Root Words

List of Greek and Latin roots in English
A
Meaning in Origin Etymology (root
Root English examples
English language origin)
abnormal, abrasion, absent,
ab-, a-, abs-,
away from Latin ab abstain, abstraction,
au-
auference, aversion
bitter, sharp, acer (acris), acerbus, acerbic, acrid, acrimony,
acer-, acri- Latin
sour acere exacerbate
acetate, acetic, acetone,
acet- sour, vinegar Latin acetum
acetum
acidiferous, acidifiant,
acid- acidic, sour Latin acidus
acidity, acidosis, acidulation
acrobatics, acromegaly,
height, summit, ἄκρος (akros) "high",
acr-, acro- Greek acronym, acrophobia,
tip "extreme"
acropolis
acutus, past participle accurate, acerose,
acu-, acut- sharp, pointed Latin of acuere "to sharpen", acupuncture, acute,
from acus "needle" acutifoliate
accept, adapt, affect,
ad-, a-, ac-,
movement to or agglomerate, aggrandize,
af-, ag-, al-,
toward; in Latin ad "to", "toward" aggregate, aggression,
am-, an-, ap-,
addition to annectent, approximate,
ar-, as-, at-
ascend
adip- fat Latin adeps, adipis "fat" adipocellular, adipose
aerie, aeriferous, aerobic,
aerodynamic, aeronautics,
aero- air, atmosphere Greek ἀήρ (aēr) "air"
aeroplane, aerorrhachia,
aerosol, aerotitis
αἰσθητικός
(aisthētikos) "of sense
feeling, perception" from
aesthet- Greek aesthetics, anaesthetic
sensation αἰσθάνεσθαι
(aisthanesthai) "to
perceive"
aether-, upper pure,
Latin aether ether, ethereal
ether- bright air
age, coeval, eon, eternal,
aev-, ev- age Latin aevum longevity, medieval,
primeval
act, action, agenda, agent,
agile, agitate, ambiguous,
ag-, -ig-, act- do, go, move Latin agere, actus castigate, cogent, cogitate,
cogitation, excogitate,
mitigate, navigate
agony, antagonist,
ἄγειν (agein) (cognate antagonize, demagogue,
ag-, -agogue lead Greek
with Latin agere) pedagogue, pedagogy,
stragegy, synagogue
ager, agris "field,
agri-, -egri- field Latin agriculture, peregrine
country"
agro- field Greek ἀγρός (agros) "field" agroforestry, agronomy
alac- cheerful Latin alacer alacrity, allegro
alb- dull white Latin albus albedo, albino, albumen
analgesic, arthralgia,
alg- pain Greek algos
neuralgia
alias, alibi, alien, alter,
ali-, alter- other Latin alius
alternate, altruism
alt- high, deep Latin altus, altitudo altimeter, altitude
amateur, amatory, amenity,
am-, amat- love, liking Latin amāre, amatus, amor amoration, amorous,
enamoured
ami-, amic-, amiable, amicable, amity,
friend Latin amicus
imic- enemy, enmity, inimical
ambidexterity, ambient,
ambi-, am-, ambiguous, ambit, ambition,
both, on both
amb-, ambo-, Latin ambi ambivalent, amboceptor,
sides
an- amputation, ancipital,
andante
ambulance, ambulatory,
ambul- to walk Latin ambulare
preamble
both, on both
amph-, ἀμφί (amphi) "on both amphibian, amphibolic,
sides of, both Greek
amphi- sides" amphoterism
kinds
ample,
ampl- abundant, Latin amplus ample, amplify, amplitude
bountiful, large
anaerobic, anhydrous,
an-, a-, am-,
not, without Greek Greek ἀν-/ἀ- "not" ambrosia, arrhythmia,
ar-
atheism, atypical
again, against, anabaptist, anaphylaxis,
ana-, am-, an- Greek ἀνά (ana)
back, up anarrhexis, anion, anode
androgen, android,
andr- male, masculine Greek ἀνήρ (anér)
polyandrous, polyandry
anem-,
wind Greek ἄνεμος (anemos) anemometer
anemo-
breath, life,
anim- Latin anima "breath" animal, animation
spirit
anniversary, annual,
ann-, -enn- year, yearly Latin annus "year" centennial, millennium,
perennial
antagonist, antagonize,
against, opposed
ant-, anti- Greek ἀντί (anti) "against" antibiotic, antipodes,
to, preventive
