The following is an alphabetical list of Greek and Latin roots commonly used in English.
Those used in medicine and medical terminology are not listed here but instead in Wikipedia's List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes.
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| Root | In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) |
English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ab-, a-, abs- | away | Latin | ab "away" | abnormal, abrasion, abstract, aversion |
| ac-, acu- | sharp or pointed | Latin | acutus past participle of acuere "to sharpen", from acus "needle" | acid, acupunture |
| acr-, acro- | height, summit, tip | Greek | Greek ἄκρος ákros "high", "extreme" | acrophobia, acrobat, acronym, acromegalia |
| ad-, a-, ac-, af-, ag-, al-, ap-, ar-, as-, at- | movement to or toward; in addition to | Latin | ad "to", "toward" | adapt, affect, ascend, accept |
| adip- | fat | Latin | adeps, adipis "fat" | adipose |
| aer-, aero- | air, atmosphere | Greek | aer "air" | aeronautics, aerosol |
| aesth-et | feeling, sensation | Greek | aisthētikos "of sense perception" from αἰσθάνεσθαι aisthanesthai "to perceive" | aesthetics |
| agr-, agri- | field | Greek and Latin | from Greek ἀγρός agros and Latin ager, agr- "field" | agriculture, pilgrim |
| amat-, amor- | love, loved | Latin | amor "love" from amāre "to love" | amateur, amorous |
| ambi- | both, on both sides | Latin | ambi "on both sides", from Greek ἀμφί amphi, "on both sides" | ambidextrous, ambivalent |
| amic-, -imic- | friend | Latin | amicus | amicable, inimical |
| amphi- | around, about, both, on both sides of, both kinds | Greek | amphi "on both sides" | amphibian, amphibolic |
| ampl- | ample | Latin | amplus | amplification |
| an-, a- | not, without | Greek | Greek ἀν-/ἀ- "not" | anhydrous, atypical |
| ana-, an- | again, against, back, up | Greek | from Greek prefix ana- "again", "against" | anabaptist, anaphylaxis, anode |
| anima- | breath | Latin | anima "breath" | animal, animation |
| ann-, -enn- | year, yearly | Latin | annus "year" | anniversary, annual, millennium |
| ant-, anti- | against, opposed to, preventive | Greek | ἀντί anti "against" | antibiotic, antipodes |
| ante-, anti- | before, in front of, prior to | Latin | Latin ante "before", "against" | antediluvian, antebellum, anticipate |
| anth-, antho- | flower | Greek | ἄνθος anthos "flower" | anther, anthology |
| anthropo-, anthro- | human | Greek | anthropos "man" | anthropology, anthropomorphic |
| aqu- | water | Latin | aqua | aquamarine, aquarium, aqueduct |
| ar- | plow, till | Latin | arare | arable |
| ar- | be dry | Latin | arere, "be dry or parched" | arid |
| arche-, archi- | ruler | Greek | ἀρχή arche "rule" (in compounds: ἀρχε-, ἀρχι-) | archangel, archetype |
| archaeo-, archeo- | ancient | Greek | ἀρχαῖος arkhaios "ancient" from arkhē "beginning" | archaeology or archeology, archaic |
| arct-, arcto- | Relating to the North Pole or the region near it; relating to cold; used as the scientific name of some bear species, e.g. Ursus arctos horribilis | Greek | ἄρκτος arktos "bear" | Arctic Ocean |
| argent- | silver | Latin | argentum "silver" | argent, Argentina |
| arthr-, arthro- | joint | Greek | arthron "joint" | arthritis, arthropod |
| astr-, astro- | star, star-shaped | Greek | astron "star" | astronomy |
| athl- | prize | Greek | ἄθλος athlos "contest, feat" | athlete |
| aud-, audi- | hearing, listening, sound | Latin | audire "to hear" | auditorium, auditory |
| aug-, auct- | grow, increase | Latin | augēre "to increase" | augmentation |
| aur- | relating to gold, or gold-colored | Latin | aurum "gold" | aureole, aure |
| auri- | Relating to the ear | Latin | auris "ear" | auricle |
| aut- , auto- | self; directed from within | Greek | αὐτός (autos) "self", "same" | automobile, autonomy |
| avi- | bird | Latin | avis "bird" | aviary, aviation |
| axi- | axis | Latin | axis "axis" | axisymmetry |
| axio- | merit | Greek | Greek ἄξιος (axios) "worth" | axiology |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bac- | rod-shaped | Latin | from baculum "rod" | bacilla, bacteria |
| baro- | weight, pressure | Greek | βαρύς (barus) | barometer, barograph, baroreceptor |
| basi- | at the bottom | Greek | from βαίνω, I walk, march, βάσις "step" | basic, basis |
| bathy-, batho- | deep, depth | Greek | βαθύς (bathús, bathýs) "deep" | batholith |
| be-, beat- | bless | Latin | beare, beatus | beatification |
| bell(i)- | war | Latin | bellum, belli | antebellum, bellicose, belligerent |
| ben- | good, well | Latin | bene (adverb) | benefit, benignity |
| bi- | two | Latin | bis, "twice"; bini, "in twos" | binoculars, bigamy, biscotti |
| bib- | drink | Latin | bibere, bibitus | imbibe |
| bibl- | book | Greek | βιβλίον (biblíon) "book" | bibliography, bible |
| bi(o)- | life | Greek | βίος (bíos) "life" | biology, biologist, biosphere |
| blenn(o)- | slime | Greek | βλέννος (blennos) | blennophobia, blennosperma |
| blast- | germ, embryo, bud, cell with nucleus | Greek | βλασταίνω, "I put forth shoots" | sideroblast |
| bon(i)- | good | Latin | bonus | bonify, bonitary |
| bor- | north | Greek / Latin (boreas) | Greek βορρᾶς (borras) "the north wind" | borealis |
| botan- | plant | Greek | βοτάνη, βότανον (botanē, botanon) | botany |
| bov- | cow, ox | Latin | bos, bovis | bovine |
| brachi(o)- | arm | Greek | βραχίων (brakhíōn) "arm" | brachial artery, brachiosaurus |
| brachy- | short | Greek | βραχύς (brakhús, brakhýs) "short" | brachydactyly |
| brady- | slow | Greek | βραδύς (bradús, bradýs) | bradycardia |
| branch- | gill | Greek | βράγχιον (brágkhion, bránkhion) "gill" | branchiopod |
| brev(i)- | brief, short (time) | Latin | brevis, breviare | abbreviation, brevity |
| briz- | nod | Greek | βρίζω (brizō) | |
| brom- | oats | Greek | βρόμος, βρόμη (brómos, bróme) "oats" | Bromus ramosus |
| brom- | oats | Greek | βρόμος (brómos) "stench, clangor" | bromide |
| bronch- | windpipe | Greek | βρόγχος (brógkhos, brónkhos) | bronchitis |
| bront- | thunder | Greek | βροντή (brontē) | Brontosaurus |
| bucc- | cheek, mouth, cavity | Latin | bucca | buccal, buccinator muscle |
| bulb- | bulbous | Latin | bulbus | bulbous, bulbule |
| bull- | bubble, flask | Latin | bulla, "bubble" | ebullient, ebullism |
| burs- | pouch, purse | Latin | bursarius | bursary, disburse |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cac(o)- | bad | Greek | κακος (kakos) | cacophony |
| cad-, -cid-, cas- | fall | Latin | cadere, casus | accident, cadence, case |
| caed-, -cid-, caes-, -cis- | cut | Latin | caedere, caesus | caesura, incisor |
| calc- | stone | Latin and Greek | from Latin calx "lime", and from Greek χάλιξ (khalix) "pebble" "limestone" | calculus, calcite, calcium |
| calli- | beautiful | Greek | from Greek kallos "beauty" | calligraphy |
| calor- | heat | Latin | calor "heat" | calorie |
| calyp- | cover | Greek | (kaluptein) | apocalypse |
| camer- | vault | Latin | camera | bicameral, camera |
| camp- | field | Latin | campus "field", "level ground" | champion, campaign |
| can(i)- | dog | Latin | canis "dog" | canine, Canis Major |
| can-, -cin-, cant- | sing | Latin | canere "sing" | cantata, canto, cantor |
| cand- | glowing, iridescent | Latin | candere "to be white or glisten" | candid, incandescent, candle, candela |
| cap-, -cip-, capt-, -cept- | hold, take | Latin | capere, captus "take or hold" (note the vowel change from a to i in compounds) | capture, captive, conception, recipient |
| capit-, -cipit- | head | Latin | caput, capitis "head" | capital, chief, chef, decapitate |
| capr- | goat | Latin | caper, capri | Capricorn, caprine |
| caps- | box, case | Latin | capsa | capsule |
| carbo- | coal | Latin | carbo, carbonis | carbon |
| carcer- | jail | Latin | carcer, carcerare | incarceration |
| carci- | cancer (disease) | Latin from Greek | Latin from Greek karkinos "crab" | carcinoma |
| cardi(o)- | relating to the heart | Greek | kardia "heart" | cardiology, cardiograph |
| cardin- | hinge | Latin | cardo, cardinis | cardinal |
| carn- | flesh | Latin | caro, carnis | carnival, carnivore |
| carpo- | relating to fruit | Greek | from Greek karpos "fruit" | carpology |
| carp- | relating to the wrist | Greek | from Greek karpos "wrist" | carpal, carpal tunnel syndrome |
| cata- | down | Greek | kata "down" | catastrophe, catatonia |
| caten- | chain | Latin | catena | concatenation |
| cathar- | pure | Greek | καθαρός (katharos) | catharsis |
| caud- | tail | Latin | cauda | caudal |
| cav- | hollow | Latin | cavus "hollow" | cave, cavity, excavation |
| ced-, cess- | go | Latin | cedere, cessus | procession, recede |
| celer- | quick | Latin | celer, celerare | acceleration, celerity |
| cen(o)- | new | Greek | καινός (kainos) | Cenozoic |
| cen(o)- | empty | Greek | (kenos) | cenotaph |
| cens- | Latin | censere "to estimate" | census | |
| cent- | hundred | Latin | centum "hundred" | cent, centennial, centurion |
| centen- | hundred each | Latin | centeni | centenary |
| centesim- | hundredth | Latin | centesimus | centesimal, centesimation |
| centr- | center | Greek | κέντρον (kéntron) "needle", "spur" | eccentric |
| cephalo- | head | Greek | κεφαλή kephale "head" | cephalopod, encephalogram |
| ceram- | clay | Greek | κέραμος (keramos) | ceramic |
| cerat- | horn | Greek | κέρας, κέρατος (keras, keratos) "horn" | ceratin |
| cern- | Latin | cernere | discern | |
| cervic- | relating to the neck, relating to the cervix | Latin | cervix, cervicis "neck" | cervix, cervical |
| ceter- | other | Latin | ceterus | et cetera |
| chiro- | of the hand or hands | Greek | χείρ kheir "hand" | chiroptera, chiropractic |
| chelono- | relating to a turtle | Greek | χελώνη khelone "tortoise" | chelonia |
| chloro- | green | Greek | from Greek χλωρός khlōros "green" | chlorine, chlorophyll |
| choreo- | relating to dance | Greek | from Greek khoreia "dancing in unison" from χορός khoros "chorus" | choreography |
| chord- | cord | Latin | chorda "rope" | chordata |
| chrom- | color | Greek | χρῶμα khrōma "color" | chromosome, chromium |
| chryso- | gold | Greek | χρυσός khrusos "gold" | chrysolite |
| cili- | eyelash | Latin | cilium | cilia |
| cine- | motion | Greek | κινέω (kineo) | cinema |
| ciner- | ash | Latin | cinis, cineris | incineration |
| cing-, cinct- | gird | Latin | cingere, cinctus | succinct |
| circ- | circle | Latin | circus | circus |
| circum- | around | Latin | circum "around" | circumference |
| cirr- | orange | Greek | κιρρός (kirros) | cirrhosis |
| cirr- | curl, tentacle | Latin | cirrus | cirrus |
| civ- | citizen | Latin | civis | civility |
| clad- | branch | Greek | κλάδος (klados) | clade |
| clar- | clear | Latin | clarus, clarare | clarity, declaration |
| clast- | broken | Greek | κλαστός (klastos) | iconoclast |
| claud-, -clud-, claus-, -clus- | close | Latin | claudere, clausus | clause, exclusion, include |
| clav- | key | Greek | from Greek kleis "key" from κλείειν, kleiein "to close" | conclave |
| cl(e)ist- | closed | Greek | ||
| cleithr- | bar, key | Greek | ||
| clement- | mild | Latin | clemens, clementis | clemency, inclement |
| clin- | bed, lean, recline | Latin | -clinare | declination, inclined |
| cochl- | shell | Greek | κόχλος (kochlos) | cochlea |
| coel- | hollow | Greek | κοῖλος (koilos) | |
| cogn- | know | Latin | cognoscere | cognitive, cognizant, recognize |
| col- | strain | Latin | colare, colum | colander |
| coll- | neck | Latin | collum | collar |
| color- | color | Latin | color | coloration |
| con-, co-, col-, com-, cor- | with, together | Latin | cum | connect, collide, compress |
| condi- | season | Latin | condire | condiment |
| con(o)- | cone | Greek | κῶνος (konos) | conic, conical |
| contra- | against | Latin | contra | contrast |
| copro- | dung | Greek | κόπρος (kopros) | coprolite, coprophagia, coprophilia |
| corac- | raven | Greek | κόραξ, κόρακος (korax, korakos) | coracoid |
| cord- | heart | Latin | cor, cordis | accord, cordial |
| corn- | horn | Latin | cornu | cornea, cornucopia, unicorn |
| coron- | crown | Latin | corona, coronare | corona, coronation |
| corpor- | body | Latin | corpus, corporis | corporation, corpse |
| cortic- | bark | Latin | cortex, corticis | |
| cosm(o)- | universe | Greek | κόσμος (kosmos) | cosmonaut |
| cosmet(o)- | Greek | (kosmet-) | cosmetics, cosmetology | |
| cost- | rib | Latin | costa | costal |
| cotyl- | cup | Greek | κοτύλη (kotulē) | cotyledon |
| crani- | skull | Greek | (kranion) | cranium |
| crass- | thick | Latin | crassus | crassitude |
| cre- | make | Latin | creare, creatus | creation, creature |
| crep- | boot, shoe | Greek | κρηπίς, κρηπίδος (krēpis, krēpidos) | |
| cribr- | sieve | Latin | cribrum "a sieve" | cribble, cribrate |
| ring | Greek | κρίκος (krikos) | ||
| cris-, crit- | judge | Greek | κρίσις (crisis) | crisis, critic |
| crisp- | curled | Latin | crispus | crispate |
| crist- | crest | Latin | crista | cristate |
| cross(o)- | fringe, tassel | Greek | κροσσός (krossos) | |
| cruc(i)- | cross | Latin | crux, crucis | crucial, crucifix, crucify |
| crur(i)- | leg, shank | Latin | crus, cruris | crural |
| crypt- | hidden | Greek | (kruptos) | cryptic, cryptography |
| cten(o)- | comb | Greek | κτείς, κτενός (kteis, ktenos) | ctenophore |
| cub- | cube | Greek | κύβος (kubos) | cubic, cuboid |
| cub- | lie | Latin | cubare | incubation, succuba |
| culin- | kitchen | Latin | culina | culinary |
| culp- | blame, fault | Latin | culpa | culpable, exculpate |
| cune- | wedge | Latin | cuneus | cuneiform |
| curr-, curs- | run | Latin | currere, cursus | concurrent, recursion |
| curv- | bent | Latin | curvus | curvature |
| cuspid- | lance, point | Latin | cuspis, cuspidis | bicuspid |
| cut(i)- | skin | Latin | cutis | cuticle |
| cyan- | blue | Greek | κυανός (kuanos) | cyanide |
| cycl(o)- | circular | Greek | κύκλος (kuklos) | bicycle, cycle, cyclone |
| cylind- | roll | Greek | κύλινδρος (kulindros) | cylinder |
| cyn(o)- | dog | Greek | κύων, κυνός (kuōn, kunos) | cynosure |
| cyst- | capsule | Greek | κύστις (kustis) | cystic |
| cyt(o)- | cell | Greek | κύτος (kutos) | cytoplasm |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dactyl- | finger | Greek | δάκτυλος (daktulos) | dactylology, pterodactyl |
| damn-, -demn- | Latin | damnāre | condemn, damnation | |
| de- | from, away from, removing | Latin | dē | delete, demented |
| deb- | owe | Latin | debere, debitus | debit |
| deci- | tenth part | Latin | decimus, tenth; from decem, ten | decibel, decimate |
| deca-, dec-, deka-, dek- | ten | Greek | deka, ten | decagram, decahedron |
| delt- | Greek | (delta) | deltoid | |
| dem- | people | Greek | δῆμος demos, people | demagogue, democracy |
| den- | ten each | Latin | deni | denarius, denary |
| dendr-, dendro- | resembling a tree | Greek | δένδρον (dendron): akin to δρύς, drys, "tree" | dendrite |
| dens- | thick | Latin | densus | condense, density |
| dent- | tooth | Latin | dens, dentis | dental, dentures |
| derm- | skin | Greek | δέρμα (derma) skin | hypodermic |
| deuter- | second | Greek | δεύτερος (deuteros) | Deuteronomy |
| dexter- | right | Latin | dexter | dexterity |
| dextro- | right | Greek | δεξ-, right | |
| di- | two | Greek | dicot, dipole | |
| dia- | apart, through | Greek | διά (dia) | diameter |
| dict- | say, speak | Latin | dicere, dictus | contradict, dictation |
| digit- | finger | Latin | digitus | digital |
| dino- | terrible, fearfully great | Greek | δεινός (deinos) | dinosaur |
| dipl- | double; twofold | Greek | diploid, diplosis | |
| doc-, doct- | teach | Latin | docere, doctus | docile, doctor |
| dodec- | twelve | Greek | δώδεκα (dodeka) | dodecasyllabic |
| dog-, dox- | opinion, teaching | Greek | dogmatic | |
| dom- | Latin | domus | dome | |
| dorm- | sleep | Latin | dormire | dormant, dormitory |
| dors- | back | Latin | dorsum | dorsal |
| du- | two | Latin | duo | dual |
| dub- | doubtful | Latin | dubious | |
| duc-, duct- | lead | Latin | dux | abduction, conductor, introduce |
| dulc- | sweet | Latin | dulcis | |
| dur- | hard | Latin | durus | durable, duration, duress, endure, obdurate |
| dy- | two | Greek | (duo) | dyad |
| dys- | badly, ill | Greek | δυσ- | dysentery |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ec- | out | Greek | (ek) | eccentric |
| eco- | house | Greek | (oikos) | ecology, economics, ecumenism |
| ecto- | outside | Greek | (ektos) | ectoderm |
| ed-, es- | eat | Latin | edere, esus | edible |
| ego- | self, I (first person) | Latin, Greek | ego, ἐγώ | egocentric |
| ego-, eg- | goat | Greek | αἴξ (aix) | egophony |
| em-, empt- | buy | Latin | emere, emptus | exemption, redeem |
| eme- | vomit | Greek | (emetos) | emetic |
| emul- | striving to equal, rivaling | Latin | aemulus, aemulare | emulation |
| en-, em- | in | Greek | (en) | emphasis |
| endo- | inside | Greek | (endo) | endocrine |
| engy- | narrow | Greek | ||
| ennea- | nine | Greek | (ennea) | ennead, enneagon |
| ens- | sword | Latin | ensis | |
| eo-, eos-, eoso- | dawn, east | Greek | Eocene | |
| epi-, ep- | upon | Greek | (epi) | epicenter, epoch |
| epistem- | knowledge or science | Greek | epistemic | |
| equ-, -iqu- | even, level | Latin | aequus | equal |
| equ- | horse | Latin | equus | Equestrian |
| erg- | work | Greek | (ergon) | ergonomics |
| err- | stray | Latin | errare | aberration, errant |
| erythr(o)- | red | Greek | ερυθρος (eruthros) | erythrocyte |
| eso- | within | Greek | (esō) | esoteric |
| etho-, eth-, ethi- | custom, habit | Greek | ἦθος (ethos) | ethology |
| ethm- | sieve | Greek | ethmoid | |
| ethn- | people, race, tribe, nation | Greek | (ethnos) | ethnic, ethnarch |
| etym(o)- | true | Greek | (etumos) | etymology |
