1.7 Glossary

Combining form (CF): When a word root (WR) is combined with a combining vowel, the word part is referred to as a combining form. (Chapter 1.2)

Combining vowel (CV): A word component, typically the letter “o,” that helps with pronunciation. A combining vowel can connect a word root and a suffix or two word roots. (Chapter 1.2)

Prefix (P): A word component that appears at the beginning of the medical term and adds meaning to the word root. Prefixes often indicate number, position, direction, time, or negation. (Chapter 1.2)

Suffix (S): A word component at the end of the medical term that usually indicates a procedure, condition, or disease. (Chapter 1.2)

Word root (WR): A word component that is the core of many medical terms and refers to the body part or body system to which the term is referring. (Chapter 1.2)