Medical terminology is composed of a prefix, root word, and suffix:
Prefix: A prefix is placed at the beginning of a word to modify or change its meaning. Pre means "before." Prefixes may also indicate a location, number, or time.
Root: central part of a word.
Suffix: The ending part of a word that modifies the meaning of the word.
Additional resources: [Intro to med terms] [Med terms rules] [Med term reference] [Word building reference] [Practice Exams]
Medical terminology is used to precisely describe the human body components, processes, illnesses, medical procedures, and pharmacology. Medical terms are used in the field of medicine, and clinical settings. This section deals with all med terms beginning with the letter P, and features medical roots, prefixes and suffixes. Introduction to Medical Terminology.
palate (roof of mouth)
to soothe, relieve
to touch gently
nipple-like; optic disc
other than; abnormal
near; beside; abnormal; apart from; along the side of
to bear, bring forth (live births)
to bear, bring forth
pelvis; hip region
pelvis; hip region
stone, petrous region of temporal bone
fixation; to put in place
phalanges (of fingers and toes)
like; love; attraction to
to bear, carry; feeling (mental state)
race, species, type
flat, level, wandering
sole of the foot
pertaining to formation
plexus; network (of nerves)
substance that forms
gray matter (of brain or spinal cord)
polyp; small growth
pons ( a part of the brain)
condition of pores (spaces)
back (of body); behind
before; in front of
anus and rectum
sand, sand-like material
abnormality of the conjunctiva
droop; sag; prolapse; protrude
pubis (anterior part of hip bone)
to beat, beating
to pierce a surface
pupil (dark center of eye)
pylorus; pyloric sphincter
More content is on its way. Check out the resources below.
Quick Introduction- provides an overview and introduction to medical terminology. Medical Terms- rules governing singular versus plural versions of medical terms are described. Medical Terminology Exams- twenty new exams were created to test your knowledge of medical terminology.
Word Building Reference- This resource strengthens your understanding of medical terminology. See how common medical terms are created using the various prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
Medical Terminology Intuitive Section This section was developed for 'speed learning' of medical terminology. Start by reviewing the meanings for a block of medical terms, and then go back and choose a previous term randomly and try to recall the meaning of that particular medical term before hovering over the term to determine the answer. These frequent mini-tests will accelerate the learning process and in a relatively short period of time, you will be able to quickly recall the meaning of all of the listed medical terms. This method of learning is superior to flash cards because of the frequent exposure and testing of your recall.