| eu- | well | Greek | (eu) | euphoria |
| eur- | wide | Greek | (eurus) | Europe |
| ex-, e-, ef- | from, out of | Latin | ex | exclude, extrude, extend |
| exo- | outside | Greek | exothermic | |
| exter-, extra- | outer | Latin | exterior | |
| extrem- | outermost, utmost | Latin | extremus | extremity, extremophile |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| f-, fat- | say, speak | Latin | fari, fatus | fate, infant, preface |
| fab- | bean | Latin | faba | faba bean |
| fac-, -fic-, fact, -fect- | make | Latin | facere, factus | defect, factory, manufacture |
| falc- | sickle | Latin | falx, falcis | falciform |
| fall-, -fell-, fals- | deceive | Latin | fallere, falsus | falsity, infallibility |
| fallac- | false | Latin | fallax, fallacis | fallacy |
| famili- | Latin | familiarity | ||
| fant- | to show | Greek | fantasy | |
| fasc- | bundle | Latin | fascis | fasciculation |
| fatu- | foolish, useless | Latin | fatuus | fatuous, infatuation |
| feder- | Latin | foedus, foederis | confederation, federal | |
| fel- | cat | Latin | feles, felis | Felinae, feline |
| felic- | happy, merry | Latin | felix, felicis | felicity |
| fell- | suck | Latin | fellare | fellation |
| femin- | women, female | Latin | femina | femininity |
| femor- | thigh | Latin | femur, femoris | femoral |
| fend-, fens- | Latin | fendere, -fensus | defend, offense | |
| fenestr- | window | Latin | fenestra | fenestration |
| fer- | carry | Latin | ferre | reference, transfer |
| feroc- | fierce | Latin | ferox, ferocis | ferocity |
| ferr- | iron | Latin | ferrum | ferrous |
| fet- | stink | Latin | fetere | fetid, fetor |
| fic- | fig | Latin | ficus | Ficus |
| fid-, fis- | faith, trust | Latin | fides, fidere, fisus | confidence, fidelity |
| fil- | thread | Latin | filum | filament |
| fili- | Latin | filius | affiliation | |
| fin- | end | Latin | finis | finish, final |
| find-, fiss- | split | Latin | findere, fissus | fission |
| firm- | fix, settle | Latin | firmus, firmare | confirmation, firmament |
| fistul- | hollow, tube | Latin | fistula | |
| fl- | blow | Latin | flare, flatus | flatulence, inflation |
| flacc- | flabby | Latin | flaccus, flaccere | flaccid |
| flav- | yellow | Latin | flavus | flavonoid |
| flect-, flex- | bend | Latin | flectere, flexus | flexor, inflection |
| flig-, flict- | strike | Latin | fligere, flictus | conflict, inflict |
| flor- | flower | Latin | flos, floris | floral, florid |
| flu-, flux- | flow | Latin | fluere, fluxus | effluent, fluency, influx |
| foc- | hearth | Latin | focus | focal |
| fod-, foss- | dig | Latin | fodere, fossus | fossil |
| foen- | hay | Latin | faenum | |
| foli- | leaf | Latin | folium | defoliant |
| font- | spring | Latin | fons, fontis | |
| for- | bore | Latin | forare, foratus | perforation |
| form- | shape | Latin | forma | conformity, deformity, formation |
| fornic- | vault | Latin | fornix, fornicis | fornication |
| fort- | strong | Latin | fortis | fortification |
| fove- | shallow round depression | Latin | fovea | fovea |
| frang-, -fring-, fract-, frag- | break | Latin | frangere, fractus | fracture, fragment, frangible, infringe |
| frater-, fratr- | brother | Latin | frater | fraternity |
| fric-, frict- | rub | Latin | fricare, frictus | dentifrice, friction |
| frig- | cold | Latin | frigere | frigid, frigorific |
| front- | forehead | Latin | frons, frontis | confront, frontal |
| fruct-, frug- | fruit | Latin | frux, fructis | fructose |
| fug-, fugit- | flee | Latin | fugere | centrifuge, fugitive, refuge |
| fum- | smoke | Latin | fumus | fume, fumigation |
| fund- | bottom | Latin | fundus, fundare | fundamentalism, profundity |
| fund-, fus- | pour | Latin | fundere, fusus | effusion, profusion |
| fung-, funct- | do | Latin | fungi, functus | function, fungibility |
| fur-, furt- | steal | Latin | furare | furtive |
| furc- | fork | Latin | furca | bifurcation |
| fusc- | dark | Latin | fuscus | obfuscation |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| galact- | milk | Greek | (gala, galaktos) | galactic |
| gastr- | stomach | Greek | (gaster) | gastric, gastroenterologist |
| ge(o)- | earth | Greek | γη (gē), γεω- (geō) | geology |
| gel- | icy cold | Latin | gelum | gelid |
| gen- | race, kind | Greek | γένος | genocide |
| ger-, gest- | bear, carry | Latin | gerere, gestus | digest, gestation |
| germin- | sprout | Latin | germen, germinis | germination |
| glabr- | hairless | Latin | glaber | glabrous |
| glaci- | ice | Latin | glacies | glacier |
| gladi- | sword | Latin | gladius | gladiator |
| glob- | sphere | Latin | globus | global, globule |
| glori- | glory | Latin | gloria | glorify |
| glutin- | glue | Latin | gluten, glutinis | agglutination |
| grad-, -gred-, gress- | walk, step, go | Latin | gradus, gradere, gressus | grade, regress |
| gramm- | letter | Greek | γραμμα (gramma) | grammatic |
| gran- | grain | Latin | granum | granary, granule |
| grand- | grand | Latin | grandis | grandiloquous |
| graph- | draw, write | Greek | (graphē) | graphic, graphology |
| grat- | thank, please | Latin | gratus | gratitude |
| grav- | heavy | Latin | gravis | gravity |
| greg- | flock | Latin | grex, gregis | gregarious, segregation |
| gubern- | govern, pilot | Latin | gubernare | gubernatorial |
| gust- | taste | Latin | gustus | gusto |
| guttur- | throat | Latin | guttur | guttural |
| gymn- | nude | Greek | (gymnos) | gymnasium |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hab-, -hib-, habit-, -hibit- | have | Latin | habere, habitus | habit, prohibition |
| haem(o)- | blood | Greek | αἷμα (haima) | haemophilia |
| hal(o)- | salt | Greek | (hals, halos) | halogen |
| hal-, -hel- | breathe | Latin | halare, halatus | anhelation, inhale |
| hapl(o)- | simple | Greek | ἁπλοῦς (haplous) | haploid |
| haur-, haust- | draw | Latin | haurire, haustus | exhaust |
| heli(o)- | sun | Greek | ἥλιος | helium, heliotrope |
| hemi- | half | Greek | ἥμισυς (hemisus) | hemisphere |
| hen- | one | Greek | ἕν (hen) | henad, hyphen |
| hendec- | eleven | Greek | ἕνδεκα (hendeka) | hendecagon |
| hept- | seven | Greek | (hepta) | heptagon, heptathlon |
| her-, hes- | cling | Latin | haerere, haesus | adhesive, coherent |
| herb- | grass | Latin | herba | herbicide |
| hered- | heir | Latin | heres, heredis | heredity |
| herp- | creep | Greek | herpetology | |
| heter(o)- | different, other | Greek | ἑτερος (heteros) | heterodox |
| heur- | find | Greek | εὑρίσκω | heuristic |
| hex- | six | Greek | ἕξ (hex) | hexagon |
| hibern- | wintry | Latin | hibernus | hibernation |
| hiem- | winter | Latin | hiems | hiemal |
| hipp(o)- | horse | Greek | ἵππος (hippos) | hippodrome |
| hirsut- | hairy | Latin | hirtus, hirsutus | hirsute |
| hispid- | bristly | Latin | hispidus | hispidity |
| histri- | actor | Latin | histrionic | |
| hod- | way | Greek | ὁδός (hodos) | cathode, hodometer |
| hol(o)- | whole | Greek | (holos) | holistic |
| hom(o)- | same | Greek | (homos) | homosexual |
| homeo- | like | Greek | (homoios) | homeostasis |
| homin- | human | Latin | homo, hominis | hominid |
| homal- | even, flat | Greek | (homalos) | anomalous |
| honor- | esteem | Latin | honos, honoris | honorable |
| horm- | that which excites | Greek | hormone | |
| hort(i)- | garden | Latin | hortus, horti | horticulture |
| hospit- | host | Latin | hospes, hospitis | hospitality |
| host- | enemy | Latin | hostis | hostile |
| hum- | ground | Latin | humus, humare | exhumation, inhume |
| hyal- | glass | Greek | ὕαλος (hualos) | hyaline, hyaloid |
| hydr(o)- | water | Greek | ὕδωρ | hydrology, hydrologist, Hydrogen, Hydrate, dehydrate, Hydrophobia, hydroponic, hydraulic, Hydrolysis, hydrous, hydrophilic |
| hygr- | wet | Greek | (hugros) | hygrometer |
| hyo- | U-shaped | Greek | ||
| hyp(o)- | under | Greek | ὑπό (hupo) | hypothermia |
| hyper- | above, over | Greek | ὑπέρ (huper) | |
| hypn- | sleep | Greek | ὕπνος (hupnos) | hypnosis |
| hyster- | later | Greek | ὕστερος (husteros) | hysteresis |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ichth- | fish | Greek | (ichthus) | ichthyology |
| icos- | twenty | Greek | (eikosi) | icosagon, icosahedron |
| id(o)- | shape | Greek | (eidos) | idol |
| ide(o)- | idea | Greek | (idea) | ideology, ideogram |
| idi(o)- | personal | Greek | (idios) | idiom, idiosyncrasy, idiot |
| ign- | fire | Latin | ignis | igneous, ignition |
| in- (1), im- | in, on | Latin | in | invite, incur, intend |
| in- (2), il-, im-, ir- | in, un- (negation) | Latin | in- | illicit, impossible, inimical, irrational |
| infra- | under | Latin | infra | infrastructure |
| insul- | island | Latin | insula | insular, insulation |
| inter- | among, between | Latin | inter (preposition) – among, between | intermission, intercollegiate, intercourse |
| intra- | within | Latin | intra | intracollegiate |
| irasc-, irat- | be angry | Latin | irasci | irascible, irate |
| is(o)- | equal, the same | Greek | (isos) | isomorphic, isometric, isoceles |
| -(i)tat- | property of, quality of | Latin | quality, liberty | |
| iter- | again | Latin | iterum | iteration |
| itin- | route, way | Latin | iter, itinis – march, journey | itinerary |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| jac- | lie | Latin | jacēre "to be thrown" | adjacent |
| jac- (originally IAC), -ject- | cast, throw | Latin | iacio, iacere, ieci, iectus – "to throw" (and cognates thereof) | eject, interject, ejaculate, trajectory |
| jan- | door | Latin | janua | janitor |
| joc- | joke | Latin | jocus | jocularity |
| jug- | yoke | Latin | jugare, jugum | conjugal, subjugate |
| jung-, junct- | join | Latin | jungere, junctus | conjunction, juncture |
| junior- | younger | Latin | junior | juniority |
| jus-, jur, judic (originally IVS) | law, justice | Latin | ius, iuris; iudex, iudicis; iusticia, iusticiae, etc. | justice, jury, judge |
| juv-, jut- | help | Latin | juvare, jutus | adjutant |
| juven- | young, youth | Latin | juvenis | juvenile, rejuvenate |
| juxta- | beside, near | Latin | juxta | juxtaposition |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kil(o)- | thousand | Greek | χίλιοι (chilioi) | kilogram, kilometer, kilobyte |
| kine- | movement, motion | Greek | κινέω (kineo) | telekinesis, kinetic energy, kinesthetic |
| klept- | steal | Greek | κλέπτης (kleptēs) | kleptomania |
| kudo- | glory | Greek | κῦδος (kudos) | kudos |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lab-, laps- | slide, slip | Latin | labi, lapsus | elapse, relapse |
| labi- | lip | Latin | labia, labiae | bilabial, labial |
| labor- | toil | Latin | labor | collaboration, elaboration |
| lacer- | tear | Latin | lacer | laceration |
| lacrim- | cry, tears | Latin | lacrima "tear" | lacrimal, lacrimous |
| lact- | milk | Latin | lac, lactis, lactare | lactate, lactation, lactose |
| lamin- | layer, slice | Latin | lamina | laminate, lamination |
| lamp- | shine | Greek | lampas "torch" | lamp |
| lapid- | stone | Latin | lapis, lapidis | lapidary |
| larg- | large | Latin | largus | enlargement |
| larv- | ghost, mask | Latin | larva | larva, larvae, larval |
| lat(i)- | broad, wide | Latin | latus | latitude |
| later- | side | Latin | latus, lateris | bilateral |
| laud-, laus- | praise | Latin | laudere | laud |
| lav- | wash | Latin | lavare | lavatory |
| lax- | not tense | Latin | laxus, laxare | laxative, relaxation |
| led-, les- | hurt | Latin | laedere, laesus | lesion |
| leg- | law | Latin | lex, legis, legare | legal, legislative |
| leio- | smooth | Greek | leios | leiomyoma |
| leni- | gentle | Latin | lenis, lenire | leniency |
| leon- | lion | Latin | leo, leonis "lion" | Leo, leonine, Leopold |
| lep- | flake, scale | Greek | lepis | Lepidoptera |
| leps- | grasp, seize | Greek | lepsis | epilepsy |
| leuc(o)-, leuk(o)- | white | Greek | leukos | leucocyte |
| lev- | lift, light | Latin | levis "light" (in weight), levare | elevator, levitation |
| liber- | free | Latin | liber, liberare | liberation |
| libr- | book | Latin | liber, libri | library |
| lig- | bind | Latin | ligare, ligatus | ligament, ligature |
| lin- | line | Latin | linea | linearity, line |
| lingu- | language, tongue | Latin | lingua tongue, language | bilingual, linguistic |
| linqu-, lict- | leave | Latin | linquere, lictus | relict, relinquish |
| lip(o)- | fat | Greek | lipos | lipolysis |
| liter- | letter | Latin | littera | alliteration, illiterate, literacy, literal, obliterate |
| lith(o)- | stone | Greek | lithos "stone" | lithosphere, megalith, monolith, Neolithic Era |
| loc- | place | Latin | locus | local, location |
| log- | thought, word | Greek | logos "word" | logic, monologue, morphological |
| long- | long | Latin | longus | elongate, longitude |
| loqu-, locut- | speak | Latin | loqui | allocution, eloquence |
| luc- | bright, light | Latin | lux, lucis light | Lucifer (bearer of light) |
| lud-, lus- | play | Latin | ludere, lusus | allude, illusion |
| lumin- | light | Latin | lumen, luminis | illumination, luminous |
| lun- | moon | Latin | luna | lunar, lunatic |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| magn- | great, large | Latin | magnus | magnanimous, magnificent |
| maj- | greater | Latin | major, majus | majesty, majority, majuscule |
| mal- | bad, wretched, evil | Latin | malus | malfeasance, malicious, malignancy, malodorous |
| mamm- | breast | Latin | mamma | mammal, mammary gland |
| man- | flow | Latin | manare | emanationism, immanant |
| man- | stay | Latin | manēre, mansus | immanence, permanent, remanence |
| mand- | hand | Latin | mandāre, mandatus | mandate, remand |
| mania | crazy | Greek | μανία | kleptomania, maniac |
| manu- | hand | Latin | manus | manual, manuscript |
| mar- | sea | Latin | mare, maris | marine, maritime |
| mater-, matr- | mother | Latin | mater, matris | matriarch, matrix |
| maxim- | greatest | Latin | maximus | maximal |
| medi-, -midi- | middle | Latin | medius, mediare | median, medieval |
| meg- | great, large | Greek | (megas) | megaphone |
| mei- | less | Greek | (meiōn) | meiosis |
| melan- | black, dark | Greek | μέλας (melas) | Melanesia, melanoma |
| melior- | better | Latin | melior | amelioration |
| mell- | honey | Latin | mel, mellis | mellifluous |
| memor- | remember | Latin | memor | memorial |
| mening- | membrane | Greek | (meninx) | meningitis |
| men(o)- | moon | Greek | μήν (men) | menstruation, menopause |
| ment- | mind | Latin | mens, mentis | demented, mentality |
| mer- | part | Greek | (meros) | polymer |
| merc- | Latin | merx, mercis | mercantile, merchant | |
| merg-, mers- | dip, plunge | Latin | mergere | emerge, immersion |
| mes- | middle | Greek | (mesos) | mesolithic, mesozoic |
| meter-, metr- | measure | Greek | (metron) | metric, thermometer |
| meta- | above, among, beyond | Greek | μετά (meta) | metaphor, metaphysics |
| mic- | grain | Latin | mica | micelle |
| micr(o)- | small | Greek | μικρός (mikros) | microphone, microscope |
| migr- | wander | Latin | migrare | emigrant, migrate |
| milit- | soldier | Latin | miles, militis | military, militia |
| mill- | thousand | Latin | mille | millennium, million |
| millen- | thousand each | Latin | milleni | millenary |
| mim- | repeat | Greek | (mimos) | mime, mimic |
| min- | jut | Latin | minere | prominent |
| min- | less, smaller | Latin | minor, minus | minority, minuscule |
| mir- | wonder, amazement | Latin | miror, mirari, miratus sum | admire, miracle, mirror |
| mis- | hate | Greek | μῖσος (misos) | misandry, misogyny |
| misce-, mixt- | mix | Latin | miscere, mixtus | miscellaneous, mixture |
| mit- | thread | Greek | μίτος (mitos) | mitochondrion |
| mitt-, miss- | send | Latin | mittere, missus | intermittent, missionary, transmission |
| mne- | memory | Greek | μνήμη (mnēmē) | mnemonic |
| mol- | grind | Latin | mola, molere, molitus | molar |
| moll- | soft | Latin | mollis | emollient, mollify |
| mon(o)- | one | Greek | (monos) | monolith, monotone, monism |
| monil- | string of beads | Latin | monile | Moniliformida |
| mont- | mountain | Latin | mons, montis | Montana |
| morph- | form, shape | Greek | μορφή (morphe) | anthropomorphism, morpheme, morphology |
| mort- | death | Latin | mors, mortis | immortal, mortality, mortuary |
| mov-, mot- | move, motion | Latin | moveo, movere, motus | mobile, momentum, motor, move |
| mulg-, muls- | milk | Latin | mulgere | emulsion |
| mult(i)- | many, much | Latin | multus | multitude, multiple, multiplex |
| mur- | wall | Latin | murus, muri | immured, mural |
| mus- | thief | Latin | mus, muris | mouse |
| musc- | fly | Latin | musca, muscae | Muscicapidae, Muscidae |
| mut- | change | Latin | mutare | mutation |
| my- | mouse | Greek | (mus) | |
| myri- | countless, ten thousand | Greek | (murios) | myriad |
| myth- | story | Greek | (muthos) | mythic, mythology |
| myx- | slime | Greek | (muxa) | |
| myz- | suck | Greek |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nar- | nostril | Latin | naris | |
| narc- | numb | Greek | (narkē) | narcosis, narcotic |
| narr- | tell | Latin | narrare | narrative |
| nas- | nose | Latin | nasus | nasal |
| nasc-, nat- | born | Latin | nascere, natus | nascent, native |
| naut- | ship | Greek | (naus) | astronaut |
| nav- | ship | Latin | navis | naval |
| ne(o)- | new | Greek | (neos) | neologism |
| necr(o)- | dead | Greek | (nekros) | necrophobia |
| nect-, nex- | join, tie | Latin | nectere, nexus | connection |
| necto-, nect- | swimming | Greek | nektos | nectopod |
| neg- | say no | Latin | negare | negative |
| nema- | hair | Greek | ||
| nemor- | grove, woods | Latin | nemus, nemoris | nemoral |
| nephr- | kidney | Greek | nephritis | |
| nes- | island | Greek | (nesos) | Polynesia |
| neur- | nerve | Greek | (neuron) | neurology, neurosurgeon |
