PREFIXES AND SUFFIXES

PREFIXES

Prefix has meanings in linguistics, mathematics and computer science, and telecommunications.

In linguistics, a prefix is a type of affix that precedes the morphemes (smallest language unit that carries an interpretation) to which it can attach. Prefixes are bound morphemes (they cannot occur as independent words).

Here is a list of some commonly used prefixes.

Referring to direction:

ab-       : away from, from

ad-       : toward

circum- : around

dia-      : through, across

ec-       : out, out from

ecto-    : outside, outward

endo-   : in, within

ex-       : out, out from

exo-     : outside, outward

extra-   : outside, outward

intra-    : within

para-    : near, beside

peri-     : around

super- : above, excessive

supra- : above

Referring to number and measurement:

bi-        : two

dipl-     : double, twofold

diplo-   : double, twofold

hemi-    : half

hyper- : excessive above normal

macro-: large

micro- : small

mono- : one

multi-    : many, much

poly-    : many, much

primi-   : first

quadri- : four

semi-    : half

tri-        : three

uni-      : one

Referring to position:

ante-    : in front, before

epi-      : above, upon

hypo-   : under, below

infra:-   : under, below

inter-    : between

medi-   : middle

meso-   : middle

post-    : after, behind

pre-      : before, in front of

pro-     : before

retro-   : backward, behind

sub-     : below, under

Prefixes denoting negation:

a-         : without

an-       : without, not

im-       : not

in-        : not

Other prefixes:

anti-     : against

brady- : slow

contra- : against

dys-     : difficult, painful, bad

eu-       : good, normal

hetero- : different

homo- : same

mal-     : bad

pan-     : all

pseudo-: false

tachy-   : fast, rapid

SUFFIXES

In linguistics, a suffix is an affix that follows the morphemes to which it can attach.

Here is a list of some commonly used suffixes.

Suffixes used in diagnosis and symptomatology:

-algia    : pain   

-cele     : hernia swelling

-dynia   : pain

-ectasis: expansion, dilation

-emesis: vomiting

-emia    : blood condition

-gen     : producing, forming

-genesis:  process of formation

-gram   : record, a writing

-graph : instrument for recording

-iasis    : abnormal condition

-itis       : inflammation

-lith      : stone

-Iogist :  specialist in study of study of

-logy    : study of  

-malacia : softening

-megaly: enlargement 

-meter : instrument for recording

-metry :   process of measuring

-oid      : resembling

-oma    : tumor

-osis     : abnormal condition

-para    : to bear an offspring

-paresis: partial paralysis 

-pathy : disease 

-penia   : deficiency

-phagia:  eating, swallowing

-phasia : speech

-philia   : attraction to

-phobia: fear from

-plasia : formation, growth

-plegia : paralysis

-poiesis: process of formation

-ptosis : downward displacement

-rrhage : bursting forth

-rrhagia: bursting forth

-rrhea   : discharge, flow

-rrhexis: rupture

-scope  : instrument to view

-scopy : visual examination

-spasm : involuntary contraction

-stasis   : standing still

-stenosis: narrowing, stricture

-trophy : development, nourishment

Suffixes used in surgeries:

-centesis: puncture

-clasis   : break, fracture

-desis   : binding, fixation (of joint or bone)

-ectomy: excision

-lysis    : separation, loosening, destruction

-pexy   : suspension or fixation of an organ

-plasty : surgical repair

-rrhaphy: suturing

-stomy  : forming a opening

-tome   : instrument to cut

-tomy   : incision, cut into           

-tripsy : crushing

Noun suffixes:

-ia        : condition

-iatrics : treatment, medicine

-iatry    : treatment, medicine

-ism      : condition

-ist       : specialist

-y         : condition

Adjective suffixes:

-ac       : pertaining to

-al        : pertaining to

-ar        : pertaining to

-ary      : pertaining to

-eal      : pertaining to

-ial       : pertaining to

PREFIXES AND SUFFIXES