Professional Documents
Culture Documents
of
WORD ROOTS
and
COMBINING FORMS
DICTIONARY
of
WORD ROOTS
and
COMBINING FORMS
Donald J . Borror
The Ohio State University
iii
Table of Contents
Page
Preface iii
1
2 Word R o o t s and Combining F o r m s
word meaning foot. Since the first of the other two roots (odyn) in
dicates ^a as terminating vowels, this is obviously the root involved.
Podo is the form of this root usually used, but since it is followed by
another root beginning with o, the final £ of podo is omitted. Pododynia
thus means pain in the foot.
ABBREVIATIONS
antr, -o, «urn (G). A cave, cavity appet, -it (L). Desire
anu, -la (L). A ring applanat (NL). Flattened
«anus (L). The anus; a ring apri (L). A wild boar
aort, «a (G). The great artery apric (L). Exposed to the sun
ap, =ex, -ic (L). The tip, extremity apsi, «s (G). A juncture
ap, -o (G). From, off, away apsinth, =us (G). Wormwood
apate, -1 (G). Trick', fallacious
=aper (L). A wild boar apt (L). Fasten, adjust, fix
aper, -i, -t (L). Open, uncovered aqua, -ri, -tic (L). Water; of water
aquil, «a (L). An eagle
aper, -o (G). Not mutilated »
«aquilo, -ni (L). The north wind;
«apex (L). The tip, extremity
northern
aphan, =es (G). Unseen, invisible arab, -o, =us (G). A rattling
aphe (G). Touch arabi (L). Arabia, Arabian
aphel, -o (G). Smooth arach, «is (G). A leguminous plant
aphod, -o, «us (G). Departure arachn, «a, -i, -o (G). A spider;
aphr, -o, «us (G). Foam a spider web
arad, -o, =us (G). A rumbling,
aphrodisi (GMy). Sexual desire rattling
aphrodit (G My). Venus, goddess of arai, -o (G). Thin, weak
love and beauty, born from sea foam arane, «a, -i (L). A spider; a
aphron, -o (G). Silly, foolish spider web
«aphtha (G). An eruption, ulcer arat, -i, -or, -r (L). Plow
aphthit, -o (G). Imperishable «arbor (L). A tree
aphthon, -o (G). Plentiful arbut, «us (L). The strawberry
aphy, -o (G). Suck tree
api, -a (L). A bee arc, -i, -o, «us (L). A bow; an arch;
a box
apic (L). The apex, summit, tip arcan (L). Secret, hidden
apic (G). A pear tree arch, -aeo, -eo (G). Ancient
=apium (L). Celery, parsley arch, -e, -eg, -i (G). First, begin-
api, -o (G). Simple, single ning
aplat, -o (G). Terrible arch, -i, -o, «us, «y (G). Chief,
aplys, =ia, -io (G). A sponge; filthi- principal; a ruler; superior
ness arch, -o, «us (G). The rectum, anus
apo (G). From, off, away archae, -o (G). Ancient
apoceno (G). Drain archeg (G). First, beginning
apocyn (G). Dogbane archeo (G). Ancient
archi (G). First, beginning; chief;
apono (G). Painless, easy superior; ruler
apophys, «is (G). An offshoot, out- archo (G). Chief, principal; a ruler;
growth the rectum, anus
«apotheca (G). A storehouse
apparat (L). Prepared; a preparation
append,
age -ic (L). Hang to; an append-
14 Dictionary of Word Roots
asc, -i, -o, =us (G). A bag, blad- astrap, =a, -e (G). Lightning
der astring (L). Bind together, fasten
ascalaph, *us (G). An owl
ascari, *s (G). An intestinal worm astro (G). A star
asce, -t (G). Practice; curiously «astur (L). A hawk
wrought astut (L). Skilled, cunning
ascend (L). Climb, mount up atalant, -o (G). Equal to
asci (G). A bag, bladder atav (L). An ancestor
asci, «a (L). A hatchet «ater (L). Black
ascid, -i, =ium (G). A little bag •ather, -o (G). The beard of an
ascio (G). Without shade ear of corn
asclepi, *us (GMy). Aesculapius, athet, -o (G). Useless, set aside
god of medicine athl, -o, =um (G). A prize; a con-
asco (G). A bag, bladder test for a prize
asell, *us (L). A little ass athlet (G). A combatant, prize
asem, -i, -o (G). Obscure, in- fighter
distinct atla, -nt, -nto, =s (G My). A giant
asil, =us (L). A gadfly, horsefly bearing up the pillars of heaven;
asin, =us (L). An ass, simpleton the atlas bone
asine (G). Harmless, unharmed atloid, -o (G My). A giant bearing
«asio (L). An owl up the pillars of heaven; the atlas
aspala (G). A mole bone
aspalath, =us (G). A sweet- atm, -i, -ido, -o, =us (G). Smoke,
scented shrub vapor
asparag, =us (G). Asparagus
asper (L). Rough atop, -o (G). Out of place
asperg (L). Scatter, sprinkle atr, -i (L). Black
aspers (L). Scattered, sprinkled atrament, =um (L). Ink; inky
aspi, -d, *s (G): A shield; (L): An atrat (L). Clothed in black
adder, viper atri, =um (L). A vestibule; black
aspr (L). Rough
aspre, -d, -t (L). Roughness; atro, -c, *x (L). Hideous, terrible,
a rough place cruel
assul, »a (L). A splinter attac, =us (G). A kind of locust
astac, -o, =us (G). A lobster attagen, =is (L). A snipe; a grouse
=aster, -o (G). A star attelab, »us (G). A wingless locust
«astes (G). A singer
asthen (G). Weak, feeble atténuât (L). Thin, weak
»asthma, -t (G). Panting, gasping au (G). Besides
astr, -o, =um (G). A star auant (G). Wasted, atrophied
astragal, -o «us (G). The ankle auchen, -o, =us (G). The neck,
bone; dice throat
auchm, -o (G). Drought
auctumn, -i, *us (L).author;
Autumnabundant
16 D i c t i o n a r y of Word Roots
bitum, «en, -in (L). Asphalt, pitch «bolus (G): A throw, stroke, a clod;
blab, -o (G). Hurt, damage (L): a morsel
blaber, -o (G). Harmful, noxious bom, -o, «us (G). A raised place,
blac, -o (G). Lazy, sluggish stand
blacic, -o (G). Stupid, indolent bomb, «us (G). A buzzing
blaes, -o (G). Crooked bomba, -c, «x (LL). Cotton
blan, -o (G). Blind bombol (It). A bottle
bland, -i (L). Smooth-tongued, bomby, -c, «x (G). The silkworm;
flattering silk
blap, - s , -t (G). Hurt, damage bombyli, «us (G). A buzzing insect;
Wast, -em, -o, «us (G). A bud, a bumble bee
sprout bomo (G). A raised place, stand
blatt, «a (L). A cockroach bon (L). Good
blatte (L). Purple bonas (L): Bison; (NL): a kind of
blechn, -o, «urn (G). A kind of bird
fern boo (G). An ox, cow
blechr, -o (G). Weak, feeble bor, «a, -i (G). Food, meat
«blemma, -to (G). A glance, look borag (LL). A kind of plant
blenn, -o, «us (G): Slime; a kind borass, -o, «us (G). Palm fruit
offish; (L): a simpleton borbor, -o, «us (G). Mud, filth
blep, -o, «sis (G). A look, glance bore, -al (GMy). North, northern
blephar, -id, «is, -o (G). An eye- bori (G). Food, meat
lash boro (G). Greedy, gluttonous
blit, -o, «urn (L). A tasteless «bos (L). An ox, cow
vegetable bosc (G). Feed
blite (L). Insipid; stupid bosc, «as (G). A kind of duck
blosyr, -o (G). Grim, stern bosi, «s (G). Food, fodder
blothr, -o(G). Tall, higi-growing bostrich, -o (G). Curl; a kind of
bly, -s, -sm (G). Bubble up insect
bo, «a, -i (L). A water serpent bostrych, -o (G). Curl; a kind of
bo, -ar, -o, «s, -v (L). An ox, insect
cow botan, «a (G). Pasture, grass, fodder
boe, -o (G). Little; an ox botaur, «us (NL). A bittern
bol, =a, -o, »us (G). A throw, bothr, -i, -o, «us (G). A pit, trench
stroke botr, -io, -y, -yo, =ys (G). A bunch
bol, -ac, «ax, -o, «us (G). A clod, of grapes
lump botul, «us (L). Sausage
bolb, -o, «us (G). A bulb bou (G). A cow, ox
bolet, «us (L). A kind of mush- boub, «on (G). The groin
room boubal, -o, «us (G). The buffalo
bolit, -o, «um, «us (G). Cow dung bov, -i (L). A cow, ox
bolo (G). Throw; a clod, lump bracat (L). Wearing trousers
and Combining F o r m s 19
brachi, -o, «urn (G). The arm brygm, -o (G). Gnashing teeth
brachist, -o (G). Shortest bryo (G). Swell; moss
brachy (G). Short bu (G). An ox
bracte, «a (L). A thin metal plate bubal, «us (G). A buffalo
«bubo (L). An owl
brad, -o, -y (G). Slow
bubon (G). The groin
branch, -i, «ium, -o «urn (G). A
gill; a fin; hoarse bubul (L). Of oxen or cattle
«branta (Ice). A brant, goose bucc, «a (L). The cheek
brassic, «a (L). Cabbage buccin (L). A trumpet; a shellfish
brecc (It). Break «bufo, -ni (L). A toad
brechm, -o, «us (G). The top of the bul, «es, -i (G). Will, determination
head
•bregma, -t (G). The top of the head bulb, «us (L). A bulb
brem (G). Roar bulim (G): Hunger; (L): a mollusc
brenth, -a, «us (G). A stately water bull, «a (L). A bubble
bird; arrogance bun, -o, «us (G). A hill, mound
breph, -o, «us (G). An unborn or buprest, «is (G). A beetle poisonous
newly born child to cattle
brev, -i (L). Short
brith, -o, -y (G). Heavy; a weigit burr (L). Red
briz, -o (G). Nod, sleep; a grain burs, «a (L). A hide; a purse
broch, -o (G): A loop; (L): with bust, «urn (L). A funeral pile
projecting teeth «buteo, -ni (L). A kind of hawk
brom, «a, -ato (G). Food butom, «us (G). A kind of water plant
brom, -o, «us (G). Oats; a stench
bromeli (NL N). The pineapple butorid (NL). A bittern
bromi, -o (G). Noisy, buzzing butyr, «urn (L). Butter
bromo (G). Oats; a stench bux, «us (L). The box tree
«bromus (G). Oats; a stench byo (G). Stuff full
bronch, -i, -o, «us (G). The wind-
pipe byrrh (L). Red, flame-colored
bront, «a, -o (G). Thunder byrs, =a, -o (G). A skin, hide
•brosis (G). Eating; food byss, -o, «us (G). Fine thread; fine
brot, -o, «us (G). Blood, gore; linen; the depths of the sea
mortal byth, -o (G). The depths of the sea
brote, -o (G). Edible
bruch, «us (L). A wingless locust
brum, -al (L). Winter
C
caball, ms (L). A pack horse
brunne, -i (LL). Brown cac, -a, -h, -o (G). Bad
brut (L). Heavy; stupid cacali, «a (G). The colt's-foot
bryc, -h, -ho, -o (G). Devour; roar cacatu (Mai). The cockatoo
caco, «a (G). Excrement
each
cachr,(G).