| nict- | wink | Latin | nictari | nictation |
| nigr- | black | Latin | niger | denigrate |
| nihil- | nothing | Latin | nihilum | annihilation |
| noct- | night | Latin | nox, noctis | nocturnal |
| nod- | knot | Latin | nodus | node, nodule |
| nom- | arrangement, law | Greek | (nomos) | |
| nomad- | Greek | (nomas, nomados) | nomadic | |
| nomin- | name | Latin | nomen, nominis | nomination |
| non- | not | Latin | non | |
| non- | ninth | Latin | nonus | nonary |
| nonagen- | ninety each | Latin | nonageni | nonagenary |
| nonagesim- | ninetieth | Latin | nonagesimus | nonagesimal |
| not- | letter, note, paper | Latin | notare | notaphily |
| noth- | spurious | |||
| noto- | back, south | Greek | (notos) | |
| nov- | nine | Latin | novem | novennial |
| nov- | new | Latin | novus | innovation, nova |
| noven- | nine each | Latin | noveni | novenary |
| novendec- | nineteen | Latin | novendecim | |
| nox-, noc- | harmful | Latin | noxa | noxious |
| nu- | nod | Latin | nuere | innuendo |
| nub- | Latin | nubes, nubis | nubile | |
| nuc- | nut | Latin | nux, nucis | nucleus |
| nuch- | back of neck | Latin | nucha | nuchal cord |
| nud- | naked | Latin | nudus | denude, nudity |
| null(i)- | none | Latin | nullus | nullify |
| numer- | number | Latin | numerus | numeral |
| -nunci- | announce | Latin | nuntius | pronunciation |
| nupti- | Latin | nuptial | ||
| nutri- | nourish | Latin | nutrient |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ob-, o-, oc-, os- | against | Latin | ob | obstinate, ostentatious, obstreperous |
| oct- | eight | Greek | (oktō) | octagon, octahedron |
| oct- | eight | Latin | octō | octangular, octennial, octovir |
| octav- | eighth | Latin | octāvus | octaval |
| octogen- | eighty each | Latin | octogeni | octogenary |
| octogesim- | eightieth | Latin | octogesimus | octogesimal |
| octon- | eight each | Latin | octoni | octonary |
| ocul- | eye | Latin | oculus, oculare | ocular, oculus |
| od- | path, way | Greek | (hodos) | anode, odometer |
| od- | hate | Latin | odium | odious |
| odont- | tooth | Greek | (odous, odontos) | odontology |
| odor- | fragrant | |||
| oecious- | house of | Greek | (oikos) | |
| oed- | swollen | Greek | (oidēma) | oedema |
| oen- | wine | Greek | (oinos) | oenology |
| oesoph- | gullet | Greek | (oisophagos) | oesophagus |
| ogdo- | eighth | Greek | (ogdoos) | |
| -oid | like | Greek | (-oeidēs) | |
| ole- | oily | Latin | ||
| olecran- | skull of elbow | Latin from Greek | (ōlekranon) | olecranon |
| olig- | few | Greek | (oligos) | oligarchy |
| oliv- | olive | Latin | oliva | |
| -oma | cancer | Greek | ||
| omas- | paunch | Latin | omasum | omasum |
| oment- | fat skin | Latin | omentum | |
| omin- | Latin | omen, ominis | ominous | |
| omm- | eye | Greek | ὄμμα (omma) | ommatidium |
| omni- | all | Latin | omnis | omnipotence, omnivore |
| omo- | shoulder | Latin | ||
| omphal- | navel | Greek | (omphalos) | omphalectomy |
| oner- | burden | Latin | onus, oneris | onerous |
| onom- | name | Greek | όνομα (onoma) | onomatopoeia |
| ont- | existing | Greek | (ontos) | ontogeny, ontology |
| -onym | name | Greek | (onuma) | pseudonym |
| oo- | egg | Greek | (oion) | oocyte |
| opac- | shady | Latin | opacus | opacity |
| oper- | work | Latin | opus, operis | opera |
| opercul- | little cover | Latin | operculum | |
| ophi- | snake | Greek | (ophis) | |
| ophthalm- | eye | Greek | (ophthalmos) | ophthalmology |
| opisth- | behind | Greek | (opisthen) | opisthosoma, opsimath |
| opoter- | either | Greek | ὁπότερος (hopoteros) | |
| opt- | eye | Greek | optos | optical |
| opt- | choose | Latin | optare | adopt, optional |
| optim- | best | Latin | optimus | optimum |
| or- | mouth | Latin | os, oris | oral, orator |
| orb- | circle | Latin | orbis | orbit |
| orch- | testicle | Greek | (orchis) | |
| ordin- | order | Latin | ōrdō, ordinis | ordinal, ordinary |
| organ- | Greek | (organon) | organism | |
| ori-, ort- | eastern | Latin | oriri, ortus | orient |
| orn- | Latin | ōrnāre | adorn, ornament, ornate | |
| ornith- | bird | Greek | ὄρνις (ornis, ornithos) | ornithology |
| orth(o)- | straight | Greek | ὀρθός (orthos) | orthodoxy, orthosis |
| oscill- | swing | Latin | oscillum | oscillation |
| oss(i)- | bone | Latin | os, ossis | |
| osteo- | bone | Greek | ὀστοῦν (ostoun) | osteoporosis |
| osti- | entrance | Latin | ostium | ostiole |
| ostrac- | shell | Greek | (ostrakon) | ostracism |
| ot- | ear | Greek | οὖς (ous, ōtos) | otology |
| ov- | egg | Latin | ovum | oval, ovule |
| ovi- | sheep | Latin | ovis | ovine |
| oxy- | sharp, pointed | Greek | (oxus) | oxymoron |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pac- | peace | Latin | pax, pacis | pacifism |
| pach- | thick | Greek | παχύς (pachus) | pachydermata |
| paed- | child | Greek | παῖς, παιδός (pais, paidos) | paediatric |
| pagin- | page | Latin | pagina | pagination |
| pal- | stake | Latin | palus | impale |
| palae-, pale- | ancient, old | Greek | παλαιός (palaios) | paleontology |
| palin- | back | Greek | παλιν (palin) | palindrome |
| pall- | pale | Latin | pallere | pallid, pallor |
| palli- | mantle | Latin | pallium | pallium |
| palm- | palm | Latin | palma | palmate |
| palustr(i)- | in marshes | Latin | paluster | palustral |
| pan-, pam- | all | Greek | πᾶς, παντός (pas, pantos) | pandemic |
| pand-, pans- | spread | Latin | pandere, pansus | expand, expansion |
| par(a)- | beside, near | Greek | παρά (para) | parallel, parameter |
| pariet- | wall | Latin | paries, parietis | parietal |
| part(i)- | part | Latin | pars, partis | partition |
| parthen(o)- | maiden | Greek | παρθένος (parthenos) | parthenogenesis |
| parv- | little | Latin | parvus | |
| pasc-, past- | feed | Latin | pascere, pastus | pasture, repast |
| pass- | pace, step | Latin | passus | |
| passer- | sparrow | Latin | passer | passeriform, passerine |
| pat- | be open | Latin | patere | patent |
| path- | to feel, hurt | Greek | πάθος (pathos) | pathetic, pathology |
| pati-, pass- | suffer; feel; endure; permit | Latin | pati, passus | passive, patient |
| patr(i)- | father | Latin | pater, patris | patriarch, patrilocal |
| pauc- | Latin | paucus | paucity | |
| pav- | Latin | pavement | ||
| pecc- | sin | Latin | peccare | impeccable |
| pect- | fixed | Greek | πηκτός (pēktos) | pectic, pectin |
| pector- | chest | Latin | pectus, pectoris | pectoral |
| pecun- | money | Latin | pecunia | pecuniary |
| ped- | child | Greek | παῖς, παιδός (pais, paidos) | pedagogy |
| ped- | foot | Latin | pes, pedis | pedal |
| pejor- | worse | Latin | pejor | pejorative |
| pel-, puls- | drive | Latin | pellere | propellent, propulsion |
| pen- | almost | Latin | paene | peninsula, penultimate, penumbra |
| pend-, pens- | hang | Latin | pendere | suspend |
| penia- | deficiency | Greek | πενία (penia) | |
| penn-, pinn- | feather | Latin | penna | pennate |
| pent- | five | Greek | πέντε (pente) | pentagon |
| pentecost- | fiftieth | Greek | (pentekostos) | pentecostalism |
| pept- | Greek | πέσσειν, πεπτός (pessein, peptos) | peptic | |
| per- | thoroughly, through | Latin | per | perfect, persistent |
| peran- | across, beyond | Greek | ||
| peri- | around | Greek | περί | perimeter, periscope |
| persic- | peach | Greek | περσικός (persikos) | |
| pessim- | worst | Latin | pessimus | pessimal |
| pet- | Latin | petere | appetite, competition | |
| petr- | rock | Greek | πέτρα (petra) | petroglyph |
| phaeo- | dark | Greek | φαιός (phaios) | |
| phag- | eat | Greek | φαγεῖν (phagein) | sarcophagus |
| phalang- | close formation of troops, finger bones | Greek | φάλαγξ, φάλαγγος (phalanx, phalangos) | phalange(s) |
| phalar- | having a patch of white | Greek | φάλαρος (phalāros)[1] | |
| phanero- | visible | Greek | φανερός | |
| pher- | bear, carry | Greek | φέρω | pheromone |
| philia- | love, friendship | Greek | φιλια | |
| phleg- | Greek | |||
| phloe- | tree bark | Greek | φλοιός(phloios) | |
| phob(ia)- | fear | Greek | φόβος () | hydrophobia |
| phon(o)- | sound | Greek | φωνή (phone) | microphone, phonograph |
| phor- | carry | Greek | (phoros) | metaphor |
| phos-, phot- | light | Greek | φῶς | photograph |
| phragm- | fence | Greek | (phragma) | diaphragm |
| phren- | diaphragm, mind | Greek | φρήν, φρενός (phrēn, phrenos) | schizophrenia |
| phryn(o)- | toad, toad-like | Greek | (phrunē) | |
| phyl- | tribe | Greek | (phulon) | phylum |
| phyll- | leaf | Greek | (phullon) | chlorophyll |
| physa- | bladder | Greek | (phusa) | |
| phys- | nature | Greek | physics | |
| phyt- | plant | Greek | (phuton) | neophyte |
| pic- | pitch | Latin | pix, picis | |
| pil- | hair | Latin | ||
| pin- | pine | Latin | ||
| ping-, pict- | paint | Latin | pingere | picture |
| pino- | drink | Greek | (pinein) | pinocytosis |
| pir- | pear | Latin | ||
| pisc- | fish | Latin | piscis | Pisces |
| pis- | pea | Greek | (pisos) | |
| plac- | plate, tablet | Greek | (plax, plakos) | |
| plac- | calm | Latin | placare, placatus | placate |
| plac-, -plic- | please | Latin | placēre, placitus | placid |
| plagi- | oblique | Greek | (plagios) | |
| plan- | flat | Latin | planus | explanation, planar |
| plang- | Latin | plangere | plangent | |
| plas- | mould | Greek | plasma, plastic | |
| platy- | flat, broad | Greek | (platus) | platypus |
| plaud-, plaus- | clap | Latin | plaudere, plausus | applaud |
| ple-, plet- | fill | Latin | plere | complete, suppletive |
| pleb- | people | Latin | plebs, plebis | plebian |
| plect-, plex- | plait | Latin | plectere, plexus | perplex |
| plec- | interwoven | Greek | πλέκω (pleko) | Plectics |
| plen- | full | Latin | plenus | plenary |
| plesi- | near | Greek | πλησίος (plēsios) | |
| pleth- | full | Greek | πλῆθος (plēthos) | plethora |
| pleur- | side | Greek | πλευρά pleura | |
| plic- | fold, braid | Latin | plicare, plicatus | duplication, replicate |
| plinth- | brick | Greek | πλίνθος (plinthos) | |
| plor- | Latin | plorare | implore | |
| plu- | rain | Latin | pluere | |
| plum- | feather | Latin | pluma | plumage, plumate |
| plumb- | lead | Latin | plumbum | |
| plur- | more | Latin | pluris | plural |
| plurim- | most | Latin | plurimus | |
| plus- | more | Latin | plus | |
| pluvi- | rain | Latin | pluvia | pluvial |
| pneu- | air, lung | Greek | πνεῦμα | pneumatic |
| pod- | foot | Greek | πούς, ποδός (pous, podos) | podiatry, tripod |
| pogon(o)- | beard | Greek | πώγων, πώγωνος (pōgōn, pōgōnos) | pogonotrophy |
| poie- | make | Greek | ποιέω | poiesis |
| pole-, poli- | city | Greek | πόλις (polis) | metropolis, politics |
| pol- | pole | Greek | πόλος (polos) | dipole, polar |
| pol- | stake, pale | Latin | palus | pole-vault |
| polem- | war | Greek | πόλεμος (polemos) | polemic |
| poli(o)- | grey | Greek | πολιός (polios) | |
| pollic- | thumb | Latin | pollex, pollicis | |
| pollin- | Latin | pollen, pollinis | pollination | |
| pon-, posit- | put | Latin | ponere, positus | component, position, postpone |
| ponder- | weight | Latin | pondus, ponderis | ponderable |
| pont- | bridge | Latin | pons, pontis | pontoon |
| popul- | people | Latin | populus | population |
| por- | passage | Greek | πόρος (poros) | pore |
| porc- | pig | Latin | porcus | porcine, pork |
| porphyr- | purple | Greek | πορφύρα (porphura) | porphyrin |
| port- | gate | Latin | porta | portal |
| port- | carry | Latin | portare, portatus | export, transportation |
| post- | after, behind | Latin | post | posterior, postscript |
| pot- | drink | Latin | potare | potable |
| potam- | river | Greek | ποταμός (potamos) | Mesopotamia, hippopotamus |
| prasin- | leek-green | Greek | πράσινος (prasinos) | prasinous |
| prat- | meadow | Latin | pratum | |
| prav- | crooked | Latin | pravus | depravity |
| pre- | before | Latin | prae | previous |
| prec- | pray | Latin | prex, precare | deprecation |
| pred- | Latin | praedari | predator | |
| prehend-, prend- | grasp | Latin | prehendere | comprehend |
| prem-, -prim-, press- | press | Latin | premere, pressus | pressure |
| presb- | old | Greek | πρέσβυς (presbus) | Presbyterianism |
| preter- | past | Latin | praeter | preterite, pretermission |
| preti- | price | Latin | pretium | |
| prim- | first | Latin | primus | primary, primeval, primitive |
| prior- | former | Latin | prior | priority |
| priv- | separate | Latin | privare, privatus | deprivation |
| pro- | before, in front of | Greek | πρό (pro) | |
| pro- | for, forward | Latin | pro | propulsion |
| prob- | try | Latin | probare | probation |
| proct- | anus | Greek | πρωκτός (proktos) | proctology |
| propri- | Latin | proprius | appropriate | |
| pros(o)- | forward | Greek | πρός (pros) | |
| prot(o)- | first | Greek | πρῶτος (prōtos) | protoplasm |
| proxim- | nearest | Latin | proximus | proximity |
| prun- | plum | Latin | prunus | prune |
| psamma- | sand | Greek | ψάμμος (psammos) | |
| pseud(o)- | false | Greek | ψεῦδος (pseudos) | pseudonym |
| psil(o)- | bare | Greek | ψιλός (psilos) | epsilon |
| psych(o)- | mind | Greek | ψυχη (psychē) | psycho |
| psychr(o)- | cold | Greek | ψυχρος (psuchros) | |
| pter- | wing, fern | Greek | (pteron) | helicopter |
| pto- | fall | Greek | ptosis | |
| ptyal- | saliva | Greek | πτύον (ptyon) | |
| ptych- | fold, layer | Greek | πτυχή (ptuchē) | triptych |
| pubi- | sexually mature | Latin | pubic, pubescent | |
| public- | Latin | publicus | publication | |
| pude- | Latin | pudere | impudent | |
| pugn- | fight | Latin | pugnare | pugnacious, repugnant |
| pulchr- | beautiful | Latin | pulcher, pulchri | pulchritude |
| pulmon- | lung | Latin | pulmo, pulmonis | pulmonary |
| pulver- | dust | Latin | pulvis, pulveris | pulverize |
| pung-, punct- | prick | Latin | pungere | puncture, pungent |
| puni- | punish | Latin | punire | punitive |
| pup- | doll | Latin | pupa | pupa, puppet |
| pur- | pure | Latin | purus | impure, purity |
| purg- | Latin | purgare | expurgate, purgatory | |
| purpur- | purple | Latin | purpura | |
| put- | think | Latin | putare | compute, putative |
| pygo- | rump | Greek | (pugē) | |
| pyl- | gate | Greek | πυλών, πυλῶνος (pulōn) | pylon |
| pyr(o)- | heat, fire | Greek | πύρ, πυρός (pur, puros) | pyrolysis |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| quadr- | four | Latin | quattuor | quadrangle, quadrillion |
| quadragen- | forty each | Latin | quadrageni | quadragenary |
| quadragesim- | fortieth | Latin | quadragesimus | quadragesimal |
| quart- | fourth | Latin | quartus | quartary, quartile |
| quasi- | as if | Latin | quasi | |
| quatern- | four each | Latin | quaterni | quaternary, quaternion |
| quati-, quass- | shake | Latin | quatere | |
| quer-, -quir-, quesit-, -quisit- | search, seek | Latin | quaerere | Inquisition, query |
| qui- | rest | Latin | quies | quiet |
| quin- | five each | Latin | quini | quinary |
| quindecim- | fifteenth | Latin | quindecimus | quindecimal |
| quinden- | fifteen each | Latin | quindeni | quindenary |
| quinque- | five | Latin | quinque | quinquennium |
| quint- | fifth | Latin | quintus | quintary, quintile |
| quot- | how many, how great | Latin | quota, quotient |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rad-, ras- | scrape, shave | Latin | radere, rasus | abrade, abrasion |
| 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- | turnip | Latin | rapum | rapeseed |
| raph- | seam | Greek | (raphē) | |
| rar- | Latin | rarus | rarity | |
| rauc- | harsh, hoarse | Latin | raucus | raucous |
| re-, red- | again, back | Latin | re- | recede, redact |
| reg-, -rig-, rect- | straight | Latin | regere, rectus | dirigible, erect, erection, rectum |
| rem- | oar | Latin | remus | bireme, trireme |
| ren- | kidney | Latin | renes | renal |
| rep-, rept- | crawl, creep | Latin | repere, reptus | reptile |
| ret- | net | Latin | rete | reticle, retina |
| retro- | backward, behind | Latin | retro | retrograde, retrospective, retrovirus |
| rhabd- | rod | Greek | ῥάβδος (rhabdos) | rhabdoid, rhabdom |
| rhach-, rach- | spine | Greek | ῥάχις, ῥάχεως (rhachis) | rhachiodont |
| rhag- | tear, rent | Greek | ῥαγίζω | rhagades |
| rhe- | flow | Greek | ῥεῖν (rhein) | rheostat |
| rhig- | chill | Greek | ῥῖγος (rhigos) | rhigosaurus |
| rhin- | nose, snout | Greek | ῥίς, ῥινός (rhis, rhinos) | rhinoplasty |
| rhiz- | root | Greek | ῥίζα (rhiza) | rhizome |
| rhod(o)- | rose | Greek | ῥόδον (rhodon) | rhododendron |
| rhomb- | Greek | ῥόμβος (rhombos) | rhombus | |
| rhynch- | snout | Greek | ῥύγχος | Rhynchobatus |
| rid-, ris- | laugh | Latin | ridere, risus | derision, ridicule |
| robor- | oak, strength | Latin | robur, roboris | corroboration |
| rod-, ros- | gnaw | Latin | rodere, rosus | corrode, erosion, rodent |
| rog- | ask | Latin | rogare | interrogation |
| rostr- | beak, prow | Latin | rostrum | rostrum |
| rot- | wheel | Latin | rota, rotare | rotation |
| ruber-, rubr- | red | Latin | ruber | rubric, ruby |
| rug- | wrinkle | Latin | ruga, rugare | corrugation |
| rumin- | throat | Latin | rumen, ruminis | rumination |
| rump-, rupt- | break | Latin | rumpere, ruptus | eruption, rupture |
| rur- | country | Latin | rus, ruris | rural |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sacchar- | sugar | Greek | σάκχαρον (sakcharon) | saccharin |
| sacr-, secr- | sacred | Latin | sacer, sacrare | consecrate, sacrament |
| sagac- | Wise | Latin | sagax, sagacis | sagacity |
| sagitt- | arrow | Latin | sagitta | sagittal plane, Sagittaria |
| sal- | salt | Latin | sal, salis, salere | salinity |
| sali-, -sili-, salt- | jump | Latin | salire, saltus | resilient, salient, saltus |
| salic- | willow | Latin | salix, salicis | salicin |
| salv- | save | Latin | salvare | salvation |
| san- | Latin | sanus | insane, sanity | |
