Root |
Meaning In English |
Origin Language |
Etymology (Root Origin) |
English Examples |
ab-, a-, abs- |
away |
Latin |
ab "away", from Greek apo "away" |
abnormal, abrasion, absorb, abstract, aversion
|
a-, an- |
not, without |
Greek |
Greek α-/αν- "a-/an" "not" |
atypical, ahistorical |
ac-, ak-, acu- |
sharp or pointed |
Latin |
acutus past participle of acuere "to sharpen", from acus "needle" |
acid, acupunture |
acr-, acro- |
height, summit, tip |
Greek |
Greek άκρος 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- |
feeling, sensation |
Greek |
aisthētikos "of sense perception" from aisthanesthai "to perceive" |
aesthetics |
agr-, agri- |
field |
Greek and Latin |
from Greek agros and Latin ager, agr- "field" |
agriculture, pilgrim |
am-, amor- |
love, loving |
Latin |
amor "love" from amāre "to love" |
amateur, amorous |
ambi- |
both, on both sides |
Latin |
ambi "on both sides", from Greek 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 |
ampl- |
ample |
Latin |
amplus |
amplification |
ana- |
again, against, back |
Greek |
from Greek prefix ana-"again", "against" |
anaphylaxisanabaptist |
anima- |
breath |
Latin |
anima "breath" |
animal, animation |
ann-, -enn- |
year, yearly |
Latin |
annus "year" |
anniversary, annual, millennium |
ant-, anti- |
against, opposed to, preventive |
Greek |
anti "before", "against" |
antibiotic, antibody, antipodes |
ante-, anti- |
before, in front of, prior to |
Latin |
Latin from Greek anti"before", "against" |
antediluvian, antebellum, anticipate |
anth-, antho- |
flower |
Greek |
anthos "flower" |
anther, anthology |
anthropo-, anthro- |
human |
Greek |
anthropos "man" |
anthropology, anthropomorphic |
aqu- |
water |
Latin |
aqua |
aquarium, aquamarine |
ar- |
plow, till |
Latin |
arare |
arable |
ar- |
be dry |
Latin |
arere, "be dry or parched" |
arid |
arch- |
ruler, chief |
Greek |
archos "ruler" |
archangel, archetype |
archaeo-, archeo- |
ancient |
Greek |
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 |
arktos "bear" |
Arctic Ocean |
argent- |
silver |
Latin |
argentum "silver" |
argent, Argentina |
arthr- , arthro- |
joint |
Greek |
arthron "joint" |
arthropod |
astr-, astro- |
star, star-shaped |
Greek |
astron "star" |
astronomy |
athl- |
prize |
Greek |
athlos "contest" |
athlete |
aud-, audi- |
hearing, listening, sound |
Latin |
audire "to hear" |
auditorium, auditory, audio |
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 |
αυτός (autos) "self", "same" |
automobile, autonomy |
avi- |
bird |
Latin |
avis "bird" |
aviary, aviation |
axi- |
axis |
Greek |
Latin from Greek axios "worth" |
axis, 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 |
βαρυς (barus) |
barometer, barograph, baroreceptor |
basi- |
at the bottom |
Greek |
from βαίνω, to 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 |
bellicose, belligerent, antebellum |
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 |
βλεννος (blennos) |
blennophobia, blennosperma |
blast- |
germ, embryo, bud, cell with nucleus |
Greek |
βλαστάνω, "to put forth shoots" |
sideroblast |
bon(i)- |
good |
Latin |
bonus |
bonify, bonitary |
bor- |
north |
Greek / Latin (boreas) |
Greek βορράς (borras) "the north wind" |
borealis |
botan- |
plant |
Greek |
(botanē) |
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 |
(brizō) |
|
brom- |
oats |
Greek |
βρόμος (brómos) "oats" |
|
bronch- |
windpipe |
Greek |
βρόγχος (brógkhos, brónkhos) |
bronchitis |
bront- |
thunder |
Greek |
βροντη (brontē) |
Brontosaurus |
bucc- |
cheek, mouth, cavity |
Latin |
bucca |
buccal, buccinator muscle |
bulb- |
bulbous |
Latin |
bulbus |
bulbous |
bull- |
bubble, flask |
Latin |
bulla, "bubble" |
ebullient, ebullism |
burs- |
pouch, purse |
Latin |
|
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 |
incisor |
calc- |
stone |
Latin and Greek |
from Latin calx "lime", and from Greek khalix"pebble" "limestone" |
calculus, calcite, calcium |
caedere |
break |
Latin |
|
caesura |
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-, cant- |
sing |
Latin |
canere "sing" |
canto, cantata, 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 |