barley-i, Bad
-y, =ysLaugfr
(G). Parched
loudly
20 Dictionary of Word Roots
carp, -o, =us (G). The wrist; a cato (G). Down, downward, against
fruit catopt, -o (G). Conspicuous, visible
carph, -o, s us (G). Straw, dry catoptr, -o, =um (G). A mirror
twigs catul, =us (L). A puppy
carpin, =us (L). The hornbeam eau, -m, -s, -st, -t (G). Burn, burn-
carsio (G). Crooked, oblique ing
cartilag, -in, =o (L). Gristle caud, »a (L). The tail
caruncul (L). A bit of flesh caud, »ex, -ic (L). The trunk of a
cary, -o, =um (G). A nut; the nu- tree
cleus caude (L). Wooden
case (L). Old caul, -i, =is (L): -o, *us (G): A
case, -i, =us (L). Cheese stem, stalk
cassi, -di, «s (L). A helmet caum (G). Burn, burning
cast (L). Pure caus -t (G). Burn, burning
castane, =a (L). The chestnut caut (G). Burn, burning
castig (L). Chastise cav, -a, -e, -i (L). Hollow, a cave
«castor (G). The beaver caval (F). A horse
castr (L). Deprive of generative cavern, =a (L). A cave, chamber
power cavill, =a (L). Jest, jeer
casu (L). Fall; chance ceanoth, =us (G). A kind of thistle
casuar (Mal). A cassowary ceasm (G). A chip, splinter
cat, -a, -o (G). Down, downward ceb, -o, =us (G). A monkey
catabasi (G). Descent cebl, =a, =e (G). The head
«catagma, -to (G). A fracture; a cec (L). Blind
piece of wool ceci, -do, =s (G). A gallnut; juice;
catalysi, =s (G). A dissolving ink
catant (G). Downward, downhill ceco (G). A sea bird
catari (LL). Of a cat cecrop, -i (My). A king of Attica
cataract (G). Falling down =cedemon (G). A mourner; a guardian
eaten, =a, -ari (L). A chain cedr, -o =us (G). Cedar
«cathamma, -to (G). A knot celad, -o, =us (G). The noise of
cathar, -o (G). Clean, pure moving wind or water
cathart, -i (G). Cleansing celastr, =us (G). An evergreen tree
cathedr, =a (G). A seat celât (L). Concealed
cathet, -o (G). Hanging down, celé (G). A rupture, hernia; a
perpendicular tumor
cathism (G). A seat celebr (L). Famous
cathod (G). A going down, descent celeo (G). A woodpecker; charm,
catholic, -o (G). Universal bewitch
catill, -o (G). Roll up, fold up celer, -i (L). Swift
catin, =us (L). A bowl, dish celest, -i (L). Heavenly
and Combining F o r m s 23
celet (L). Hidden cere, -o, «us (G). The tail
celi, -a (G). Hollow; the abdominal cerchne (G). A kind of hawk
cavity cercop, -i, «s (G). A long-tailed
celi, -do, =s (G). A spot, stain, monkey
blemish cerd, -al (G). Gain; cunning; a fox
celib (L). Unmarried cere (L): wax; (My): the goddess of
cell, -a, -i (L). A granary, store- agriculture
house; a small room, cell cereal (NL). Grain
celo (G). A tumor; hollow; dry, cereb, -ell, -r, -ro (L). The brain
parched ceres (L My). The goddess of agri-
•celtis (L). A kind of lotus culture
celyph, -o, «us (G). A husk, rind, ceri (L). Wax
shell cerin (L). Wax-colored, yellowish
cemet (G). A burial place cerith (NL). A shellfish
cen, -o (G). Empty; recent; common 'cerma, -to (G). A slice; a small
cenchr, -o, «us (G). A kind of millet coin
ceno, -s, -t (G). Evacuation cernu (L). Nodding, drooping
cent, -e (G). Pierce, spear cerom, «a (G). Ointment
cent, -en, -i (L). A hundred cert, -a (L). Struggle, contend;
centau, =r (G). A piercer, spear- determined, certain
man certh, -i (G). A tree creeper
centes, -is (G). A puncture cerule (L). Blue
centesim (L). The hundredth ceruss, «a (L). White lead
centi (L). A hundred cerv, «us (L). A deer
centr, -i, -o, =um (G). The center; cervi, -c, =x (L). The neck
a point, spur ceryl, «us (G). A kingfisher
cep, =a, -ol (L). An onion cesi (L). Bluish gray
cephal, «a, -o (G). The head cespi (L). Turf, sod
cepph, «us (G). A petrel-like sea cess, -a (L). Stop
bird; a simpleton cest, -o (G). A girdle; embroidered
«ceps (NL). The head cestr, «a (G). A pickaxe; a kind of
cer, «a, -e, -i (L). Wax fish
cera, -t, -to (G). Horn cet, -a, «us (G). A whale
ceram, -o, «us (G). Clay; an cetr, «a (L). A shield
earthen pot ceuth, «o (G). Concealed, hidden
cerambyc (G). A kind of beetle chaem, -e (G). On the ground, low
ceras, «us (L). A cherry chaen, -o (G). Yawn, gape; open
cerast (G). Horny; horned chaer, -i, -o (G). Delight, rejoice;
cerat, -o (G). Horn a young pig
ceraun, -o, «us (G). A thunderbolt chaet, «a, -o (G). Longflowinghair,
cere, -i, «is (G). A rod; a kind of mane; a bristle
poplar chain, -o (G). Yawn, gape; open
24 D i c t i o n a r y of Word Roots
coryph, =a (G). The head, top ere, =as, -at, -o (G). Flesh, meat
=corys (G). A helmet crebr (L). Frequent, close
coryst, =es (G). A warrior crecisc (L). A rail-like bird
coryz, =a (G). A running at the nose crem, -a (L). Burn
coscin, -i, =um (G). A sieve crem, -a, -o (G). Hang
cosm, -o (G). Order; the world, «cremaster (G). A suspender
universe cren, =a, -o (G). A spring
cosmet (G). Well ordered, adorned cren, -a, -ul (L). A notch
cost, =a (L). A rib creo (G). Flesh, meat
cost, =um (L). An aromatic plant crepi, -do, =s (G). A boot, sandal
cothurn, *us (G). A high shoe, boot crépit (L). Creak, rattle
cotin, =us (G). Oleaster, wild olive crepuscul (L). Twilight
cotone (NL). Quince cresc (L). Grow, increase
cott, =us (G). A kind of fish; a cret, =a,(L): Chalk; separated;
cock;a horse (G): Crete
coturni, -c, =x (L). A quail «crex (G). A rail
cotyl, -ed, -o (G). A cup, socket, crib, -ell, -r (L). A sieve
cavity cric, -o, *us (G). A ring, circle
counter (L). Opposite, against crin, -o, *um (G). A lily; separate
cox, =a, -o (L). The hip crini, »s (L). The hair
=crabro, -n (L). A hornet crinit (L). Bearded
cracc, -a (L). A vetch crio (G). A ram
cracen, -t (L). Slender cri si, =s (G). A judgment, a choosing
-cracy (G). Rule; strength crisp (L). Curled
cramb, -o (L): Cabbage; (G): crissa, -1 (L). The under tail coverts
parched crist, =a (L). A crest
cran, -o, =us (G). A helmet crith, =a (G). Barley
crang, -o, =on (G). A shrimp criti, -c (G). Chosen, select
crani, -a, -o, =um (G). The skull croc, -e (G). A pebble; a thread
cranter (G). A performer croc, -o (G). The crocus; saffron,
crapul, =a (L). Intoxication orange-colored
eras, -i (G). Mix, blend crocid (G). The nap on cloth
crasped, -o (G). A border crocodil, =us (G). A lizard, crocodile
crass (L). Thick crocut, =a (L). A hyena
crastin (L). Tomorrow cromy, -o, =um (G). An onion
crat, -ero, -i, -o, =us (G). cross, -o (G). A tassel, fringe
Strength, power crotal, =um (G). A rattle, Castanet
crataeg, =us (G). A kind of thorn crotaph, =us (G). The temples
crater, =a (L). A bowl croto (G). Rattle; a tick
crati (L): Wickerwork; (G): croton (G). A tick; the castor oil
strength, power plant
crato (G). Strength, power cruel (L). A cross; torture
30 Dictionary of Word Roots
dir (G): The neck; (L): dreadful dominie, -ens (L). Of St. Domingo
dirig, -o (L). Direct «dominus (L). A lord
dis (G). Separate, apart; double, dona (L). Give; a gift
two dona, -c, *x (G). A reed
disc, -i, -o, «us (G). A round donesi (G). Trembling, shaking
plate dor, «a, -o (G). A hide, skin
discors (L). Discordant, disagree- dorat, «ium (G). A small spear
ing dorca, -do, «s (G). A gazelle
dori, -d, «s (G). A sacrificial knife
disso (G). Double dorm, -it (L). Sleep
dist, -a (L). Stand apart, be distant doro (G). A spear; a hide, skin; a
ditto (G). Double gift
diure, -s, -t (G). Urinate dors, -o, «um (L). The back
dory, -t (G). A spear; a beam,
diurn (L). Daily, in the daytime shaft
divaric, -a (L). Spread apart dosi (G). A gift
diversi (L). Various; separated dox, «a (G). An opinion; glory
«draba (G). A mustard-like plant
divert (L). Turn aside drac, -aen, -o, -on (L). A serpent,
doc, -o, «us (G). A beam; a spar dragon
doce (G). Seem; think drachm, «a (G). A weight
dram (G). Run
doch, -i (G). Receive; receptacle drama, -t (G). Perform; drama
dochm, -i, -o (G). Slanting, side- drapet, «es (G). A fugitive
ways dras, -t (G). Act; an agent
doci, -1 (L). Teach; teachable drasteri (G). Active
docim (G). Examine, test, prove drepan, -i, «urn (G). A sickle
drimy (G). Piercing, stinging
doco (G). A beam; a spar drom, -a, -ae, -aeo, -i, -o, «us (G).
doct (L). Learned, skilled Run; running; a race
«doctor (L). A teacher dros, -o (G). Dew
«docus (G). A beam; a spar droser, -o (G). Dewy
dodeca (G). Twelve drup, «a (G). An over-ripe olive; a
dodo (Pg). Foolish stone fruit
«dogma, -t (G). An opinion, decree dry, -o, «s (G). A tree; oak
dolabr, «a (L). An axe, mattock drym, -o, «us (G). Forest, woodland
doler, -o (G). Deceptive drypt, -o (G). Tear, scratch
du, -o (L). Two, double
doli, -o, «urn (L). A jar dubi (L). Doubtful
dolich, -o (G). Long duc, -t (L). Lead
dolio (L): A jar; (G): crafty dul, -io, -o (G). A slave, servant
dulc, -i (L). Sweet
dolo, -m, -p (G). Fraud, deceit,
trick
•dolor (L). Sorrow
dom,
«doma, -o,
domestic
dominie =us
(G).(G).
-to(L).
(L).Of A house
Around
Aa gift;
lord the
a house
house
34 Dictionary of Word Roots
glen, -o (G). A pit, socket; wonders gon, -i, «ia, -io (G). An angle
gleo (G). Glue gon, -y (G). The knee
gonato (G). The knee
gli, -a, -o (G). Glue gone (G). Seed, generation, off-
gliri, «s (L). A dormouse spring
glischr, -o (G). Sticky; greedy gongyl, -o (G). Round
goni, «a, -o (G). Seed; an angle,
glob, -o, »us (L). A ball, globe corner
gloch, -i, «is (G). A point gonidi (G). Seed; reproductive
gloe, -a, -o (G). Glue organ
iloi, -o (G). Glue gonim, -o (G). Productive
glom, -er, «us (L). A ball of yarn; gono (G). Generation, offspring;
a ball seed; reproductive organ; the
glori, «a (L). Glory knee
-gony (G). Seed; reproduction
gloss, «a, -o (G). The tongue gony, -o (G). The knee
glott, -i, -o (G). The tongue gordi (G My). A kind of knot
glue, -o (G). Sweet gorg (F). The throat
gorg, -o (G). Grim, fierce
glum, «a (L). A husk, hull gpssypi, «urn (L). Cotton
glut, -i (L). To swallow; glue gour, «a (NL). A kind of pigeon
glut, -e, -eo (G). The rump gracil, -i (L). Slender
gracul, «us (L). A jackdaw; a
glutin (L). Glue cormorant
glyc, -er, -o (G). Sweet grad, -a, -i (L). Step, walk; slope,
«glymma, -to (G). A carved figure grade
glyp, -h, -ho, -t, -to (G). Carve; grail, -a, -ato, -in (L). Stilts
carved, engraved gram, «en, -in (L). Grass
gnamp, -to (G). Bent, curved gramm, -a, -at (G). A letter,
gnath, -o, «us (G). The jaw writing
gran, -i, -o, «um (L). Grain
gnesi (G). Genuine grand, -i (L). Large, great
gnom, «a, -o (G). A mark; judgment grand, -in, «o (L). Hail, a hailstone
gnomon (G). Judge; rule; a carpen- granul (L). A little grain
ter's square graph, -o, «y (G). Write, writing
gnoph, -o (G). Darkness graps, -i (G). A crab
gnorim, -o (G). Well known, fam- grapt, -o (G). Inscribed, written
iliar grat, -i (L). Pleasing; favor
gnos, «is, -t, -tic (G). Know; known; grav, -e, -i (L). Heavy
knowledge gravid (L). Filled; pregnant
gobi, «us (L). A kind of fish greg, -ar, -i (L). A flock, herd;
gomph, -o, «us (G). A wedge-shaped collect
bolt or nail gremi, «um (L). The bosom
gomphi, -o (G). A tooth
gomphias
gompho
gon,
generation,
gether
-e, (G).
-idi,
(G).offspring
A
-o,
Abolt,
«y
toothache
(G).
nail;Seed,
bolt to-
44 D i c t i o n a r y of Word R o o t s
harp, «e, -i (G). A sickle; a bird helmin, *s, -th (G). A worm
of prey helo (G). A nail, wart; a marsh
harpa (LL). A harp
harpac, -t (G). Rob, seize helo, -d (G). A marsh
harpag, -i (G). A hook helv (L). Tawny, yellowish
«harpe, harpi (G). A sickle; a bird hem, -a, -ato, «ia, -o (G). Blood
of prey hemer, «a, -o (G). A day; tamed
•hasta, -t (L). A spear; spear-
shaped hemi (G). One-half
hathr, -o (G). Heaped, assembled hen, -o (G). A year; a year old
haust, -or, -r (L). Draw up, suck hendeca (G). Eleven
hebdom, -at (G). The seventh
hebe, -t (L): Blunt; (G): youth, henic, -o (G). Single
t puberty henicm, -o (G). Humid
heca (G). Far off heno (G). A year; a year old
I hecat, -o, -on (G). A hundred hepa, «r, -t, -to (G). The liver
1 hecist, -o (G). Least hepial, -o, «us (G). A nightmare
hect, -o (G). A hundred; the sixth hept, -a (G). Seven
hed, -i, -o (G). A seat, dwelling heracle (GMy). Hercules, a mytho-
* place logical hero
hede (G). Sweet herb, »a, -i, -o (L). Grass
f hedeom, *a (G). Sweet-smelling here, -o, *us (G). A wall, fence
heder, *a (L). Ivy hered (L). An heir; inherit; hereditary
hedi, hedo (G). A seat, dwelling herm, -a, -et (ML). Male; secret
| place •herma, -to (G). A prop, support
| hedon (G). Pleasure, delight hermaphrodit (G My). With both male
hedr, «a, -io (G). A seat; the anus and female organs
hedy, -1 (G). Sweet hermin, -o, =s (G). A prop, support
hel, -a, -eo, -o (G). A bog, marsh
helco (G). A sore; suck hermos (Sp). Beautiful
heleni, «urn (G). A kind of plant herni, =a (L). A rupture
heleo (G). A marsh, bog; pity hero (G). A hero
heli, -a, -o (G). The sun
helic, -o (G). A spiral, coil herodi (G). A heron
helict (G). Wreathed, twisted herpes, -t (G). Creep, creeping;
«heligma, -to (G). A winding, wrap- herpes
per; a curl of hair herpet, -o (G). A reptile
helio (G). The sun hesit, -a (L). Stick fast
heliot, -h, -us (G). The moon
•helix (G). A spiral, coil hesper, -i (G). Evening; western
hell, -a, -ado, -en (G). Greece hestho (G). Clothing, dress
hellu, -o (L). A glutton hesych, -o (G). Still, quiet
hesychast (G). A hermit
heta,
heter,
heur
hex, -a-er,
-i,
(G). -ir
-o(G).
