatern, quaternary, quaternate, quaternion, quaternity, quire
quati-, -cuti-, quass-, -cuss-	shake	Latin	quatere	cassate, cassation, concussion, concussive, conquassate, decussation, discuss, discussion, discussive, discutient, excuss, excussio, excussion, fracas, percuss, percussion, percussive, percussor, quash, quassation, recussion, repercussion, rescue, squash, squassation, subconcussive, succuss, succussation, succussion, succussive
quer-, -quir-, quesit-, -quisit-	search, seek	Latin	quaerere, quaesītus	acquest, acquire, acquiree, acquirement, acquisite, acquisition, acquisitive, acquisitory, conquer, conquest, corequisite, disquisition, exquire, exquisite, inquest, inquire, inquiry, inquisition, inquisitive, inquisitor, inquisitorial, inquisitory, perquisite, perquisition, prerequisite, quaere, quaestor, query, quest, question, questionable, questionary, questionnaire, questor, reconquer, reconquest, request, require, requirement, requisite, requisition, requisitive, requisitor, requisitory
qui-	rest	Latin	quies, quiētus	acquiesce, acquiescence, acquiescent, acquit, acquittal, acquittance, inquietude, quiescence, quiescent, quiet, quietude, quietus, quit, requiem, requiescat
quin-	five each	Latin	quini	biquinary, quinarius, quinary, quinate
quindecim-	fifteenth	Latin	quindecimus	quindecimal
quinden-	fifteen each	Latin	quindeni	quindenary
quinque-	five	Latin	quinque	cinquain, cinque, quinquefoil, quinquennial, quinquennium, quinquepartite, quinquevalent
quint-	fifth	Latin	quintus	biquintile, quint, quinta, quintal, quintan, quintant, quintary, quinte, quintessence, quintessential, quintic, quintile, quintipara, quintus, semiquintile
quot-	how many, how great	Latin	quotiens	quota, quotient, subquotient

R

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
rad-, ras-	scrape, shave	Latin	radere, rasus	abrade, abrasion, abrasive, corrade, corrasion, erase, erasure, nonabrasive, radula, radular, raduliform, rase, rash, rasorial, raster, rasure, subradular
radi-	beam, spoke	Latin	radius, radiare	radiance, radiation
radic-	root	Latin	rādix, rādīcis	eradicate, radical
ram-	branch	Latin	rāmus	ramification, ramose
ran-	frog	Latin	rana	Rana
ranc-	rancidness, grudge, bitterness	Latin	rancere	rancid, rancor
rap-	rob, seize	Latin	rapere, raptus	arreption, arreptitious, enrapt, enrapture, rapacious, rapacity, rape, rapid, rapidity, rapine, rapt, raptio, raptor, raptorial, rapture, rapturous, raptus, ravenous, ravine, ravish, subreption, subreptitious, surreptitious
rap-	turnip	Latin	rapum	rapeseed
raph-	seam	Greek	ῥάπτειν (rháptein), ῤαφή (rhaphḗ)	raphe, raphae
rar-	rare	Latin	rarus	rarity
rauc-	harsh, hoarse	Latin	raucus	raucous
re-, red-	again, back	Latin	re-	recede, redact
rect-, reg-, -rig-	straight, direct	Latin	regere "to direct, lead straight, guide", related rectus "straight, right"	correct, direct, dirigible, erect, erection, ergo, rectangle, rectify, rectitude, rectum, regent, regime, regimen, regiment, region, surge
reg-, rex-	king	Latin	rex (genitive regis)	regal, regency, regicide, Regis, regulation, reign, rex, royal
regul-	rule	Latin	regula "to rule"	regular, regulate, regulation, rule
rem-	oar	Latin	remus	bireme, trireme
ren-	kidney	Latin	renes	renal
rep-, rept-	crawl, creep	Latin	repere, reptus	reptile
resid-	left behind	Latin	residere "remain behind" (see also sedere)	reside, residence, resident, residual, residue
ret-	net	Latin	rete	reticle, retina
retro-	backward, behind	Latin	retro	retrograde, retrospective, retrovirus
rhabd-	rod	Greek	ῥάβδος (rhábdos)	rhabdoid, rhabdom, rhabdomyolysis
rhach-, rach-	spine	Greek	ῥάχις, ῥάχεως (rháchis)	rachis/rhachis, rhachiodont, rachischisis
rhag-	rend, tear	Greek	ῥαγίζω, ῥῆξις (rhêxis), ῥῆγμα (rhêgma)	bronchorrhagia, hemorrhage, menorrhagia, regma, rhagades, rhegma, rhegmatogenous, rhexis
rhe-	flow	Greek	ῥεῖν (rheîn), ῥεῦμα (rheûma)	antiarrhythmic, arrhythmia, diarrhoea, dysrhythmia, endorheic, gonorrhoea, hemorrhea, rheology, rheostat, rheum, rheumatic, rheumatism, rheumatoid, rheumatology, rhythm
rhig-	chill	Greek	ῥῖγος (rhîgos)	rhigosaurus
rhin-	nose, snout	Greek	ῥίς, ῥινός (rhís, rhinós)	haplorhine, rhinoceros, rhinophyma, rhinoplasty, strepsirrhine
rhiz-	root	Greek	ῥίζα (rhíza), ῥιζοῦν (rhizoûn), ῥίζωμα (rhízōma)	ectomycorrhiza, rhizoid, rhizome, rhizomorph, Rhizopogon, Rhizopus
rhod-	rose	Greek	ῥόδον (rhódon)	rhododendron
rhomb-	spinning top	Greek	ῥόμβος (rhómbos)	orthorhombic, rhomb, rhombic, rhomboid, rhombus, rhumb
rhynch-	snout	Greek	ῥύγχος (rhúnchos)	Rhynchobatus, rhynchophore
rid-, ris-	laugh	Latin	ridere "to laugh" (past participle risus)	deride, derision, ridicule, ridiculous, risible
robor-	oak, strength	Latin	roborare "to strengthen", from robur, robus "strength"	corroborate, corroboration, robust
rod-, ros-	gnaw	Latin	rodere, rosus	corrode, erosion, rodent
rog-	ask	Latin	rogare	abrogate, arrogant, arrogate, derogate, derogation, derogatory, interrogation, prerogative, prorogue, rogation, rogue, surrogate
rostr-	beak, prow	Latin	rostrum	rostral, rostriform, rostrum
rot-	wheel	Latin	rota, rotare	rotation, rotunda
ruber-, rubr-	red	Latin	ruber	rubric, ruby
rudi-	unskilled, rough, unlearned	Latin	rudis	erudite, erudition, rude, rudimentary
rug-	wrinkle	Latin	ruga, rugare	corrugation
rumin-	throat	Latin	rumen, ruminis	rumination
rump-, rupt-	break	Latin	rumpere, ruptus	abrupt, corruptible, disrupt, erupt, eruption, interrupt, rupture
rur-	country	Latin	rus, ruris	rural