(katharos) |
catharsis |
caud- |
tail |
Latin |
cauda |
caudal |
cav- |
hollow |
Latin |
cavus "hollow" |
cave, cavity, excavation |
ced-, cess- |
go |
Latin |
cedere |
procession, recede |
celer- |
quick |
Latin |
celer, celerare |
acceleration, celerity |
cen(o)- |
new |
Greek |
καινος (kainos) |
Cenozoic |
cen(o)- |
common |
Greek |
(koinos) |
cenospecies, Koine Greek |
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 |
kephale "head" |
cephalopod, encephalogram |
ceram- |
clay |
Greek |
(keramos) |
ceramic |
cerat- |
horn |
Greek |
(keras, keratos) "horn" |
ceratin, cornea |
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 |
kheir "hand" |
chiroptera, chiropractic |
chelo- |
relating to a turtle |
Greek |
khelone "tortoise" |
chelonia |
chloro- |
green |
Greek |
from Greek khlōros "green" |
chlorine, chlorophyll |
choreo- |
relating to dance |
Greek |
from Greek khoreia "dancing in unison" fromkhoros "chorus" |
choreography |
chord- |
cord |
Latin |
chorda "rope" |
chordata |
chrom- |
color |
Greek |
khrōma "color" |
chromosome, chromium |
chryso- |
gold |
Greek |
khrusos "gold" |
chrysolite |
cili- |
eyelash |
Latin |
cilium |
cilia |
cine- |
motion |
Greek |
(kine-) |
cinema |
ciner- |
ash |
Latin |
cinis, cineris |
incineration |
cing-, cinct- |
gird |
Latin |
cingere |
succinct |
circ- |
circle |
Latin |
circus |
circus |
circum- |
around |
Latin |
circum "around" |
circumference |
cirr- |
orange |
Greek |
kirros |
cirrhosis |
cirr- |
curl, tentacle |
Latin |
cirrus |
cirrus |
civ- |
citizen |
Latin |
civis |
civility |
clad- |
branch |
Greek |
(klados) |
|
clar- |
clear |
Latin |
clarus |
clarity, declaration |
clast- |
broken |
Greek |
klastos "broken" |
iconoclast |
claud-, -clud-, claus-, -clus- |
close |
Latin |
claudere |
clause, exclusion, include |
clav- |
key |
Greek |
from Greek kleis "key" from kleiein "to close" |
conclave |
cl(e)ist- |
closed |
|
|
|
cleithr- |
bar, key |
|
|
|
clement- |
mild |
Latin |
clemens, clementis |
clemency, inclement |
clin- |
bed, lean, recline |
Latin |
-clinare |
declination, inclined |
cochl- |
shell |
Greek |
(kochlos) |
cochlea |
coel- |
hollow |
Greek |
(koilos) |
|
cogn- |
know |
Latin |
|
cognitive |
col- |
strain |
Latin |
colare, colum |
colander |
coll- |
neck |
Latin |
collum |
collar |
color- |
color |
Latin |
color |
coloration |
con-, co-, col-, com- |
with, together, joined |
Latin |
cum |
connect, collide, compress |
condi- |
season |
Latin |
condire |
condiment |
cono- |
cone |
Greek |
konos |
conic, conical |
contra- |
against |
Latin |
contra |
contrast |
copro- |
dung |
Greek |
(kopros) |
coprolite, coprophagia, coprophilia |
corac- |
raven |
Greek |
(korax, korakos) |
coracoid |
cord- |
heart |
Latin |
cor, cordis |
accord, cordial |
corn- |
horn |
Latin |
cornu |
cornucopia |
coron- |
crown |
Latin |
corona, coronare |
corona, coronation |
corpor- |
body |
Latin |
corpus, corporis |
corporation, corpse |
cortic- |
bark |
Latin |
cortex, corticis |
|
cosmet- |
|
Greek |
(kosmet-) |
cosmetics, cosmetology |
cost- |
rib |
Latin |
costa |
costal |
cotyl- |
cup |
Greek |
(kotulē) |
cotyledon |
crani- |
skull |
Greek |
(kranion) |
cranium |
crass- |
thick |
Latin |
crassus |
crassitude |
cre- |
make |
Latin |
creare |
creation, creature |
crep- |
boot, shoe |
Greek |
(krēpis, krēpidos) |
|
cribr- |
sieve |
Latin |
cribrum "a sieve" |
cribble, cribrate |
cric- |
ring |
Greek |
κρικος (krikos) |
|
cris-, crit- |
judge |
Greek |
|
crisis, critic |
crisp- |
curled |
Latin |
crispus |
crispate |
crist- |
crest |
Latin |
crista |
cristate |
crosso- |
fringe, tassel |
Greek |
(krossoi) |
|
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 |
(kteis, ktenos) |
ctenophore |
cub- |
cube |
Greek |
(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 |
concurrent, recursion |
curv- |
bent |
Latin |
curvus |
curvature |
cusp- |
lance, point |
Latin |
cuspis, cuspidis |
bicuspid |
cut(i)- |
skin |
Latin |
cutis |
cuticle |
cyan- |
blue |
Greek |
κυανός (kuanos) |
cyanide |
cycl- |
circular |
Greek |
κύκλος (kuklos) |
bicycle, cycle, cyclone |
cylind- |
roll |
Greek |
(kulindros) |
cylinder |