| sanct- | holy | Latin | sancire | sanctify, sanctuary |
| sanguin- | blood | Latin | sanguis, sanguinis | sanguine |
| sapi-, -sipi- | Latin | sapere | sapient | |
| sapon- | soap | Latin | sapo, saponis | saponification |
| sarc(o)- | flesh | Greek | σάρξ (sarx, sarkos) | sarcophagus |
| sativ- | cultivated | Latin | sativus | |
| saur- | lizard, reptile | Greek | σαῦρος (sauros) | dinosaur |
| saxum | rock | Latin | saxum | |
| scab- | scratch | Latin | scabere | scabies |
| scal- | ladder, stairs | Latin | scala | scale |
| scalen- | uneven | Greek | skalenos | scalene |
| scand-, -scend-, scans-, -scens- | climb | Latin | scandere | ascend |
| scaph- | anything hollow, bowl, ship | Greek | ||
| schem- | plan | Greek | σχῆμα (schema) | schematic |
| schis- | split | Greek | σχίσμα (schisma) | schism |
| sci- | know | Latin | scire | prescient, science |
| scind-, sciss- | split | Latin | scindere | scissors |
| scler- | hard | Greek | σκληρός (sklēros) | scleroderma |
| scoli- | crooked | Greek | σκολιός (skolios) | scoliosis |
| scop-, scopy, scept- | look at, examine, view, observe | Greek | σκοπός (skopos) | kaleidoscope, stethoscope |
| scrib-, script- | write | Latin | scribere | inscribe, scripture |
| sculp- | carve | Latin | sculpere | sculpture |
| scut- | shield | Latin | scutum | scute |
| scyph- | cup | Greek | Scyphozoa | |
| se-, sed- | apart | Latin | se | secede, sedition |
| seb- | tallow | Latin | sebum | sebaceous, sebum |
| sec-, sect-, seg- | cut | Latin | secare | secant, section, segment |
| sed- | settle, calm | Latin | sedare | sedative |
| sed-, -sid-, sess- | sit | Latin | sedere | reside, sediment, session, supersede |
| sedec- | sixteen | Latin | sedecim | sedecimal |
| seget- | in cornfields | Latin | segetum | |
| sei- | shake | Greek | σεισμός (seismos) | seismograph |
| selen- | moon | Greek | σελήνη (selene) | Selene |
| sell- | saddle, seat | Latin | sella | |
| sema- | Greek | σῆμα (sema) | semantics, semaphore | |
| semi- | half | Latin | semis | semi-final |
| semin- | seed | Latin | semen, seminis | insemination |
| sen- | old man | Latin | senex, senis | senator, senility |
| sen- | six each | Latin | seni | senary |
| senti-, sens- | feel | Latin | sentire, sensus | consensus |
| sept- | Latin | saeptum | ||
| sept- | seven | Latin | septem | septennium |
| septen- | seven each | Latin | septeni | septenary |
| septim- | seventh | Latin | septimus | |
| septuagen- | seventy each | Latin | septuageni | septuagenary |
| septuagesim- | seventieth | Latin | septuagesimus | septuagesimal |
| septuagint- | seventy | Latin | septuaginta | Septuagint |
| sequ-, secut- | follow | Latin | sequere | consecutive, sequence |
| ser(o)- | any body fluid | Latin | serum | |
| ser(ot)- | late | Latin | serus | |
| serp- | crawl | Latin | serpere | serpent |
| serr- | saw, saw-toothed | Latin | serra, serrare | serration |
| serv- | save, protect, serve | Latin | servare | conservation |
| sesqui- | Latin | sesqui | ||
| set- | hair | Latin | seta | |
| sever- | severe | Latin | severus | severity |
| sex-, se- | six | Latin | sex | semester, sexangle, sexennium |
| sexagen- | sixty each | Latin | sexageni | sexagenary |
| sexagesim- | sixtieth | Latin | sexagesimus | sexagesimal |
| sext- | sixth | Latin | sextus | sextant |
| sibil- | hiss | Latin | sibilus, sibilare | sibilance |
| sicc- | dry | Latin | siccus | desiccation |
| sider- | star | Latin | sidus, sideris | sidereal |
| sign- | sign | Latin | signum | design, designate, signal |
| sil- | Latin | silere | silence | |
| silv- | forest | Latin | silva | silviculture |
| simi- | ape, monkey | Latin | simia | simian |
| simil- | likeness, trust, group | Latin | similis | assimilate, similarity |
| simul- | Latin | simulare | simulation | |
| singul- | one each | Latin | singuli | singular |
| sinistr- | left | Latin | sinister, sinistri | sinistral |
| sinu- | (to draw) a line | Latin | sinuare | insinuate |
| sinus- | hollow, bay | Latin | sinus | |
| siph(o)- | tube | Greek | siphon | |
| sist- | cause to stand | Latin | sistere | consist |
| sito- | food, grain, wheat | Greek | σίτος (sitos) | sitology |
| soci- | group | Latin | socius, sociare | associate, social |
| sol- | sun | Latin | sol | solar |
| sol- | warmth | Latin | solare | consolation |
| solen- | pipe, channel | Greek | σωλήν (solen) | solenoid |
| solv-, solut- | loosen, set free | Latin | solvere | solution |
| soma- | body | Greek | σῶμα (sōma) | somatic |
| somn- | sleep | Latin | somnus | insomnia |
| somni- | dream | Latin | somnium | |
| son- | sound | Latin | sonus | resonance |
| soph- | Wise | Greek | σοφός (sophos) | sophist |
| sorb-, sorpt- | suck | Latin | sorbere | absorb, absorption |
| sord- | dirt | Latin | sordes, sordere | sordid |
| soror- | sister | Latin | soror | sorority |
| spati- | space | Latin | spatium | spatial |
| spec-, -spic-, spect- | look | Latin | specere | conspicuous, inspection, specimen |
| spect- | watch, look at | Latin | spectare | spectator |
| specul- | Latin | speculari | speculation | |
| sper- | hope | Latin | spes, sperare | desperation, esperance |
| sperm- | seed | Greek | σπέρμα (sperma) | |
| sphen(o)- | wedge | Greek | σφήν (sphen) | |
| spher- | ball | Greek | σφαῖρα (sphaira) | spheroid, sphere |
| sphinct- | closing | Greek | ||
| spic- | spike | Latin | spica | |
| spin- | thorn | Latin | spina | spine |
| spir- | breathe | Latin | spirare | respiration |
| spond-, spons- | Latin | spondere, sponsus | ||
| spondyl- | vertebra | |||
| spu-, sput- | spew, spit | Latin | spuere | sputum |
| squal- | Latin | squalere | squalid, squalor | |
| squam- | scale | Latin | squama | |
| squarros- | spreading at tips | Latin | ||
| st- | stand | Latin | stare, status | stable, station, status, statistic, statue, establish |
| stagn- | pool of standing water | Latin | stagnare | stagnant |
| stalact- | Greek | (stalaktites) | stalactite | |
| stalagm- | Greek | (stalagmos) | stalagmite | |
| stann- | tin | Latin | stannum | stannous |
| statu-, -stitu- | stand | Latin | statuere | institution, statute |
| stea- | fat, tallow | Greek | (stear, steatos) | stearic acid |
| steg- | covering | Greek | steganography | |
| stell- | star | Latin | stella | constellation, stellar |
| sten- | narrow | Greek | στενός (stenos) | stenography |
| stere- | solid | Greek | στερεός (stereos) | |
| stern-, strat- | spread, strew | sternere, stratus | stratify | |
| stern- | breastbone | Greek | στέρνον (sternon) | sternum |
| stich- | line, row | Greek | στίχος (stichos) | |
| stig- | Greek | στίγμα | stigma | |
| still- | drip | Latin | stilla, stillare | distillation |
| stimul- | goad, rouse, excite | stimulate | ||
| stingu-, stinct- | Latin | stinguere | distinction, distinguish | |
| stoch- | aim | Greek | στόχος | stochastic |
| stom- | mouth | Greek | στόμα | |
| strept- | twisted | Greek | στρεπτός (streptos) | |
| strig- | compress | Latin | strix, strigis | strigogyps |
| string-, strict- | upright, stiff | Latin | stringere, strictus | stringent |
| strigos- | having stiff bristles | Latin | ||
| stroph- | turning | Greek | στροφή (strophe) | |
| stru-, struct- | Latin | struere | construction, construe | |
| stud- | Latin | studere | student | |
| stup- | wonder | Latin | stupere | stupor |
| styl- | column, pillar | Greek | στῦλος (stulos) | stylus |
| su-, sut- | sew | Latin | suere | suture |
| sui- | self | suicide | ||
| suad-, suas- | Latin | suadere, suasus | persuasion | |
| suav- | sweet | Latin | suavis | suave |
| sub-, su-, sus- | below | Latin | sub | submerge |
| subter- | Latin | subter | subterfuge | |
| sucr- | sugar | Latin | sucrose | |
| sud- | sweat | Latin | sudare | |
| sulc- | furrow | Latin | sulcus | sulcus |
| sum-, sumpt- | take | Latin | sumere | assumption, consume |
| super- | above, over | Latin | super | supersede |
| supin- | lying back | Latin | supinus | |
| supra- | above, over | Latin | supra | supranationalism |
| surd- | deaf | Latin | surdus | absurdity |
| surg- | rise | Latin | surgere | resurgent |
| syn-, sy-, syl-, sym- | with | Greek | σύν (sun) | symbol, system, synonym, symmetry |
| syring- | pipe | Greek | σύριγξ, σύριγγος (syrinx, syringos) |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tac-, -tic- | be silent | Latin | tacere, tacitus | reticent, tacit |
| tach- | swift | Greek | ταχυς (tachus) | tachometer |
| taenia- | ribbon | Greek | (tainia) | |
| tal- | ankle | Latin | talus | |
| tang-, -ting-, tact-, tag- | touch | Latin | tangere, tactus | contact, tangent |
| tapet- | carpet | Latin | tapete, tapetis | |
| tard- | slow | Latin | tardus | retard, tardy |
| tars- | ankle | Greek | ταρσός (tarsos, a flat basket) | tarsal |
| taur- | bull | Greek | ταῦρος (tauros) | Minotaur |
| taur- | bull | Latin | taurus | Taurus |
| tax- | arrangement, order | Greek | (taxis) | taxonomy |
| techn- | Greek | τέχνη (techne) | technology | |
| teg-, tect- | cover | Latin | tegere, tectus | protection |
| tele- | far, end | Greek | τῆλε- | telephone, telescope, telegram |
| teleo- | complete | Greek | τέλος | teleology |
| temno- | cut | Greek | τέμνω | |
| tempor- | time | Latin | tempus, temporis | temporary, temporal. |
| ten-, -tin-, tent- | hold | Latin | tenere, tentus | continent, tenacious |
| tend-, tens- | stretch | Latin | tendere, tensus | extend, extension |
| tenu- | slender, thin | Latin | tenuis | attenuate, tenuous |
| tep- | be warm | Latin | tepere | tepid |
| ter-, trit- | rub | Latin | terere, tritus | attrition, contrite |
| teret- | rounded | Latin | teres, teretis | |
| terg-, ters- | wipe | Latin | tergere, tersus | detergent |
| termin- | Latin | terminus | determine, termination | |
| tern- | three each | Latin | terni | ternary, ternion |
| terr- | dry land | Latin | terra | terrace, terrain, terracotta |
| terti- | third | Latin | tertius | tertian, tertiary |
| test- | witness | Latin | testis | testimony |
| tetr- | four | Greek | (tetra-) | tetrahedron |
| tex-, text- | weave | Latin | texere, textus | texture |
| thalam- | chamber, bed | Greek | θάλαμος (thalamos) | |
| thalass- | sea | Greek | θάλασσα (thalassa) | Panthalassa |
| than- | death | Greek | θάνατος (thanatos) | euthanasia |
| the- | put | Greek | τίθημι (tithemi) | theme, thesis thesaurus |
| -theca | case | Greek | θήκ | |
| thel(o)- | Greek | θηλή | ||
| the(o)-, thus- | god | Greek | θεός (theos) | theology, enthusiasm |
| theori- | Greek | θεωρία | theorem, theory | |
| therm- | heat | Greek | θερμός (thermos) | thermometer |
| thero- | beast, animal | Greek | θήρ, θηρός | |
| thyreo- | large shield | Greek | θυρεός | thyroid |
| tim- | be afraid | Latin | timere | timid |
| ting-, tinct- | moisten | Latin | tingere, tinctus | tincture |
| tom- | cut | Greek | τομή (tome), τόμος (tomos) | ectomy, atom, tome |
| ton- | stretch | Greek | τόνος (tonos) | |
| top- | place | Greek | τόπος (topos) | topic, topography |
| torn- | cut | Latin from Greek | tornare < τόρνος (tornos) | |
| torpe- | numb | Latin | torpere | torpor |
| torqu-, tort- | twist | Latin | torquere, tortus | extortion, torque, torture |
| tot- | all, whole | Latin | totus | total |
| tox(o)- | arrow, bow | Greek | τόξον (toxon) | |
| trab- | beam | Latin | trabs, trabis | |
| trachy- | rough | Greek | (trachus) | |
| trag(o)- | goat | Greek | (tragos) | tragus |
| trah-, tract- | pull | Latin | trahere, tractus | subtrahend, tractor |
| trans-, tra-, tran- | across | Latin | trans | tradition, transcend, transportation |
| trapez- | four-sided, table | Greek | (trapeza) | trapezoid |
| traum- | wound | Greek | (trauma) | trauma, traumatic |
| trecent- | three hundred | Latin | trecenti | trecentennial |
| tredec- | thirteen | Latin | tredecim | |
| treiskaidek- | thirteen | Greek | τρεισκαίδεκα | triskaidekaphobia |
| trem- | tremble | Latin | tremere | tremor |
| trema- | hole | Greek | τρῆμα (trēma) | |
| tri- | three | Greek | τρεῖς, τρία (treis, tria) | triad, trigon, tripod |
| tri- | three | Latin | tres | triangle, trivia, triumvirate |
| tricen- | thirty each | Latin | triceni | tricenary |
| tricesim-, trigesim- | thirtieth | Latin | tricesimus | trigesimal |
| trich- | hair | Greek | θρίξ, τριχός (thrix, trichos) | trichopathophobia |
| trin- | three each | Latin | trini | trinity |
| troch- | wheel | Greek | τροχός | |
| trop- | turning | Greek | τρόπος (tropos) | tropic |
| troph- | feed, grow | Greek | τροφός | pogonotrophy |
| trud-, trus- | thrust | Latin | trudere, trusus | extrusion, intrude |
| tuss- | cough | Latin | tussis, tussire | pertussis |
| tympan- | drum | Greek | τύμπανον (tumpanon) | tympani |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| uber- | udder | Latin | uber, uberare | exuberant |
| ulig- | in marshes | Latin | ||
| ulo- | wooly | Greek | ||
| ultim- | farthest | Latin | ultimus | ultimate |
| ultra- | beyond | Latin | ultra | ultrasonic |
| umbilic- | navel | Latin | umbilicus | umbilical |
| umbr- | shade, shadow | Latin | umbra | penumbra, umbrella |
| un-, uni- | one | Latin | unus, unius | unary, union |
| unc- | hooked | Latin | uncus | uncinate |
| unci- | ounce, twelfth | Latin | uncia | uncial |
| und- | wave | Latin | unda | abundant, undulate |
| undecim- | eleventh | Latin | undecimus | undecimal |
| unden- | eleven each | Latin | undeni | undenary |
| ungui- | claw, nail | Latin | unguis | |
| ungul- | claw, hoof | Latin | ungula | ungulate |
| ur-, uro- | tail | Greek | οὐρά (oura) | uroid, uroborus |
| ur-, uro- | urine | Greek | οὖρον (ouron) | urology |
| urb- | city | Latin | urbs, urbis | urban |
| urg- | work | Latin | urgere | urgent |
| urs- | bear | Latin | ursus | Ursa Major, ursine |
| ut-, us- | use | Latin | uti, usus | usual, utility |
| uv- | grape | Latin | uva | uvea |
| uxor- | wife | Latin | uxor | uxoricide |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vac- | empty | Latin | vacare | vacancy, vacation, vacuum |
| vad-, vas- | go | Latin | vadere | evade, pervasive |
| vag- | wander | Latin | vagus, vagare | vague, vagabond |
| van- | Latin | vanus | vanity | |
| vap- | lack (of) | Latin | evaporation, vapid | |
| veh-, vect- | carry | Latin | vehere, vectus | vehicle, vector |
| vel- | veil | Latin | velum | revelation, velate |
| vell-, vuls- | pull | Latin | vellere, vulsus | convulsion |
| veloc- | quick | Latin | velox, velocis | velocity |
| ven- | vein | Latin | vena | venosity |
| ven- | hunt | Latin | venari | venison |
| ven-, vent- | come | Latin | venire | advent, convention |
| vend- | sell | Latin | vendere | vendor, vending |
| vener- | respectful | Latin | venus | veneration, venereal |
| vent- | wind | Latin | ventus | ventilation |
| ventr- | belly | Latin | venter | ventral |
| ver- | true | Latin | verus | verify, verity |
| verb- | word | Latin | verbum | verbal, verbatim, verbosity |
| verber- | whip | Latin | verber | reverberation |
| verm- | worm | Latin | vermis | vermiform |
| vern- | spring | Latin | ver, vernus | vernal |
| vert-, vers- | turn | Latin | vertere, versus | convert, inversion, invert, vertical |
| vesic- | bladder | Latin | vesica | vesical |
| vesper- | evening, western | Latin | vespera | vesperal |
| vest- | clothe, garment | Latin | vestis | divest, vest |
| vestig- | follow, track | Latin | vestigium | investigate |
| vet- | forbid | Latin | vetare | veto |
| veter- | old | Latin | vetus, veteris | inveterate, veteran |
| vi- | way | Latin | via | deviate, obvious, via |
| vic- | change | Latin | vicis | vice versa, vicissitude |
| vicen-, vigen- | twenty | Latin | viceni | vicenary |
| vicesim-, vigesim- | twentieth | Latin | vecesimus | vicesimary, vigesimal |
| vid-, vis- | see | Latin | videre, visus | video, vision |
| vil- | cheap | Latin | vilis | vile, vilify |
| vill- | shaggy hair, velvet | Latin | villus | villiform |
| vin- | wine | Latin | vinum | vinous |
| vinc-, vict- | conquer | Latin | vincere, victus | invincible, victory |
| vir- | man | Latin | vir | virility |
| vir- | green | Latin | virere | virid, viridian |
| visc- | thick | Latin | viscum | viscosity |
| viscer- | organs of the body cavity | Latin | viscus, visceris | visceral |
| vit- | life | Latin | vita | vital |
| vitell- | yolk | Latin | vitellus | |
| viti- | fault | Latin | vitium | vice, vitiate |
| vitr- | glass | Latin | vitrum | vitreous |
| viv- | live | Latin | vivere | revive, survive, vivid |
| voc- | voice | Latin | vox, vocis | vocal, vocation, provocative |
| vol- | fly | Latin | volare | volatility |
| vol- | wish | Latin | velle | volition |
| volv-, volut- | roll | Latin | volvere, volutus | convolution, revolve |
| vom- | discharge | Latin | vomere | vomit |
| vor-, vorac- | swallow | Latin | vorare, vorax | devour, voracious |
| vov-, vot- | vow | Latin | vovere, votus | votive |
| vulg- | common, crowd | Latin | vulgus | divulge, vulgarity, vulgate |
| vulner- | wound | Latin | vulnus, vulneris | vulnerable |
| vulp- | fox | Latin | vulpes, vulpis | vulpine |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| xanth- | yellow | Greek | (xanthos) | xanthogenic |
| xen- | foreign | Greek | ξενος (xenos) | xenophobia |
| xer- | dry | Greek | (xēros) | xerography |
| xiph- | sword | Greek | (xiphos) | xiphoid |
| xyl- | wood | Greek | (xulon) | xylophone |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -zo- | animal, living being | Greek | ζῷον (zōion) | protozoa, zoo, zoology |
| zon- | belt, girdle | Greek | ζωνη (zōnē) | zone |
| zyg- | yoke | Greek | ζυγον (zugon) | heterozygous, zygote |
| zym- | ferment | Greek | ζυμη (zumē) | enzyme, lysozyme |
 |
This article's factual accuracy is disputed. (August 2010) |
The following is an alphabetical list of Greek and Latin roots, stems, suffixes, and prefixes commonly used in English.