-io,
(G). (G).
Invent,
«is,
Six
Other,
-y
discover
A(G).
companion
different
Habit
46 Dictionary of Word Roots
hiat, «us (L). An opening, gap holothur, -i, «um (G). A kind of
hibern, «us (L). Winter zoophyte
hibisc, «us (G). The marsh mal horn, -eo, -o, -oeo, -oio (G). Like,
low same, alike
hicori, «a (NL). Hickory horn, -in, «o (L). Man
hidro (G). Sweat homalo (G). Even, level
hidry, -s, -t (G). Seated, fixed homar (OF). A lobster
hiem, -al (L). Winter homeo (G). Like, resembling, alike
hier, -o (G). Sacred homin, -i (L). Man
hiera, -c, «x (G). A hawk «homo (L). Man
nil, «urn (L). A trifle, a little homo, -eo, -io (G). Like, resembling,
thing alike
hilar (L). Gay, cheerful hopl, -i, -o, «um (G). Armor, weapons
himant, -o (G). A strap hople (G). A hoof
himati, «urn (G). A cloak hoplist (G). Armed
himer, -o (G). Lovely; yearning hoplit (G). Heavily armed
hipp, -e, -o, «us (G). A horse hoplo, hoplum (G). Armor, weapons
hippari, «um (G). A pony horde, «um (L). Barley
«hippocampus (G). A fabulous sea horiz (G). Horizon; bound
monster hormi (G). Start, onset
hire, -in, «us (L). A goat hormo (G). A chain
hirne, «a (L). A jug hormon (G). Excite
hirp, «ex, -ic (L). A harrow horo (G). A limit, boundary; season,
hirsut (L). Hairy, rough hour, time
hirt (L). Hairy, rough horre, -n, -s (L). Dreadful; bristle,
hirud, -in, «o (L). A leech stand on end, tremble
hirund, -in, =o (L). A swallow horre, «um (L). A storehouse
hisc (L). Open horri (L). Terror; to bristle
hispan, -i (L). Spain; Spanish horrib (L). Terrible, fearful
hispid (L). Hairy, bristly horrid (L). Rough, prickly
hist, -o (G). A web; tissue hort (L). Urge
«hister (L). An actor hort, -i, «us (L). A garden
histero (G). Behind hosp, -it (L). A guest
histi, -o, «urn (G). A little web; hosti (L). An enemy
a sheet hum, -at, -i (L). Earth, ground;
histo (G). A web; tissue bury
histor, -i (L). History human (L). Of a man
«histrio, -ni (L). An actor humer, -ο, «us (L). The shoulder
hod, -o, «us (G). A way, path humesc (L). Grow moist
hoi, -o (G). Whole humi (L). Ground, earth
hole, -o (G). A furrow, trail; humid, -i (L). Moist; moisture
attractive; a grain humil, -i (L). Low
and Combining F o r m s 47
-issim, «a, «urn, e us (L). (the juglan, *s, -d (L). The walnut
superlative ending) jugul, »um (L). A little yoke; the
1st, -o (G). A web; tissue throat; the collarbone
-ist, -o (G). (the superlative Jul, -i, «us (L). A catkin
ending) junc, «us (L). A rush, reed
isthm, -o, «us (G). A narrow juven, -il (L). Youth; young
passage juxta (L). Near to
-ite (E). A stone; a fossil
«itea (G). A willow Κ
-ites (G). Belonging to, having to k (see also c and ch)
do with kairo (G). The rigit time
«iter (L). A passage, journey kako (G). Bad
ithagin (G). Genuine kal, -o (G). Beautiful
ithy (G). Straight kaleido (G). With a beautiful form
itin, -o (G). Made of willow kali (G). A hut, nest
kapn, -o (G). Smoke
itiner (L). A journey kary, -o (G). A nut; the nucleus
-itis (G). Inflammation kel (G). A claw
ity, -o, =s (G). An edge, rim kelaen, -o (G). Black, murky
iul, =us (G). A centipede keli, -d, « s (G). A stain
-ium (G). Small kelo (G). A hernia, rupture
ixi, -a, -o (G). Birdlime; mistle kelyph, -o (G). A shell, husk
toe ken, -o (G). New; empty
ixal, -o (G). Jumping kentr, -o (G). A point; a spur
ixod (G). Like birdlime «kera, -to (G). Horn
ixy, =s (G). The loins, waist keraun, -o (G). A thunderbolt
iyn, -g, »x (G). The wryneck kerm, -es (Ps). Crimson
kero (G). Wax
J kilo (G). A thousand
kine, -ma, -mato, - s , -si, -t, -to
jacamar (Br). A kind of bird (G). Move, moving, movement
jacan (Br). A kind of bird kio, -no (G). A pillar; the uvula
jact (L). Throw, toss klept, -o (G). Steal; a thief
jacul (L). Throw koni, -o (G). Dust
«janus (My). Two-faced; a door korethr (G). A broom
japonic (NL). Of Japan koro (G). The pupil of the eye
JaPy» ~g> =x (G). The west-north kotyl, -o (G). A cup, socket, cavity
west wind kraur, -o (G). Dry, brittle
jec, -in, -or, =ur (L). The liver kurt, -i, -o (G). Curved
ject (L). Throw kyan, -o (G). Dark blue
jejun (L). Hunger; dry kyll, -o (G). Lame, crippled
jub, =a (L). A mane; a crest kym, -a, -o (G). A wave
jucund (L). Pleasant
jug, -o, «urn (L). A yoke
and Combining Forms 51
lanth, -an, -o (G). Conceal, lie latra, -n, -t (L). Bark; barking
hid, unseen latri (G): A servant; (L): wash
lanu, -g (L). Wool, down
lao (G). A stone; the people latro (G): Pay, hire; a hireling; (L):
lapact (G). Empty a robber
lapar, -o (G). The loins; loose -latry (G). Worship, serve
lapath, -i, «urn (L). Sorrel, dock •latus (L). The side; broad, wide
laphyr, «a, -o (G). Booty, spoils lauda (L). Praise
lapi, -d, « s (L). A stone laur, -eat, -i, «us (L). The laurel
lapp, «a (L). A bur; burdock «laura (G). An alley
lapponic (L). Of Lapland laut (L). Washed, elegant, noble
laps (L). Slip, glide; a mistake lava, -t (L). Wash, bathe
-lapsana (G). A kind of cress
laque, «us (L). A noose lax, -a, -i (L). Loose, loosen
lar, -i, «us (L). A gull lazul (LL). Azure, blue
larc, -o, «us (G). A basket leberi, -d, «s (G). A snakeskin
lari, -c, «x (L). The larch
larin, -o (L). Fat lecan, «a (G). A dish, pan
«larus (L). A gull lech, -o (G). A lying-in woman; a
larv, «a, -i (L). A ghost, spectre bed
larvi (NL). A larva lechri, -o (G). Slanting, oblique
laryn, -g, -go, »x (G). The gullet, leci, -d, «s (G). A little plate
larynx
lascivi (L). Lewd, wanton; playful, lecith, -o (G). The yolk of an egg
sporty lect (G): Chosen, picked; (L): a
lasi, -o (G). Shaggy, hairy bed; a gathering
lass, -it (L). Faint lect, -icul, -ul (L). A couch, bed
lat, -i (L). Broad, wide lecyth, -o (G). An oil flask
lata, -g, «x (G). A beaver; a drop leg, -a, -i (L). Law
of wine leg, -o, «us (G): Lie down; choose;
latebr, «a, -i (L). A hiding place (L): collect
laten, -t (L). Hidden, hiding
later, -al, -o (L). The side legib (LL). Read
lateri (L). The side; a brick legitim (L). Lawful
lateri, -ci, -ti (L). Made of brick lego (G). Lie down; choose
latesc (L). Becoming hidden legum, «en, -in (L). A legume
•latex (L). A liquid, fluid •legus (G): Lie down; choose; (L):
lathri, -di, -o (G). Hidden, secret collect
lathyr, «us (G). A kind of vetch
lati (L). Broad, wide lei, -o (G). Smooth
latic, -i (L). A liquid, fluid leich, -o (G). Lick, lap
latr, «y (G). Worship, serve leima, -c, «x (G). A slug; a garden
leio (G). Smooth; the left-hand side
leip, -o (G). Leave; lack
leir, -o
«lemma,
leist,
lem, -i, (G).
-o-to
-o
(G). Paie
(G).
(G).
Plundering
AA pestilence,
husk, peel, plague
sheath
and Combining Forms 53
limo (G): Hunger; a meadow; (L): littor, -a, -e, -i (L). The seashore
a file litu, «us (L). A crook, augur's staff
«limon (G). A meadow litur (L). Erase
-limonium (G). Sea lavender liv, -e, -id (L). Ashen, bluish
limos (L). Muddy lixivi (L). Ash-colored; lye
limpid (L). Clear lob, -i, -o, «us (G). A lobe
«limus (L). Mud lobat (NL). Lobed
loc, -a, -o, «us (L). A place
lin, -a, -ar, -o, »um (L). Flax loch, -o, =us (G). An ambush
lin, -ea, -eo, -o (L). A line lochi, «a, -o (G). Childbirth, con-
lin, -o, *um (G). A net, cloth finement
lochm, «a (G). A thicket
linct (L). Licked locul, «us (L). A little place, cell
lingu, =a (L). The tongue locust, «a, -i (L). A locust, grass-
lini, -m, -t (L). Smear hopper
lino (L): A line; flax; (G): a net, lodi, -c, =x (L). A blanket
cloth loem, -o, =us (G). A plague
linol (L). Flax oil log, -o, =us, «y (G). A word, dis-
«linum (L): Flax; (G): a net, cloth course, study of
loga, -do, =s (G). The conjunctivae;
linyph (G). Weaving linen the whites of the eyes; picked,
lio, -t (G). Smooth; smoothness chosen
lip, -o (G). Fat; lack; leave loim, -o, «us (G). A plague
lipar (G). Oily, fatty; persever- lolig, -in, «o (L). A squid, cuttlefish
ance «lolium (L). Thedarnell
liphem (G). Lacking blood «loma, -to (G). A hem, fringe
loment, «um (L). A cosmetic, wash;
lipp, -i (L). Bleary-eyed, dim-
sighted bean meal
lomvia (Far). The murre
lips (G). Leaving lonch, «a, -o (G). A spear, lance
lipsan, -o, «urn (G). A relic, rem- long, -i (L). Long
nant lop, -ism, -o, «us (G). A scale;
lipsi, *a (G). An omission husk
liqu, -e, -i (L). Fluid, liquid loph, -i, -o, «us (G). A crest, tuft
lir, =a (L). A ridge loquac (L). Talkative
lor, =um (L). A thong, lash
liri, -o, «urn (G). A lily lord, -o (G). Bent backward
liro (G). Pale; bold lori (Mal). A kind of parrot
liss, -a, -o (G). Smooth «lorica (L). Clothed in metal; armor,
listr, -io, -o, =um (G). A spade breastplate
-lite (G). A stone =lorum (L). A thong, lash
lot, -io, «us (L). A washing
litera (L). A letter
lith, -io, -o, »us (G). A stone
litig, -i (L). A dispute
liter,
lito (G).
litr, -a-a,(G).
Smooth
-e, A
-i pound
(L). The seashore
and Combining F o r m s 55
lot, -o, «us (G). The lotus lye, -o, «us (G). A wolf
lox, -o (G). Slanting, oblique lychn, «is (G). A kind of plant
lubric (L). Smooth, slippery lychn, -o, «us (G). A lamp
lue, -i (L). Light; a grove lycos (G). A kind of spider
lucan (LL). A kind of beetle lygae (G). Gloomy
lucern, «a (L). A lamp lygi (G). Twilight; bend
luci, -d (L). Light; clear, shining lygi, -sm (G). Bend; bending
luci, -o, «us (L). The pike lygm (G). Hiccough
luco (G). A wolf lygo (G). A twig, a pliant rod
lucr (L). Gain, profit lygr, -o (G). Cowardly; mournful
luct (L). Struggle, wrestle «lyma (G). Destruction; filth
luctuos (L). Mournful, sorrowful lymph, «a, -o (L). Water; a water
«lucus (L). A grove; a light nymph
lud, -i, -icr (L). Hay lymphat, -i, -o (L). Frantic; lymph
ludovician (NL). Of Louisiana lyn, -c, «x (G). A lynx; hiccough
lue, «s (L). A plague lyo (G). Loose
lugubr (L). Sad, gloomy lyp, -e, -ero, -o (G). Pain, dis-
lumac (It). A snail tress; painful
lumb, -a, -o, «us (L). The loin lypr, -o (G). Wretched
lumbric, -i, «us (L). An earth- lyr, «a, -i (G). A harp, lyre
worm lys, -i, «is, -io (G). Loose; a
•lumen, lumin (L). Light loosening
lun, «a, -i (L). The moon lyss, «a, -o (G). Madness, rage
lunul, «a (L). A crescent lyt, -o (G). That which may be
lup, -i, -o, «us (L). A wolf loosed
lupin, -o (L). A lupine; of a wolf lythr, -o, «urn (G). Blood, gore
lupul, «us (L). The hop plant lytt, «a (G). Madness, rage; a
«lura (L). The mouth of a bag worm thought to cause madness in
lurid (L). Bale, ghastly, wan dogs
lusc (L). One-eyed
luscini, «a (L). The nightingale M
lusitanic (L). Of Portugal macar, -i, -o (G). Blessed, happy
lustr (L). Shining, pure, washed macell, «a (G). A pick axe
lut, -e, -i (L). Mud; mud-colored, macer, -a (L). Soften
yellowish mach, -a, -i, -o (G). Fight
lutr, -o (G). A bath, bathing mâcha, -er, -ir (G). A sword,
lutr, «a (L). An otter dagger, razor
«lux (L). Ligit machin, «a (L). An engine, machine
luxa, -t (L). Displace, dislocate maci, -a (L). Leanness
luxur, -i (L). Extravagance, splen-- macr, -o (G). Large, long
dor mactr, «a, -i (G). A kneading trouai
ly, -o (G). Loose «macula, -t (L). Spot; spotted
56 D i c t i o n a r y of Word Roots
melism (G). A song; a dismem- ment, -i, «urn (L). The chin
bering menth, «a (L). Mint
meliss, «a (G). A honey bee; honey
melit, -o (G). Honey mentul, -a (L). The penis
melizo (G). Sing meny (G). Inform, reveal
mell, -i, -it (L). Honey mephit, -i, «is (L). A foul odor
melo (G). A limb; the cheeks; a
probe; a song; an apple, fruit; a mer (L). Pure; alone; bare
sheep mer, *e, -i, -o (G). A part; the
melod, -i (G). Song, a singing thigh
meloe, meloi (G). A probe mercur (LMy). Mercury, a Grecian
melolonth, «a (G). A cockchafer god
melon (G). An apple, fruit; a merd, «a, -i (L). Dung, excrement
sheep mere, -t (L). Earn
melos (G). Probing merg (L). Dive, dip
melotri, -di (G). Probe, sound «mergus (L). A diver
melyr, «is (G). A song-maker; a meri, -d, «s (G). A part
kind of insect
memat, -o (G). Desired meriae (G). Of the thigh
membra, -c, *x (G). A kind of meridi (L). Noon
insect meridional (L). Southern
membran, «a (L). A membrane
memnoni (L). Brownish black merism, -o, *us (G). A division
•men, -o (G). A month merist, -o (G). Divided
mena, -do (G). The moon merit (L). Earn
menda, -c, «x (L). Lying, false
mendie (L). Poor; a beggar merluci, «us (NL). A kind of fish
mené (G). The menses; the moon mermi, «s, -th (G). A cord
men! (G). Anger; the moon; a mero (G). A part; the thigh
month merop, -o, «s (G). The bee-eater
menin, -g, -gp, «x (G). A mem-
brane -merous (G). Parted
menisc, -o (G). A crescent mers (L). Dip
meno (G). Remain, standfast; a merul, «a (L). A blackbird
month; the menses «merus (G). The thigh
mens (L). The mind; measure meryc, -o (G). Ruminate, chew the
mens, «a (L). A table cud
mens, -e, -i (L). A month mes, -o (G). The middle
menstru (L). Monthly
mensur (L). Measure mesa (Sp). Tableland
ment, -a, -i (L). The mind mesar, -a, -i, «urn (G). A mesen-
tery
mesat (G). Middle, median
mesembri, «a (G). Noon
mesit,(G).