S

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
sacchar-	sugar	Greek	σάκχαρον (sakcharon)	saccharin
sacr-, -secr-	sacred	Latin	sacrare, from sacer (genitive sacri)	consecrate, desecrate, sacrament, sacred, sacrosanct
sagac-	wise	Latin	sagax, sagacis	sagacious, sagacity
sagitt-	arrow	Latin	sagitta	sagittal plane, Sagittaria
sal-	salt	Latin	sal, salis, salere	salinity
sali-, -sili-, salt-	jump	Latin	salire, saltus	desultory, resilient, salient, saltus
salic-	willow	Latin	salix, salicis	salicin
salu-	health, welfare	Latin	salus	salubrious, salubrity, salutary, salute
salv-	save	Latin	salvus, salvare	salvage, salvation, salve
san-	healthy	Latin	sanus	insane, insanity, sanatorium, sane, sanitarian, sanitarium, sanitary, sanitation, sanity
sanc-	holy	Latin	sancire (past participle sanctus)	sacrosanct, saint, sanctify, sanction, sanctuary
sanguin-	blood	Latin	sanguis, sanguinis	consanguinity, sanguinary, sanguine
sapi-, -sipi-	taste, wise	Latin	sapere "to have a taste, be wise", related to sapor "taste, flavor"	insipid, insipience, sapient
sapon-	soap	Latin	sapo, saponis	saponification
sarc-	flesh	Greek	σάρξ, σαρκός (sarx, sarkos)	sarcophagus
sarc-	tailor	Latin	sartor "tailor", from sarcire "to mend"	consarcination, sartor, sartorial, sartorius
sati-	enough	Latin	satis	asset, sate, satiate, satiety, satisfy, saturate
saur-	lizard, reptile	Greek	σαῦρος (sauros)	dinosaur
sax-	rock	Latin	saxum	saxatile, saxicavous, saxicoline, saxifrage, saxifragous
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, ascendency, ascendent, ascension, ascent, condescend, condescendence, condescension, descend, descendent, descension, descent, scansion, transcend, transcendence, transcendent, transcendental
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, cleft	Greek	σχίζω, σχίσμα (schisma)	schism, schismatic
sci-	know	Latin	scire	conscience, conscious, conscientious, omniscious, omniscient, prescient, science, scienter
scind-, sciss-	split	Latin	scindere	rescind, scissors
scler-	hard	Greek	σκληρός (sklēros)	scleroderma, sclerosis, sclerotic
scoli-	crooked	Greek	σκολιός (skolios)	scoliosis
scop-, scept-	look at, examine, view, observe	Greek	σκέπτομαι, σκοπός (skopos)	horoscope, kaleidoscope, microscope, periscope, scope, stethoscope, telescope, skeptic or sceptic
scrib-, script-	write	Latin	scribere, scriptus	describe, inscribe, manuscript, prescribe, scribble, scribe, script, scripture, subscribe
scrupl-	uneasiness	Latin	scrupus "sharp stone"	scruple, scrupulous, unscrupulous
sculp-	carve	Latin	sculpere, sculptus	sculpture
scut-	shield	Latin	scutum	scute
scyph-	cup	Greek	σκύφος (skyphos)	Scyphozoa
se-, sed-	apart	Latin	se	secede, sedition, seditious, seduce
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	assiduous, insidious, obsession, possess, preside, president, reside, resident, sedentary, sediment, sedimentary, sedulity, sedulous, session, subside, supersede
sedec-	sixteen	Latin	sedecim	sedecimal
seget-	in cornfields	Latin	segetum
sei-	shake	Greek	σείειν (seíein), σεισμός (seismós)	aseismic, microseism, microseismic, paleoseismology, seism, seismic, seismogram, seismograph, seismology, seismometer, seismonasty, teleseism, teleseismic
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	semiannual, semicolon, semiconductor, semiconscious, semifinal, seminatural
semin-	seed	Latin	semen, seminis	insemination
sen-	old man	Latin	senex, senis	senator, senescent, senile, senility, senior
sen-	six each	Latin	seni	senary
senti-, sens-	feel	Latin	sentire, sensus	assent, consensus, consent, dissent, resent, scent, sensation, sense, sensible, sensitive, sensory, sentence, sentient, sentience, sentiment
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, from sequi, see also secutus	consecutive, consequence, ensue, non sequitur, obsequious, prosecute, pursue, second, sequel, sequence, subsequent
ser-	sow	Latin	serere, satus	disseminate, dissemination, insemination, postseason, preseason, sation, sative, season, seasonable, seasonal, semen, semenuria, seminal, seminar, seminarian, seminary, semination, seminiferous
ser-	attach, join	Latin	serere, sertus	assert, assertion, assertive, curviserial, desert, desertion, desertrix, dissert, dissertation, dissertator, exert, exertion, insert, insertion, multiseriate, reassert, reassertion, rectiserial, semidesert, serial, seriate, seriatim, series, sermon, uniseriate
ser-	whey	Latin	serum	serac, serosa, serous, subserous
ser-	late	Latin	sērus	serein, serotine, serotiny, soiree
serp-	crawl, creep	Latin	serpere, serptus	serpent
serr-	saw, saw-toothed	Latin	serra, serrare	serration
serv-	save, protect, serve	Latin	servare	conserve, deserve, observe, preserve, reserve, servant, service, servile, servitude, subservient
sesqui-	one and a half	Latin	sesqui	sesquialteral, sesquicentennial, sesquipedal, sesquiplicate, sesquitertian
set-	bristle, hair	Latin	saeta	seta, setose
sever-	stern, strict, serious	Latin	severus	perseverance, perseveration, persevere, severe, severity
sex-, se-	six	Latin	sex	semester, sexangle, sexangular, sexavalent, sexennial, sexennium, sexireme, sexpartite, sexradiate, sexivalent, sextain
sexagen-	sixty each	Latin	sexageni	sexagenarian, sexagenary
sexagesim-	sixtieth	Latin	sexagesimus	Sexagesima, sexagesimal
sext-	sixth	Latin	sextus	sextant
sibil-	hiss	Latin	sibilus, sibilare	sibilance
sicc-	dry	Latin	siccare "to dry", from siccus "dry, thirsty"	desiccate, desiccation, sec, siccative
sider-	star	Latin	sidus, sideris	sidereal
sign-	sign	Latin	signum	design, designate, insignia, signal, signature, significant
sil-	quiet or still	Latin	silere	silence
silv-	forest	Latin	silva	silviculture
simi-	ape, monkey	Latin	simia	simian
simil-, simul-	likeness, imitating	Latin	simulare "to emulate", from similis "alike"	assimilate, dissimilate, dissemble, ensemble, resemble, semblance, similar, similarity, simile, similitude, simulacrum, simular, simulate, simulation, simulator, simultaneous, verisimilar, verisimilitude
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	sinusoidal
siph-	tube	Greek	σίφων (siphōn)	siphon
sist-	cause to stand	Latin	sistere	assist, consist, desist, exist, insist, persist, resist, solstice, subsist
sit-	food, grain, wheat	Greek	σῖτος (sitos)	sitology
soci-	group	Latin	socius, sociare	associate, association, associative, consociate, consociation, consociational, disassociate, disassociation, dissociable, dissocial, dissociate, dissociation, dissociative, interassociation, nonassociative, sociability, sociable, social, sociality, societal, society
sol-	sun	Latin	sol, solis	circumsolar, extrasolar, insolate, insolation, solar, solarium, soliform, soliscence, solstice, subsolar
sol-	comfort, soothe	Latin	solari	consolation, console, solace
sol-	alone, only	Latin	solus	desolate, desolation, desolatory, saudade, sole, soliloquy, solitaire, solitary, solitude, solitudinarian, solitudinous, solivagous, solo, sullen
sole-	accustomed	Latin	solere "be accustomed"	insolence, insolent, obsolescence, obsolescent, obsolete