Those used in medicine and medical terminology are not listed here but instead in Wikipedia's List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes.
| Contents: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z — See also — References — External links |
| Root | In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) |
English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ab-, a-, abs- | away | Latin | ab "away" | abnormal, abrasion, absent, abstract, aversion |
| ac-, acu- | sharp or pointed | Latin | acutus past participle of acuere "to sharpen", from acus "needle" | acid, acupuncture, acute |
| acri- | sharp, pungent, bitter, eager | Latin | acer | acrid, acrimony |
| acro- | height, summit, tip | Greek | Greek ἄκρος ákros "high", "extreme" | acrobatics, acromegalia, acronym, acrophobia, |
| ad-, a-, ac-, af-, ag-, al-, ap-, ar-, as-, at- | movement to or toward; in addition to | Latin | ad "to", "toward" | adapt, affect, ascend, accept |
| adip- | fat | Latin | adeps, adipis "fat" | adipose |
| aer-, aero- | air, atmosphere | Greek | ἀήρ aer "air" | aeronautics, aerosol |
| aesthet | feeling, sensation | Greek | aisthētikos "of sense perception" from αἰσθάνεσθαι aisthanesthai "to perceive" | aesthetics |
| agri- | field | Latin | from Latin ager "field, country" | agriculture |
| agro- | field | Greek | from Greek ἀγρός agros "field" | agronomy |
| amat-, amor- | love, loved | Latin | amor "love" from amāre "to love" | amateur, amorous |
| ambi- | both, on both sides | Latin | ambi "on both sides" | ambidexterity |
| amic-, -imic- | friend | Latin | amicus | amicable, inimical |
| amphi- | around, about, both, on both sides of, both kinds | Greek | ἀμφί amphi "on both sides" | amphibian, amphibolic |
| ampl- | ample | Latin | amplus | amplification |
| an-, a- | not, without | Greek | Greek ἀν-/ἀ- "not" | anhydrous, atypical |
| ana-, an- | again, against, back, up | Greek | from Greek prefix ἀνά ana- "again", "against" | anabaptist, anaphylaxis, anode |
| anima- | breath | Latin | anima "breath" | animal, animation |
| ann-, -enn- | year, yearly | Latin | annus "year" | anniversary, annual, biannual, millennium |
| ant-, anti- | against, opposed to, preventive | Greek | ἀντί anti "against" | antibiotic, antipodes |
| ante-, anti- | before, in front of, prior to | Latin | Latin ante "before", "against" | antediluvian, antebellum, anticipate |
| antho- | flower | Greek | ἄνθος anthos "flower" | anther, anthology |
| anthropo- | human | Greek | άνθρωπος anthropos "man" | anthropology, anthropomorphic |
| apo- | away from, separate, at the farthest point | Greek | ἀπό apo "from, away, un-, quite" | apogee, apostasy |
| aqu- | water | Latin | aqua | aquamarine, aquarium, aqueduct |
| ar- | plow, till | Latin | arāre | arable |
| ar- | be dry | Latin | ārēre "be dry or parched" | arid |
| arche-, archi- | ruler | Greek | ἀρχή arche "rule" (in compounds: ἀρχε-, ἀρχι-) | archangel, archetype |
| archaeo-, archeo- | ancient | Greek | ἀρχαῖος arkhaios "ancient" from arkhē "beginning" | archaeology or archeology, archaic |
| arct-, arcto- | Relating to the North Pole or the region near it; relating to cold; used as the scientific name of some bear species, e.g. Ursus arctos horribilis | Greek | ἄρκτος arktos "bear" | Arctic Ocean |
| argent- | silver | Latin | argentum "silver" | argent, Argentina |
| arthr-, arthro- | joint | Greek | ἄρθρον arthron "joint" | arthritis, arthropod |
| astr-, astro- | star, star-shaped | Greek | άστρον astron "star" | astronomy |
| athl- | prize | Greek | ἄθλος athlos "contest, feat" | athlete |
| aud-, audi- | hearing, listening, sound | Latin | audire "to hear" | auditorium, auditory |
| aug-, auct- | grow, increase | Latin | augēre "to increase" | augmentation |
| aur- | relating to gold, or gold-colored | Latin | aurum "gold" | aureole |
| auri- | relating to the ear | Latin | auris "ear" | auricle |
| aut- , auto- | self; directed from within | Greek | αὐτός (autos) "self", "same" | automobile, autonomy |
| avi- | bird | Latin | avis "bird" | aviary, aviation |
| axi- | axis | Latin | axis "axis" | axisymmetry |
| axio- | merit | Greek | Greek ἄξιος (axios) "worth" | axiology |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bac- | rod-shaped | Latin | from baculum "rod" | bacilla, bacteria |
| baro- | weight, pressure | Greek | βάρος (baros) | barometer, barograph, baroreceptor |
| basi- | at the bottom | Greek | from βαίνω, I walk, march, βάσις "step" | basic, basis |
| bathy-, batho- | deep, depth | Greek | βαθύς (bathús, bathýs) "deep" | batholith, bathyscaphe |
| be-, beat- | bless | Latin | beare, beatus | beatification |
| bell(i)- | war | Latin | bellum, belli | antebellum, bellicose, belligerent |
| ben- | good, well | Latin | bene (adverb) | benefit, benignity |
| bi- | two | Latin | bis, "twice"; bini, "in twos" | binoculars, bigamy, biscotti |
| bib- | drink | Latin | bibere, bibitus | imbibe |
| bibl- | book | Greek | βιβλίον (biblíon) "book" | bibliography, bible |
| bi(o)- | life | Greek | βίος (bíos) "life" | biology, biologist, biosphere |
| blenn(o)- | slime | Greek | βλέννος (blennos) | blennophobia, blennosperma |
| blast- | germ, embryo, bud, cell with nucleus | Greek | βλασταίνω, "I put forth shoots" | sideroblast |
| bon(i)- | good | Latin | bonus | bonify, bonitary |
| bor- | north | Greek / Latin (boreas) | Greek βορρᾶς (borras) "the north wind" | borealis |
| botan- | plant | Greek | βοτάνη, βότανον (botanē, botanon) | botany |
| bov- | cow, ox | Latin | bos, bovis | bovine |
| brachi(o)- | arm | Greek | βραχίων (brakhíōn) "arm" | brachial artery, brachiosaurus |
| brachy- | short | Greek | βραχύς (brakhús, brakhýs) "short" | brachydactyly |
| brady- | slow | Greek | βραδύς (bradús, bradýs) | bradycardia |
| branch- | gill | Greek | βράγχιον (brágkhion, bránkhion) "gill" | branchiopod, nudibranch |
| brev(i)- | brief, short (time) | Latin | brevis, breviare | abbreviation, brevity |
| briz- | nod | Greek | βρίζω (brizō) | |
| brom- | oats | Greek | βρόμος, βρόμη (brómos, bróme) "oats" | Bromus ramosus |
| brom- | oats | Greek | βρόμος (brómos) "stench, clangor" | bromide |
| bronch- | windpipe | Greek | βρόγχος (brógkhos, brónkhos) | bronchitis |
| bront- | thunder | Greek | βροντή (brontē) | Brontosaurus |
| bucc- | cheek, mouth, cavity | Latin | bucca | buccal, buccinator muscle |
| bulb- | bulbous | Latin | bulbus | bulbous, bulbule |
| bull- | bubble, flask | Latin | bulla, "bubble" | ebullient, ebullism |
| burs- | pouch, purse | Latin | bursarius | bursar, bursary, disburse |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cac(o)- | bad | Greek | κακος (kakos) | cacophony |
| cad-, -cid-, cas- | fall | Latin | cadere, casus | accident, cadence, case |
| caed-, -cid-, caes-, -cis- | cut | Latin | caedere, caesus | caesura, incisor |
| calc- | stone | Latin and Greek | from Latin calx "lime", and from Greek χάλιξ (khalix) "pebble" "limestone" | calculus, calcite, calcium |
| calli- | beautiful | Greek | from Greek καλλός kallos "beauty" | calligraphy |
| calor- | heat | Latin | calor "heat" | calorie |
| calyp- | cover | Greek | καλύπτέιν (kaluptein) | apocalypse |
| camer- | vault | Latin | camera | bicameral, camera |
| camp- | field | Latin | campus "field", "level ground" | champion, campaign |
| can(i)- | dog | Latin | canis "dog" | canine, Canis Major |
| can-, -cin-, cant- | sing | Latin | canere "sing" | cantata, canto, cantor |
| cand- | glowing, iridescent | Latin | candere "to be white or glisten" | candid, incandescent, candle, candela |
| cap-, -cip-, capt-, -cept- | hold, take | Latin | capere, captus "take or hold" (note the vowel change from a to i in compounds) | capture, captive, conception, recipient |
| capit-, -cipit- | head | Latin | caput, capitis "head" | capital, chief, chef, decapitate |
| capr- | goat | Latin | caper, capri | Capricorn, caprine |
| caps- | box, case | Latin | capsa | capsule |
| carbo- | coal | Latin | carbo, carbonis | carbon |
| carcer- | jail | Latin | carcer, carcerare | incarceration |
| carci- | cancer (disease) | Latin from Greek | Latin from Greek Καρκίνος karkinos "crab" | carcinoma |
| cardi(o)- | relating to the heart | Greek | καρδιά kardia "heart" | cardiology, cardiograph |
| cardin- | hinge | Latin | cardo, cardinis | cardinal |
| carn- | flesh | Latin | caro, carnis | carnival, carnivore |
| carpo- | relating to fruit | Greek | from Greek καρπός karpos "fruit" | carpology |
| carp- | relating to the wrist | Greek | from Greek καρπός karpos "wrist" | carpal, carpal tunnel syndrome |
| cata- | down | Greek | κατά kata "down" | catastrophe, catatonia |
| caten- | chain | Latin | catena | concatenation |
| cathar- | pure | Greek | καθαρός (katharos) | catharsis |
| caud- | tail | Latin | cauda | caudal |
| cav- | hollow | Latin | cavus "hollow" | cave, cavity, excavation |
| ced-, cess- | go | Latin | cedere, cessus | procession, recede |
| celer- | quick | Latin | celer, celerare | acceleration, celerity |
| cen(o)- | new | Greek | καινός (kainos) | Cenozoic |
| cen(o)- | empty | Greek | κενός (kenos) | cenotaph |
| cens- | Latin | censere "to estimate" | census | |
| cent- | hundred | Latin | centum "hundred" | cent, centennial, centurion |
| centen- | hundred each | Latin | centeni | centenary |
| centesim- | hundredth | Latin | centesimus | centesimal, centesimation |
| centr- | center | Greek | κέντρον (kéntron) "needle", "spur" | eccentric |
| cephalo- | head | Greek | κεφαλή kephale "head" | cephalopod, encephalogram |
| ceram- | clay | Greek | κέραμος (keramos) | ceramic |
| cerat- | horn | Greek | κέρας, κέρατος (keras, keratos) "horn" | ceratin |
| cern- | sift | Latin | cernere | discern |
| cervic- | relating to the neck, relating to the cervix | Latin | cervix, cervicis "neck" | cervix, cervical |
| ceter- | other | Latin | ceterus | et cetera |
| chiro- | of the hand or hands | Greek | χείρ kheir "hand" | chiroptera, chiropractic |
| chelono- | relating to a turtle | Greek | χελώνη khelone "tortoise" | chelonia |
| chloro- | green | Greek | from Greek χλωρός khlōros "green" | chlorine, chlorophyll |
| choreo- | relating to dance | Greek | from Greek χορεία khoreia "dancing in unison" from χορός khoros "chorus" | choreography |
| chord- | cord | Latin | chorda "rope" | chordata |
| chrom- | color | Greek | χρῶμα khrōma "color" | chromosome, chromium |
| chryso- | gold | Greek | χρυσός khrusos "gold" | chrysolite |
| cili- | eyelash | Latin | cilium | cilia |
| cine- | motion | Greek | κινέω (kineo) | cinema |
| ciner- | ash | Latin | cinis, cineris | incineration |
| cing-, cinct- | gird | Latin | cingere, cinctus | succinct |
| circ- | circle | Latin | circus | circus |
| circum- | around | Latin | circum "around" | circumference, circumcise |
| cirr- | orange | Greek | κιρρός (kirros) | cirrhosis |
| cirr- | curl, tentacle | Latin | cirrus | cirrus |
| civ- | citizen | Latin | civis | civility |
| clad- | branch | Greek | κλάδος (klados) | clade |
| clar- | clear | Latin | clarus, clarare | clarity, declaration |
| clast- | broken | Greek | κλαστός (klastos) | iconoclast |
| claud-, -clud-, claus-, -clus- | close | Latin | claudere, clausus | clause, exclusion, include |
| clav- | key | Greek | from Greek κλείς kleis "key" from κλείειν, kleiein "to close" | conclave |
| cl(e)ist- | closed | Greek | κλειστός kleistos | |
| cleithr- | bar, key | Greek | ||
| clement- | mild | Latin | clemens, clementis | clemency, inclement |
| clin- | bed, lean, recline | Latin | -clinare | declination, inclined |
| cochl- | shell | Greek | κόχλος (kochlos) | cochlea |
| coel- | hollow | Greek | κοῖλος (koilos) | |
| cogn- | know | Latin | cognoscere | cognitive, cognizant, recognize |
| col- | strain | Latin | colare, colum | colander |
| coll- | neck | Latin | collum | collar |
| color- | color | Latin | color | coloration |
| con-, co-, col-, com-, cor- | with, together | Latin | cum | connect, collide, compress |
| condi- | season | Latin | condire | condiment |
| con(o)- | cone | Greek | κῶνος (konos) | conic, conical |
| contra- | against | Latin | contra | contrast, contradict ("say against") |
| copro- | dung | Greek | κόπρος (kopros) | coprolite, coprophagia, coprophilia |
| corac- | raven | Greek | κόραξ, κόρακος (korax, korakos) | coracoid |
| cord- | heart | Latin | cor, cordis | accord, cordial |
| corn- | horn | Latin | cornu | cornea, cornucopia, unicorn |
| coron- | crown | Latin | corona, coronare | corona, coronation |
| corpor- | body | Latin | corpus, corporis | corporation, corpse |
| cortic- | bark | Latin | cortex, corticis | |
| cosm(o)-' | universe | Greek | κόσμος (kosmos) | cosmonaut |
| cosmet(o)- | Greek | κοσμετ (kosmet-) | cosmetics, cosmetology | |
| cost- | rib | Latin | costa | costal |
| cotyl- | cup | Greek | κοτύλη (kotulē) | cotyledon |
| crani- | skull | Greek | κρανίον (kranion) | cranium |
| crass- | thick | Latin | crassus | crassitude |
| cre- | make | Latin | creare, creatus | creation, creature |
| cred- | believe, trust | Latin | credere, creditus | credibility |
| crep- | boot, shoe | Greek | κρηπίς, κρηπίδος (krēpis, krēpidos) | |
| cribr- | sieve | Latin | cribrum "a sieve" | cribble, cribrate |
| ring | Greek | κρίκος (krikos) | ||
| cris-, crit- | judge | Greek | κρίσις (crisis) | crisis, critic |
| crisp- | curled | Latin | crispus | crispate |
| crist- | crest | Latin | crista | cristate |
| cross(o)- | fringe, tassel | Greek | κροσσός (krossos) | |
| cruc(i)- | cross | Latin | crux, crucis | crucial, crucifix, crucify |
| crur(i)- | leg, shank | Latin | crus, cruris | crural |
| crypt- | hidden | Greek | κρυπτός (kruptos) | cryptic, cryptography |
| cten(o)- | comb | Greek | κτείς, κτενός (kteis, ktenos) | ctenophore |
| cub- | cube | Greek | κύβος (kubos) | cubic, cuboid |
| cub- | lie | Latin | cubare | incubation, succuba |
| culin- | kitchen | Latin | culina | culinary |
| culp- | blame, fault | Latin | culpa | culpable, exculpate |
| cune- | wedge | Latin | cuneus | cuneiform |
| curr-, curs- | run | Latin | currere, cursus | concurrent, recursion |
| curv- | bent | Latin | curvus | curvature |
| cuspid- | lance, point | Latin | cuspis, cuspidis | bicuspid |
| cut(i)- | skin | Latin | cutis | cuticle |
| cyan- | blue | Greek | κυανός (kuanos) | cyanide |
| cycl(o)- | circular | Greek | κύκλος (kuklos) | bicycle, cycle, cyclone |
| cylind- | roll | Greek | κύλινδρος (kulindros) | cylinder |
| cyn(o)- | dog | Greek | κύων, κυνός (kuōn, kunos) | cynosure |
| cyst- | capsule | Greek | κύστις (kustis) | cystic |
| cyt(o)- | cell | Greek | κύτος (kutos) | cytoplasm |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dactyl- | finger, toe, digit | Greek | δάκτυλος (daktulos) | dactylology, pterodactyl |
| damn-, -demn- | to inflict loss upon | Latin | damnāre | condemn, damnation |
| de- | from, away from, removing | Latin | dē | delete, demented |
| deb- | owe | Latin | debere, debitus | debit |
| deci- | tenth part | Latin | decimus, tenth; from decem, ten | decibel, decimate |
| deca-, dec-, deka-, dek- | ten | Greek | δέκα deka, ten | decagram, decahedron |
| delt- | Greek | Δέλτα (delta) | deltoid | |
| dem- | people | Greek | δῆμος (dēmos) | demagogue, democracy |
| den- | ten each | Latin | deni | denarius, denary |
| dendr-, dendro- | resembling a tree | Greek | δένδρον (dendron): akin to δρύς, drys, "tree" | dendrite |
| dens- | thick | Latin | densus | condense, density |
| dent- | tooth | Latin | dens, dentis | dental, dentures |
| derm- | skin | Greek | δέρμα (derma) | hypodermic |
| deuter- | second | Greek | δεύτερος (deuteros) | Deuteronomy |
| dexter- | right | Latin | dexter | dexterity |
| dextro- | right | Greek | δεξ-, right | |
| di- | two | Greek | δι | dicot, dipole |
| dia- | apart, through | Greek | διά (dia) | diameter |
| dict- | say, speak | Latin | dicere, dictus | contradict, dictation |
| digit- | finger | Latin | digitus | digital |
| dino- | terrible, fearfully great | Greek | δεινός (deinos) | dinosaur |
| dipl- | double; twofold | Greek | διπλός (diplos) | diploid, diplosis |
| doc-, doct- | teach | Latin | docere, doctus | docile, doctor |
| dodec- | twelve | Greek | δώδεκα (dodeka) | dodecasyllabic |
| dog-, dox- | opinion, teaching | Greek | δόξα | dogmatic |
| dom- | house | Latin | domus | dome |
| dorm- | sleep | Latin | dormire | dormant, dormitory |
| dors- | back | Latin | dorsum | dorsal |
| du- | two | Latin | duo | dual |
| dub- | doubtful | Latin | dubious | |
| duc-, duct- | lead | Latin | dux | abduction, conductor, introduce |
| dulc- | sweet | Latin | dulcis | |
| dur- | hard | Latin | durus | durable, duration, duress, endure, obdurate |
| dy- | two | Greek | δυο (duo) | dyad |
| dynam- | power | Greek | δύναμη (dunamē) | dynamism, dynasty |
| dys- | badly, ill | Greek | δυσ- | dysentery |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ec- | out | Greek | εκ (ek) | eccentric |
| eco- | house | Greek | οίκος (oikos) | ecology, economics, ecumenism |
| ecto- | outside | Greek | εκτός (ektos) | ectoderm |
| ed-, es- | eat | Latin | edere, esus | edible |
| ego- | self, I (first person) | Latin, Greek | ego, ἐγώ | egocentric |
| ego-, eg- | goat | Greek | αἴξ (aix) | egophony |
| em-, empt- | buy | Latin | emere, emptus | exemption, redeem |
| eme- | vomit | Greek | έμετος (emetos) | emetic |
| emul- | striving to equal, rivaling | Latin | aemulus, aemulare | emulation |
| en-, em- | in | Greek | εν (en) | emphasis |
| endo- | inside | Greek | ἔνδον (endon) | endocrine |
| engy- | narrow | Greek | Εγγύς (engys) | |
| ennea- | nine | Greek | εννέα (ennea) | ennead, enneagon |
| ens- | sword | Latin | ensis | |
| eo-, eos-, eoso- | dawn, east | Greek | Ἠώς/Ἕως | Eocene |
| epi-, ep- | upon | Greek | ἐπί (epi) | epicenter, epoch |
| epistem- | knowledge or science | Greek | ἐπιστήμη (epistēmē) | epistemic |
| equ-, -iqu- | even, level | Latin | aequus | equal, |
| equ- | horse | Latin | equus | Equestrian |
| erg- | work | Greek | έργον (ergon) | ergonomics |
| err- | stray | Latin | errare | aberration, errant |
| erythr(o)- | red | Greek | ερυθρος (eruthros) | erythrocyte |
| eso- | within | Greek | ἔξω (esō) | esoteric |
| etho-, eth-, ethi- | custom, habit | Greek | ἦθος (ethos) | ethology |
| ethm- | sieve | Greek | ἠθμός (hethmos); ἤθειν (hethein) | ethmoid |
| ethn- | people, race, tribe, nation | Greek | ἔθνος (ethnos) | ethnic, ethnarch |