cyn- |
dog |
Greek |
(kuōn, kunos) |
cynosure |
cyst- |
capsule |
Greek |
(kustis) |
cystic |
cyt(o)- |
cell |
Greek |
(kutos) |
cytoplasm |
Root |
Meaning In English |
Origin Language |
Etymology (Root Origin) |
English Examples |
dactyl- |
finger |
Greek |
δάκτυλος, finger |
dactylology, pterodactyl |
damn-, -demn- |
|
Latin |
damnare |
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 |
demos, people |
demagogue, democracy |
den- |
ten each |
Latin |
deni |
denary |
dendr-, dendro- |
resembling a tree |
Greek |
dendron: akin to 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) "second" |
Deuteronomy |
dexter- |
right |
Latin |
dexter |
dexterity |
dextro- |
right |
Greek |
δεξ-, right |
|
di- |
two |
Greek |
|
dicot |
dia- |
apart, through |
Greek |
δια |
diameter |
dict- |
say, speak |
Latin |
dicere, dictus |
dictation |
digit- |
finger |
Latin |
digitus |
digital |
dino- |
terrible, fearfully great |
Greek |
(deinos) |
dinosaur |
dipl- |
|
Greek |
|
diploid, diplosis |
doc-, doct- |
teach |
Latin |
docere, doctus |
docile, doctor |
dodec- |
twelve |
Greek |
δωδεκα (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) |
|
|
egocentric |
ego-, eg- |
goat |
|
|
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 |
εθος (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- |
|
Latin |
fallere, falsus |
falsity |
fallac- |
FALSE |
Latin |
fallax, fallacis |
fallacy |
famili- |
|
Latin |
|
familiarity |
fant- |
to show |
Greek |
|
fantasy |
fasc- |
bundle |
Latin |
fascis |
fascicle |
fatu- |
foolish, useless |
Latin |
fatuus |
fatuous, infatuate |
feder- |
|
Latin |
foedus, foederis |
confederation, federal |
fel- |
cat |
Latin |
feles, felis |
feline |
felic- |
happy, merry |
Latin |
felix, felicis |
felicity |
fell- |
suck |
Latin |
fellare |
fellation |
femin- |
women, quality or condition of being 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 |
fic- |
fig |
Latin |
ficus |
Ficus |
fid-, fis- |
faith, trust |
Latin |
fides, fidere, fisus |
confide |
fil- |
thread |
Latin |
filum |
filament |
fili- |
|
Latin |
filius |
affiliate |
find-, fiss- |
split |
Latin |
findere, fissus |
fission |
firm- |
fix, settle |
Latin |
firmus, firmare |
confirmation |
fistul- |
hollow, tube |
Latin |
|
fistule |
fl- |
blow |
Latin |
flare, flatus |
flatulence, inflation |
flacc- |
flabby |
Latin |
flaccus |
flaccid |
flav- |
yellow |
Latin |
flavus |
flavonoid |
flect-, flex- |
bend |
Latin |
flectere, flexus |
flexor, inflection |
flig-, flict- |
strike |
Latin |
fligere, flictus |
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 |
|
|
|
foli- |
leaf |
Latin |
folium |
defoliate |
font- |
spring |
Latin |
fons, fontis |
|
for- |
bore |
Latin |
forare, foratus |
perforation |
form- |
shape |
Latin |
forma |
deformity, formation |
fornic- |
vault |
Latin |
fornix, fornicis |
fornication |
fort- |
strong |
Latin |
fortis |
fortification |
fovea- |
|
|
|
|
frang-, -fring-, fract-, frag- |
break |
Latin |
frangere, fractus |
fracture, fragment, infringe |
frater-, fratr- |
brother |
Latin |
frater |
fraternity |
fric-, frict- |
rub |
Latin |
fricare |
dentifrice, friction |
frig- |
cold |
Latin |
frigere |
frigid |
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, fumigate |
fund- |
bottom |
Latin |
fundus, fundare |
fundamental, profundity |
fund-, fus- |
pour |
Latin |
fundere, fusus |
profusion |
fung-, funct- |
do |
Latin |
fungi |
function |
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) |
geology |
gel- |
icy cold |
Latin |
gelum |
gelatin |
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- |
|
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 |
ἁιμα (haima) |
haemophilia |
hal(o)- |
salt |
Greek |
(hals, halos) |
halogen |
hal-, -hel- |
breathe |
Latin |
halare, halatus |
anhelation, inhale |
hapl(o)- |
simple |
Greek |
(haplos) |
haploid |
haur-, haust- |
draw |
Latin |
haurire, haustus |
exhaust |
heli(o)- |
sun |
Greek |
ἡλιος |
helium,heliotrope |
hemi- |
half |
Greek |
ήμισυς (hemisus) |
hemisphere |
hen- |
one |
Greek |
ἑν (hen) |
henad, hyphen |
hendec- |
eleven |
Greek |
ἑνδεκα (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 |