mest, «es(G).
mesotoech,
meso -o (G).
The A mediator
-o Full
(G).
middle
A dividing wall
and Combining F o r m s 59
met, -a, -h (G). Between, with, mill, -e, -i, -o (L). One thousand
after, back again; change milph, -o (G). Bald; losing hair
«meta (L). A boundary; a turning milt, -o (G). Ochre; red, vermilion
post
metab, -as, -ol (G). Change milv, -in, «us (L). A kite
metall, -i, -o (G). Mine; metal mim, -e, -i, -o, «us (G). An imita-
metallurg (G). Metal-working tion; an actor, mimic
metax, -i, -y (G). Between mina, -c, «x (L). A threat; project
meteor, -o (G). Higi in the air; minera (ML). Mine
heavenly bodies; natural phe-
nomena, the weather mineral, -o (ML). Mineral
«meter (G). Measure mini, -a, «um (L). Red lead
meth (G). Between, with, after, minim (L). Least, smallest
back again; change minor (L). Less, smaller; hangover,
meth, -e, -o, -y (G). Drink, drunk- threaten
enness; wine
method, -o (G). A system minus (L). Less, smaller
methys (G). Intoxicated, drunk minut (L). Small
metop, -i, -o (G). The forehead miny, -th, «s (G). Small
metr, -a, -i, -o (G). Measure; the
uterus, womb; a mother minyr, -o (G). Complaining
metrio (G). Moderately minyth (G). Small; decrease
-metry (G). Measurement mio (G). Less
•meum (L). A kind of plant mir, -a, -ab, -ac, -i (L). Wonderful
mezzo (It). The middle; half
miar, -o (G). Defiled, stained mis (E): Wrong; (G): hate
with blood mise (L). Mix; mixed
miasm, «a, -o (G). Pollution mise, -o (G). A stalk
-mica, -r (L). A crumb
micacé (L). Granular misch, -o, «us (G). A stalk
micell, «a (L). A little crumb mise, -11, -r (L). Wretched
micr, -o (G). Small miso (G). Hate, hatred
mict, -o (G). Mixed miss, -i (L). Send
mictur (L). Urinate
mid (ME). The middle mist, «us (L). A mixing
mida, «s (G). A kind of insect mist, -o (G). Most
migr, -a (L). Wander, migrate -mit (L). Send
migrator! (L). Wandering, mi- mit, -ο, «us (G). A thread
gratory mitell, «a (L). A head band
mill, -ar, -ol, «urn (L). Millet
milit, -ar, -i (L). A soldier miter (L). A cap
mitl (L). Mild, harmless; ripe
mitig (L). Make mild
mito (G). A thread
«mitus
mix,
mitr,
mnem,
member
-i,
»a,
(G).
-at,
-o-i A
(G).
-on
(L).
thread
(G).
Mix
A cap,
Memory;
turbanre
60 Dictionary of Word Roots
mni, -o, «urn (G). Moss mon, -a, -er, -o (G). One, single
mobil (L). Movable monet (L). Money; mint
mochl, -o, «us (G). A lever monil, -i (L). A necklace, string
mochth, -o, «us (G). Hard work of beads
monimo (G). Fixed, steadfast
mod, -u (L). Measure
monit (L). Warn; warning
modena (N). Deep purple
mono (G). One, single
modic (L). Moderate monstr, -a (L). Show, warn; a
modiol, «us (L). A small measure; monster
a bucket on a water wheel
mont, -an, -i (L). A mountain
modul (L). Measure; a tune
mor, -i, «us (L). A mulberry
moell (F). Pith, marrow
mor, -o (G). Stupid, foolish
moen, -i (L). Walls, fortifications
moer, ȉ, -o (G). Lot, fate; a part, mora, -tor (L). Delay
division morb, -i, -os (L). A disease; dis-
moest (L). Sorrowful, sad eased
mog, -i, -o (G). Hardly, with dif- morbill (ML). The measles
ficulty; trouble morchel (Ger). A morel
moir, -a, -o (G). Lot, fate; a part, mord, -ac, -ax, -el, -en, -ic (L).
division Bite, biting
mol, -i (G). Hardly, with difficulty mori (L): A mulberry; (G) folly
mola, -r (L). Grind, mill moribund (L). Dying
molecul (L). A little mass morill (F). A fungus, morel
molest (L). Disturb morind, «a (L). A mulberry
molen (L). Grinding morinell (G). Foolish
molg, -o (G). Hide, skin morio (G). A part; a fool; a nar-
molge (Ger). A salamander cotic plant
«mormo (G). A monster, bugbear
moli (G). Hardly, with difficulty mormyr, -o, «us (G). A sea fish
molin, «a (L). A mill moro (G). Stupid, foolish
moll, -i (L). Soft moros (L). Fretful
mollusc (L). Soft; a shellfish morph, «a, -o (G). Form
molop, -o, «s (G). A ridge, weal, morph, -e, -o (LMy). Sleep
bruise
•molothrus (L). An intruder morrhu, =a (L). The cod fish
molp (G). A song mors (L). Bite, biting, eat
molpast, «es (G). A dancer mort,al, -i, -u (L). Death, dead, deadly
molybd, -i, -o (G). Lead morul, =a (L). A little mulberry
=morus (L). A mulberry
molyn, -a (G). Stain, defile mosch, -o, =us (G). Musk; a young
molysm,-s,
«momentum
momo,
momot -o«us
(from (G).
(L). Pollution
its(G).
Motion
cry).
Blame,
The motmot
disgraa animal
and Combining F o r m s 61
mue, -e, -i, -o, «us (L). Mold, muta (L). Change
moldy; mucus muti, -c, -1 (L). Cutoff
«mucro, -n (L). A sharp point mutu (L). Reciprocal; borrowed
«mugil, -i (L). The mullet my, -i, «ia (G). A fly
mule (L). Stroke, caress my, -o, « s (G). A muscle; a mouse
mulg (L). To milk mya, -c, =x (G). A sea mussel
myagr, «urn (G). A mouse trap
mulin (L). Of a mule •myaria (G). Muscle
mull, «us (L). The red mullet myc, -e, -et, -eto, -o (G). A fungus
mulo (L). A mule «mycetes (G). The bellflower
muls, -i (L). Mixed with honey, mych, -o (G). Inward
sweet myct, *er, -ir (G). The nose
mult, -i (L). Many myd, -a, -ale, -o (G). Wet, damp;
mund, -an (L). The world; moldy
adorned; clear mydr, -o, «us (G). A red-hot mass
mur (L). A mouse; a wall mydriasi, «s (G). A dilation of the
mura (L). A wall pupil
muraen, =a (L). A lamprey, eel myel, -o, «us (G). Marrow; the
«murex (L). The purple-fish; purple spinal cord
mûri (L). A mouse; a wall mygal, «e (L). A field mouse
«muria (L). Brine myi, «a, -o (G). A fly
mûrie (L). The purple-fish; purple myl, -io, -o (G). A mill, millstone;
a molar
muricat (L). Pointed
mylabr, «is (G). An insect in flour
muricul (L). Slightly pointed mills
murin (L). Of a mouse mylacr, «is (G). A millstone
•mus (L). A mouse myll, -o, «us (G). A lip; crooked; a
mus, -a, -o (Ar). The banana salted sea fish
musc, -a, -i, -o (L). A fly; moss; mymar (G). Ridicule; blame
musk myo (G). A muscle; a mouse
muscari (L). Of a fly; a clothes myop, «s (G). Short-sighted; a
brush horse fly
muscid (L). Mossy myosot (G). Mouse-eared
muscul, -o, «us (L). Muscle; a little myox, «us (G). A dormouse
mouse; a kind of fish myr, -o, «urn (G). Ointment, perfume
«muscus (L). Moss; musk myrc (NL). The myrtle
museo (L). A museum myri, -a, -o (G). Numberless;
musi (G). Music; a muse 10,000
myri, -st (G). Anoint
music, -o (G). Music myric, «a (G). The tamarask
muso (Ar). A banana myrin, -g, -go, «x (NL). The ear-
muss (L). Mutter, buzz drum
must (L). Fresh; new wine
mustel, «a, -in (L). A weasel
mut (L). Dumb
62 Dictionary of Word Roots
myrio (G). Numberless; 10,000 nard, -o, «us (G). The spikenard
myrist (G). Anoint; ointment nari, «s (L). A nostril
myrme, -co, «x (G). An ant narra (L). Tell
myro (G). Ointment, perfume narthe, -c, =x (G). A kind of plant
myrsin, «a (G). The myrtle nas, -i, -o, «us (L). The nose
myrt, «us (G). The myrtle nasc (L). Birth; be born
«myrum (G). Ointment, perfume nasm, -o, «us (G). A stream
«mys (G). A muscle; a mouse nass, «a (L). A wicker basket
mysi, «s (G). A closing of the nast, -o (G). Pressed close, solid
lips or eyes «nastes (G). An occupant
myso (G). Filth, abomination nasut (L). Large-nosed
myst, -ac, «ax, -ic (G). The nat, -i, «is (L). The rump, buttocks
upper lip; a moustache nata (L). Birth; be born
myst, -eri, -i, -o (G). A mystery, natan, -t (L). Swimming
secret rite nato (L). Swimming
mystr, -i, -io, «ium, -o (G). A natri, -c, »x (L). A water snake
spoon nau, «s, -t (G). A ship; sail
myth, -o, «us (G). A legend nauc, =um (L). Trivial; a trifle
mytil, -o, «us (G). A mussel naupli, «us (G). A kind of mollusc
myx, «a, -o (G). Slime, mucus, naus, -e, -i (G). Seasickness
nasal discharge naut, -i (G). A ship; sail
myxin, =us (G). A slime fish nautil, «us (G). A sailor; a shell
myz, -o (G). Suck; mutter fish
nav, -a, -i (L). A ship; sail
Ν navicul, «a (L). A little ship, boat
nabi, -d, «s (L). A giraffe navig, -a (L). Sail, go by ship
«nabla (G). A kind of harp ne (G). Not
nacr (F). Mother-of-pearl ne, -o (G). New; swim;, go
naev, =us (L). A birthmark, mole, neal, «es (G). Young, fresh
spot nebr, -i, -o, «us (G). A fawn
naia, -d, «s (G). A water nymph nebul, »a, -o (L). A cloud, mist
naid; «nais (G). A water nymph necan, -t (L). Killing
naj, «a, -i (H). A snake «necator (L). A killer
•nama, -to (G). A stream necr, -o, «us (G). The dead; a dead
nan, -i, -no, -o, «us (G). A body
dwarf necros, =is (G). Death, deadness
nao (G). A temple nect (L). Bound, joined
nap, «aea, -o (G). A glen, wooded nect, -er, -o (G). Swimming
dell «nectar (G). The drink of the gods
nap, -i, «us (L). A turnip nectri (G). A swimmer
naphth (G). Asphalt necy, «s (G). A corpse
narc, «a, -o (G). Numbness, stupor necydal, «us (G). The silkworm
larva
and Combining Forms 63
«onus, -t (L). A burden; burdened opt, -i, -o (G). The eye; vision
onych, -o (G). A claw, nail opt, -a, -i (L). Choose
-onym (G). A name opter (G). An observer, scout
•onyx, -i (G). A claw, nail
oo (G). An egg optes (G). Roast
oodeo (G). Egg-shaped opti (L): Choose; (G): the eye;
oophor (G). An ovary vision
op (L). Reversed, against optim (L). Best
op, *s (G). The face, appearance; opto (G). The eye; vision; roasted
the voice opul (L). Rich
opac (L). Shaded, dull ora (L). Mouth
opal, -in, -o, «us (G). An opal «orama (G). A view
ope, -o (G). An opening orari (L). Coastal; a napkin
opera (L). Work oras, -i (G). Sigit
opercul, «urn (L). A cover, lid
orbi, -t, -to (L). A circle, track,
ophel, -o, «us (G). Use, service
orbit
ophi, -d, -o, « s (G). A snake,
ore, «a (L). A whale
serpent
ophiur (G). Serpent-tailed orches, -t (G). Dancing
ophry, -o, «s (G). The eyebrow, orchi, -d, -do, « s (G). The testicle;
brow a plant named from the shape of
ophthalm, -i, -o, «us (G). The its roots
eye orcho (G). A testicle
opi, -a, -o, «urn (G). PDppy juice, orcul, «a, -i (L). A cask
opium ore, -o (G). A mountain
-opia (G). Vision «oreades (G). Mountain nymphs
opiso (G). Backward orect, -o (G). Stretched out
opisth, -i, -o (G). Behind, the oreg (G). Desire
hind part oress, -i (G). Mountains
opi, -o (G). Armor; a tool
oplit, «es (G). Heavily armed; orex, -i (G). Desire, appetite
an armed soldier organ, -o (G). An organ, instrument
opo (G). The face; juice orgi (G). Secret rites
opor (G). Autumn orgyi, «a (G). The length of the out-
opoter, -o (G). Either stretched arms
oppil (L). Stop up, block ori (L): The mouth; (G): a mountain
opposit (L). Opposite oribat (G). Mountain-roaming
«ops (G). Appearance; the face;
orient, -al (L). Rising; east
the voice
opsi, -o (G). Appearance; sight; origin (L). Arise, begin
late orism, «a (G). A limitation,
opso (G). Meat, dainty food boundary
orm, -o (G). A cord, chain
ornât (L). Adorned
orneo«(G).