solen-	pipe, channel	Greek	σωλήν (sōlēn)	solenoid
solv-, solut-	loosen, set free	Latin	solvere, solutus	absolute, absolve, dissolute, dissolve, resolute, resolve, soluble, solute, solution, solve, solvent
soma-	body	Greek	σῶμα, σώματος (sōma, sōmatos)	somatic
somn-	sleep	Latin	somnus	insomnia, somnambulist, somnifacient, somniferous, somnific, somniloquy, somnolent
somni-	dream	Latin	somnium	somnial
son-	sound	Latin	sonus	absonant, ambisonic, assonance, assonant, assonate, consonance, consonant, consonous, dissonance, dissonant, inconsonance, inconsonant, infrasonic, infrasound, magnisonant, resonance, resonant, resonate, resound, sonance, sonant, sonata, sondage, sonnet, sonorant, sonority, soun, sound, subsonic, supersonic, triconsonantal, ultrasonic, ultrasound
soph-	wise	Greek	σοφός (sophos)	philosophy, sophism, sophist, sophisticate, sophomore, sophomoric
sopor-	deep sleep	Latin	sopor	sopor, soporific
sorb-, sorpt-	suck	Latin	sorbere	absorb, absorption
sord-	dirt	Latin	sordes, sordere	sordid
soror-	sister	Latin	soror	cousin, sororal, sororate, sororicide, sorority
spars-, -spers-	scatter, sprinkle	Latin	spargere	asperse, aspersion, disperse, intersperse, sparse
spati-	space	Latin	spatium	interspace, interspatial, space, spatial, spatiate, subspace
spec-, -spic-, spect-	look	Latin	specere, spectare, speculari	aspect, conspicuous, expect, inspect, introspective, prospect, respect, retrospective, species, specific, specimen, specious, spectacle, spectator, speculate
spend-, spond-		Greek	σπένδειν (spéndein), σπονδή, σπονδάς (spondḗ), σπονδεῖος, σπονδικός	spondaic, Sponde, spondee
sper-	hope	Latin	spes, sperare	despair, desperado, desperate, desperation, esperance, prosper, prosperity, prosperous
sperm-	seed	Greek	σπέρμα, σπέρματος (spérma, spérmatos)	angiosperm, perisperm, sperm, spermatid, spermatocyte, spermatogenesis, spermatozoon
sphen-	wedge	Greek	σφήν (sphēn)	sphenoid
spher-	ball	Greek	σφαῖρα (sphaira)	hemisphere, sphere, spheroid, stratosphere
sphing-, sphinct-	strangle	Greek	σφίγγω sphingein, wikt:Σφίγξ#Ancient GreekΣφίγξ sphinga	sphincter
spic-	spike	Latin	spica	spica, spicate, spicose, spicosity, spicular, spiculate, spicule, spiculiform
spin-	thorn	Latin	spina	infraspinate, infraspinatus, interspinal, spinal, spine, spinel, spinescent, spiniferous, spiniform, spinose, spinous
spir-	breathe	Latin	spirare	aspire, conspire, expire, inspire, perspire, respiration, spirit
spond-, spons-	a surety, guarantee; give assurance, promise solemnly	Latin	spondere, sponsus	respond
spondyl-	vertebra	Greek	σπόνδυλος (spondylos)	spondylosis
spu-, sput-	spew, spit	Latin	spuere	sputum
squal-	scaly, dirty, filthy	Latin	squalere	squalid, squalor
squam-	scale	Latin	squama	squamous
squarros-	spreading at tips	Latin	squarrosus	squarrose
st-	cause to stand	Greek	ἵστημι histēmi, histánai	antistatic, ecstatic, stasis, static, systasis, system
st-	stand	Latin	stare "to stand", also causative form statuere "to enact, set", from status "condition, position"	circumstance, consist, constant, constitute, distant, extant, instant, obstacle, presto, stable, stamen, stamina, stance, stanchion, stanza, state, station, stationary, statistic, statue, status, staunch, stay, substance, substitute, superstition
stagn-	pool of standing water	Latin	stagnare	stagnant
stala-	dripping, trickling	Greek	σταλακτός (stalaktos) and σταλαγμός (stalagmos), both from σταλάζειν (stallassein) "to drip"	stalactite, stalagmite
stann-	tin	Latin	stannum	stannous
stasi-	standing, discord	Greek	στάσις (stasis)	static
statu-, -stitu-	stand	Latin	statuere	institution, statute
stear-	fat, tallow	Greek	στέαρ, στέατος (stear, steatos)	stearic acid
steg-	covering	Greek	στέγη (stegē), στεγανός (steganos)	steganography, Stegosaurus
stell-	star	Latin	stella	constellation, stellar
stell-	send	Greek	στέλλω (stellein)	apostle, epistle, stole
sten-	stand	Greek	στεναί (stenai)	apostasy, apostate
sten-	narrow	Greek	στενός (stenos)	stenography, stenosis
stere-	solid	Greek	στερεός (stereos)	stereometry
stern-, strat-	spread, strew	Latin	sternere, stratus	consternation, prostrate, stratify, stratum, stratus, street
stern-	breastbone	Greek	στέρνον (sternon)	sternum
stich-	line, row	Greek	στίχος (stichos)	distich
stigmat-	mark, puncture	Greek	στίγμα (stigma)	astigmatic, stigma
still-	drip	Latin	stilla, stillare	distillation, instill
stimul-	goad, rouse, excite	Latin	stimulus	stimulate
stin-	stand	Latin	stinare	destination, obstinate
stingu-, stinct-	apart	Latin	stinguere	distinction, distinguish
stoch-	aim	Greek	στόχος (stóchos), στοχαστικός (stochastikós), στόχασμα	stochastic
stom-	mouth	Greek	στόμα (stoma)	stomatoplasty
streper-	noise	Latin	strepere	obstreperous
streph-, stroph-	turn	Greek	στρέφειν (stréphein), στρεπτός (streptós), στροφή (strophḗ)	anastrophe, antistrophe, apostrophe, boustrophedon, catastrophe, catastrophic, catastrophism, epistrophe, monostrophe, monostrophic, strophe, strophic
strept-	twisted	Greek	στρέφειν, στρεπτός (streptós), στρεψίς (strepsís)	Strepsiptera, strepsirrhine, streptococcus
strig-	compress	Latin	strix, strigis	strigogyps
strigos-	having stiff bristles	Latin	strigosus from striga	strigose
string-, strict-	tight, upright, stiff	Latin	stringere, strictus	astringent, constrain, constrict, constringe, restrict, strain, strict, stringent
stroph-
stru-, struct-	to make up, build	Latin	struere, structus	construct, construction, construe, destroy, destruct, instruct, obstruct, structure
stud-	dedication	Latin	studere	étude, student
stup-	wonder	Latin	stupere	stupid, stupor
styl-	column, pillar	Greek	στῦλος (stulos)	Stylites
su-, sut-	sew	Latin	suere, sutus	couture, suture
suad-, suas-	urge	Latin	suadere, suasus	persuasion
suav-	sweet	Latin	suavis	assuage, suave, suavity
sub-, su-, suf-, sug-, sup-, sus-	below	Latin	sub	submarine, submerge, suffix, suggest, support
subter-	under	Latin	subter	subterfuge
sucr-	sugar	Latin	succarum	sucrose
sud-	sweat	Latin	sudare	exudate, exude, sudarium, sudoriferous, transudate
sui-	self	Latin	sui	sui generis, suicide
sulc-	furrow	Latin	sulcus	sulcus
sum-	sum	Latin	summare "to sum up", from summa "sum"	consummate, consummation, sum, summa cum laude, summary, summation
sum-, sumpt-	take	Latin	sumere, sumptus	assume, assumption, consume, consumption, presumption, subsume
super-	above, over	Latin	super	insuperable, soprano, sovereign, summit, superable, superb, supercilious, supercomputer, superficial, superfluous, superimpose, superior, superlative, supermarket, supernal, supernatural, supernova, superposition, superpower, superscript, supersede, supersonic, superstition, supervene, supervise, supreme, supremum, surname, surplus, surround, survive
supin-	lying back	Latin	supinus	supination, supine
supra-	above, over	Latin	supra	supranationalism
surd-	deaf	Latin	surdus	absurdity
surg-	rise	Latin	surgere	insurgent, insurrection, resurgent, resurrection
syn-, sy-, syl-, sym-	with	Greek	σύν (sun)	symbol, symmetry, sympathy, synchronous, synonym, system
syring-	pipe	Greek	σύριγξ, σύριγγος (syrinx, sýringos)	syringe