| etym(o)- | true | Greek | ἔτυμος (etumos) | etymology |
| eu- | well | Greek | εὖ (eu) | euphoria |
| eur- | wide | Greek | εὐρύς (eurus) | Europe |
| ex-, e-, ef- | from, out of | Latin | ex | exclude, extrude, extend |
| exo- | outside | Greek | έξω | exothermic |
| exter-, extra- | outer | Latin | externus | exterior |
| extrem- | outermost, utmost | Latin | extremus | extremity, extremophile |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| f-, fat- | say, speak | Latin | fari, fatus | fate, infant, preface |
| fab- | bean | Latin | faba | faba bean |
| fac-, -fic-, fact, -fect- | make | Latin | facere, factus | defect, factory, manufacture |
| falc- | sickle | Latin | falx, falcis | falciform |
| fall-, -fell-, fals- | deceive | Latin | fallere, falsus | falsity, infallibility |
| fallac- | false | Latin | fallax, fallacis | fallacy |
| famili- | a close attendant | Latin | famulus | familiarity |
| fant- | to show | Greek | φαντάζω | fantasy |
| fasc- | bundle | Latin | fascis | fasciculation |
| fatu- | foolish, useless | Latin | fatuus | fatuous, infatuation |
| feder- | treaty, agreement, contract, league, pact | Latin | foedus, foederis | confederation, federal |
| fel- | cat | Latin | feles, felis | Felinae, feline |
| felic- | happy, merry | Latin | felix, felicis | felicity |
| fell- | suck | Latin | fellare | fellation |
| femin- | women, female | Latin | femina | femininity |
| femor- | thigh | Latin | femur, femoris | femoral |
| fend-, fens- | prevent | Latin | fendere, -fensus | defend, offense |
| fenestr- | window | Latin | fenestra | defenestration |
| fer- | carry | Latin | ferre | reference, transfer |
| feroc- | fierce | Latin | ferox, ferocis | ferocity |
| ferr- | iron | Latin | ferrum | ferrous |
| fet- | stink | Latin | fetere | fetid, fetor |
| fic- | fig | Latin | ficus | Ficus |
| fid-, fis- | faith, trust | Latin | fides, fidere, fisus | confidence, fidelity |
| fil- | thread | Latin | filum | filament |
| fili- | son | Latin | filius | affiliation |
| fin- | end | Latin | finis | finish, final |
| find-, fiss- | split | Latin | findere, fissus | fission |
| firm- | fix, settle | Latin | firmus, firmare | confirmation, firmament |
| fistul- | hollow, tube | Latin | fistula | |
| fl- | blow | Latin | flare, flatus | flatulence, inflation |
| flacc- | flabby | Latin | flaccus, flaccere | flaccid |
| flav- | yellow | Latin | flavus | flavonoid |
| flect-, flex- | bend | Latin | flectere, flexus | flexor, inflection |
| flig-, flict- | strike | Latin | fligere, flictus | conflict, inflict |
| flor- | flower | Latin | flos, floris | floral, florid |
| flu-, flux- | flow | Latin | fluere, fluxus | effluent, fluency, influx |
| foc- | hearth | Latin | focus | focal |
| fod-, foss- | dig | Latin | fodere, fossus | fossil |
| foen- | hay | Latin | faenum | |
| foli- | leaf | Latin | folium | defoliant |
| font- | spring | Latin | fons, fontis | |
| for- | bore | Latin | forare, foratus | perforation |
| form- | shape | Latin | forma | conformity, deformity, formation |
| fornic- | vault | Latin | fornix, fornicis | fornication |
| fort- | strong | Latin | fortis | fortification |
| fove- | shallow round depression | Latin | fovea | fovea |
| frang-, -fring-, fract-, frag- | break | Latin | frangere, fractus | fracture, fragment, frangible, infringe |
| frater-, fratr- | brother | Latin | frater | fraternity |
| fric-, frict- | rub | Latin | fricare, frictus | dentifrice, friction |
| frig- | cold | Latin | frigere | frigid, frigorific |
| front- | forehead | Latin | frons, frontis | confront, frontal |
| fruct-, frug- | fruit | Latin | frux, fructis | fructose |
| fug-, fugit- | flee | Latin | fugere | centrifuge, fugitive, refuge |
| fum- | smoke | Latin | fumus | fume, fumigation |
| fund- | bottom | Latin | fundus, fundare | fundamentalism, profundity |
| fund-, fus- | pour | Latin | fundere, fusus | effusion, profusion |
| fung-, funct- | do | Latin | fungi, functus | function, fungibility |
| fur-, furt- | steal | Latin | furare | furtive |
| furc- | fork | Latin | furca | bifurcation |
| fusc- | dark | Latin | fuscus | obfuscation |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| galact- | milk | Greek | γάλα, γαλακτός (gala, galaktos) | galactic |
| gastr- | stomach | Greek | γαστήρ (gaster) | gastric, gastroenterologist |
| ge(o)- | earth | Greek | γη (gē), γεω- (geō) | geology |
| gel- | icy cold | Latin | gelum | gelid |
| gen- | race, kind | Greek | γένος | genocide |
| ger-, gest- | bear, carry | Latin | gerere, gestus | digest, gestation |
| germin- | sprout | Latin | germen, germinis | germination |
| glabr- | hairless | Latin | glaber | glabrous |
| glaci- | ice | Latin | glacies | glacier |
| gladi- | sword | Latin | gladius | gladiator |
| glob- | sphere | Latin | globus | global, globule |
| glori- | glory | Latin | gloria | glorify |
| glutin- | glue | Latin | gluten, glutinis | agglutination |
| grad-, -gred-, gress- | walk, step, go | Latin | gradus, gradere, gressus | grade, regress |
| gramm- | letter | Greek | γραμμα (gramma) | grammatic |
| gran- | grain | Latin | granum | granary, granule |
| grand- | grand | Latin | grandis | grandiloquous |
| graph- | draw, write | Greek | γραφή (graphē) | graphic, graphology |
| grat- | thank, please | Latin | gratus | gratitude |
| grav- | heavy | Latin | gravis | gravity |
| greg- | flock | Latin | grex, gregis | gregarious, segregation |
| gubern- | govern, pilot | Latin | gubernare | gubernatorial |
| gust- | taste | Latin | gustus | gusto |
| guttur- | throat | Latin | guttur | guttural |
| gymn- | nude | Greek | γυμνός (gymnos) | gymnasium |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hab-, -hib-, habit-, -hibit- | have | Latin | habere, habitus | habit, prohibition |
| haem(o)- | blood | Greek | αἷμα (haima) | haemophilia |
| hal(o)- | salt | Greek | ἅλς, άλας (hals, halos) | halogen |
| hal-, -hel- | breathe | Latin | halare, halatus | anhelation, inhale |
| hapl(o)- | simple, single | Greek | ἁπλοῦς (haplous) | haploid |
| haur-, haust- | draw | Latin | haurire, haustus | exhaustion |
| heli(o)- | sun | Greek | ἥλιος | helium, heliotrope |
| hemi- | half | Greek | ἥμισυς (hemisus) | hemisphere |
| hen- | one | Greek | ἕν (hen) | henad, hyphen |
| hendec- | eleven | Greek | ἕνδεκα (hendeka) | hendecagon |
| hept- | seven | Greek | επτά (hepta) | heptagon, heptathlon |
| her-, hes- | cling | Latin | haerere, haesus | adhesive, coherent |
| herb- | grass | Latin | herba | herbicide |
| hered- | heir | Latin | heres, heredis | heredity |
| herp- | creep | Greek | έρπω (herpo) | herpetology |
| heter(o)- | different, other | Greek | ἑτερος (heteros) | heterodox |
| heur- | find | Greek | εὑρίσκω | heuristic |
| hex- | six | Greek | ἕξ (hex) | hexagon |
| hibern- | wintry | Latin | hibernus | hibernation |
| hiem- | winter | Latin | hiems | hiemal |
| hipp(o)- | horse | Greek | ἵππος (hippos) | hippodrome |
| hirsut- | hairy | Latin | hirtus, hirsutus | hirsute |
| hispid- | bristly | Latin | hispidus | hispidity |
| histri- | actor | Latin | histrionic | |
| hod- | way | Greek | ὁδός (hodos) | cathode, hodometer, herpolhode |
| hol(o)- | whole | Greek | όλος (holos) | holistic |
| hom(o)- | same | Greek | ὁμός (homos) | homosexual |
| homeo- | like | Greek | όμοιος (homoios) | homeostasis |
| homin- | human | Latin | homo, hominis | hominid |
| homal- | even, flat | Greek | ομαλός (homalos) | anomalous |
| honor- | esteem | Latin | honos, honoris | honorable |
| horm- | that which excites | Greek | ὁρμή (horme) | hormone |
| hort(i)- | garden | Latin | hortus, horti | horticulture |
| hospit- | host | Latin | hospes, hospitis | hospitality |
| host- | enemy | Latin | hostis | hostile |
| hum- | ground | Latin | humus, humare | exhumation, inhume |
| hyal- | glass | Greek | ὕαλος (hualos) | hyaline, hyaloid |
| hydr(o)- | water | Greek | ὕδωρ | hydrology, hydrologist, Hydrogen, Hydrate, dehydrate, Hydrophobia, hydroponic, hydraulic, Hydrolysis, hydrous, hydrophilic |
| hygr- | wet | Greek | υγρός (hugros) | hygrometer |
| hyo- | U-shaped | Greek | ὑοειδής | hyoid |
| hyp(o)- | under | Greek | ὑπό (hupo) | hypothermia |
| hyper- | above, over | Greek | ὑπέρ (huper) | |
| hypn- | sleep | Greek | ὕπνος (hupnos) | hypnosis |
| hyster- | later | Greek | ὕστερος (husteros) | hysteresis |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ichth- | fish | Greek | ιχθύς (ichthus) | ichthyology |
| icos- | twenty | Greek | είκοσι (eikosi) | icosagon, icosahedron |
| id(o)- | shape | Greek | εἶδος (eidos) | idol |
| ide(o)- | idea; thought | Greek | ιδέα (idea) | ideology, ideogram |
| idi(o)- | personal | Greek | ἴδιος (idios) | idiom, idiosyncrasy, idiot |
| ign- | fire | Latin | ignis | igneous, ignition |
| in- (1), im- | in, on | Latin | in | invite, incur, intend |
| in- (2), il-, im-, ir- | in, un- (negation) | Latin | in- | illicit, impossible, inimical, irrational |
| infra- | under | Latin | infra | infrastructure |
| insul- | island | Latin | insula | insular, insulation |
| inter- | among, between | Latin | inter (preposition) – among, between | intermission, intercollegiate, intercourse |
| intra- | within | Latin | intra | intracollegiate |
| irasc-, irat- | be angry | Latin | irasci | irascible, irate |
| is(o)- | equal, the same | Greek | ίσος (isos) | isomorphic, isometric, isoceles |
| -(i)tat- | property of, quality of | Latin | quality, liberty | |
| iter- | again | Latin | iterum | iteration |
| itin- | route, way | Latin | iter, itinis – march, journey | itinerary |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| jac- | lie | Latin | jacēre "to be thrown" | adjacent |
| jac- (originally IAC), -ject- | cast, throw | Latin | iacio, iacere, ieci, iectus – "to throw" (and cognates thereof) | eject, interject, ejaculate, trajectory |
| jan- | door | Latin | janua | janitor |
| joc- | joke | Latin | jocus | jocularity |
| jug- | yoke | Latin | jugare, jugum | conjugal, subjugate |
| jung-, junct- | join | Latin | jungere, junctus | conjunction, juncture |
| junior- | younger | Latin | junior | juniority |
| jus-, jur, judic (originally IVS) | law, justice | Latin | ius, iuris; iudex, iudicis; iusticia, iusticiae, etc. | justice, jury, judge |
| juv-, jut- | help | Latin | juvare, jutus | adjutant |
| juven- | young, youth | Latin | juvenis | juvenile, rejuvenate |
| juxta- | beside, near | Latin | juxta | juxtaposition |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kil(o)- | thousand | Greek | χίλιοι (chilioi) | kilogram, kilometer, kilobyte |
| kine- | movement, motion | Greek | κινέω (kineo) | telekinesis, kinetic energy, kinesthetic |
| klept- | steal | Greek | κλέπτης (kleptēs) | kleptomania |
| kudo- | glory | Greek | κῦδος (kudos) | kudos |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lab-, laps- | slide, slip | Latin | labi, lapsus | elapse, relapse |
| labi- | lip | Latin | labia, labiae | bilabial, labial |
| labor- | toil | Latin | labor | collaboration, elaboration |
| lacer- | tear | Latin | lacer | laceration |
| lacrim- | cry, tears | Latin | lacrima "tear" | lacrimal, lacrimous |
| lact- | milk | Latin | lac, lactis, lactare | lactate, lactation, lactose |
| lamin- | layer, slice | Latin | lamina | laminate, lamination |
| lamp- | shine | Greek | λαμπάς lampas "torch" | lamp |
| lapid- | stone | Latin | lapis, lapidis | lapidary |
| larg- | large | Latin | largus | enlargement |
| larv- | ghost, mask | Latin | larva | larva, larvae, larval |
| lat(i)- | broad, wide | Latin | latus | latitude |
| later- | side | Latin | latus, lateris | bilateral |
| laud-, laus- | praise | Latin | laudere | laud |
| lav- | wash | Latin | lavare | lavatory |
| lax- | not tense | Latin | laxus, laxare | laxative, relaxation |
| led-, les- | hurt | Latin | laedere, laesus | lesion |
| leg- | law | Latin | lex, legis, legare | legal, legislative |
| leio- | smooth | Greek | λείος leios | leiomyoma |
| leni- | gentle | Latin | lenis, lenire | leniency |
| leon- | lion | Latin | leo, leonis "lion" | Leo, leonine, Leopold |
| lep- | flake, scale | Greek | λέπις lepis | Lepidoptera |
| leps- | grasp, seize | Greek | λήψης lepsis | epilepsy |
| leuc(o)-, leuk(o)- | white | Greek | λευκός leukos | leucocyte |
| lev- | lift, light | Latin | levis "light" (in weight), levare | elevator, levitation |
| liber- | free | Latin | liber, liberare | liberation |
| libr- | book | Latin | liber, libri | library |
| lig- | bind | Latin | ligare, ligatus | ligament, ligature |
| lin- | line | Latin | linea | linearity, line |
| lingu- | language, tongue | Latin | lingua tongue, language | bilingual, linguistic |
| linqu-, lict- | leave | Latin | linquere, lictus | relict, relinquish |
| lip(o)- | fat | Greek | λίπος lipos | lipolysis |
| liter- | letter | Latin | littera | alliteration, illiterate, literacy, literal, obliterate |
| lith(o)- | stone | Greek | λίθος lithos "stone" | lithosphere, megalith, monolith, Neolithic Era |
| loc- | place | Latin | locus | local, location |
| log- | thought, word, speech | Greek | λόγος logos "word" | logic, monologue, morphological |
| long- | long | Latin | longus | elongate, longitude |
| loqu-, locut- | speak | Latin | loqui | allocution, eloquence |
| luc- | bright, light | Latin | lux, lucis light | Lucifer (bearer of light) |
| lud-, lus- | play | Latin | ludere, lusus | allude, illusion |
| lumin- | light | Latin | lumen, luminis | illumination, luminous |
| lun- | moon | Latin | luna | lunar, lunatic |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| macro- | long | Greek | μακρός (makros) | macron |
| magn- | great, large | Latin | magnus | magnanimous, magnificent |
| maj- | greater | Latin | major, majus | majesty, majority, majuscule |
| mal- | bad, wretched, evil | Latin | malus | malfeasance, malicious, malignancy, malodorous |
| mamm- | breast | Latin | mamma | mammal, mammary gland |
| man- | flow | Latin | manare | emanationism, immanant |
| man- | stay | Latin | manēre, mansus | immanence, permanent, remanence |
| mand- | hand | Latin | mandāre, mandatus | mandate, remand |
| mania | crazy | Greek | μανία | kleptomania, maniac |
| manu- | hand | Latin | manus | manual, manuscript |
| mar- | sea | Latin | mare, maris | marine, maritime |
| mater-, matr- | mother | Latin | mater, matris | matriarch, matrix |
| maxim- | greatest | Latin | maximus | maximal |
| medi-, -midi- | middle | Latin | medius, mediare | median, medieval |
| meg- | great, large | Greek | μέγας (megas) | megaphone |
| mei- | less | Greek | μείον (meiōn) | meiosis |
| melan- | black, dark | Greek | μέλας (melas) | Melanesia, melanoma |
| melior- | better | Latin | melior | amelioration |
| mell- | honey | Latin | mel, mellis | mellifluous |
| memor- | remember | Latin | memor | memorial |
| mening- | membrane | Greek | μενινξ (meninx) | meningitis |
| men(o)- | moon | Greek | μήν (men) | menstruation, menopause |
| ment- | mind | Latin | mens, mentis | demented, mentality |
| mer- | part | Greek | μέρος (meros) | polymer |
| merc- | reward, wages, hire | Latin | merx, mercis | mercantile, merchant |
| merg-, mers- | dip, plunge | Latin | mergere | emerge, immersion |
| mes- | middle | Greek | μέσος (mesos) | mesolithic, mesozoic |
| meter-, metr- | measure | Greek | μέτρον (metron) | metric, thermometer |
| meta- | above, among, beyond | Greek | μετά (meta) | metaphor, metaphysics |
| mic- | grain | Latin | mica | micelle |
| micr(o)- | small | Greek | μικρός (mikros) | microphone, microscope |
| migr- | wander | Latin | migrare | emigrant, migrate |
| milit- | soldier | Latin | miles, militis | military, militia |
| mill- | thousand | Latin | mille | millennium, million |
| millen- | thousand each | Latin | milleni | millenary |
| mim- | repeat | Greek | μίμος (mimos) | mime, mimic |
| min- | jut | Latin | minere | prominent |
| min- | less, smaller | Latin | minor, minus | minority, minuscule |
| mir- | wonder, amazement | Latin | miror, mirari, miratus sum | admire, miracle, mirror |
| mis- | hate | Greek | μῖσος (misos) | misandry, misogyny |
| misce-, mixt- | mix | Latin | miscere, mixtus | miscellaneous, mixture |
| mit- | thread | Greek | μίτος (mitos) | mitochondrion |
| mitt-, miss- | send | Latin | mittere, missus | intermittent, missionary, transmission |
| mne- | memory | Greek | μνήμη (mnēmē) | mnemonic |
| mol- | grind | Latin | mola, molere, molitus | molar |
| moll- | soft | Latin | mollis | emollient, mollify |
| mon(o)- | one | Greek | μόνος (monos) | monolith, monotone, monism |
| monil- | string of beads | Latin | monile | Moniliformida |
| mont- | mountain | Latin | mons, montis | Montana |
| morph- | form, shape | Greek | μορφή (morphe) | anthropomorphism, morpheme, morphology |
| mort- | death | Latin | mors, mortis | immortal, mortality, mortuary |
| mov-, mot- | move, motion | Latin | moveo, movere, motus | mobile, momentum, motor, move |
| mulg-, muls- | milk | Latin | mulgere | emulsion |
| mult(i)- | many, much | Latin | multus | multitude, multiple, multiplex |
| mur- | wall | Latin | murus, muri | immured, mural |
| mus- | thief | Latin | mus, muris | mouse |
| musc- | fly | Latin | musca, muscae | Muscicapidae, Muscidae |
| mut- | change | Latin | mutare | mutation |
| my- | mouse | Greek | Μυς (mus) | musophobia |
| myri- | countless, ten thousand | Greek | μύριος (murios) | myriad |
| myth- | story | Greek | μῦθος (muthos) | mythic, mythology |
| myx- | slime | Greek | μύξα (muxa) | |
| myz- | suck | Greek |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nar- | nostril | Latin | naris | |
| narc- | numb | Greek | νάρκη (narkē) | narcosis, narcotic |
| narr- | tell | Latin | narrare | narrative |
| nas- | nose | Latin | nasus | nasal |
| nasc-, nat- | born | Latin | nascere, natus | nascent, native |
| naut- | ship | Greek | (naus) | astronaut |
| nav- | ship | Latin | navis | naval |
| ne(o)- | new | Greek | νέος (neos) | neologism |
| necr(o)- | dead | Greek | νεκρός (nekros) | necrophobia |
| nect-, nex- | join, tie | Latin | nectere, nexus | connection |
| necto-, nect- | swimming | Greek | νεκτος nektos | nectopod |
| neg- | say no | Latin | negare | negative |
| nema- | hair | Greek | νήμα | nematode |
| nemor- | grove, woods | Latin | nemus, nemoris | nemoral |
| nephr- | kidney | Greek | νεφρός (nephros) | nephritis |
| nes- | island | Greek | νήσος (nesos) | Polynesia |
| neur- | nerve | Greek | νευρών (neuron) | neurology, neurosurgeon |