ἑυρισκω |
heuristic |
hex- |
six |
Greek |
ἑξ (hex) |
hexagon |
hibern- |
wintry |
Latin |
hibernus |
hibernation |
hiem- |
winter |
Latin |
hiems |
hiemal |
hipp(o)- |
horse |
Greek |
ἱππος (hippos) |
hippodrome |
hirsut- |
hairy |
Latin |
hirtus, hirsutus |
hirsute |
hispid- |
bristly |
Latin |
hispidus |
hispidity |
histri- |
actor |
|
|
histrionic |
hod- |
way |
Greek |
ὁδος (hodos) |
cathode, hodometer |
hol(o)- |
whole |
Greek |
(holos) |
holistic |
hom(o)- |
same |
Greek |
(homos) |
homosexual |
homeo- |
like |
Greek |
(homoios) |
|
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 |
(hualos) |
hyaline, hyaloid |
hydr(o)- |
water |
Greek |
ὑδωρ |
hydrology, hydrologist, Hydrogen, Hydrate, dehydrate, Hydrophobia, hydroponic, hydraulic, Hydrolysis, hydrous, hydrophilic
|
hygr- |
wet |
Greek |
(hugros) |
hygrology |
hyo- |
U-shaped |
Greek |
|
|
hyp(o)- |
under |
Greek |
ὑπο (hupo) |
hyphen |
hyper- |
above, over |
Greek |
ὑπερ(huper) |
|
hypn- |
sleep |
Greek |
ὑπνος (hupnos) |
hypnosis |
hyster- |
later |
Greek |
ὑστερος (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 |
-(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 |
[edit] K |
|
|
|
|
Root |
Meaning In English |
Origin Language |
Etymology (Root Origin) |
English Examples |
kil(o)- |
thousand |
Greek |
chilioi |
kilogram, kilometer, kilobyte |
kine- |
movement, motion |
Greek |
|
telekinesis, kinetic energy, kinesthetic |
klept- |
steal |
Greek |
(kleptēs) |
kleptomania |
kudo- |
glory |
Greek |
(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- |
|
Latin |
laxus, laxare |
laxative, relaxation |
led-, les- |
hurt |
Latin |
laedere, laesus |
lesion |
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 |
library |
lig- |
bind |
Latin |
ligare |
ligament, ligature |
lin- |
line |
Latin |
linea |
linearity, line |
lingu- |
language, tongue |
Latin |
lingua tongue, language |
bilingual, linguistic |
linqu-, lict- |
leave |
Latin |
linquere |
relict, relinquish |
lip(o)- |
fat |
Greek |
lipos |
lipolysis |
liter- |
letter |
Latin |
littera |
alliteration, illiterate, literacy, literal, obliterate
|
lith(o)- |
stone |
Greek |
lithos "stone" |
monolith, Neolithic Era, lithosphere,megalith
|
loc- |
place |
Latin |
locus |
local, location |
log- |
thought, word |
Greek |
logos "word" |
monologue, logic, morphological |
long- |
long |
Latin |
longus |
elongate, longitude |
loqu-, locut- |
speak |
Latin |
loqui |
allocution, eloquent |
luc- |
bright, light |
Latin |
lux, lucis light |
Lucifer (bearer of light) |
lud-, lus- |
play |
Latin |
ludere |
allude, illusion |
lumin- |
light |
Latin |
lumen, luminis |
illumination, luminous |
lun- |
moon |
Latin |
luna "moon" |
lunar, lunatic |
Root |
Meaning In English |
Origin Language |
Etymology (Root Origin) |
English Examples |
macr- |
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 |
malicious, malign, malfeasance |
mamm- |
breast |
Latin |
mamma |
mammal, mammary |
man- |
flow |
Latin |
manare |
emanate |
man- |
stay |
Latin |
manere, mansus |
permanent, remanent |
mand- |
hand |
Latin |
mandare, mandatus |
mandate, remand |
manu- |
hand |
Latin |
manus |
manual, manuscript |
mar- |
sea |
Latin |
mare, maris |
marine, maritime |
mater-, matr- |
mother |
Latin |
mater, matris |
matrix |
maxim- |
greatest |
Latin |
maximus |
maximal |
medi-, -midi- |
middle |
Latin |
medius |
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 |
mening- |
membrane |
Greek |
(meninx) |
|
meno- |
moon |
|
|
|
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 |
(meta) |
metaphysics |
mica- |
grain |
Latin |
|
micelle |
micr(o)- |
small |
Greek |
μικρος (mikros) |
microphone, microscope |
milit- |
soldier |
Latin |
miles, militis |
military, militia |
mill- |
thousand |
Latin |
mille |
millennium, million |
millen- |
thousand each |
Latin |
milleni |
millenary |
mim- |
|
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 |
miracle, mirror, admire |
mis- |
hate |
Greek |
μισος (misos) |
misandry, misogyny |
misce-, mixt- |
mix |
Latin |
miscere |
miscellaneous, mixture |
mit- |
thread |
Greek |
(mitos) |
mitochondrion |
mitt-, miss- |