T

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
tac-, -tic-	be silent	Latin	tacere, tacitus	reticent, reticence, tacit, taciturn
tach-	swift	Greek	ταχύς (tachús), τάχος (táchos)	tachometer, tachycardia, tachyrhythmia, tachytelic
taeni-	ribbon	Greek	τείνειν (teínein), ταινία (tainía), ταινίδιον (tainídion)	diplotene, leptotene, pachytene, taenia, taenidia, taenidium, taeniodont, Taeniolabis, zygotene
tag- (ΤΑΓ[56])	arrange, order	Greek	τάσσειν (tássein), τακτός (taktós), τακτικός (taktikós), τάξις (táxis), τάγμα (tágma)	ataxia, chemotaxis, epitaxis, eutaxy, hypotaxis, magnetotaxis, metasyntactic, parataxis, phonotactic, phonotactics, phototaxis, rheotaxis, syntactic, syntagma, syntagmatic, syntax, tactic, tagma, taxis, taxonomy, thermotaxis
tal-	ankle	Latin	talus	talus bone
tang-, -ting-, tact-, tag-	touch	Latin	tangere (past participle tactus)	attain, contact, contagious, contingent, contingency, contiguous, intact, tactile, tangent, tangible
tapet-	carpet	Latin	tapete, tapetis	tapestry, tapetum, tapis
tarac- (ΤΑΡΑΧ[57])	stir	Greek	ταράσσειν (tarássein), ταρακτός, ταρακτικός, τάραγμα, θράσσω	ataractic, ataraxia
tard-	slow	Latin	tardus	retard, tardigrade, tardy
tars-	ankle	Greek	ταρσός (tarsós, "a flat basket")	metatarsus, tarsal, tarsoclasis, tarsometatarsus, tarsus
taur-	bull	Greek	ταῦρος (taûros)	Minotaur, taurobolium, taurocholic, tauromachy
taur-	bull	Latin	taurus	Taurus
tec- (ΤΑΚ[58])	melt	Greek	τήκειν	eutectic, eutectoid
tec-, toc- (ΤΕΚ[59])	childbirth	Greek	τίκτειν, τόκος (tókos)	ditokous, dystocia, embiotocid, monotocous, teknonymous, teknonymy, tokophobia
techn- (ΤΕΚ[60])	art, skill	Greek	τίκτειν (tíktein), τέχνη (téchnē), τέκτων, τέκτονος (téktōn), τεκτονικός (tektonikós)	architect, polytechnic, techne, technique, technocracy, technocrat, technogaianism, technology, technophilia, technophobia, tectonic
tecn- (ΤΕΚ[61])	child	Greek	τίκτω, τέκνον, τέκνου (téknon)	teknonymous, teknonymy
teg-, tect-	cover	Latin	tegere, tectus	integument, protection
tele-	far, end	Greek	τῆλε (tēle)	telegram, telegraph, telemetry, telepathy, telephone, telescope, television
tele-	complete	Greek	τέλος, τέλεος (télos, téleos), τέλεσις (télesis)	atelectasis, ateleiosis, atelophobia, teleology, telesis, toll
temn-, tom- (ΤΕΜ[62][63])	cut	Greek	τέμνειν (témnein), τομός (tomós), τόμος (tómos), τομή (tomḗ), τμῆσις (tmēsis)	acrotomophilia, anatomy, apotemnophilia, atom, atomic, autotomy, diatom, dichotomous, dichotomy, ectomy, entomology, entomomancy, entomophagous, entomophilous, epitome, monatomic, pentatomic, polyatomic, polytomy, Temnospondyli, tmesis, tome, tomogram, tomography, trichotomous, trichotomy
tempor-	time	Latin	tempus, temporis	contemporaneous, contemporary, extemporaneous, tempo, temporal, temporary
ten-, -tin-, tent-	hold, keep	Latin	tenere, tentus	abstain, abstention, abstinence, abstinent, appertain, appertinent, appurtenance, appurtenant, contain, containment, content, contentive, contentment, continence, continent, continental, continual, continuance, continuant, continuation, continuative, continue, continuity, continuous, continuum, contratenor, countenance, detain, detainder, detainee, detainer, detainment, detention, detinue, discontent, discontentment, discontinuance, discontinuation, discontinue, discontinuity, discontinuous, entertain, entertainment, equicontinuity, equicontinuous, impertinence, impertinent, incontinence, incontinent, intenible, intercontinental, irretentive, lieutenant, maintain, maintenance, malcontent, obtain, obtainment, obtention, pertain, pertinacious, pertinacity, pertinence, pertinent, purtenance, reobtain, retain, retainer, retainment, retention, retentive, retinue, se-tenant, sustenance, sustentacular, sustentaculum, sustentation, sustention, tenable, tenace, tenacious, tenacity, tenancy, tenant, tenet, tenor, tenure, tenurial, tenuto, transcontinental
tend-, tens-	stretch, strain	Latin	tendere (past participle tensus)	ambitendency, attempt, attend, attendee, attent, attention, attentive, coextend, coextension, coextensive, contend, contention, contentious, detent, détente, distend, distension, distent, distention, entendre, entente, extend, extensible, extension, extensional, extensionality, extensive, extensivity, extensor, extent, inattention, inattentive, inextensible, intend, intense, intensification, intension, intensional, intensity, intensive, intent, obtend, obtension, ostensible, ostension, ostensive, ostensory, ostent, ostentation, ostentatious, portend, portension, portent, portentous, pretend, pretense, pretension, subtend, subtense, superintend, superintendency, superintendent, tempt, temptation, tend, tendency, tendential, tendentious, tender, tense, tensible, tensile, tensility, tension, tensure, tent, tentacle, tentacular, tentage, tentation, tentative, tentiginous, tentorium