orni, s , -th,A -tho
bird;(G).
a plume
A bird
68 Dictionary of Word Roots
oro (G): A mountain; (L): the osmo, -s, -t (G). Pushing, thrust-
mouth ing
oront, «es (G). A river in Syria osmund, -a (NL). A kind of fern
oroph, =a, -o (G). A roof osphr, -a, -e, -o (G). A smell,
orphan (G). Without parents; scent
bereft osphy, -o, «s (G). The loin, hip
orphe (My). Melodious oss, -e, -i (L). A bone
orphn, -o (G). Dark, dusky ossic (L). A little bone
orrh, -o, *us (G). Serum; the ost, -e, -eo, *eum (G). A bone
end of the sacrum oster, -o (G). Nimble
ortali, -d, *s (G). A fowl; a young osti, «urn (L). A small opening,
bird door
orth, -o (G). Straight, upright ostr, -e, «ea, -i, -in (L). An
orthagorisc, «us (G). A suckling oyster; purple
Pig ostrac, -o, -urn (G). A shell;
orthrio (G). Early, at daybreak earthenware
orty, -g, *x (G). A quail ostry, «a (G). A hardwood tree
oruss (G). Dig through, burrow -osu, «m, «s (L). Full of
orych, -o (G). Dig ot, -i, -o (G). The ear
oryct, -er, -o (G). Dugout; a othe, -o (G). Push, thrust
digger; a fossil othni, -o (G). Strange, foreign
oryg (G). An antelope; a digging otid, -o (G). An ear; a bustard
tool otio, -n (G). A kind of shellfish
oryss (G). Dig through, burrow otios (L). Idle, at leisure
«oryx (G). An antelope; a digging •Otis (G). A bustard
tool oto; «otus (G). An ear
oryz, «a, -i, -o (G). Rice ouden (G). None
•os (L). A bone; a mouth oulo (G). Woolly, with thick hair;
-os, *a, «urn, «us (L). Full of the gums; a scar; whole
osche, -o (G). The scrotum our, «a (G). The tail
oscho (G). A young branch ouran, -i, -o (G). Heaven
oscill, -a, -o (L). Swing back and ouro (G). Urine; a guard; a wild
forth bull
oscin, -i (L). A singing bird -ous (E). Full of
oscit (L). Yawning, drowsiness ov, -i, *um (L). An egg
oscul (L). Kiss; a little mouth ovari, -o, »um (L). An ovary
-ose (L). Full of ovat (L). Egg-shaped
-osis (L). A condition of ovi (L). An egg; a sheep
-osis (G). A disease ovin (L). Of sheep
-osity (L). Fullness ovipar (L). Egg-laying
osm, *a, -i, -o (G). A smell, •ovis (L). A sheep
odor ovul, «um (L). A little egg
and Combining Forms 69
pant, -a, -e, -i, -o (G). All parot, -i (G). Beside the ear
panurg (G). Ready to do anything parotid, -o (G). The parotid gland
pany (G). Altogether, exceedingly -parous (L). Giving birth to, bearing
«papaver, -i (L). The poppy •pars (L). Apart
«papilio, -n (L). A butterfly parsi (L). Few, sparing
papill, «a, -i (L). A nipple parthen, -o (G). A virgin; without
papp, -o, «us (G). A grandfather; fertilization
down, fuzz
papul, «a (L). A pimple parti (L). Apart
papyr, -i, «us (L). Paper, papyrus partim (L). Partly
par (L). Bear, give birth to partit (L). Divided
par, -a (G). Beside, beyond, near partur, -i (L). Bring forth young,
par, -i (L). Equal; a titmouse give birth to
paradis (G). A park, pleasure parul (L). A little titmouse
ground «parus (L). A titmouse
paradox, -o (G). Incredible, parv, -i (L). Small
marvelous
parallel, -i, -o (G). Parallel paryph, «a, -o (G). A border
paramec (G). Oblong, oval pas, -i (G). All
paraphron (G). Mad, insane, dis- pasc, -u, «uus (L). Feed; a pasture
traught paspal (G). A kind of millet; fine
parapod (G). At the feet of,
close by meal
parasit, -i, -o (G). Near food; eat •passer, -i (L). A sparrow
passi (L). Passion; suffer; pace;
at another's table; a parasite spread out
parât (L). Ready, prepared
parci (L). Few, sparing passul, «a (L). A small raisin
pard, -o, »us (G). A leopard past (G): Sprinkle; (L): food
pardal (G). Spotted; a starling pastill, «us (L). A small loaf
parei, «a (G). The cheek
paren, -t (L). A parent pasteur, -i (N). Louis Pasteur
paresi, «s (G). A letting go; paraly- pastin (L). Dig; a parsnip
sis, impairment of strength «pastio, -n (L). Keeping, feeding
pari (L). Equal; a titmouse «pastor, -i (L). A shepherd, keeper
pari, «a (G). The cheek pat, -i (G). A path, walk
parie, «s, -t (L). A wall pataec (My). A dwarfish deity of
«parilla (L). A little vine Phoenicia
parm, «a (L). A small shield patag, -o, «us (G). A clatter
parod, -o, «us (G). An entrance,
patagi, «urn (L). A border
passage
paronym (G). Of the same deriva- patell, «a, -i, -o (L). A little dish
tion paten, -t (L). Spreading, open
«pater (L). A father; a flat dish
patera (L). Of a father
patet
pati (G).«y
path,(G).
-o, AWalk
(G).
walk,Suffering,
path disease
and C o m b i n i n g F o r m s 71
«pix (L). Pitch plec, -o, -t, -to (G). Twine, twist,
plac, -o (G). A tablet, plate; flat braid; strike; twisted
plaçât (L). Please, appease plect, -r, -ro, «rum (G). A strike;
placent, «a, -i (L). A round flat a spur
cake; the placenta pleg, -a, -e, -i, *ia, -o (G). A blow,
placid (L). Smooth, pleasing strike; a sickle
placin, -o (G). Made of boards plegm, «a, -ato, -o (G). Wickerwork
placo (G). A tablet, plate; flat plei, -o (G). More; full
pladar, -o (G). Wet, damp
plag, «a (L). A blow, stripe; a pleist, -o (G). Most
region, zone; a snare plen, -i (L). Full
plagat (L). Streaked, striped pleo (G). Full; more; sail, swim
plagi, -o (G). Oblique, sideways;
the sides pleon (G). More, full
plagia, -r, -t (L). A kidnapper pier, -o, -om, -os (G). Full, fullness,
plan, -i (L). Flat, level filling
plan, -o (G). Wandering plesi, -o (G). Near, recent
plane, -s, -t, «tes (G). A wanderer, pletho, -r (G). Full, fullness; in
rover excess
plankt, -o (G). Wandering plethy, -sm, -smo (G). Fullness;
plant, «a, -i (L). The sole of the increase, enlargement
foot; a plant pleur, -a, -i, -o, «um (G). The side;
plantag, -in, »o (L). Plantain a rib
plas, -i, -o (G). Form, mold, shape pleuroth, -en, -o (G). From the side
plasm, «a, -ato, -o (G). Something pleust (G). A sailor; sailing
molded or modeled; plasm plex, -i, «us (L). Interwoven; a net-
plasso (G). Form, mold, shape work
plast, -o (G). Formed, molded; plexi, -o, «s (G). A stroke, percus-
counterfeit sion
plastr, -on (F). A breastplate
-plasty (G). Growth, molding plie, -o (L). Fold, braid
plat, -e, -i, -y (G). Broad, flat plinth, -o, «us (G). A brick
plata, -c, *x (G). A kind of fish plio (G). More
platale, «a (L). The spoonbill ploc, -io, -o, «us (G). Weave, braid,
platan, «us (G). The sycamore twist; a curl of hair
plate (G). Broad, flat
platess, -a, -i (L). The plaice plocam, -o (G). A lock of hair
plati; platy (G). Broad, flat plocar (G). Something woven
plaus (L). Applaud ploce, -i, «us (G). A weaver, braider
plaut (L). Flat-footed plocio, ploco; «plocus (G). A braid, a
plèbe, -i (L). Of common people; curl of hair; weave, twist
common ploiari, «um (G). A small boat
ploim (G). Sailing, fit for sailing
plor, -an (L). Wail, wailing
plot,
ing;-er,
sailing;
-i, -o
swimming
(G). Floating, drift-
78 D i c t i o n a r y of Word R o o t s
resed, «a (L). Heal, calm; a kind rhagi, -o, «um (G). A kind of spider
of plant «rhagia (G). A breaking out
resid, -en (L). Live; remain rhamn, -o, «us (G). Buckthorn
behind rhamph, -id, =is, -o (G). A curved
resid, -i (L). Remaining; inactive beak;a hook
résidu (L). What is left behind rhani, -d, =s (G). Drop, sprinkle
resin, =a, -i (L). Resin rhaph, »a, -o (G). A seam, suture
respir (L). Breathe rhaphan, -o, «us (G). A radish; a
resplenden (L). Glittering cabbage
restan (L). Standing still rhaphi, -d, -o, «s (G). A needle
resti, =s (L). A rope, cord rhapi, -do, «s (G). A rod, stick
restor (L). Put back again «rhax (G). A grape, berry
resupin (L). Bent back rhe, «a (NL). A kind of bird
resuscita (L). Revive rhe, «a, -o (G). A flow, current
ret, »e, -i, -in (L). A net, rhe, «urn (ML). Rhubarb
network rheb, -o (G). Crooked
retiari, =us (L). A net-fighter rhect, -i (G). Rupture
reticen (L). Silent rheg, «ma, -n (G). A break
reticul, -ari (L). A network rheithr, -o, «urn (G). A stream
retin, -a, -i, -o (L). A net; the •rhema, -to (G). A word
retina of the eye rheo (G). A flow, current
retin, *a, -i, -o (G). Pine resin rhest, -o (G). Destroyed
retinacul, «urn (L). A holdfast rhet, -i, -or (G). Speak
retr, -o (L). Back, behind, back- rhetin, «a, -i, -o (G). Pine resin
ward •rheum (NL). Rhubarb
retus (L). Blunt rheum, «a, -ato, -i, -o (G). A
révéla (L). Reveal watery flow, flux
revolut (L). Rolled back rhexi, -a, =s (G). A break, rupture
«rex (L). A king rhig, -o (G). Frost; shiver
rh (see also r) rhin, »a (G). A shark; a file, rasp
rhabd, -o, =us (G). A rod rhin, -o (G). A nose
rhac, -o, «us (G). Rags rhipi, -do, =s (G). A fan
rhachi, «a (G). A rocky shore; rhips (G). Wickerwork
surf rhipt, -o (G). Thrown out
rhachi, -a, -o, =s (G). The spine, «rhis (G). A nose
backbone rhiz, «a, -o (G). A root
rhachist, -o (G). Cut up rhod, -o, «um (G). A rose
rhadin, -o (G). Slender, delicate rhoea, -d, =s (G). A kind of poppy
rhaeb, -o (G). Crooked rhoec, -o (G). Crooked; failing,
rhag, -a, =e, -i, -o (G). Break, weak
break out, broken; a grape, berry rhoga, -d, «s (G). Rent, ragged
86 D i c t i o n a r y of Word R o o t s
rhomb, -o, «us (G). Aparallelo- rim, «a, -o (L). A fissure, split
piped with equal sides; a top ring, -en (L). Gape
rhonch, -o (G). Snore rino (G). A nose
rhop, -i, -o, =s (G). Bushes, rip, «a, -ar, -i (L). The bank of
brush a stream
rhop, -o (G). A turning point,
a turn of the scales ripi, -do, «s (G). A fan
rhopal, -o, «us (G). A club ris, -or (L). Laugh, laughter
rhoph (G). To swallow «rissa (Ice). The kittiwake
rhopo (G). Small, weak; bushes, ritu, « s (L). A rite, ceremony
brush; a turning point riv, -os, -ul (L). A brook, furrow
»rhops (G). Bushes, brush rival, -i (L). Of a brook; a rival
rhopt, -o (G). Absorption rob, -or, -ust (L). Strong; an oak
rhoptr, -o, «um (G). A club rod, -en (L). Gnaw, gnawing
«rhus (L). Sumac
rhya, -co, =x (G). A stream rodo (G). A rose
«rhyma, -to (G). Deliverance; roga (L). Ask
defense romale, -o (G). Strong-bodied
rhymb, -o, «us (G). Whirling; a ror, -id, -ul (L). Dew, dewy
top ros, «a (L). A rose
rhynch, -o, «us (G). A snout, beak roscid (L). Dewy, wet
rhyo (G). A stream
rhyp, -ar, -i, -o (G). Dirt, filth; rose, -a, -o (L). Rose-colored,
rosy
filthy
rosi (L). Gnaw
rhyph, -o (G). Crooked; gulp
«rosmar (Dan). A walrus
down «rosor (L). A gnawer
rhypt (G). Cleanse
rhysi, =s (G). A stream; defend- rostell, «urn (L). A little beak
ing rostr, «um (L). A beak, snout;
rhyss, -o (G). Wrinkled the prow of a ship
rhythm, -o (G). Rhythm «rota, -li, -t (L). Awheel; revolve
rhyti, -do, « s (G). A wrinkle rotund (L). Round
rhytism, =a (G). A patch, darn rub, -e, -i, «us (L). A bramble; a
rhyz, -o (G). A root; growl blackberry
«ribes (Ar). A plant with sour sap rube, -d, -din, -o, «r, -seen (L).