| nict- | wink | Latin | nictari | nictation |
| nigr- | black | Latin | niger | denigrate |
| nihil- | nothing | Latin | nihilum | annihilation |
| noct- | night | Latin | nox, noctis | nocturnal |
| nod- | knot | Latin | nodus | node, nodule |
| nom- | arrangement, law | Greek | νόμος (nomos) | |
| nomad- | those who let pasture herds | Greek | νομάς, νομάδος (nomas, nomados) | nomadic |
| nomin- | name | Latin | nomen, nominis | nomination |
| non- | not | Latin | non | none |
| non- | ninth | Latin | nonus | nonary |
| nonagen- | ninety each | Latin | nonageni | nonagenary |
| nonagesim- | ninetieth | Latin | nonagesimus | nonagesimal |
| not- | letter, note, paper | Latin | notare | notaphily |
| noth- | spurious | |||
| noto- | back, south | Greek | νότος (notos) | |
| nov- | nine | Latin | novem | novennial |
| nov- | new | Latin | novus | innovation, nova |
| noven- | nine each | Latin | noveni | novenary |
| novendec- | nineteen | Latin | novendecim | |
| nox-, noc- | harmful | Latin | noxa | noxious |
| nu- | nod | Latin | nuere | innuendo |
| nub- | Latin | nubes, nubis | nubile | |
| nuc- | nut | Latin | nux, nucis | nucleus |
| nuch- | back of neck | Latin | nucha | nuchal cord |
| nud- | naked | Latin | nudus | denude, nudity |
| null(i)- | none | Latin | nullus | nullify |
| numer- | number | Latin | numerus | numeral |
| -nunci- | announce | Latin | nuntius | pronunciation |
| nupti- | Latin | nuptial | ||
| nutri- | nourish | Latin | nutrire | nutrient |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ob-, o-, oc-, os- | against | Latin | ob | obstinate, ostentatious, obstreperous |
| oct- | eight | Greek | ὀκτώ (oktō) | octagon, octahedron |
| oct- | eight | Latin | octō | octangular, octennial, octovir |
| octav- | eighth | Latin | octāvus | octaval |
| octogen- | eighty each | Latin | octogeni | octogenary |
| octogesim- | eightieth | Latin | octogesimus | octogesimal |
| octon- | eight each | Latin | octoni | octonary |
| ocul- | eye | Latin | oculus, oculare | ocular, oculus |
| od- | path, way | Greek | ὁδός (hodos) | anode, odometer |
| od- | hate | Latin | odium | odious |
| odont- | tooth | Greek | ὀδούς, ὀδόντος (odous, odontos) | odontology |
| odor- | fragrant | Latin | odor | odorous |
| oeco- | house | Greek | οἶκος (oikos) | ecology |
| oed- | swollen | Greek | οἴδημα (oidēma) | oedema |
| oen- | wine | Greek | οἶνος (oinos) | oenology |
| oesoph- | gullet | Greek | οἰσοφάγος (oisophagos) | oesophagus |
| ogdo- | eighth | Greek | ὄγδοος (ogdoos) | |
| -oid | like | Greek | -οειδής (-oeidēs) | |
| ole- | oily | Latin | ||
| olecran- | skull of elbow | Latin from Greek | ὠλέκρανον (ōlekranon) | olecranon |
| olig- | few | Greek | ὀλίγος (oligos) | oligarchy |
| oliv- | olive | Latin | oliva | |
| -oma | cancer | Greek | -ωμα | |
| omas- | paunch | Latin | omasum | omasum |
| oment- | fat skin | Latin | omentum | |
| omin- | Latin | omen, ominis | ominous | |
| omm- | eye | Greek | ὄμμα (omma) | ommatidium |
| omni- | all | Latin | omnis | omnipotence, omnivore |
| omo- | shoulder | Latin | ||
| omphal- | navel | Greek | ὀμφαλός (omphalos) | omphalectomy |
| oner- | burden | Latin | onus, oneris | onerous |
| onom- | name | Greek | όνομα (onoma) | onomatopoeia |
| ont- | existing | Greek | ὄντος (ontos) | ontogeny, ontology |
| -onym | name | Greek | ὄνυμα (onuma) | pseudonym |
| oo- | egg | Greek | (oion) | oocyte |
| opac- | shady | Latin | opacus | opacity |
| oper- | work | Latin | opus, operis | opera |
| opercul- | little cover | Latin | operculum | |
| ophi- | snake | Greek | ὄφις (ophis) | |
| ophthalm- | eye | Greek | ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos) | ophthalmology |
| opisth- | behind | Greek | ὄπισθεν (opisthen) | opisthosoma, opsimath |
| opoter- | either | Greek | ὁπότερος (hopoteros) | |
| opt- | eye | Greek | ὀπτός optos | optical |
| opt- | choose | Latin | optare | adopt, optional |
| optim- | best | Latin | optimus | optimum |
| or- | mouth | Latin | os, oris | oral, orator |
| orb- | circle | Latin | orbis | orbit |
| orch- | testicle | Greek | ὄρχις (orchis) | orchid |
| ordin- | order | Latin | ōrdō, ordinis | ordinal, ordinary |
| organ- | organ, instrument, tool | Greek | ὄργανον (organon) | organism |
| ori-, ort- | eastern | Latin | oriri, ortus | orient |
| orn- | Latin | ōrnāre | adorn, ornament, ornate | |
| ornith- | bird | Greek | ὄρνις (ornis, ornithos) | ornithology |
| orth(o)- | straight | Greek | ὀρθός (orthos) | orthodoxy, orthosis |
| oscill- | swing | Latin | oscillum | oscillation |
| oss(i)- | bone | Latin | os, ossis | |
| osteo- | bone | Greek | ὀστοῦν (ostoun) | osteoporosis |
| osti- | entrance | Latin | ostium | ostiole |
| ostrac- | shell | Greek | ὄστρακον (ostrakon) | ostracism |
| ot- | ear | Greek | οὖς,ωτός (ous, ōtos) | otology |
| ov- | egg | Latin | ovum | oval, ovule |
| ovi- | sheep | Latin | ovis | ovine |
| oxy- | sharp, pointed | Greek | ὀξύς (oxus) | oxymoron |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pac- | peace | Latin | pax, pacis | pacifism |
| pach- | thick | Greek | παχύς (pachus) | pachydermata |
| paed- | child | Greek | παῖς, παιδός (pais, paidos) | paediatric |
| pagin- | page | Latin | pagina | pagination |
| pal- | stake | Latin | palus | impale |
| palae-, pale- | ancient, old | Greek | παλαιός (palaios) | paleontology |
| palin- | back | Greek | παλιν (palin) | palindrome |
| pall- | pale | Latin | pallere | pallid, pallor |
| palli- | mantle | Latin | pallium | pallium |
| palm- | palm | Latin | palma | palmate |
| palustr(i)- | in marshes | Latin | paluster | palustral |
| pan-, pam- | all | Greek | πᾶς, παντός (pas, pantos) | pandemic |
| pand-, pans- | spread | Latin | pandere, pansus | expand, expansion |
| par(a)- | beside, near | Greek | παρά (para) | parallel, parameter |
| pariet- | wall | Latin | paries, parietis | parietal |
| part(i)- | part | Latin | pars, partis | partition |
| parthen(o)- | maiden | Greek | παρθένος (parthenos) | parthenogenesis |
| parv- | little | Latin | parvus | |
| pasc-, past- | feed | Latin | pascere, pastus | pasture, repast |
| pass- | pace, step | Latin | passus | |
| passer- | sparrow | Latin | passer | passeriform, passerine |
| pat- | be open | Latin | patere | patent |
| path- | to feel, hurt | Greek | πάθος (pathos) | pathetic, pathology |
| pati-, pass- | suffer; feel; endure; permit | Latin | pati, passus | passive, patient |
| patr(i)- | father | Latin | pater, patris | patriarch, patrilocal |
| pauc- | few | Latin | paucus | paucity |
| pav- | Latin | pavement | ||
| pecc- | sin | Latin | peccare | impeccable |
| pect- | fixed | Greek | πηκτός (pēktos) | pectic, pectin |
| pector- | chest | Latin | pectus, pectoris | pectoral |
| pecun- | money | Latin | pecunia | pecuniary |
| ped- | child | Greek | παῖς, παιδός (pais, paidos) | pedagogy |
| ped- | foot | Latin | pes, pedis | pedal |
| pejor- | worse | Latin | pejor | pejorative |
| pel-, puls- | drive | Latin | pellere | propellent, propulsion |
| pen- | almost | Latin | paene | peninsula, penultimate, penumbra |
| pend-, pens- | hang | Latin | pendere | suspend |
| penis- | deficiency | Greek | πενία (penia) | |
| penn-, pinn- | feather | Latin | penna | pennate |
| pent- | five | Greek | πέντε (pente) | pentagon |
| pentecost- | fiftieth | Greek | (pentekostos) | pentecostalism |
| pept- | to digest | Greek | πέσσειν, πεπτός (pessein, peptos) | peptic |
| per- | thoroughly, through | Latin | per | perfect, persistent |
| peran- | across, beyond | Greek | ||
| peri- | around | Greek | περί | perimeter, periscope |
| persic- | peach | Greek | περσικός (persikos) | |
| pessim- | worst | Latin | pessimus | pessimal |
| pet- | strive towards | Latin | petere | appetite, competition |
| petr- | rock | Greek | πέτρα (petra) | petroglyph |
| phaeo- | dark | Greek | φαιός (phaios) | |
| phag- | eat | Greek | φαγεῖν (phagein) | sarcophagus |
| phalang- | close formation of troops, finger bones | Greek | φάλαγξ, φάλαγγος (phalanx, phalangos) | phalange(s) |
| phalar- | having a patch of white | Greek | φάλαρος (phalāros)[1] | |
| pharma- | drug, medicine | Greek | φάρμακον | pharmacy |
| phanero- | visible | Greek | φανερός | |
| pher- | bear, carry | Greek | φέρω | pheromone |
| philia- | love, friendship | Greek | φιλια | philosophy |
| phleg- | heat | Greek | φλέγω | Phlegmatics |
| phloe- | tree bark | Greek | φλοιός (phloios) | |
| phob(ia)- | fear | Greek | φόβος (phobos) | hydrophobia |
| phon(o)- | sound | Greek | φωνή (phone) | microphone, phonograph |
| phor- | carry, bearing, bearer | Greek | φόρος (phoros) | metaphor |
| phos-, phot- | light | Greek | φῶς | photograph |
| phragm- | fence | Greek | φράγμα (phragma) | diaphragm |
| phren- | diaphragm, mind | Greek | φρήν, φρενός (phrēn, phrenos) | schizophrenia |
| phryn(o)- | toad, toad-like | Greek | φρύνη (phrunē) | |
| phyl- | tribe | Greek | φύλων (phulon) | phylum |
| phyll- | leaf | Greek | φύλλων (phullon) | chlorophyll |
| physa- | bladder | Greek | φυσά, φούσκα (phusa, phouska) | |
| phys- | nature | Greek | φύση (physe) | physics |
| phyt- | plant | Greek | φυτών (phuton) | neophyte |
| pic- | pitch | Latin | pix, picis | |
| pil- | hair | Latin | ||
| pin- | pine | Latin | ||
| ping-, pict- | paint | Latin | pingere | picture |
| pino- | drink | Greek | πίνειν (pinein) | pinocytosis |
| pir- | pear | Latin | ||
| pisc- | fish | Latin | piscis | Pisces |
| pis- | pea | Greek | πίσος (pisos) | |
| plac- | plate, tablet | Greek | πλαξ, πλακός (plax, plakos) | |
| plac- | calm | Latin | placare, placatus | placate |
| plac-, -plic- | please | Latin | placēre, placitus | placid |
| plagi- | oblique | Greek | πλάγιος (plagios) | |
| plan- | flat | Latin | planus | explanation, planar |
| plang- | Latin | plangere | plangent | |
| plas- | mould | Greek | πλάθω (platho) | plasma, plastic |
| platy- | flat, broad | Greek | πλατύς (platus) | platypus |
| plaud-, plaus- | clap | Latin | plaudere, plausus | applaud |
| ple-, plet- | fill | Latin | plere | complete, suppletive |
| pleb- | people | Latin | plebs, plebis | plebian |
| plect-, plex- | plait | Latin | plectere, plexus | perplex |
| plec- | interwoven | Greek | πλέκω (pleko) | Plectics |
| plen- | full | Latin | plenus | plenary |
| plesi- | near | Greek | πλησίος (plēsios) | |
| pleth- | full | Greek | πλῆθος (plēthos) | plethora |
| pleur- | side | Greek | πλευρά pleura | |
| plic- | fold, braid | Latin | plicare, plicatus | duplication, replicate |
| plinth- | brick | Greek | πλίνθος (plinthos) | |
| plor- | Latin | plorare | implore | |
| plu- | rain | Latin | pluere | |
| plum- | feather | Latin | pluma | plumage, plumate |
| plumb- | lead | Latin | plumbum | |
| plur- | more | Latin | pluris | plural |
| plurim- | most | Latin | plurimus | |
| plus- | more | Latin | plus | |
| pluvi- | rain | Latin | pluvia | pluvial |
| pneu- | air, lung | Greek | πνεῦμα | pneumatic |
| pod- | foot | Greek | πούς, ποδός (pous, podos) | podiatry, tripod |
| pogon(o)- | beard | Greek | πώγων, πώγωνος (pōgōn, pōgōnos) | pogonotrophy |
| poie- | make | Greek | ποιέω | poiesis |
| pole-, poli- | city | Greek | πόλις (polis) | metropolis, politics |
| pol- | pole | Greek | πόλος (polos) | dipole, polar |
| pol- | stake, pale | Latin | palus | pole-vault |
| polem- | war | Greek | πόλεμος (polemos) | polemic |
| poli(o)- | grey | Greek | πολιός (polios) | |
| pollic- | thumb | Latin | pollex, pollicis | |
| pollin- | Latin | pollen, pollinis | pollination | |
| poly- | many | Greek | πολύς (polus) | polygon |
| pon-, posit- | put | Latin | ponere, positus | component, position, postpone |
| ponder- | weight | Latin | pondus, ponderis | ponderable |
| pont- | bridge | Latin | pons, pontis | pontoon |
| popul- | people | Latin | populus | population |
| por- | passage | Greek | πόρος (poros) | pore |
| porc- | pig | Latin | porcus | porcine, pork |
| porphyr- | purple | Greek | πορφύρα (porphura) | porphyrin |
| port- | gate | Latin | porta | portal |
| port- | carry | Latin | portare, portatus | export, transportation |
| post- | after, behind | Latin | post | posterior, postscript |
| pot- | drink | Latin | potare | potable |
| potam- | river | Greek | ποταμός (potamos) | Mesopotamia, hippopotamus |
| prasin- | leek-green | Greek | πράσινος (prasinos) | prasinous |
| prat- | meadow | Latin | pratum | |
| prav- | crooked | Latin | pravus | depravity |
| pre- | before | Latin | prae | previous |
| prec- | pray | Latin | prex, precare | deprecation |
| pred- | Latin | praedari | predator | |
| prehend-, prend- | grasp | Latin | prehendere | comprehend |
| prem-, -prim-, press- | press | Latin | premere, pressus | pressure |
| presb- | old | Greek | πρέσβυς (presbus) | Presbyterianism |
| preter- | past | Latin | praeter | preterite, pretermission |
| preti- | price | Latin | pretium | |
| prim- | first | Latin | primus | primary, primeval, primitive |
| prior- | former | Latin | prior | priority |
| priv- | separate | Latin | privare, privatus | deprivation |
| pro- | before, in front of | Greek | πρό (pro) | |
| pro- | for, forward | Latin | pro | propulsion |
| prob- | try | Latin | probare | probation |
| proct- | anus | Greek | πρωκτός (proktos) | proctology |
| propri- | Latin | proprius | appropriate | |
| pros(o)- | forward | Greek | πρός (pros) | |
| prot(o)- | first | Greek | πρῶτος (prōtos) | protoplasm |
| proxim- | nearest | Latin | proximus | proximity |
| prun- | plum | Latin | prunus | prune |
| psamma- | sand | Greek | ψάμμος (psammos) | |
| pseud(o)- | false | Greek | ψεῦδος (pseudos) | pseudonym |
| psil(o)- | bare | Greek | ψιλός (psilos) | epsilon |
| psych(o)- | mind | Greek | ψυχη (psychē) | psycho |
| psychr(o)- | cold | Greek | ψυχρος (psuchros) | |
| pter- | wing, fern | Greek | πτερών (pteron) | helicopter |
| pto- | fall | Greek | πτώσης | ptosis |
| ptyal- | saliva | Greek | πτύον (ptyon) | |
| ptych- | fold, layer | Greek | πτυχή (ptuchē) | triptych |
| pubi- | sexually mature | Latin | pubic, pubescent | |
| public- | Latin | publicus | publication | |
| pude- | Latin | pudere | impudent | |
| pugn- | fight | Latin | pugnare | pugnacious, repugnant |
| pulchr- | beautiful | Latin | pulcher, pulchri | pulchritude |
| pulmon- | lung | Latin | pulmo, pulmonis | pulmonary |
| pulver- | dust | Latin | pulvis, pulveris | pulverize |
| pung-, punct- | prick | Latin | pungere | puncture, pungent |
| puni- | punish | Latin | punire | punitive |
| pup- | doll | Latin | pupa | pupa, puppet |
| pur- | pure | Latin | purus | impure, purity |
| purg- | Latin | purgare | expurgate, purgatory | |
| purpur- | purple | Latin | purpura | |
| put- | think | Latin | putāre | compute, putative |
| pygo- | rump | Greek | πύγηε (pugē) | |
| pyl- | gate | Greek | πυλών, πυλῶνος (pulōn) | pylon |
| pyr(o)- | heat, fire | Greek | πύρ, πυρός (pur, puros) | pyrolysis |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| quadr- | four | Latin | quattuor | quadrangle, quadrillion |
| quadragen- | forty each | Latin | quadrageni | quadragenary |
| quadragesim- | fortieth | Latin | quadragesimus | quadragesimal |
| quart- | fourth | Latin | quartus | quartary, quartile |
| quasi- | as if | Latin | quasi | |
| quatern- | four each | Latin | quaterni | quaternary, quaternion |
| quati-, quass- | shake | Latin | quatere | |
| quer-, -quir-, quesit-, -quisit- | search, seek | Latin | quaerere | Inquisition, query |
| qui- | rest | Latin | quies | quiet |
| quin- | five each | Latin | quini | quinary |
| quindecim- | fifteenth | Latin | quindecimus | quindecimal |
| quinden- | fifteen each | Latin | quindeni | quindenary |
| quinque- | five | Latin | quinque | quinquennium |
| quint- | fifth | Latin | quintus | quintary, quintile |
| quot- | how many, how great | Latin | quota, quotient |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rad-, ras- | scrape, shave | Latin | radere, rasus | abrade, abrasion |
| 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- | turnip | Latin | rapum | rapeseed |
| raph- | seam | Greek | ραφή (raphē) | |
| rar- | Latin | rarus | rarity | |
| rauc- | harsh, hoarse | Latin | raucus | raucous |
| re-, red- | again, back | Latin | re- | recede, redact |
| reg-, -rig-, rect- | straight | Latin | regere, rectus | dirigible, erect, erection, rectum |
| rem- | oar | Latin | remus | bireme, trireme |
| ren- | kidney | Latin | renes | renal |
| rep-, rept- | crawl, creep | Latin | repere, reptus | reptile |
| ret- | net | Latin | rete | reticle, retina |
| retro- | backward, behind | Latin | retro | retrograde, retrospective, retrovirus |
| rhabd- | rod | Greek | ῥάβδος (rhabdos) | rhabdoid, rhabdom |
| rhach-, rach- | spine | Greek | ῥάχις, ῥάχεως (rhachis) | rhachiodont |
| rhag- | tear, rent | Greek | ῥαγίζω | rhagades |
| rhe- | flow | Greek | ῥεῖν (rhein) | rheostat |
| rhig- | chill | Greek | ῥῖγος (rhigos) | rhigosaurus |
| rhin- | nose, snout | Greek | ῥίς, ῥινός (rhis, rhinos) | rhinoplasty |
| rhiz- | root | Greek | ῥίζα (rhiza) | rhizome |
| rhod(o)- | rose | Greek | ῥόδον (rhodon) | rhododendron |
| rhomb- | spinning top | Greek | ῥόμβος (rhombos) | rhombus |
| rhynch- | snout | Greek | ῥύγχος | Rhynchobatus |
| rid-, ris- | laugh | Latin | ridere, risus | derision, ridicule |
| robor- | oak, strength | Latin | robur, roboris | corroboration |
| rod-, ros- | gnaw | Latin | rodere, rosus | corrode, erosion, rodent |
| rog- | ask | Latin | rogare | interrogation |
| rostr- | beak, prow | Latin | rostrum | rostrum |
| rot- | wheel | Latin | rota, rotare | rotation |
| ruber-, rubr- | red | Latin | ruber | rubric, ruby |
| rug- | wrinkle | Latin | ruga, rugare | corrugation |
| rumin- | throat | Latin | rumen, ruminis | rumination |
| rump-, rupt- | break | Latin | rumpere, ruptus | eruption, rupture |
| rur- | country | Latin | rus, ruris | rural |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sacchar- | sugar | Greek | σάκχαρον (sakcharon) | saccharin |
| sacr-, secr- | sacred | Latin | sacer, sacrare | consecrate, sacrament |
| sagac- | Wise | Latin | sagax, sagacis | sagacity |
| sagitt- | arrow | Latin | sagitta | sagittal plane, Sagittaria |
| sal- | salt | Latin | sal, salis, salere | salinity |
| sali-, -sili-, salt- | jump | Latin | salire, saltus | resilient, salient, saltus |
| salic- | willow | Latin | salix, salicis | salicin |
| salv- | save | Latin | salvare | salvation |