tenu-	slender, thin	Latin	tenuare "make thin", from tenuis "thin"	attenuate, extenuate, tenuous
tep-	be warm	Latin	tepere	subtepid, tepefaction, tepid, tepidarium, tepidity, tepor
ter-, trit-	rub, wear	Latin	terere, tritus	attrition, contrite, contrition, detriment, detrimental, detrital, detrition, detritivore, detritivorous, detritus, retriment, tribulation, trite, triturate, trituration, triture
tere-	guard	Greek	τηρεῖν (tēreîn), τήρησις (tḗrēsis)	synteresis
teret-	rounded	Latin	teres, teretis	subterete, teretial
terg-, ters-	wipe	Latin	tergere, tersus	absterge, abstergent, abstersion, abstersive, deterge, detergency, detergent, terse
termin-	boundary, limit, end	Latin	terminus	determine, interminable, terminal, termination
tern-	three each	Latin	terni	ternary, ternion
terr-	earth	Latin	terra	inter, subterranean, terrace, terracotta, terrain, terrarium, terrestrial, territory
terti-	third	Latin	tertius	tertian, tertiary
test-	witness	Latin	testis	attest, contest, detest, protest, testament, testify, testimony
tetart- [64]	fourth	Greek	τέταρτος (tétartos)	tetartanopsia, tetartohedric
tetr-	four	Greek	τέτϝαρες, τέσσαρες, τεσσάρων (téssares)	diatessaron, tetragon, tetrahedron, tetralogy, tetrameter, tetraphobia, tetrapod, tetrode
teuch-	make	Greek	τεύχειν (teúchein), τυγχάνω, τευκτός, τευκτικός, τεῦξις (teûxis), τεῦγμα (teûgma), τεῦχος, τεύχεος (teûchos), τύχη (túchē), τυκτός (tuktós)	Heptateuch, octateuch, Pentateuch
tex-, text-	weave	Latin	texere, textus	context, subtle, pretext, text, textile, texture
thalam-	chamber, bed	Greek	θάλαμος (thálamos)	epithalamion, hypothalamus, prothalamion, thalamotomy, thalamus
thalass-	sea	Greek	θάλασσα (thálassa)	Panthalassa, thalassemia, thalassic, thalassophobia
than- (ΘΑΝ[65][66])	death	Greek	θνήσκειν, θάνατος (thánatos)	euthanasia, thanatocoenosis, thanatoid, thanatology, thanatophobia, thanatophoric, thanatopsis
the-, thus-	god	Greek	θεός (theós)	atheism, atheistic, ditheism, enthusiasm, monotheism, Pantheon, polytheism, Thea, theobromine, theocracy, theodicy, Theodore, theogony, theology, theophobia, Timothy, tritheism
the- (ΘΕ[67])	put	Greek	τιθέναι (tithénai), θετός (thetós), θετικός (thetikós), θέσις (thésis), θέμα (théma), θήκη (thḗkē)	anathema, anathematic, antithesis, antithetic, apothecium, athematic, Bibliotheca, bodega, boutique, deem, doom, enthesis, enthetic, epenthesis, epenthetic, epitheca, epithet, hypothec, hypothesis, monothematic, nomothetic, oligosynthetic, parenthesis, parenthetic, polysynthetic, prosthesis, prosthetic, prothesis, prothetic, pseudothecium, synthesis, synthetic, theca, thecium, thematic, theme, Themis, thesaurus, thesis, treasure
thea-	view	Greek	θεᾶσθαι (theâsthai), θέατρον (théatron)	amphitheatre, metatheatre, theatre, theatric
thel-	nipple	Greek	θηλή (thēlḗ)	athelia, endothelium, epithelium, mesothelioma, mesothelium, thelium, thelial
theori-	speculation	Greek	θεωρητικός (theōrētikós), θεώρημα (theṓrēma), θεωρία (theōría)	theorem, theoretic, theorist, theorize, theory
ther-	beast, animal	Greek	θήρ, θηρός (thḗr, thērós)	therianthropy, theroid, theropod, theropsid
therap-	serve	Greek	θεράπων (therápōn), θεραπεύειν (therapeúein), θεραπευτός, θεραπευτικός (therapeutikós), θεραπεία (therapeía)	therapeutic, therapist, therapy
therm-	heat, warm	Greek	θέρεσθαι (théresthai), θέρμη (thérmē), θερμός (thermós)	thermal, athermancy, diathermancy, ectotherm, endotherm, endothermic, exothermic, geothermic, homeothermy, hyperthermia, hypothermia, isotherm, poikilotherm, thermobaric, thermochromism, thermodynamic, thermolysis, thermometer, thermophilic, thermophobia, thermoplastic, thermoplegia, thermos, thermosphere, thermostat, thermostatic
thig- (ΘΙΓ[68])	touch	Greek	θιγγάνειν (thingánein), θίξις (thíxis), θίγημα (thígēma)	antithixotropic, thigmonasty, thigmotaxis, thixotropic, thixotropy
thorac-	chest	Greek	θώραξ, θώρακος (thṓrax, thṓrakos)	hemothorax, pneumothorax, thoracic, thorax
thym-	mood	Greek	θυμός (thumos)	dysthymia
thyr-	door	Greek	θύρα (thura)	thyratron
thyre-	large shield	Greek	θυρεός (thureos)	Thyreophora, thyroid, thyrotropin, thyroxine
tim-	be afraid	Latin	timere	timid, timorous
ting-, tinct- (TING[69])	dye, moisten	Latin	tingere, tinctus	aquatint, distain, mezzotint, tinct, tinctorial, tincture, tinge, tingent, tint