ricin, «us (L). Castor oil; the Red, reddish
castor oil plant; a kind of tick rubi, -d, -g (L). Red, reddish
rict (L). Open-mouthed rubicund (L). Very red
rid, -e, -en (L). Laugh rubicundul (L). Somewhat ruddy
ridicul (L). Laughable, funny
rig, -esc, -id, -or (L). Stiff, rubigin (L). Rusty
stiffening, harsh rubr, -i (L). Red, reddish
«rubus (L). A bramble; a black-
berry
ruct (L). Belch
rud, -eri, «us (L). Rubbish
and Combining Forms 87
salu, -bri, -ti (L). Health; health- «saron, -to (G). A broom
ful sarp, -t (L). Prune, trim
salv, -a (L). Save, preserve sarri (L). Hoe, cultivate
salvl, »a (L). The sage sarsa (Sp). A bramble
samar. «a, -i (L). An elm seed sartori, *us (L). A tailor
sambuc, «a (L). A stringed in- •sarum (G). A broom
strument •sarx (G). Flesh
sambuc, *us (L). The elder tree satan (G). The Devil, Satan
samyd, «a (G). A birch-like plant satell, »es, -it (L). An attendant
sana, -b, -t (L). Heal, cure sathr, -o (G). Decayed, weakened
sanct, -1 (L). Saintly, holy satur, -a (L). Full, filled
sandal, -o, «urn (G). A sandal; a satyr (G My). A woodland deity, a
flatfish satyr
sangui, -ni, «s (L). Blood sauci (L). Hurt, injured, ill
sanit, -a (L). Health, soundness saucr, -o (G). Beautiful, graceful
sanicul, «a (NL). A kind of plant saur, -o, «us (G). A lizard
sani, -do, *s (G). A board, plank savanna (Sp). A meadow
santal, «urn (NL). Sandalwood sax, -i, -o, -urn (L). A rock
sao (G). Healthy, safe saxatil (L). Living among rocks
saperd, «es (G). A salted fish scab (L). Scratch, scrape
saph, -en, -o (G). Clear, ap- scab, *er, -r (L). Rough
parent; the truth scabell, «um (L). A footstool
sapid (L). Tasty, savory scabi, «es (L). Itch, mange
sapien, «s, -t (L). Wise, knowing scabios (L). Scaly, rough
sapinda (L). Soapberry scabr, -i (L). Rough
•sapo, -ni (L). Soap scae, -o (G). Clumsy; unlucky; on
•sapor, -1 (L). Flavor, taste the left
sapot, »a (NL). A kind of tree scaer, -o (G). Dance
sapphir, -o (G). The sapphire; seal, *a, -ari, -i (L). A ladder
blue scalen, -e, -o (G). Uneven; limping
sapr, -o (G). Rotten, putrid scali, -d, «s (G). A hoe; a bowl
sarc, -i, -o (G). Flesh scalm, -o, «us (G). An oar pin
sarcas, -m (LL). Sneer scalma (OHG). Pestilence
sarcin, «a, -i (L). A bundle scalop, -o, «s (G). A mole
sarcolip, *es (G). Lean, with scalp (L). Carve, scrape
little flesh scalpr, -i, «urn (L). A chisel, knife
sarcopt (G). Flesh-cutting scalpt (L). Carved, scraped
sard, *a (G). A kind of fish scamb, -o (G). Curved, bent
sarg, -o, aus (G). A kind of fish scamill, «us (L). A little bench
sargass (Sp). Seaweed scamn, -o, =um (L). A bench, stool
sarment, «urn (L). Twigs, scan, -d, -s, -sor (L). Climb
branches scan, -i, -o, -us (G). A corpse
and Combining Forms 89
scap, «us (L): A stem; (G): a schoen, -i, -o (G). A reed; a rope
staff «schola (L): School; (G): leisure
scapan, -e, -i, -o (G). A spade sci, -a, -o (G). A shadow
scaph, -i, -o (G). A bowl, boat, sciad, -i (G). A canopy, umbel
trough; anything hollowed out sciaen, «a (L). A sea fish
scapt, «es, -o (G). Dig; a digger; sciar, -o (G). Dark-colored, shady
dug out •sciasma, -to (G). A shadow
scapul, «a (L). The shoulder blade sciatic (ML). Of the hip
ecien, «s, -t (L). Knowledge
scar, «us (G). A kind of fish scier, -o (G). Dark-colored, shady
scarabae, -i, «us (L). A scarab scill," «a (L). A sea onion
beetle seine, -i, «us (L). A kind of lizard
scari, -d, «s (G). A little worm scintill (L). Emit sparks, sparkle
scarlatin (It). Scarlet scio (G). A shadow
écart (G). Nimble; dance scirp, «us (L). A bulrush
«scarus (G). A kind of fish scirrh, -o, «us (G). A tumor; a
hard covering
scat, -o (G). Dung scirt, -et, -o (G). Leap;aleaper
seel, -i, -id, «is, -o, «us (G). sciss, -i (L). Cut, split
A leg scissur, «a (L). A fissure, cleft
sceler (L). Wicked, villainous sciur, -o, «us (L). A squirrel
sceli, -do, «s (G). A leg; a rib scier, -o (G). Hard
•scelio, -n (L). A scoundrel scobi, «s (L). Sawdust, filings
scelo; «scelus (G). A leg scobin, «a (L). A rasp
seen, -a, -o (G). A tent; a stage scol, -o, «us (G). A thorn
scole, -c, «x (G). A worm
sceptic, -o (G). Reflective, ob- scoli, -o (G). Curved, crooked
servant scolop, -o, «s (G). Anything
sceptr, «urn (L). A sceptre pointed; a stake
sceu, -o, «us (G). An implement, scolopa, -c, «x (G). A snipe
vessel, equipment scolopendr, «a (G). A centipede
schadon, -o (G). A bee larva; •scolus (G). A thorn
the honeycomb scolyt, -i (G). Clip, shorten
sched, -o (G). A tablet scomb, *er, -r (L). A mackerel
schedon (G). Near scop, «a (L). A broom; twigs
sches, «is (G). A condition or scop, «e, -o (G). See, watch, look
scopae, -o, «us (G). A dwarf
state scopel, -o, «us (G). A cliff, high
«schema, -t, -to (G). Form, shape rock
scher, -o (G). One after another scopi, scopo (G). A lookout, watch;
schid, -i, «ium, -o (G). A a watch tower
splinter •scops (G). An owl
schism, «a, -at, -o (G). A split-
ting, division
schist, -o (G). Split, divided
schiz, -o (G). Split, cleave
90 Dictionary of Word Roots
sot, -er, -eri (G). Preserve, save, spect (L). See, look at
deliver spectabil (L). Visible, remarkable
soz, -o (G). Preserve, save, de spectr, -o (L). A sight; the spec
liver trum
spad (G). Draw, draw off specu, «s (L). A cave or hole
spadi, -c, «x (G). A palm branch; specul, «a (L). A watch tower
brown specul, «urn (L). A mirror
spadice (NL). Brown specula, -t (L). Search, examine
spado, -n (G). A castrated individ speir, -o (G). Coil; scatter
ual speis (G). Food
spala, -ci, -co, «x (G). A mole spel, -ae, -ea, -eo, -o (G). A cave
span, -o (G). Lacking, scarce speo (G). A cave
spar, -i, «us (L). The gilt-bream sperg (NL). Scatter
spara, -et, -gm, -ss, -xi (G). sperm, «a, -at, -ato, -i, -o (G).
Tear, mangle; torn, mangled Seed, semen, male reproductive
sparg (G): Swell, teem; (L): cells
strew, scatter sphacel, -o, «us (G). Gangrene
spargan (G). A swath, bank; sphadasm, -o, «us (G). A convulsion
a kind of plant sphaer, «a, -i, -o (G). A ball, sphere
epari (L). The gilt-bream sphag, »e, -i (G). The throat; slaugh
spars (L). Thin, scattered ter, sacrifice
spart, -e, -i, -o (G). A rope; a sphagn, «um (G). A kind of moss
kind of plant sphaler, -o (G). Slippery, treacher
spart, -o (G). Scattered ous
•spams (L). The gilt-bream spharag, -o (G). Noisy, sputtering
sparveri, «us (L). A sparrow sphe, -ci, «χ (G). A wasp
spasm, «a, -at, -o, «us (G). An sphedan, -o (G). Violent, vehement
involuntary muscular act, a con sphen, «a, -o (G). A wedge
vulsion spher, «a , -o (G). A ball, sphere
spastic (G). Relating to con «sphex (G). A wasp
vulsions sphigm, -o (G). The pulse
spatang, «es (G). A sea urchin sphin, -et, -g, «x (G). Bind tight,
spath, «a, -i, -o (G). A broad squeeze, strangle; a mythological
sword monster, the sphinx
spati, «urn (L). A space sphodr, -o (G). Active, violent
spatil, «a, -o (G). Excrement sphrag, -i, «is (G). A seal, signet
spatul, «a (L). A little blade; ring
a spoon sphrig, -o (G). Vigorous
spe, -o (G). A cave sphygm, -o (G). The pulse
speci (L). A kind or sort, spe sphyr, -o (G). A hammer, mallet;
cies; special; look at, see the ankle
specios (L). Showy, beautiful spic, «a, -ul (L). A spike, point; an
ear of grain
and Combining F o r m s 95
Strang, -o (G). Crooked; squeeze stromb, -i, -uli, «us (L). A spiral;
strangal (G). Choke a snail; a top
strangulat (L). Choked strongyl, -o (G). Round
strat, -age, -eg (G). Generalship stroph, -i, -io, -o (G). A cord or
strat, -i, «um (L). A bed cover- twisted band; turn, twist
ing; a layer struct (L). Build
strat, -io, -o (G). An army; a strum, «a, -o (L). A tumor
soldier •struthio, -n (L). An ostrich
strebl, -o (G). Twisted strychn, -o, «us (G). A nightshade
•stremma, -to (G). A sprain, a stryphn, -o (G). Sour, harsh
twisting stud, -en, -i (L). Be diligent; zeal
stren, -o (G). Strong, harsh; stult, -i (L). Foolish, silly
haughty stup, «a, -o (L). The coarse part of
strenu (L). Active flax
streper (LL). Noisy stup, -e, -id (L). Benumb, stun
streph, -o (G). Turn, twist stupr (L). Defile, corrupt
strepit, -an (L). Noisy «sturio, -n (LL). The sturgeon
strepsi, «s (G). A turning or sturn, -i, «us (L). A starling
twisting styg, -ano, -er, -et, -no, -o (G).
strept, -o (G). Bent, twisted; Hatred; hated; hating
pliable styl, -o, «us (G). A pillar, stake,
«stria, -t (L). A furrow, streak; column; a pointed instrument
furrowed, streaked stym, -a (G). Stiff, erect
strict (L). Drawn together, tight styp, -h, -t (G). Astringent
strid, -en, -or, -ul (L). Creak, styp, -o, «us (G). A stump, stem
make a harsh sound styphel, -o (G). Sour; tough
strig, «a (L). A furrow, streak styphl, -o (G). Harsh; sour, a s -
strig, -i (L). An owl; a furrow tringent
strigat (L). Streaked, striped styr, -ac, «ax, -o (G). A kind of
strigil, «is (L). A scraper shrub
strigos (L). Thin, meager suas (L). Persuade
stringen (L). Compressing sub (L). Under, below
string (NL). An owl sub, «ex, -ic (L). An under layer,
striol, «a (L). A small furrow support
«strix (L). An owl; a furrow «suber, -i (L). The cork oak
strob, -o (G). Twist, turn, whirl sublim (L). Uplifted, exalted
strobil, -o, «us (G). Anything that subruf, -i (L). Buff
whirls; a top; a pine cone subul, «a (L). An awl
«stroma, -t, -to (G). Anything succ, «us (L). Juice, sap
spread out; a coverlet, mattress, succin, -e, «um (L). Amber
bed succis (L). Cut, bitten off,
trimmed
98 Dictionary of Word Roots
such, -i, -o, «us (G). A crocodile syc, -a, -i, -o, «urn (G). A fig
suer, -o (F). Sugar sycamin, -o, «us (G). The mulberry
suet, -or (L). Suck; a sucker
sud, -a, «or, -ori (L). Sweat sychn, -o (G). Many
sudi, «s (L). A stake; the pike syg, syl (G). With, together
suecic (L). Swedish syllab (G). That which holds or is
suf (L). Under, below held together; a syllable
sufflat (L). Puffed up, bloated sylleg, -o (G). Gather
suffrag (L). Support; voting
right sylleps, «is (G). A putting together
suffrag, -in, «o (L). The hock, sylli (NL). A necklace
pastern bone syllog, -i, -o (G). A gathering to-
sug (L). Suck gether, reckoning
sui (L). Self; a pig sylv, «a, -at, -estr, -i (L). Woods,
sul, «a, -i (Ice). A gannet forest
suie, -a, -i, «us (L). A furrow, sym (G). With, together
groove, trench symbio (G). Living together
suif, -o (L). Sulphur
sulph, -o (L). Sulphur symmetr (G). Suitable; symmetry
summ, «a (L). The sum, total symp, -y (G). Squeeze together
super (L). Above, over sympher, -o (G). Useful
supin (L). Lying on the back
supplie (L). Beg symphy, -o, -so (G). Growing together
suppra (L). Form pus symploc, -o (G). Connected, inter-
supra (L). Above, over, beyond woven
sur (F): Above; (L): calf of leg symptom, -a, -ato, -o (G). A symp-
surcul, «us (L). A twig, sprout tom
surd, -it (L). Deaf; deafness symptosi, =s (G). A meeting
surg (L). Rise, raise syn (G). With, together
•surnia (NL). The hawk owl synap, -s, «sis, -t (G). A falling to-
sursum (L). Above, upward gether, a union
•sus (L). A pig
suscept (L). undertake syncop (G). Cut short, cut up
susurr (L). Buzzing, whispering syndesm, -o, «us (G). A bond, liga-
sutil (L). Sewed together ment
sutur, «a (L). A seam synech, -i, -o (G). Hold together
sy, -g, -1, -m, -n, -s (G). With, synerg (G). Cooperate, work together
together synesi, «s (G). A joining; under-
syba, -co, *x (G). Hog-like standing
sybari (G My). Lascivious; volup- synoch, -o (G). Meeting, joining
tuary synost, -eo (G). A bone articula1·
sybot (G N). A swineherd tion
synul, -o (G). Healing, scar-form-
ing
•syphar, -o -o
syphil (G).
