APPENDIX 8

COMBINING FORMS: PREFIXES AND SUFFIXES

Medical terminology is similar to a foreign language. Like a foreign language, it can be analyzed and studied until it becomes a comfortable part of the vocabulary. The main purpose of medical terms is to communicate ideas in such a way that everyone understands exactly what is meant. Many medical terms are derived from Latin and Greek sources. They often consist of two or more simple words or word elements. A word root or combining form may be put together with a prefix and a suffix.

Root—the basis of a word

Example: nephr/o/tic (degenerative changes in the kidney)

Root: nephr- (kidney)

Linking vowel—a vowel that joins the combining form to the suffix or another combining form

Example: nephr/o/sis (disease of the kidneys)

Linking vowel: o

Prefix—the beginning of a word

Example: hyper/active (excessively active)

Prefix: hyper (= excessive)

Suffix — the ending of a word

Example: nephr/itis (inflammation of the kidney)

Suffix — itis (= inflammation)

Combining form — the union of a word root with a linking vowel

Example: hepato/megaly (enlargement of the liver)

Combining form: hepato- (= liver)

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

Health care workers use a vast array of abbreviations and acronyms. It is wise to learn those that are used in the facility and on the units where you work. The first list presents the most common general abbreviations and acronyms encountered in the health care field. These will be encountered in patient charts as well as during the course of conversation and shift report. The following lists organize the abbreviations related to time, to measurements, and to medications.