tom-	cut	Greek	τομή (tome), τόμος (tomos)	anatomy, appendectomy, atom, dichotomy, ectomy, embolectomy, tome, tonsillectomy, vasectomy
ton- (ΤΑΝ[70])	stretch	Greek	τείνειν (teínein), τόνος (tónos), τονικός (tonikós)	isotonic, monotone, tone
top- [71]	place	Greek	τόπος (tópos)	atopic, atopy, dystopia, ectopia, ectopic, entopic, epitope, eutopia, isotope, nomotopic, polytope, topiary, topic, topography, topology, toponomastics, toponym, toponymy, topos, utopia, zonotope
torn- [72]	turn, rotate	Latin from Greek	tornare < τόρνος (tórnos)	tornado, tournament, turn
torpe-	be numb	Latin	torpere	torpent, torpid, torpor
torqu-, tort-	twist	Latin	torquere, tortus	contort, distort, extort, extortion, retort, torque, torsion, tortuous, torture
tot-	all, whole	Latin	totus	subtotal, total, totality
tox- [73]	arrow, bow, poison	Greek	τόξον (tóxon)	anatoxin, antitoxin, autotoxin, exotoxin, intoxicate, neurotoxin, psychotoxic, toxic, toxin, toxoid, toxology, toxoplasmosis
trab-	beam	Latin	trabs, trabis	trabeculae
trach- [74]	rough	Greek	τραχύς (trachús)	trachea, tracheids, tracheitis, tracheophyte, tracheostomy, tracheotomy, trachoma
trag- [75]	he-goat	Greek	τράγος (trágos)	tragedy, tragic, tragus
trah-, tract-	draw, pull	Latin	tractare, frequentative of trahere, tractus	attract, contract, detract, retract, subtract, subtrahend, tractable, traction, tractor
trans-, tra-, tran-	across	Latin	trans	intransigent, tradition, transact, transcend, transient, transitory, transparent, transport
trapez- [76]	four-legged, table	Greek	τράπεζα (trápeza), τραπέζιον, (trapézion)	trapeze, trapezium, trapezius, trapezohedron, trapezoid
traum- [77]	wound	Greek	τραῦμα, τραῦματος (traûma)	trauma, traumatic, traumatize, traumatophobia
trecent-	three hundred	Latin	trecenti	trecentennial, trecentillion
tredec-	thirteen	Latin	tredecim	tredecimal
treiskaidek-	thirteen	Greek	τρεισκαίδεκα (treiskaideka)	triskaidekaphobia
trem-	tremble	Latin	tremere	tremor
trema-	hole	Greek	τρῆμα (trēma)	monotreme, trematode
trepid-	tremble	Latin	trepidare "to tremble, hurry", from trepidus "alarmed, scared"	intrepid, trepid, trepidation
tri-	three	Greek	τρεῖς, τρία (treis, tria)	triad, trigon, triode, tripod
tri-	three	Latin	trēs	triangle, triumvirate, trivia
trib-	rub	Greek	τρίβειν (tribein)	diatribe, tribology
tribu-	pay	Latin	tribuere "to pay", from tribus	attribute, contribute, retribution, tribe, tribulation, tribunal, tribune, tributary, tribute
tricen-	thirty each	Latin	triceni	tricenary
tricesim-, trigesim-	thirtieth	Latin	tricesimus	trigesimal
trich-	hair	Greek	θρίξ, τριχός (thrix, trichos)	peritrichous, trichopathophobia, Trichoptera
trin-	three each	Latin	trini	trinary, trine, trinity
trit-	third	Greek	τρίτος (tritos)	tritagonist
tritic-	wheat	Latin	triticum	triticale
troch-	wheel	Greek	τροχός (trochos)	trochlea
trop-	turning	Greek	τρόπος (tropos)	contrive, heliotropism, isotrope, psychotropic, retrieve, trope, tropic, tropism, troposphere, troubadour, trove
troph-	feed, grow	Greek	τροφή, τροφός (trophos)	dystrophy, pogonotrophy, trophic
truc-	fierce	Latin	trux, trucis	truculent
trud-, trus-	thrust	Latin	trudere, trusus	abstrude, abstruse, abstrusion, abstrusity, detrude, detrusion, detrusor, extrude, extrusible, extrusion, extrusive, inobtrusive, intrude, intrusion, intrusive, nonintrusive, obtrude, obtrusion, obtrusive, protrude, protrudent, protrusile, protrusion, protrusive, retrude, retruse, retrusion, retrusive
trunc-	cut off	Latin	truncare "to maim, mutilate", from truncus "mutilated, cut off"	trench, trenchant, truncate, truncheon, trunk
tryp-	bore	Greek	τρυπᾶν (trupân), τρύπανον (trúpanon)	trepan, trypanophobia, trypanosome
tum-	to swell up	Latin	tumere	contumely, contumacious, detumescence, detumescent, intumescence, tumefacient, tumefaction, tumesce, tumescence, tumescent, tumid, tumidity, tumor, tumorous, tumular, tumulose, tumulous, tumult, tumultuary, tumultuous, tumulus, tumble
turb-	disturb	Latin	turba	disturb, perturb, turbid, turbine, turbulent,
tuss-	cough	Latin	tussis, tussire	pertussis
tympan-	drum	Greek	τύμπανον (túmpanon)	tympani, tympanum
typ- (ΤΥΠ[78])	stamp, model	Greek	τύπτειν (túptein), τύπος (túpos), τυπικός (tupikós), τύμπανον (túmpanon)	archetype, ectype, holotype, logotype, monotypic, phenotype, prototype, type, typical, typify, typography, typology
typh-	smoke	Greek	τύφειν (túphein), τῦφος (tûphos), τυφώδης	typhoid, typhous, typhus
tyrann-	terrible, tyrant	Greek	τύραννος (túrannos)	tyrannize, tyrannosaurus rex, tyranny, tyrant