syphil, -i, (G). Wrinkled
Swine-loving
(L). skin
Syphilis
and Combining F o r m s 99
«teres, teret (L). Round, smooth teuch, -o, «us (G). An implement;
teretr, -o (G). A gimlet a vessel
terg, -i, «um (L). The back teuthi, «s (G). A squid
teri (G). Pierce teutl, -o, «urn (G). A beet
-terium (G). A place for texi (G). Birth
«terma, -t (G). An end, limit text, -i (L). Weave
term, «es, -it (L). A wood worm thair, -o, «us (G). A door hinge
term, -in (L). An end; a name thai, -o, «us (G). A twig; a young
termin, -a, «us (L). An end, person
limit thalam, -i, -o, «us (G). A chamber,
termin, -o, -us (ML). A term, inner room
name thalass, «a, -i, -o (G). The sea
termit (L). A wood worm thaler, -o (G). Fresh, blooming
tern, -ari (L). Three; in threes «thalia (GMy). Bloom; joy
terph, -o, «us (G). A shell, cov- thall, -o, «us (G). A young shoot,
ering twig
terpn, -o (G). Delightful thalo (G). A twig; a young person
terps, -i (G). Delight, gladness thalp, -o (G). Heat
terr, «a, -i (L). The earth, land thalyer, -o (G). Hot, glowing
terr, -i (L). Terror thamb, -o, «us (G). Astonishment
terrestr (L). On land thamn, -o, «us (G). A shrub
ter s (L). Clean, neat thana, - s , -to, «tus (G). Death
terti (L). The third «thapsia (G). A poisonous plant
tessar (G). Four; square thapsin, -o (G). Yellow
tesselat (L). Checkered thapt, -o (G). Bury
test, «a (L). A tile, shell «thauma, -si, -st, -to (G). A wonder;
testae, -e (L). With a shell; of wonderful
brick the, «a, (G): A view, spectacle; (L):
testi, =s (L). A witness; a tea
testicle the, -i,(G): A god; (L): tea
testicul (L). Of the testes the, -o (G). Run; a god
testud, -in, «o (L). A turtle theat, -r (G). An audience; a
tetan, -o, «us (G). Rigid, tense; theatre
tetanus thee, «a, -o (G). A case, box, chest,
tetart, -o (G). The fourth cup
teth, -o, =us (G). An oyster thect, -o (G). Sharpened
tethe (G). A grandmother theg, -o (G). Sharpen
tetr, -a (G). Four thei (G): Run; a god; (L): tea
tetra, -c, »x (G). A pheasant thei, -o (G). Sulphur
tetric (L). Harsh, stern thel, «a, -i (G). A nipple
tetrig; «tetrix (G). A grouse thei, -y (G). Female; tender
tetti, -g, «x (G). A grasshopper, thelasm, -o (G). Suck, suckle
cicada thelic, -o (G). Feminine
102 Dicationary of Word Roots
thurid (G). Rushing, impetuous tinn, -it, -ul (L). Ringing, tinkling
thuy, «a (G). Arbor vitae tino (G). Stretch, extend; punish
thyell, «a, -o (G). A hurricane
thylac, -o (G). A sack, pouch tintinn (L). Ring, jingle
thym, -ο, «us (G). The mind, tintinnabul, «urn (L). A bell
spirit, courage; rage; thyme; the tinto (It). Tint
thymus gland tiph, «a, -i (G). A kind of insect
thymall, -us (G). A kind of fish
thymel (G). An altar, a place of tipul, «a (L). A water spider
sacrifice; scenic tir, -a, -e (L). Draw
thymiama (G). Incense; burn titan, -o (GMy). Gigantic; chalk
thymo; -thymus (G). The mind, tithen (G). A nurse; nursing
spirit; rage; thyme; the thymus
gland tithymal, «us (G). A spurge
thynn, «us (G). The tunny fish titill, -a (L). Tickle
thyo (G). A sacrifice; incense titth, -o, «us (G). A nipple
thyr, «a, -i, -o (G). A door titub, -a (L). Stagger
thyr, -eo (G). A shield
thyri, -do, «s (G). A window titul, «us (L). A title
thyrs, -o (G). A wand or staff tityr, «us (G). A pheasant
thysan, -o, -us (G). A fringe tla, -s (G). Suffering
tiar, -a, -o (G). A headdress «tmema, -to (G). A section, portion
tibi, «a, -o (L). The shin bone tmesi, «s (G). Separation, division
tibic, -en, -in (L). A flute player
-tic (G): Relation; (L): belonging to toc, -o, «us (G). Birth
tich, -o (G). A wall tod, -i, «us (L). A small bird, a
tigill, -um (L). A piece of wood tody
tign, «urn (L). A beam, timber •toga (L). A cloak
tigri, -n (L). A tiger; striped like toich, -o (G). A wall
a tiger
•tilia (L). The linden tree tok, -o, «us (G). Birth
till, -o (G). Tear, pull out toler, -a (L). Bear
tilt, -o (G). Plucked tolm, -a, -ero (G). Daring, bold
tim, -id, -or (L). Fear tolyp, «a (G). Wind up; something
tim, -a, -o (G). Honor, esteem wound up; a ball
timi, -o (G). Valued, precious
timor (G): Avenge; (L): fear torn, «e, -i, -o, «y (G). Cut
tin, -o (G). Stretch, extend; toment, -os, «urn (L). Dense hair,
punish stuffing
«tinagma, -to (G). An agitation ton, -o (G)· A tone; tension; some
tinct (L). Dyed, tinged thing stretched
tine, «a, -i (L). A moth tons, -or, -ur (L). Shear, cut, shave
tonsill, «a (L). A tonsil
top, -o, «us, «y (G). A place
•torda
torcul,
toph,
tor,
(G):
-o,
«us
(Sw).
a«a
«us
borer
(L).
(L).
The
(L):
A
Arazor-billed
Muscle;
porous
wine press
stone
a swelling;
auk
104 Dictionary of Word Roots
trychn, -o, «us (G). Nightshade; turr, -i, «is (L). A tower
worn out tursi, «o (L). A porpoise
trygo, -n, -no (L). A dove; a sting «turtur, -i (L). A dove
ray tuss, -i (L). Cough
trym, «a, -o (G). A hole tussilag, -in, «o (L). The colts
tryp, -a, -ano, -o (G). A hole; foot
bore tut, -am, -or (L). Guard, protect
tryp, - s , -t (G). Rub; rubbed tw, -i, -y (AS). Double
trypet (G). Bored; a borer tych, -ae, -e, -ero, -o (G). Chance,
trysi (G). Wearing out fortune
tryss, -o (G). Dainty tycn, -o (G). Dense
•tsuga (Jap). Hemlock tyl, «a, -ar, -o, «us (G). A knob,
tub, «a (L). A trumpet knot, pad
tub, -i, «us (L). A tube, pipe tylot, -o (G). Knobbed, knotted
tuber, -i (L). A knot, knob, tymb, -o, «us (G). A tomb
swelling •tymma, -to (G). A blow
tubercul, -urn (L). A little knob tympan, -i, -o, «um (G). A drum
or swelling typ, -i, -o (G). A blow or strike; a
tubul, -i, «us (L). A little pipe type
«tubus (L). A tube, pipe typh, «a (G). The cattail
tuit (L). Considered; guarded typh, -o, «us (G). Smoke
tulip, -i (F). The tulip typhi, -o (G). Blind
turn, -e, -esc (L). Swell typi, typo (G). A blow or strike; a
tumid (L). Swollen type
•tumor, -i (L). A swelling typot, -o (G). Molded
tumul, «us (L). A hill typt, -o (G). Beat, rap
tund (L). Beat tyr, -eum, -o (G). Cheese
tunic, «a (L). A covering, cloak tyrann, -o, «us (G). A tyrant, master
tupai (Mal). A tree shrew tyrb, «a (G). Disorder
tupi, -d, « s (G). A hammer •tyto, -n (G). An owl
turb, «a (L). A crowd, disturb
ance U
turbell, -a (L). A little crowd u, -n (L). Not
turbid (L). Disturbed uber, -i (L). A breast; fruitful
turbin (L). Atop; spinning, ubiqu, -it (L). Everywhere
whirling ud, -am, -en (G). No one, none
turbulen, -t (L). Disturbed, con ud, -o (L): Wet; (G): a path, way,
fused threshold
ude, -o (G). The ground
turd, -i, «us (L). A thrush
udeter, -o (G). Neither
turg, -id (L). Swell; swollen -ul, «a, «e, «um, «us (L). Little
turni, -c, -ci, «χ (NL). A quail ul, «a, -e, -i (G). A scar
turp, -i (L). Vile, base
and Combining Forms 107
uv, =a, -i (L). A grape, berry =vas, -a, -o (L). A vessel, duct
uvid (L). Damp vascul, -a, =um (L). A little vessel
uvul, =a, -o (L). The palate vast (L). Laid waste; empty; deso-
late; huge
uvula
vati (L). A prophet; bow-legged
=uxor, -i (L). A wife
vaticin (L). Prophetic
V vect (L). Carried
veget (L). Lively, spirited
vac, -a, -u (L). Empty vehemen (L). Vigorous, forceful
vacc, =a, -i (L). A cow vehicul, =um (L) * A conveyance
vaccin, -i, -o (L). Of a cow; vac- vel, -a, -i, =um (L). A veil; a sail
cine vel, =es, -it (L). A skirmisher
vacill, -a (L). Waver veil, -eri, -os, =us (L). Wool, fleece
vacu (L). Empty vellic, -a (L). Twitch
vad, -o, =um (L). A ford, shallow vélo, -ci, =x (L). Swift
place
vadi (L). Bail, a legal pledge =velum (L). A veil; a sail
vag, -a, -an, =us (L). Wandering =velumen (L). Fleece
vagin, =a, -o (L). A sheath velutin (NL). Velvety
vagit (L). Crying, squalling ven, =a, -o (L). A vein
valen, -t (L). Strength; be worth venat (L). Hunt; hunting
valerian, =a (L). Valerian venen, -i, -o, =um (L). Poison
valetud, -in, =o (L). Health vener, -a (L). Revere, respect
valg (L). Bow-legged vener, -a, -ea, -i (LMy). Pertain-
valid (L). Strong ing to Venus; coitus, sexual inter-
vail (L). A valley; a wall, ram- course
part veni, =a (L). Pardon, favor
vallicul, =a (L). A furrow veno (L). A vein
valv, =a (L). A folding door; a venom (L). Poison
valve vent, -i, -o, =us (L). The wind
vampyr (Rs). A vampire vent, =er, -r, -ro (L). The under
van, -i (L). Empty side, belly
vanescen (L). Vanishing vent, -i, -o, =us (L). The wind
vann, -us (L). A fan ventricul, -o (L). The belly; a
vapid (L). Insipid, tasteless, ventricle
spoiled =ventus (L). The wind
vapor, -i (L). Steam, vapor =venus (LMy). Goddess of love and
var (L). Bent beauty
varan, -i (Ar). A monitor lizard venust (L). Charming
vari, -a, -o (L). Change; varie- ver, -a, -ac, -i (L). True; truth
gated, mottled veratr, =um (L). The hellebore
vari, -c, «x (L). A swollen vein verb, -i, -o, =um (L). A word
variegat (L). Marked variously verbasc, =um (L). Mullein
and Combining Forms 109
xiph, -i, -o, =us (G). A sword zephyr, -o, =us (GMy). The west
xoan, -o (G). A carved image wind
xuth, -o (G). Yellowish, tawny zeren, -o (G). Dried
xyel, «a, -o (G). A wood-cutting zest, -o (G). Boiling; boiled
tool zete (G). Search for
xyl, -o, mm (G). Wood zeuct, -o (G). Joined
xyloch, -o, =us (G). A thicket zeug, -o (G). Things paired, a yoke
xylod (G). Woody zeugl, -o (G). The strap of a yoke
xyn, -o (G). Common «zeugma, -to (G). A band, bond
xyr, -o, =um (G). A razor «zeus (G). A kind of fish; a sea god
xyri, -d, =s (G). An iris zeuxi, =s (G). A joining
«xysma, -to (G). Scrapings, zinc, -o (L). Zinc
shavings zingiber!, =s (G). Ginger
xyst, -er, -o, -r (G). Scraped; ziph, -i, -o, =us (G). A sword
a scraper zirco, -n (Ps). Gold-colored
zizani, =um (G). A weed
Y zizyph, =um (G). The jujube tree
y (see also hy) zo, -a, -i, -o, =on (G). An animal
yl (G). Substance, matter zoarc (G). Maintaining life
ymen, -o (G). A membrane zodi (G). A little animal
yper (G). Over, above zodiac (G). Out of animals
ypn, -o (G). Sleep zoi (G). An animal
ypo (G). Under, below zom, -o, =us (G). Soup, broth; a
yponom (G). Undermine corpulent person
ypsil, -i, -o (G). Y-shaped zon, =a, -i (G). A belt, zone,
yun, -g, *x (NL). The wryneck girdle
zoo, =n (G). An animal
Ζ zoph, -er, -ero, -o (G). Dusky,
za (G). Very, exceedingly gloomy; darkness
zabr, -o (G). Gluttonous zoro (G). Alive, living, pure,
zal, =e, -o (G). Sea spray; a strong
storm zorr, =o (Sp). A fox
zamen (G). Forceful, raging zos, -m, -mer, -ter (G). A girdle
zami, =a, -o (NL). A kind of zyg, -o, =us (G). A yoke
cycad; a decayed fir cone zygaen, =a (G). The hammer-
zancl, -o, =um (G). A sickle headed shark
ze, =a (G). A grain zyl, -o (G). Wood
ze, -i, =us (G). A kind of fish zym, =a, -o (G). Ferment,
zelo (G). Emulate, envy, rival leaven, yeast
zem, =a (G). A drink zyth, =us (G). A kind of beer
zemi, =a (G). Loss, damage zyii, =s (NL). A joining
zeo (G). Boil, seethe
Formulation of Scientific Names
The scientific naming of living organisms follows certain rules
which, for animals, are outlined in the International Rules of Zoologi
cal Nomenclature, and for plants in the International Rules of Botani
cal Nomenclature; the basic provisions of these two sets of rules are
essentially the same. Scientific names are Latinized, but may be de
rived from any language or from the names of people or places; most
names are derived from Latin or Greek words.