send |
Latin |
mittere |
intermittent, transmission |
mne- |
memory |
Greek |
|
mnemonic |
mol- |
grind |
Latin |
mola |
molar |
moll- |
soft |
Latin |
mollis |
emollient, mollify |
monil- |
string of beads |
|
|
|
mon(o)- |
one |
Greek |
(monos) |
monolith, monotone, monism |
mont- |
mountain |
Latin |
mons, montis |
Montana |
morph- |
form, shape |
Greek |
(morphe) |
morpheme, anthropomorphic, morphology
|
mort- |
death |
Latin |
mors, mortis |
immortal, mortality |
mov-, mot- |
move, motion |
Latin |
moveo, movere |
move, motor, momentum |
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 |
|
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 |
noth- |
spurious |
|
|
|
noto- |
back, south |
Greek |
(noton) |
|
nov- |
nine |
Latin |
novem |
novennial |
nov- |
new |
Latin |
novus |
innovation, nova |
noven- |
nine each |
Latin |
noveni |
novenary |
novendec- |
nineteen |
Latin |
novendecim |
|
nu- |
nod |
Latin |
nuere |
innuendo |
nub- |
|
Latin |
nubes, nubis |
nubile |
nuc- |
nut |
Latin |
nux, nucis |
nucleus |
nuch- |
back of neck |
|
|
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-, os- |
against |
Latin |
|
obstinate, ostentatious, obstreperous |
oct- |
eight |
Greek |
(oktō) |
octagon, octahedron |
oct- |
eight |
Latin |
octo |
octangular, octennial, octovir |
octav- |
eighth |
Latin |
octavus |
octaval |
octogen- |
eighty each |
Latin |
octogeni |
octogenary |
octogesim- |
eightieth |
Latin |
octogesimus |
octogesimal |
octon- |
eight each |
Latin |
octoni |
octonary |
ocul- |
eye |
Latin |
oculus, oculare |
ocular |
od- |
hate |
Latin |
odium |
odious |
-ode- |
path, way |
Greek |
|
anode, odometer |
odont- |
tooth |
Greek |
(odous) |
odontology |
odor- |
fragrant |
|
|
|
oecious- |
house of |
Greek |
(oikos) |
|
oed- |
swollen |
|
|
|
oen- |
wine |
Greek |
(oinos) |
|
oesoph- |
gullet |
Greek |
(oisophagos) |
|
ogdo- |
eighth |
Greek |
(ogdoos) |
|
-oid |
like |
Greek |
(-oeides) |
|
olecran- |
skull of elbow |
|
|
|
ole- |
oily |
Latin |
|
|
olig- |
few |
Greek |
(oligos) |
oligarchy |
oliv- |
olive |
Latin |
oliva |
|
-oma |
cancer |
Greek |
|
|
omas- |
paunch |
Latin |
omasum |
|
oment- |
fat skin |
Latin |
omentum |
|
omin- |
|
Latin |
omen, ominis |
ominous |
omm- |
eye |
|
|
|
omni- |
all |
Latin |
omnis |
omnipotence |
omo- |
shoulder |
Latin |
|
|
omphal- |
navel |
Greek |
|
omphalectomy |
oner- |
burden |
Latin |
onus, oneris |
onerous |
onom- |
name |
Greek |
όνομα (onoma) |
onomatopoeia |
ont- |
existing |
Greek |
|
ontology |
-onym |
name |
Greek |
(-onum) |
pseudonym |
oo- |
egg |
Greek |
(oion) |
|
opac- |
shady |
Latin |
opacus |
opacity |
oper- |
work |
Latin |
opus, operis |
opera |
opt- |
choose |
Latin |
optare |
optional |
optim- |
best |
Latin |
optimus |
optimum |
op(t)- |
eye |
Greek |
optos |
optical |
operculum- |
little cover |
|
|
|
ophi- |
snake |
Greek |
ophis |
|
ophthalm- |
eye |
Greek |
(ophthalmos) |
ophthalmology |
opisth- |
behind |
Greek |
|
|
opoter- |
either |
|
|
|
or- |
mouth |
Latin |
os, oris |
oral, orator |
orb- |
circle |
Latin |
orbis |
orbit |
orch- |
testicle |
|
|
|
ordin- |
|
Latin |
ordo, ordinis |
ordinal, ordinary |
ori- |
Eastern |
Latin |
oriri |
orient |
orn- |
|
Latin |
ornare |
ornament, ornate |
ornith- |
bird |
Greek |
|
ornithology |
orth- |
straight |
Greek |
(orthos) |
orthosis |
os(ti)- |
mouth |
|
|
|
os(s/t)- |
bone |
|
|
osteoporosis |
oscill- |
swing |
Latin |
|
oscillation |
ostrac- |
shell |
Greek |
|
ostracize |
ot- |
ear |
Greek |
|
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 |
pacify, pacifist |
pach- |
thick |
Greek |
(pachus) |
pachydermata |
paed- |
child |
Greek |
παις, παιδος (pais, paidos) |
paediatric |
pagin- |
page |
Latin |
pagina |
pagination |
pal- |
stake |
Latin |
palus |
impale |
palae-, pale- |
ancient, old |
Greek |
(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 |
πας (pas) |
pandemic |
pand-, pans- |
spread |
Latin |
pandere, pansus |
expand, expansion |
par(a)- |
beside, near |
Greek |
παρα (para) |
parallel, parameter |
pariet- |
wall |
Latin |
paries, parietis |
parietal |
part(i)- |
part |
Latin |
pars, partis |
partition |