U

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
uber-	fruitful, udder	Latin	ūber, uberare	exuberance, exuberant, exuberate, uberous, uberty
uligin-	in marshes	Latin	uligo, uliginis	uliginous
ulo-	wooly	Greek	οὖλος (oulos)	Ulotrichi
ultim-	farthest	Latin	ultimus	ultimate, ultimatum
ultra-	beyond	Latin	ultra	ultrasonic
umbilic-	navel	Latin	umbilicus	umbilical
umbr-	shade, shadow	Latin	umbra	adumbrate, penumbra, umbrage, umbrella
un-	one	Latin	ūnus, unius	adunation, biunique, coadunate, coadunation, disunite, disunity, malunion, nonuniform, nonuniformity, nonunion, nonunique, nonunity, onion, reunification, reunion, reunite, triune, unanimous, unary, unate, unicorn, unific, unification, uniform, uniformity, unify, union, unique, unite, unity, universal, universe, university
unc-	hook	Latin	uncus	adunc, aduncity, aduncous, unciform, Uncinaria, uncinate, Uncinia
unci-	ounce, twelfth	Latin	uncia	inch, ounce, quincuncial, semiuncial, uncial
und-	wave	Latin	unda	abound, abundance, abundant, inundant, inundate, inundation, redound, redundancy, redundant, superabound, superabundance, superabundant, surround, undine, undulant, undulate, undulation, undulatory, undulatus, undulose
undecim-	eleventh	Latin	undecimus	undecimal
unden-	eleven each	Latin	ūndēni	undenary
ungu-	claw, nail	Latin	unguis	ungual, unguiferous, unguiform
ungul-	claw, hoof	Latin	ungula	ungular, ungulate, unguligrade
ur-	tail	Greek	οὐρά (oura)	uroid, uroborus
ur-	urine	Greek	οὖρον (ouron)	urology
urb-	city	Latin	urbanus "belonging to a city", from urbs (genitive urbis) "city"	suburbanite, urban, urbane, urbanism, urbanize
urg-	work	Latin	urgere	urgent
urs-	bear	Latin	ursus	Ursa Major, ursine, Ursus
ut-, us-	use	Latin	uti, usus	abuse, use, usual, utilitarian, utility, utilize
uv-	grape	Latin	uva	uvea
uxor-	wife	Latin	uxor	uxoricide

V

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
vac-	empty	Latin	vacare	evacuate, vacancy, vacant, vacate, vacation, vacuous, vacuum
vacc-	cow	Latin	vacca	vaccary, vaccination, vaccine
vacil-	waver	Latin	vacillare "sway, be untrustworthy"	vacillate, vacillation
vad-, vas-	go	Latin	vadere	evade, pervasive
vag-	wander	Latin	vagus, vagare	vagabond, vague
val-	strength, worth	Latin	valere	ambivalence, avail, equivalent, evaluate, prevail, valence, valiant, valid, valor, value
van-	empty, vain, idle	Latin	vanus "empty", also vanescere "vanish"	evanescent, vain, vanish, vanity
vap-	lack (of)	Latin	vapor	evaporate, evaporation, evaporative, evaporator, evaporite, nonevaporative, vapid, vapidity, vapor, vaporescence, vaporescent, vaporific, vaporous
vari-	vary	Latin	variare	bivariate, covariate, covariation, intervarietal, invariable, invariance, invariant, variable, variance, variant, variate, variation, variegate, varietal, variety, variola, variolation, variorum, various, vary
varic-	straddle	Latin	varicare "to straddle", from varus "bowlegged"	prevaricate
veh-, vect-	carry	Latin	vehere "to carry", vectus	invective, inveigh, vector, vehement, vehicle
vel-	veil	Latin	velum	revelation, velate
vell-, vuls-	pull	Latin	vellere, vulsus	convulsion
veloc-	quick	Latin	velox, velocis	velocity
ven-	vein	Latin	vena	intravenous, venosity, venule
ven-	hunt	Latin	venari	venison
ven-, vent-	come	Latin	venire	advent, adventure, avenue, circumvent, contravene, convene, convenient, convention, event, intervene, intervention, invent, prevent, revenue, souvenir, supervene, venue, venture
vend-	sell	Latin	vendere	vend, vendor
vener-	respectful	Latin	venus, veneris	venerable, veneration, venereal
vent-	wind	Latin	ventus	ventilation, ventilator
ventr-	belly	Latin	venter, ventris	ventral
ver-	true	Latin	verus	aver, veracious, verdict, verify, verisimilar, verisimilitude, verity, very
verb-	word	Latin	verbum	verbal, verbatim, verbosity
verber-	whip	Latin	verber	reverberation
verm-	worm	Latin	vermis	vermiform, vermin
vern-	spring	Latin	ver, vernus	vernal
vers-, vert-	turn	Latin	versus, past participle of vertere	adverse, adversity, advertise, anniversary, avert, controversy, controvert, conversant, conversation, converse, convert, diversify, divert, extrovert, introvert, inverse, invert, perverse, pervert, reverse, revert, subvert, tergiversate, transverse, universe, versatile, verse, version, versus, vertex, vertical, vertigo
vesic-	bladder	Latin	vesica	vesical
vesper-	evening, western	Latin	vespera	vesperal
vest-	clothing, garment	Latin	vestire "to clothe", related to vestis "garment"	divest, invest, investiture, transvestite, travesty, vest, vestment
vestig-	track	Latin	vestigium	investigate, vestigial
vet-	forbid	Latin	vetare	veto
veter-	old	Latin	vetus, veteris	inveterate, veteran
vi-	way	Latin	via	deviate, obviate, obvious, via
vic-	change	Latin	vicis	vicar, vicarious, vice versa, vicissitude
vicen-, vigen-	twenty each	Latin	viceni	vicenary
vicesim-, vigesim-	twentieth	Latin	vicesimus	vicesimary, vicesimation, vigesimal
vid-, vis-	see	Latin	videre, visus	advice, advisable, advise, advisement, advisor, advisory, clairvoyance, clairvoyant, counterview, enviable, envious, envisage, envisagement, envision, envy, evidence, evident, evidential, evidentiality, evidentiary, improvidence, improvident, improvisation, improvisational, improvise, imprudence, imprudent, inadvisable, inevident, interview, interviewee, invidious, invisibility, invisible, nonevidentiary, nonsupervisory, nonvisual, preview, previse, provide, providence, provident, provision, provisional, provisionality, proviso, provisory, prudence, prudent, prudential, purvey, purveyance, purveyor, purview, review, reviewal, revisal, revise, revision, revisionary, revisit, supervise, supervision, supervisor, supervisory, survey, surveyor, surview, survise, videlicet, video, view, vis-à-vis, visa, visage, visibility, visible, vision, visionary, visit, visitation, visor, vista, visual, visuality, voilà, voyeur
vigil-	watchful	Latin	vigil, also vigilare	invigilate, reveille, surveillance, vigil, vigilance, vigilant, vigilante
vil-	cheap	Latin	vilis	revile, vile, vilify
vill-	country house	Latin	villa	villa, village, villain
vill-	shaggy hair	Latin	villus	velour, velvet, villiform
vin-	wine	Latin	vinum	vine, vinous
vinc-, vict-	conquer	Latin	vincere (past participle victus)	convict, conviction, convince, evict, evince, invincible, province, vanquish, vanquishment, victor, victorious, victory
vir-	man	Latin	vir	triumvirate, virility
vir-	green	Latin	virere	verdure, virid, viridescent, viridian, viridity
visc-	thick	Latin	viscum	viscosity
viscer-	internal organ	Latin	viscus, visceris	eviscerate, visceral
vit-	life	Latin	vita	vital, vitality, vitamin
vitell-	yolk	Latin	vitellus	vitellogenesis
viti-	fault	Latin	vitium	vice, vitiate, vituperate
vitr-	glass	Latin	vitrum	vitreous, vitriol
viv-	live	Latin	vivere "to live", related to vita "life"	convivial, revive, survive, viable, victual, vivacious, vivacity, vivid, vivisection
voc-	call, voice	Latin	vocare (to call), from vox "voice" (genitive vocis)	advocacy, advocate, advocation, advocator, advocatory, advoke, advowson, avocation, avouch, avow, avowal, avowry, convocate, convocation, convocator, convoke, disavow, disavowal, equivocal, equivocate, equivocation, evocable, evocation, evocative, evocator, evoke, invocable, invocate, invocation, invocative, invocator, invoke, prevocational, provocate, provocateur, provocation, provocative, provocator, provoke, reavow, reinvoke, revocable, revocation, revoke, vocal, vocation, vocational, vociferous, vouch, vouchee, voucher, vouchsafe
vol-	fly	Latin	volare	avolation, circumvolant, circumvolation, nonvolatile, volatile, volatility, volitant, volitation
vol-	will	Latin	voluntas "will" from velle "to wish"	benevolence, benevolent, involuntary, malevolence, malevolent, omnibenevolence, velleity, volitient, volition, volitional, volitive, voluntary, Voluntaryism, volunteer, voluptuary, voluptuous
volv-, volut-	roll	Latin	volvere, volutus	advolution, archivolt, circumvolute, circumvolution, circumvolve, coevolution, coevolutionary, coevolve, convolute, convolution, devolve, evolve, involve, revolve, valve, vault, volte, voluble, volume, voluminous, volva, Volvox, volvulus, voussoir, vulva
vom-	discharge	Latin	vomere	vomit, vomition, vomitory, vomitus
vor-, vorac-	swallow	Latin	vorare, vorax	carnivore, carnivorous, devoration, devoré, devour, herbivore, herbivorous, locavore, omnivore, omnivorous, voracious, voracity, voraginous
vov-, vot-	vow	Latin	vovere, votus	devote, devotee, devotion, devotional, devout, devove, devow, votary, vote, votive, vow
vulg-	crowd	Latin	vulgus	divulge, vulgarity, vulgate
vulner-	wound	Latin	vulnus, vulneris	vulnerable
vulp-	fox	Latin	vulpēs, vulpis	vulpine