Scientific names are usually descriptive, referring to the size,
form, color, habits, or other characteristics of the organism; they
are sometimes derived from the names of people or places. The
rules permit a name to be merely an arbitrary combination of letters,
but such names are not recommended. Names may be Latin or Greek
substantives, compound Latin words, compound Greek words, mytho
logical, heroic, or proper names used by the ancients, or Greek or
Latin derivatives expressing diminution, comparison, or resemblance.
If a modern surname is used to form a scientific name, an ending is
added to the name to denote dedication.
Names derived from Greek words should be transliterated accord
ing to the rules given below. In compounding two roots to form a name,
if the attribute expresses a quality it should precede the principal word
(e.g., Erythrocephala); but if it expresses an action, activity, or state
it may precede or follow the principal word (e.g., Hydrophilus, Philydrus).
When two roots are combined they are usually separated by a combining
vowel; the letter i_is generally used with Latin roots (although ο is
sometimes used with second-declension nouns), and ο with Greek roots
(although y_is used with many third-declension nouns). When th.e sec
ond of two combined roots begins with a vowel, the combining vowel is
usually omitted. The roots combined to form a scientific name should
be from the same source language; exceptions are certain prefixes and
suffixes (e.g., anti-, post-, sub-, -oid), which are commonly used with
either Latin or Greek roots.
Genus names are formed from modern surnames by adding an ending
to denote dedication. Surnames ending in a consonant take the ending
-ius, -ia, or -ium (e.g., Williamsonia from Williamson); surnames
ending in e,^, o, u_, or y_ take the ending -us, -a, or -urn (e.g., Blain-
villea from Blainville); surnames ending in a_ take the ending -ia for
113
114 Word R o o t s and Combining Forms
names of animal genera (e.g., Danaia from Dana) or ^ea for names
of plant genera (e.g., Jubaea from Juba). If the surname begins with
the particle Mac, Mc, or M' the particle is written Mac and combined
with the rest of the name (e.g., Macneilia from McNeil). If the sur-
name begins with the particle de or von, the particle is either omitted
or coalesced with the name (e.g., Selysius from DeSelys, Delongius
from DeLong). Proper names should not be used with other roots in
the formulation of scientific names.
Species and subspecies names may be adjectives, the present or
past participles of verbs, or nouns; adjectives and participles must
agree in gender with the genus name, and nouns are either in the
nominative or genitive. Names formed from a modern surname take
a Latin genitive ending: -4 if the person is a man, or -ae_if the per-
son is a woman; if the surname is that of more than one person (all
having the same surname), it takes -orum if one of the persons is a
man, or -arum if all are women. Particles are handled in the same
way as for generic names (see preceding paragraph). Species and
subspecies names derived from the names of geographic localities
are formed by adding the genitive ending -ae to the locality name, or
by using the adjectival form of the locality name (i.e., with the suffix
-icus, -ica, -icum, -ensis, or -ense, the ending agreeing in gender
with the generic name). Species and subspecies names of animals
always begin with a small letter; species and subspecies names of
plants that are derived from proper names are often capitalized.
The names of some of the taxonomic categories above genus are
formed by adding the appropriate ending to the root of the name of
the genus that is designated as the type of that group; the endings
that have been standardized are listed below. The names of other
higher categories are Latin plurals in the nominative.
Category Plants Animals
Order -ales
Suborder -ineae
Superfamily ~ -oidea
Family -aceae -idae
Subfamily -oideae -inae
Tribe -eae -ini
Subtribe -inae
F o r m u l a t i o n of S c i e n t i f i c Names 115
A α alpha Ν ν nu
Β β beta S ξ xi
Γ y gamma 0 0 omicron
Δ δ delta Π ν Pi
Ε 6 epsilon Ρ Ρ rho
Ζ ζ zêta Σ σβ sigma
Η V »ta Τ τ tau
θ thêta Τ υ upsilon
\ iota Φ Φ phi
Κ κ kappa Χ Χ chi
Λ λ lambda ψ ψ psi
Μ β mu Ω ω omega
116
T r a n s l a t i o n of G r e e k W o r d s 117
α a λ 1
ά ha μ m
ση ae (not a diphthong) ν η
οι ai, ae, or e (preferably ae) ξ χ
ου au δ ο (usually short)
β b δ ho (usually short)
Ύ g οι oe, oi, or e (prefer
γγ ng ably oe)
final ov urn
ΎΚ ne
γξ ηχ
final 09 us
118
Some Common Combining F o r m s 119
Qualifying Terms
dark: (G): amauro-; (L): calig-, caligln-; (G): mauro-;
(L): obscur-
dim: (G): amydro-
dusky: (G): pello-; (G): phaeo-; (L): pulli-
pale: (G): ochro-; (G): liro-; (L): pallid-, pallidi-
Battern
banded: (L):fasciat-
checkered: (L): tesselat-
speckled: (G): psaro-
spotted: (G): balio-; (L): maculât-, (G): stigmato-
streaked: (L): plagat-
striped: (L): vittat-
Miscellaneous
beautiful: (L): bell-; (G): calo-; (L): cypri-; (L)· pulchr-
color: (G): chromato-, chromo; (L): colori-
glassy: (G): hyalo-; (L): pellucid-
shining: (G): argo-; (L): lucid-
Size
Shape
Numbers
one-half: (G): hemi-; (L): semi-
one: (G): mono-; (L): uni-
one and one-half: (L): sesqui-
two: (L): bi-; (G): di-; (L): duo-
double: (G): amphi-, ampho-; (L): duplici-; (G): didymo-;
(G): diplo-
three: (L): tri-; (G): tria-, triado-
four: (L): quadri-; (G): tetra-
five: (G): pento-; (L): quinque-
six: (G): hexa-; (L): sex-, sexi-
seven: (G): hepta-; (L): septem-, septen-
eigfrt: (L, G): octo-
nine: (G): ennea-; (L): novem-
ten: (G): deçà-; (L): decim-
eleven: (G): hendeca-; (L): undecim-
twelve: (G): dodeca-; (L): duodecim-
one hundred: (L): centi-; (G): hecato-
one thousand: (G): kilo-; (L): milli-
Some Common Combining Forme 125
Quantity
all: (L): omni-; (G): pan-, panto-; (L): toti-
common: (G): coeno-; (L): commun-; (L): vulgar-
equal: (L): equi-; (G): iso-; (L): pari-
empty: (G): ceno-; (L): vacu-; (L): vani-
even-numbered: (G): artio-
few: (G): oligo-; (L): pauci-; (G): pauro-
full: (G): mesto-; (L): pleni-, (G): plero-
many: (L): multi-; (G): myria-; (G): poly-
more: (G): plio-; (L): pluri-
most: (G): pleisto-
odd-numbered: (G): perisso-
part: (G): mero-; (L): parti-
simple: (G): haplo-; (L): simplici-
sin^e: (G): henico-; (G): haplo-
solitary: (G): eremit-, eremo-
unequal: (G): aniso-
very: (G): aga-; (G): ari-; (G): za-
whole: (G): holo-; (L): integri-
Types of Animals
animal: (G): zoo-, -zoon
bird: (L): avi-, -avis; (G): -omis, ornitho-
cat: (G): aeluro-, -aelurus; (L): feli-, -felis
caterpillar: (G): -campa, campo-; (L): -eruca, eruci-
cow: (G): boo-, -bus; (L): -bos, bov-
dog: (L): cani-, -canis; (G): cyno-, -cyon
fish: (G): ichthyo-, -ichthys; (L): pisci-, -piscis
fly: (L): -musca, musci-; (G): myi-, -myia
frog: (G): batracho, -batrachus; (G): -phryna, phryno-;
(L): -rana, rani-
horse: (L): equi-, -equus; (G): hippo-, -hippus
insect: (G): entomo-; (L): insecti-
leech: (G): -bdella, bdello-; (L): hirudini-, -hirudo
lizard: (L): -lacerta, lacerti-; (G): sauro-, -saurus
126 Word R o o t s and Combining F o r m s
Common Substances
dust: (G): conio-, -conis; (L): pulveri-, -puMs
fat: (G): -adeps, adipo-, (G): demo-, -demus; (G): lipo-, -llpus;
(G): -piar, piaro-; (G): -pimela, pimelo-; (L): sebo-, -sebum;
(G): -stear, steat-, steato-
flour: (G): aleuro-, -aleurum; (L): farin-, -farina
food: (G): bor-, -bora; (G): -broma, bromato-; (G): sltio-, sito-,
-situs
glass: (G): hyalo-, -hyalus; (L): vitri-, -vitrum
glue: (G): -colla, collo-; (G): -glia, glio-; (L): -gluten, glutin-
honey: (G): -melis, melito-; (L): -mel, melli-
milk: (G): -gala, galacto-; (L): -lac, lacti-
rock: (L): lapid-, -lapis; (G): litho-, -lithus; (G): -petra, petro-;
(L): rupi-, -rupis; (L): saxi-, -saxum
salt: (G): halo-, -hais; (L): -sal, sali-, salin-
silk: (L): bombyc-, -bombyx; (L): -ser, seri-, seric-
starch: (G): amylo-, -amylum, -amylus
water: (L): aqua-, -aqua, aquat-; (G): -hydor,--hydra, hydro-
wax: (L): ceri-, -cera; (G): cero-, -cerus
wool: (G): -lachna, lachno-, -lachnus; (G): -mallus, mallo-; (L):
-lana, lani-
Types of Plants
fern: (G): pterido-, -pteris
fungus: (L): fungi-, -fungus; (G): -myces, myceto-, myco-
grain: (G): -chondrium, chondro-
grass: (L): -gramen, gramini-; (L): grani-, -granum; (G): -poa,
poo-
moss: (G): bryo-, -bryum; (G): hypno-, -hypnum; (G): mnio-,
-mnium
plant: (G): phyto-, -phytum
reed: (L): arundi-, -arundo; (G): calamo-, -calamus; (G): donaci-,
-donax
shrub: (G): thamno-, -thamnus
tree: (L): arbor-, -arbor, arbore-; (G): dendro-, -dendron, -dendrum
vine: (G): ampelo-, -ampelus; (L): viti-, -vitis
wheat: (G): pyro-, -pyrum; (L): tritici-, -triticum
130 Word Roots and Combining F o r m s
Plant Structures
bark: (L): -cortex, cortici-; (G): phloeo-, -phloeus
berry: (L): acini-, -acinus; (G): cocco-, -coccus; (L): -bacca,
bacci-
bramble: (G): bato-, -batus
branch: (G): clado-, -cladus; (L): ram-, rami-, ramo-, -ramus
bud: (L): gemm-, -gemma
flower: (G): -anthemum, antho-, -anthus; (L): -flora, flori-
fruit: (G): carp-, carpo-,-carpus; (L): fructi-,-fructus; (L):
porno-, -pomus
leaf: (L): foli-, -folium; (G): phyllo-, -phyllum
nut: (G): caryo-, -caryum; (L): nuci-, -nux
root: (L): radici-, -radix; (G): -rhiza, rhizo-
seed: (G): blasto-, -blastus; (L): -semen, semini-; (G): -sperma,
spermato-; (G): -spora, sporo-
stalkorstem: (L): cauli-,-caulis; (G): caulo-,-caulus; (L):
petiol-, -petiolus; (L): -stipes, stipit-
thorn or spine: (G): -acantha, acantho-; (L): -spina, spini-
Animal Activities
breathe: (G): pneumato-, pneumo-
carry: (L): fer-; (G): phoro-
creep: (G): erpet-; (L): rept-, reptili-
cut: (L): sect-; (G): tom-
dance: (G): choreo-
dwell: (L): col-, coli-; (G): -ecetes, -êtes; (L): -estr
eat: (G): phago-; (G): tropho-; (L): vor-, vora-
fast: (see swift)
feed( (see eat)
habit: (G): etho-, -ethus
jump: (L): salt-; (L): salien-; (G): scirto-
live: (see dwell)
love: (G): philo-
motion: (G): cine-, cinemato-, cinet-; (L): moti-
noisy: (L): garrul-; (G): spharago-, (G): stombo-; (L): vocifer-
quick: (G): aeolo-, aeluro-
run: (L): cursor-; (G): dromo-
Some Common Combining F o r m s 131