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 |
παθος (pathos) |
pathetic, pathology |
pati-, pass- |
suffer; feel; endure; permit |
Latin |
pati, passus |
passive, patient |
patr(i)- |
father |
Latin |
pater, patris |
patrilocal, patriarch |
pauc- |
|
Latin |
paucus |
paucity |
pav- |
|
Latin |
|
pavement |
pecc- |
sin |
Latin |
peccare |
impeccable |
pect- |
fixed |
Greek |
(pēktos) |
pectic, pectin |
pector- |
chest |
Latin |
pectus, pectoris |
pectoral |
pecun- |
money |
Latin |
pecunia |
pecuniary |
ped- |
child |
Greek |
παις, παιδος (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 |
Latin |
|
|
penn-, pinn- |
feather |
Latin |
penna |
pennate |
pent- |
five |
Greek |
(pente) |
pentagon |
pentecost- |
fiftieth |
Greek |
(pentekostos) |
pentecostalism |
pept- |
|
Greek |
|
peptic |
per- |
thoroughly, through |
Latin |
per |
perfect, persistent |
peran- |
across, beyond |
Greek |
|
|
peri- |
around |
Greek |
|
perimeter, periscope |
persic- |
peach |
Greek |
|
|
pessim- |
worst |
Latin |
pessimus |
pessimal |
pet- |
|
Latin |
petere |
appetite, competition |
petr- |
rock |
Greek |
(petra) |
petroglyph |
phaeo- |
dark |
Greek |
|
|
phag- |
eat |
Greek |
φαγειν phagein |
sarcophagus |
phalang- |
close formation of troops |
Greek |
(phalanx, phalangos) |
|
phalar- |
shining |
Greek |
(phalaros) |
|
phanero- |
visible |
Greek |
φανερος |
|
pher- |
bear, carry |
Greek |
φερω |
pheromone |
philia- |
love, friendship |
Greek |
φιλια |
|
phleg- |
|
Greek |
|
|
phloe- |
tree bark |
|
|
|
phob(ia)- |
fear |
Greek |
() |
hydrophobia |
phon- |
sound |
Greek |
φονη (phone) |
microphone, phonograph |
phor- |
carry |
Greek |
(phoros) |
metaphor |
phos-, phot- |
light |
Greek |
φως |
photograph |
phragm- |
fence |
Greek |
(phragma) |
diaphragm |
phren- |
diaphragm, mind |
|
|
schizophrenia |
phryno- |
toad, toad-like |
|
|
|
phyl- |
tribe |
|
|
|
phyll- |
leaf |
Greek |
(phullon) |
chlorophyll |
physa- |
bladder |
|
|
|
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 |
|
pinocytosis |
pir- |
pear |
Latin |
|
|
pisc- |
fish |
Latin |
piscis |
Pisces |
pisum- |
pea |
|
|
|
plac- |
plate, tablet |
Greek |
|
|
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- |
|
Latin |
plebs, plebis |
plebian |
plect-, plex- |
plait |
Latin |
plectere |
|
plen- |
full |
Latin |
plenus |
plenary |
plesi- |
near |
Greek |
(plēsios) |
|
pleth- |
full |
Greek |
(plēthos) |
plethora |
pleur- |
side |
Greek |
pleura |
|
plex- |
interwoven |
Greek |
(plexis) |
|
plic- |
fold |
Latin |
plicare |
duplication, replicate |
plinth- |
brick |
Greek |
(plinthos) |
|
plor- |
|
Latin |
plorare |
implore |
plu- |
rain |
Latin |
|
|
plum- |
feather |
Latin |
pluma |
plumage, plumate |
plumb- |
lead |
Latin |
plumbum |
|
plur- |
|
Latin |
|
plural |
plurim- |
most |
Latin |
plurimus |
|
plus- |
more |
Latin |
plus |
|
pluvi- |
rain |
Latin |
pluvia |
pluvial |
pneu- |
air, lung |
Greek |
|
pneumatic |
pod- |
foot |
Greek |
(pous, podos) |
podiatry, tripod |
pogo- |
beard |
|
|
pogonotrophy |
poie- |
make |
Greek |
ποιεω |
poiesis |
pol- |
city |
Greek |
πολις (polis) |
metropolis, politics |
pol- |
pole |
Greek |
(polos) |
dipole |
pol- |
pole |
Latin |
polus |
polar |
polem- |
war |
Greek |
πολεμος (polemos) |
polemic |
poli(o)- |
grey |
Greek |
(polios) |
|
pollic- |
thumb |
Latin |
pollex, pollicis |
|
pollin- |
|
Latin |
pollen, pollinis |
pollination |
poly- |
many |
Greek |
πολυς (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 |
πορος (poros) |
pore |
porc- |
pig |
Latin |
porcus |
porcine, pork |
porphyr- |
purple |
Greek |
(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 |
ποταμος (potamos) |
Mesopotamia |
prasin- |
leek-green |
Greek |
(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 |
πρεσβυς (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 |
προ (pro) |
|
pro- |
for, forward |
Latin |
pro |
propulsion |
prob- |
try |
Latin |
probare |
probation |
proct- |
anus |
Greek |
(proktos) |
proctology |
propri- |
|
Latin |
proprius |
appropriate |
pros(o)- |
forward |
Greek |
(pros) |
|
prot(o)- |
first |
Greek |
πρωτος (prōtos) |
protoplasm |
proxim- |