| san- | healthy | Latin | sanus | insane, sanity |
| sanct- | holy | Latin | sancire | sanctify, sanctuary |
| sanguin- | blood | Latin | sanguis, sanguinis | sanguine |
| sapi-, -sipi- | taste; wise | Latin | sapere | sapient |
| sapon- | soap | Latin | sapo, saponis | saponification |
| sarc(o)- | flesh | Greek | σάρξ (sarx, sarkos) | sarcophagus |
| sativ- | cultivated | Latin | sativus | |
| saur- | lizard, reptile | Greek | σαῦρος (sauros) | dinosaur |
| saxum | rock | Latin | saxum | |
| scab- | scratch | Latin | scabere | scabies |
| scal- | ladder, stairs | Latin | scala | scale |
| scalen- | uneven | Greek | σκαληνός skalenos | scalene |
| scand-, -scend-, scans-, -scens- | climb | Latin | scandere | ascend |
| scaph- | anything hollow, bowl, ship | Greek | ||
| schem- | plan | Greek | σχῆμα (schema) | schematic |
| schis- | split | Greek | σχίσμα (schisma) | schism |
| sci- | know | Latin | scire | prescient, science |
| scind-, sciss- | split | Latin | scindere | scissors |
| scler- | hard | Greek | σκληρός (sklēros) | scleroderma |
| scoli- | crooked | Greek | σκολιός (skolios) | scoliosis |
| scop-, scopy, scept- | look at, examine, view, observe | Greek | σκοπός (skopos) | kaleidoscope, stethoscope |
| scrib-, script- | write | Latin | scribere | inscribe, scripture |
| sculp- | carve | Latin | sculpere | sculpture |
| scut- | shield | Latin | scutum | scute |
| scyph- | cup | Greek | χούφτα (choyphta) | Scyphozoa |
| se-, sed- | apart | Latin | se | secede, sedition |
| seb- | tallow | Latin | sebum | sebaceous, sebum |
| sec-, sect-, seg- | cut | Latin | secare | secant, section, segment |
| sed- | settle, calm | Latin | sedare | sedative |
| sed-, -sid-, sess- | sit | Latin | sedere | reside, sediment, session, supersede |
| sedec- | sixteen | Latin | sedecim | sedecimal |
| seget- | in cornfields | Latin | segetum | |
| sei- | shake | Greek | σεισμός (seismos) | seismograph |
| selen- | moon | Greek | σελήνη (selene) | Selene |
| sell- | saddle, seat | Latin | sella | |
| sema- | sign | Greek | σῆμα (sema) | semantics, semaphore |
| semi- | half | Latin | semis | semi-final |
| semin- | seed | Latin | semen, seminis | insemination |
| sen- | old man | Latin | senex, senis | senator, senility |
| sen- | six each | Latin | seni | senary |
| senti-, sens- | feel | Latin | sentire, sensus | consensus |
| sept- | fence, partition, enclosure | Latin | saeptum | transept |
| sept- | seven | Latin | septem | septennium |
| septen- | seven each | Latin | septeni | septenary |
| septim- | seventh | Latin | septimus | |
| septuagen- | seventy each | Latin | septuageni | septuagenary |
| septuagesim- | seventieth | Latin | septuagesimus | septuagesimal |
| septuagint- | seventy | Latin | septuaginta | Septuagint |
| sequ-, secut- | follow | Latin | sequere | consecutive, sequence |
| ser(o)- | any body fluid | Latin | serum | |
| ser(ot)- | late | Latin | serus | |
| serp- | crawl | Latin | serpere | serpent |
| serr- | saw, saw-toothed | Latin | serra, serrare | serration |
| serv- | save, protect, serve | Latin | servare | conservation |
| sesqui- | one and a half | Latin | sesqui | sesquicentennial |
| set- | hair | Latin | seta | |
| sever- | stern, strict, serious | Latin | severus | severity |
| sex-, se- | six | Latin | sex | semester, sexangle, sexennium |
| sexagen- | sixty each | Latin | sexageni | sexagenary |
| sexagesim- | sixtieth | Latin | sexagesimus | sexagesimal |
| sext- | sixth | Latin | sextus | sextant |
| sibil- | hiss | Latin | sibilus, sibilare | sibilance |
| sicc- | dry | Latin | siccus | desiccation |
| sider- | star | Latin | sidus, sideris | sidereal |
| sign- | sign | Latin | signum | design, designate, signal |
| sil- | quiet or still | Latin | silere | silence |
| silv- | forest | Latin | silva | silviculture |
| simi- | ape, monkey | Latin | simia | simian |
| simil- | likeness, trust, group | Latin | similis | assimilate, similarity |
| simul- | an imitating, feigning | Latin | simulare | simulation |
| singul- | one each | Latin | singuli | singular |
| sinistr- | left | Latin | sinister, sinistri | sinistral |
| sinu- | (to draw) a line | Latin | sinuare | insinuate |
| sinus- | hollow, bay | Latin | sinus | |
| siph(o)- | tube | Greek | σίφων (siphon) | siphon |
| sist- | cause to stand | Latin | sistere | consist |
| sito- | food, grain, wheat | Greek | σίτος (sitos) | sitology |
| soci- | group | Latin | socius, sociare | associate, social |
| sol- | sun | Latin | sol | solar |
| sol- | comfort, soothe | Latin | solare | consolation |
| solen- | pipe, channel | Greek | σωλήν (solen) | solenoid |
| solv-, solut- | loosen, set free | Latin | solvere | solution |
| soma- | body | Greek | σῶμα (sōma) | somatic |
| somn- | sleep | Latin | somnus | insomnia |
| somni- | dream | Latin | somnium | |
| son- | sound | Latin | sonus | resonance |
| soph- | Wise | Greek | σοφός (sophos) | sophist |
| sorb-, sorpt- | suck | Latin | sorbere | absorb, absorption |
| sord- | dirt | Latin | sordes, sordere | sordid |
| soror- | sister | Latin | soror | sorority |
| spati- | space | Latin | spatium | spatial |
| spec-, -spic-, spect- | look | Latin | specere | conspicuous, inspection, specimen |
| spect- | watch, look at | Latin | spectare | spectator |
| specul- | observe | Latin | speculari | speculation |
| sper- | hope | Latin | spes, sperare | desperation, esperance |
| sperm- | seed | Greek | σπέρμα (sperma) | angiosperm |
| sphen(o)- | wedge | Greek | σφήν (sphen) | |
| spher- | ball | Greek | σφαῖρα (sphaira) | spheroid, sphere |
| sphinct- | closing | Greek | σφίγγα | |
| spic- | spike | Latin | spica | |
| spin- | thorn | Latin | spina | spine |
| spir- | breathe | Latin | spirare | respiration |
| spond-, spons- | a surety, guarantee; give assurance, promise solemnly | Latin | spondere, sponsus | |
| spondyl- | vertebra | |||
| spu-, sput- | spew, spit | Latin | spuere | sputum |
| squal- | scaly, dirty, filthy | Latin | squalere | squalid, squalor |
| squam- | scale | Latin | squama | |
| squarros- | spreading at tips | Latin | ||
| st- | stand | Latin | stare, status | stable, station, status, statistic, statue, establish |
| stagn- | pool of standing water | Latin | stagnare | stagnant |
| stalact- | Greek | σταλακτίτες (stalaktites) | stalactite | |
| stalagm- | Greek | σταλαγμός (stalagmos) | stalagmite | |
| stann- | tin | Latin | stannum | stannous |
| statu-, -stitu- | stand | Latin | statuere | institution, statute |
| stea- | fat, tallow | Greek | στέαρ, στεαρος (stear, steatos) | stearic acid |
| steg- | covering | Greek | steganography | |
| stell- | star | Latin | stella | constellation, stellar |
| sten- | narrow | Greek | στενός (stenos) | stenography |
| stere- | solid | Greek | στερεός (stereos) | |
| stern-, strat- | spread, strew | Latin | sternere, stratus | stratify |
| stern- | breastbone | Greek | στέρνον (sternon) | sternum |
| stich- | line, row | Greek | στίχος (stichos) | |
| stig- | Greek | στίγμα | stigma | |
| still- | drip | Latin | stilla, stillare | distillation |
| stimul- | goad, rouse, excite | Latin | stimulus | stimulate |
| stingu-, stinct- | apart | Latin | stinguere | distinction, distinguish |
| stoch- | aim | Greek | στόχος | stochastic |
| stom- | mouth | Greek | στόμα | |
| strept- | twisted | Greek | στρεπτός (streptos) | |
| strig- | compress | Latin | strix, strigis | strigogyps |
| string-, strict- | upright, stiff | Latin | stringere, strictus | stringent |
| strigos- | having stiff bristles | Latin | ||
| stroph- | turning | Greek | στροφή (strophe) | |
| stru-, struct- | Latin | struere | construction, construe | |
| stud- | dedication | Latin | studere | student |
| stup- | wonder | Latin | stupere | stupor |
| styl- | column, pillar | Greek | στῦλος (stulos) | stylus |
| su-, sut- | sew | Latin | suere | suture |
| sui- | self | Latin | suicide | |
| suad-, suas- | urge | Latin | suadere, suasus | persuasion |
| suav- | sweet | Latin | suavis | suave |
| sub-, su-, sus- | below | Latin | sub | submerge |
| subter- | Latin | subter | subterfuge | |
| sucr- | sugar | Latin | sucrose | |
| sud- | sweat | Latin | sudare | |
| sulc- | furrow | Latin | sulcus | sulcus |
| sum-, sumpt- | take | Latin | sumere | assumption, consume |
| super- | above, over | Latin | super | supersede |
| supin- | lying back | Latin | supinus | |
| supra- | above, over | Latin | supra | supranationalism |
| surd- | deaf | Latin | surdus | absurdity |
| surg- | rise | Latin | surgere | resurgent |
| syn-, sy-, syl-, sym- | with | Greek | σύν (sun) | symbol, system, synonym, symmetry |
| syring- | pipe | Greek | σύριγξ, σύριγγος (syrinx, syringos) |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tac-, -tic- | be silent | Latin | tacere, tacitus | reticent, tacit |
| tach- | swift | Greek | ταχυς (tachus) | tachometer |
| taenia- | ribbon | Greek | ταινία (tainia) | |
| tal- | ankle | Latin | talus | |
| tang-, -ting-, tact-, tag- | touch | Latin | tangere, tactus | contact, tangent |
| tapet- | carpet | Latin | tapete, tapetis | |
| tard- | slow | Latin | tardus | retard, tardy |
| tars- | ankle | Greek | ταρσός (tarsos, a flat basket) | tarsal |
| taur- | bull | Greek | ταῦρος (tauros) | Minotaur |
| taur- | bull | Latin | taurus | Taurus |
| tax- | arrangement, order | Greek | τάξης (taxis) | taxonomy |
| techn- | Greek | τέχνη (techne) | technology | |
| teg-, tect- | cover | Latin | tegere, tectus | protection |
| tele- | far, end | Greek | τῆλε- | telephone, telescope, telegram |
| teleo- | complete | Greek | τέλος | teleology |
| temno- | cut | Greek | τέμνω | |
| tempor- | time | Latin | tempus, temporis | temporary, temporal. |
| ten-, -tin-, tent- | hold | Latin | tenere, tentus | continent, tenacious |
| tend-, tens- | stretch | Latin | tendere, tensus | extend, extension |
| tenu- | slender, thin | Latin | tenuis | attenuate, tenuous |
| tep- | be warm | Latin | tepere | tepid |
| ter-, trit- | rub | Latin | terere, tritus | attrition, contrite |
| teret- | rounded | Latin | teres, teretis | |
| terg-, ters- | wipe | Latin | tergere, tersus | detergent |
| termin- | Latin | terminus | determine, termination | |
| tern- | three each | Latin | terni | ternary, ternion |
| terr- | dry land | Latin | terra | terrace, terrain, terracotta |
| terti- | third | Latin | tertius | tertian, tertiary |
| test- | witness | Latin | testis | testimony |
| tetr- | four | Greek | τετρά (tetra-) | tetrahedron |
| tex-, text- | weave | Latin | texere, textus | texture |
| thalam- | chamber, bed | Greek | θάλαμος (thalamos) | |
| thalass- | sea | Greek | θάλασσα (thalassa) | Panthalassa |
| than- | death | Greek | θάνατος (thanatos) | euthanasia |
| the- | put | Greek | τίθημι (tithemi) | theme, thesis thesaurus |
| -theca | case | Greek | θήκη | Bibliotheca |
| thel(o)- | Greek | θηλή | ||
| the(o)-, thus- | god | Greek | θεός (theos) | theology, enthusiasm |
| theori- | Greek | θεωρία | theorem, theory | |
| therm- | heat | Greek | θερμός (thermos) | thermometer |
| thero- | beast, animal | Greek | θήρ, θηρός | |
| thyreo- | large shield | Greek | θυρεός | thyroid |
| tim- | be afraid | Latin | timere | timid |
| ting-, tinct- | moisten | Latin | tingere, tinctus | tincture |
| tom- | cut | Greek | τομή (tome), τόμος (tomos) | ectomy, atom, tome |
| ton- | stretch | Greek | τόνος (tonos) | |
| top- | place | Greek | τόπος (topos) | topic, topography |
| torn- | cut | Latin from Greek | tornare < τόρνος (tornos) | |
| torpe- | numb | Latin | torpere | torpor |
| torqu-, tort- | twist | Latin | torquere, tortus | extortion, torque, torture |
| tot- | all, whole | Latin | totus | total |
| tox(o)- | arrow, bow | Greek | τόξον (toxon) | |
| trab- | beam | Latin | trabs, trabis | |
| trachy- | rough | Greek | τραχύς (trachus) | |
| trag(o)- | goat | Greek | τράγος (tragos) | tragus |
| trah-, tract- | pull/draw | Latin | trahere, tractus | subtrahend, tractor |
| trans-, tra-, tran- | across | Latin | trans | tradition, transcend, transportation |
| trapez- | four-sided, table | Greek | τράπεζα (trapeza) | trapezoid |
| traum- | wound | Greek | τραύμα (trauma) | trauma, traumatic |
| trecent- | three hundred | Latin | trecenti | trecentennial |
| tredec- | thirteen | Latin | tredecim | |
| treiskaidek- | thirteen | Greek | τρεισκαίδεκα | triskaidekaphobia |
| trem- | tremble | Latin | tremere | tremor |
| trema- | hole | Greek | τρῆμα (trēma) | |
| tri- | three | Greek | τρεῖς, τρία (treis, tria) | triad, trigon, tripod |
| tri- | three | Latin | tres | triangle, trivia, triumvirate |
| tricen- | thirty each | Latin | triceni | tricenary |
| tricesim-, trigesim- | thirtieth | Latin | tricesimus | trigesimal |
| trich- | hair | Greek | θρίξ, τριχός (thrix, trichos) | trichopathophobia |
| trin- | three each | Latin | trini | trinity |
| troch- | wheel | Greek | τροχός | |
| trop- | turning | Greek | τρόπος (tropos) | tropic |
| troph- | feed, grow | Greek | τροφός | pogonotrophy |
| trud-, trus- | thrust | Latin | trudere, trusus | extrusion, intrude |
| tuss- | cough | Latin | tussis, tussire | pertussis |
| tympan- | drum | Greek | τύμπανον (tumpanon) | tympani |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| uber- | fruitful | Latin | uber, uberare | exuberant |
| ulig- | in marshes | Latin | ||
| ulo- | wooly | Greek | ||
| ultim- | farthest | Latin | ultimus | ultimate |
| ultra- | beyond | Latin | ultra | ultrasonic |
| umbilic- | navel | Latin | umbilicus | umbilical |
| umbr- | shade, shadow | Latin | umbra | penumbra, umbrella |
| un-, uni- | one | Latin | unus, unius | unary, union |
| unc- | hooked | Latin | uncus | uncinate |
| unci- | ounce, twelfth | Latin | uncia | uncial |
| und- | wave | Latin | unda | abundant, undulate |
| undecim- | eleventh | Latin | undecimus | undecimal |
| unden- | eleven each | Latin | undeni | undenary |
| ungui- | claw, nail | Latin | unguis | |
| ungul- | claw, hoof | Latin | ungula | ungulate |
| ur-, uro- | tail | Greek | οὐρά (oura) | uroid, uroborus |
| ur-, uro- | urine | Greek | οὖρον (ouron) | urology |
| urb- | city | Latin | urbs, urbis | urban |
| urg- | work | Latin | urgere | urgent |
| urs- | bear | Latin | ursus | Ursa Major, ursine |
| ut-, us- | use | Latin | uti, usus | usual, utility |
| uv- | grape | Latin | uva | uvea |
| uxor- | wife | Latin | uxor | uxoricide |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vac- | empty | Latin | vacare | vacancy, vacation, vacuum |
| vad-, vas- | go | Latin | vadere | evade, pervasive |
| vag- | wander | Latin | vagus, vagare | vague, vagabond |
| van- | empty, vain, idle | Latin | vanus | vanity |
| vap- | lack (of) | Latin | vapor | evaporation, vapid, vaporize |
| veh-, vect- | carry | Latin | vehere, vectus | vehicle, vector |
| vel- | veil | Latin | velum | revelation, velate |
| vell-, vuls- | pull | Latin | vellere, vulsus | convulsion |
| veloc- | quick | Latin | velox, velocis | velocity |
| ven- | vein | Latin | vena | venosity |
| ven- | hunt | Latin | venari | venison |
| ven-, vent- | come | Latin | venire | advent, convention |
| vend- | sell | Latin | vendere | vendor, vending |
| vener- | respectful | Latin | venus | veneration, venereal |
| vent- | wind | Latin | ventus | ventilation |
| ventr- | belly | Latin | venter | ventral |
| ver- | true | Latin | verus | verify, verity |
| verb- | word | Latin | verbum | verbal, verbatim, verbosity |
| verber- | whip | Latin | verber | reverberation |
| verm- | worm | Latin | vermis | vermiform |
| vern- | spring | Latin | ver, vernus | vernal |
| vert-, vers- | turn | Latin | vertere, versus | convert, inversion, invert, vertical |
| vesic- | bladder | Latin | vesica | vesical |
| vesper- | evening, western | Latin | vespera | vesperal |
| vest- | clothe, garment | Latin | vestis | divest, vest |
| vestig- | follow, track | Latin | vestigium | investigate |
| vet- | forbid | Latin | vetare | veto |
| veter- | old | Latin | vetus, veteris | inveterate, veteran |
| vi- | way | Latin | via | deviate, obvious, via |
| vic- | change | Latin | vicis | vice versa, vicissitude |
| vicen-, vigen- | twenty | Latin | viceni | vicenary |
| vicesim-, vigesim- | twentieth | Latin | vecesimus | vicesimary, vigesimal |
| vid-, vis- | see | Latin | videre, visus | video, vision |
| vil- | cheap | Latin | vilis | vile, vilify |
| vill- | shaggy hair, velvet | Latin | villus | villiform |
| vin- | wine | Latin | vinum | vinous |
| vinc-, vict- | conquer | Latin | vincere, victus | invincible, victory |
| vir- | man | Latin | vir | virility |
| vir- | green | Latin | virere | virid, viridian |
| visc- | thick | Latin | viscum | viscosity |
| viscer- | organs of the body cavity | Latin | viscus, visceris | visceral |
| vit- | life | Latin | vita | vital |
| vitell- | yolk | Latin | vitellus | |
| viti- | fault | Latin | vitium | vice, vitiate |
| vitr- | glass | Latin | vitrum | vitreous |
| viv- | live | Latin | vivere | revive, survive, vivid |
| voc- | voice | Latin | vox, vocis | vocal, vocation, provocative |
| vol- | fly | Latin | volare | volatility |
| vol- | wish | Latin | velle | volition |
| volv-, volut- | roll | Latin | volvere, volutus | convolution, revolve |
| vom- | discharge | Latin | vomere | vomit |
| vor-, vorac- | swallow | Latin | vorare, vorax | devour, voracious |
| vov-, vot- | vow | Latin | vovere, votus | votive |
| vulg- | common, crowd | Latin | vulgus | divulge, vulgarity, vulgate |
| vulner- | wound | Latin | vulnus, vulneris | vulnerable |
| vulp- | fox | Latin | vulpes, vulpis | vulpine |
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| xanth- | yellow | Greek | ξάνθος (xanthos) | xanthogenic |
| xen- | foreign | Greek | ξενος (xenos) | xenophobia |
| xer- | dry | Greek | ξηρός (xēros) | xerography |
| xiph- | sword | Greek | ξίφος (xiphos) | xiphoid |
| xyl- | wood | Greek | ξύλων (xulon) | xylophone |
| Root | Meaning In English | Origin Language | Etymology (Root Origin) | English Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -zo- | animal, living being | Greek | ζῷον (zōion) | protozoa, zoo, zoology |
| zon- | belt, girdle | Greek | ζωνη (zōnē) | zone |
| zyg- | yoke | Greek | ζυγον (zugon) | heterozygous, zygote |
| zym- | ferment | Greek | ζυμη (zumē) | enzyme, lysozyme |
   | List of Latin Derivatives - List of Latin Derivatives |
| | Latin Dictionary - Latin Dictionary | Latin Terms Definitions |
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