X

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
xanth-	yellow	Greek	ξανθός (xanthos)	xanthium, xanthochromia, xanthogenic, xanthophyll
xen-	foreign	Greek	ξένος (xenos)	xenoblast, xenogamy, xenophobia, xenon
xer-	dry	Greek	ξηρός (xēros)	xeroderma, xerography, xeromorph, xerophagy, xerophile, xerophyte
xiph-	sword	Greek	ξίφος (xiphos)	xiphisternum, xiphoid, xiphophyllous
xyl-	wood	Greek	ξύλον (xulon)	xylem, xylocarp, xyloid, xylophone

Z

Root	Meaning in English	Origin language	Etymology (root origin)	English examples
ze-	boil	Greek	ζεῖν (zeîn), ζεστός (zestós), ζέσις, ζέμα, ζέματος (zéma)	eczema, eczematous
zel-	jealousy, zeal	Greek	ζῆλος (zēlos)	zeal, zealot, zealous
zete-	seek	Greek	ζητεῖν (zēteîn), ζητητός (zētētós), ζητητικός (zētētikós)	zetetic
zo-	animal, living being	Greek	ζῶ, ζῷον (zōion)	azoic, azotemia, ectozoon, entozoon, epizoon, Mesozoic, protozoa, zoanthropy, zodiac, zoic, zoo, zoogeography, zooid, zoology, zoomorphism, zoon, zoonosis, zoopoetics, zooxanthella
zon-	belt, girdle	Greek	ζωννύναι (zōnnúnai), ζώνη (zṓnē)	zonal, zone
zyg- (ΖΥΓ[79])	yoke	Greek	ζευγνύναι (zeugnúnai), ζεῦγμα (zeûgma), ζυγωτός (zugōtós), ζυγός, ζυγόν (zugón)	azygous, diazeugma, dizygotic, heterozygote, heterozygous, hyperzeuxis, hypozeugma, hypozeuxis, mesozeugma, monozygotic, prozeugma, synezeugmenon, zeugitae, zeugma, zygoma, zygomorphic, zygomorphism, zygomycosis, zygomycota, zygon, Zygoptera, zygote
zym-	ferment	Greek	ζύμη (zúmē)	alloenzyme, azyme, azymite, enzyme, lysozyme, microzyme, zymase, zyme, zymogen, zymology, zymolysis, zymosis, zymotic

See also

Classical compound Hybrid word Interlingua International scientific vocabulary Latin Latin influence in English Lexicon Mediae et Infimae Latinitatis Polonorum List of Greek words with English derivatives

List of Latin abbreviations List of Latin and Greek words commonly used in systematic names List of Latin phrases List of Latin words with English derivatives List of Latinised names List of legal Latin terms Romanization (cultural) Wikipedia:IPA for Latin

References

External links

• List of Latin Derivatives
• Greek and Latin Roots
• Latin and Greek Rootwords Flashcards