nearest |
Latin |
proximus |
proximity |
prun- |
plum |
Latin |
prunus |
prune |
psamma- |
sand |
Greek |
(psammos) |
|
pseud(o)- |
FALSE |
Greek |
(pseudos) |
pseudonym |
psil(o)- |
bare |
Greek |
(psilos) |
epsilon |
psych(o)- |
mind |
Greek |
ψυχη (psychē) |
psycho |
psychr(o)- |
cold |
Greek |
(psuchros) |
|
pter- |
wing, fern |
Greek |
(pteron) |
helicopter |
pto- |
fall |
Greek |
|
ptosis |
ptyal- |
sahva |
|
|
|
ptych- |
fold, layer |
Greek |
(ptuchē) |
triptych |
pubi- |
sexually mature |
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
pyl- |
gate |
Greek |
(pulon) |
pylon |
pyro- |
heat, fire |
Greek |
|
pyro |
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- |
|
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 |
rach- |
spine |
Greek |
(rhachis) |
|
rad-, ras- |
scrape, shave |
Latin |
radere, rasus |
abrade, abrasion |
radi- |
beam, spoke |
Latin |
radius, radiare |
radiation |
radic- |
root |
Latin |
radix, radicis |
eradicate, radical |
ram- |
branch |
Latin |
ramus |
ramification, ramose |
ran- |
frog |
Latin |
rana |
Rana |
ranc- |
rancidness, grudge, bitterness |
Latin |
rancere |
rancid, rancor |
rap- |
turnip |
Latin |
rapum |
|
raph- |
seam |
Greek |
|
|
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 |
rhabd- |
rod |
Greek |
(rhabdos) |
rhabdoid, rhabdom |
rhach- |
spine |
Greek |
(rhachis) |
rhachiodont |
rhag- |
tear, rent |
Greek |
|
rhagades |
rhe- |
flow |
Greek |
(rhein) |
rheostat |
rhin- |
nose, snout |
Greek |
(rhis, rhinos) |
rhinoplasty |
rhiz- |
root |
Greek |
(rhiza) |
rhizome |
rhod(o)- |
rose |
Greek |
(rhodon) |
rhododendron |
rhomb- |
|
Greek |
|
rhombus |
rhynch- |
snout |
Greek |
|
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 |
rub(e)r- |
red |
Latin |
ruber |
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 |
(sakchar) |
saccharin |
sacr-, secr- |
sacred |
Latin |
sacer, sacrare |
consecrate, sacrament |
sagac- |
Wise |
Latin |
sagax, sagacis |
sagacity |
sagitt- |
arrow |
Latin |
sagitta |
Sagittarius |
sal- |
salt |
Latin |
sal, salis, salere |
salinity |
sali-, -sili-, salt- |
jump |
Latin |
salire |
resilient, salient, saltus |
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 |
σαρξ (sarx, sarkos) |
sarcophagus |
sativus- |
cultivated |
|
|
|
saur- |
lizard, reptile |
Greek |
σαυρος (sauros) |
dinosaur |
saxum- |
rock |
|
|
|
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 |
(schema) |
schematic |
schis- |
split |
Greek |
|
schism |
sci- |
know |
Latin |
scire |
prescient, science |
scind-, sciss- |
split |
Latin |
scindere |
scissors |
scler- |
hard |
Greek |
(skler-) |
scleroderma |
scoli- |
crooked |
Greek |
(skolios) |
scoliosis |
scop-, scopy, scept- |
look at, examine, view, observe |
Greek |
|
kaleidoscope |
scrib-, script- |
write |
Latin |
scribere |
inscribe, scripture |
sculp- |
carve |
Latin |
sculpere |
sculpture |
scut- |
shield |
|
|
|
scyph- |
cup |
|
|
|
se-, sed- |
apart |
Latin |
|
secede, sedition |
seba- |
tallow, wax |
Latin |
|
Sebum, sebaceous |
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 |
segetum- |
in cornfields |
|
|
|
sei- |
shake |
Greek |
(seismos) |
seismograph |
selen- |
moon |
Greek |
|
|
sella- |
saddle, seat |
|
|
|
sema- |
|
Greek |
(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(olu)- |
any body fluid |
|
|
|
ser- |
late |
Latin |
serus |
|
serp- |
crawl |
Latin |
serpere |
serpent |
serr- |
saw, saw-toothed |
Latin |
serra, serrare |
serration |
serv- |
|
Latin |
servare |
conservation |
sesqui- |
|
Latin |
sesqui |
|
set- |
hair |
|
|
|
sever- |
|
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- |
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 |
|
|
|
siph(o)- |
tube |
Greek |
|
siphon |
sist- |
cause to stand |
Latin |
sistere |
consist |
soci- |
group |
Latin |
socius, sociare |
associate, social |
sol- |
sun |
Latin |
sol |
solar |
sol- |
warmth |
Latin |
solare |
consolation |
solen- |
pipe, channel |
Greek |
|
solenoid |
solv-, solut- |
|
Latin |
solvere |
solution |
soma- |
body |
Greek |
σωμα (soma) |
somatic |
somn- |
sleep |
Latin |
somnus |
insomnia |
somni- |
dream |
Latin |
somnium |
|
son- |
sound |
Latin |
sonus |
resonance |
soph- |
Wise |
Greek |
σοφος (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 |
sperm- |
seed |
Greek |
(sperma) |
|
sphen(o)- |
wedge |
Greek |
|
|
spher- |
|
Greek |
(sphaira) |
spheroid |
sphinct- |
closing |
|
|
|
spic- |
spike |
Latin |
spica |
|
spin- |
thorn |
Latin |
spina |
|
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 |
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 |
(stenos) |
stenography |
stere- |
solid |
Greek |
(stereos) |
|
stern-, strat- |
spread, strew |
Latin |
sternere, stratus |
stratify |
stern- |
breastbone |
Greek |
(sternon) |
sternum |
stich- |
line, row |
Greek |
(stichos) |
|
stig- |
|
Greek |
|
stigma |
still- |
drip |
Latin |
stilla, stillare |
distillation |
stingu-, stinct- |
|
Latin |
stinguere |
distinction, distinguish |
stoch- |
aim |
Greek |
|
|
stom- |
mouth |
Greek |
|
|
strept- |
twisted |
Greek |
(streptos) |
|
strig- |
|
Latin |
strix, strigis |
|
string-, strict- |
upright, stiff |
Latin |
stringere, strictus |
stringent |
strigos- |
having stiff bristles |
|
|
|
stroph- |
turning |
Greek |
|
|
stru-, struct- |
|
Latin |
struere |
construction, construe |
stud- |
|
Latin |
studere |
student |
stup- |
wonder |
Latin |
stupere |
stupor |
styl- |
column, pillar |
Greek |
(stulos) |
|
su-, sut- |
sew |
Latin |
suere |
suture |
suad-, suas- |
|
Latin |
suadere, suasus |
persuasion |
suav- |
sweet |
Latin |
suavis |
suave |
sub-, su-, sus- |
below |
Latin |
sub |
|
subter- |
|
Latin |
subter |
subterfuge |
sucr- |
sugar |
|
|
sucrose |
sud- |
sweat |
Latin |
sudare |
|
sulc- |
furrow |
Latin |
sulcus |
|
sum-, sumpt- |
take |
Latin |
sumere |
assumption, consume |
super- |
above, over |
Latin |
super |
supersede |
supin- |
lying back |
Latin |
supinus |
|
supra- |
above, over |
Latin |
|
|
surd- |
deaf |
Latin |
surdus |
absurdity |
surg- |
rise |
Latin |
surgere |
resurgent |
syn-, sy-, syl-, sym- |
with |
Greek |
συν (sun) |
symbol, system |
syrin(glx)- |
pipe |
Greek |
|
|
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 |
ταυρος (tauros) |
Minotaur |
taur- |
bull |
Latin |
taurus |
Taurus |
tax- |
arrangement, order |
Greek |
(taxis) |
taxonomy |
techn- |
|
Greek |
(techne) |
technology |
teg-, tect- |
cover |
Latin |
tegere, tectus |
protection |
tel- |
far, end |
Greek |
|
telephone, telescope, telegram |
teleo- |
complete |
Greek |
|
teleology |
temno- |
cut |
Greek |
|
|
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 |
(thalamos) |
|
thalass- |
sea |
Greek |
θαλασσα (thalassa) |
Panthalassa |
than- |
death |
Greek |
θανατος (thanatos) |
euthanasia |
the- |
put |
Greek |
τιθημι (tithemi) |
theme, thesis thesaurus |
theca- |
case |
Greek |
|
|
thel(o)- |
nipple, female |
Greek |
|
|
the(o)-, thus- |
god |
Greek |
θεος (theos) |
theology, enthusiasm |
theor- |
|
Greek |
|
theorem, theory |
therm- |
heat |
Greek |
θερμος (thermos) |
thermometer |
thero- |
breast, mammal |
Greek |
|
|
thyreo- |
large shield |
|
|
|
tim- |
be afraid |
Latin |
timere |
timid |
ting-, tinct- |
moisten |
Latin |
tingere, tinctus |
tincture |
tom- |
cut |
Greek |
(tomos) |
ectomy, atom, tome |
ton- |
stretch |
Greek |
(tonos) |
|
top- |
place |
Greek |
τοπος (topos) |
topic, topography |
torn- |
cut |
|
|
|
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 |
(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 |
|
triskaidekaphobia |
trem- |
tremble |
Latin |
tremere |
tremor |
trema- |
hole |
Greek |
(trēma) |
|
tri- |
three |
Greek |
(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 |
(thrix) |
|
trin- |
three each |
Latin |
trini |
trinity |
troch- |
wheel |
Greek |
|
|
trop- |
turning |
Greek |
|
tropic |
troph- |
feed, grow |
Greek |
|
pogonotrophy |
trud-, trus- |
thrust |
Latin |
trudere, trusus |
extrusion, intrude |
tuss- |
cough |
Latin |
tussis, tussire |
pertussis |
tympan- |
drum |
Greek |
τυμπαν- (tumpan-) |
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 |
(oura) |
uroid |
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 |
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 |
(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 |