antirrhinum
antebellum, antediluvian,
ante "before",
before, in front anticipate, antiquarian,
ante-, anti- Latin "against"; see also
of, prior to; old antiquated, antique,
antiquus "old"
antiquity
ἄνθος (anthos)
anth-, antho- flower Greek anther, anthology
"flower"
anthracycline, anthracite,
anthrac- coal Greek ἄνθραξ (anthraks)
anthrax,
anthropology,
anthrop-, ἄνθρωπος (anthropos)
human Greek anthropomorphic,
anthropo- "man"
misanthrope, philanthropy
aphelion, apocrine,
away from,
ἀπό (apo) "from, apocryphal, apogee,
ap-, apo- separate, at the Greek
away, un-, quite" apostasy, apostate,
farthest point
aporrhinosis
aper- open Latin aperire aperture, overt, overture
aqu-, aqua-, aquamarine, aquarium,
water Latin aqua
aque-, aqui- aqueduct, aquifer
ara- plow, till Latin ărāre arable
arbiter (from ad "to" + arbiter, arbitrage, arbitrary,
arbit- judge Latin
baetere "to come, go") arbitration
arcan- box Latin arcanus arcane, arcanum
anarchy, archangel,
ἀρχή (archē) "rule" (in
arch-, arche-, archetype, architect,
ruler Greek compounds: ἀρχε-,
archi- autarchy, monarchy,
ἀρχι-)
matriarchy, patriarchy,
oligarchy
ἀρχαῖος (arkhaios)
archae-, archaeology, archaic,
ancient Greek "ancient" from arkhē
arche- archaism
"beginning"
Relating to the
North Pole or
arct- the region near Greek ἄρκτος (arktos) "bear" Arctic Ocean
it; relating to
cold
heat, glow,
ard- Latin ardere "to burn" ardent, ardor, arson
passion
ardu- difficult Latin arduus "high, steep" arduous
argent- silver Latin argentum argent, Argentina
areta- virtue Greek ἀρετή (aretē) aretaic
ārēre "be dry or
arid- be dry Latin arid
parched"
arist- excellence Greek ἄριστος (aristos) aristocracy
artist, artillery, artisan, inert,
art- art Latin ars, artis
inertia
arthr- joint Greek ἄρθρον (arthron) arthritis, arthropod
asin- ass Latin asinus asinine, ass, easel
asper- rough Latin asper "rough" asperity, exasperate
aster, asterisk, asteroid,
aster-, astr- star, star-shaped Greek ἄστρον (astron) "star" astrology, astronomy,
astronaut
ἄθλος (athlos)
athl- prize Greek athlete, triathlon, pentathlon
"contest, feat"
gathered or αθροίζω (athroidzo) "I
-athroid- Greek hypoathroid, epiathroid
lumped together gather together"
audax "brave, bold,
auda- daring Latin daring", from audere audacious, audacity
"to dare"
audible, audio, audiology,
hearing,
audi- Latin audire "to hear" audition, auditorium,
listening, sound
auditory
auction, augend, augment,
augēre, auctus "to augmentation, augur,
aug-, auct- grow, increase Latin
increase" augury, august, author,
auxiliary, inauguration
aur- relating to gold, Latin aurum "gold" aureate, aureole
or gold-colored
relating to the auricle, aurinasal,
auri-, aus- Latin auris "ear"
ear auscultate, auscultation
autarchy, autocracy,
aut-, auto-, self; directed αὐτός (autos) "self",
Greek autograph, automatic,
autor- from within "same"
automobile, autonomy
avarice, avaricious, ave,
ave- desire Latin avere "crave, long for"
avid, avidity
auspice, auspicious, avian,
avi-, au- bird Latin avis
aviary, aviation,
axi- axis Latin axis axis, axisymmetry
axi(o)- merit Greek ἄξιος (axios) "worth" axiology, axiom
B
bac- rod-shaped Latin baculum baculiform, baculum
ball, ballista, ballistic, devil,
diabolic, hyperbole,
bal-, bol- throw Greek ballein
metabolism, parable, problem,
symbol
weight,
bar- Greek βάρος (baros) barograph, barometer, barostat
pressure
βάσις (basis) base, basic, basis, basicranial,
basi-, bas-,
"step", from βαίνω basioglossal, basirrhinal,
basio-, basir-, at the bottom Greek
(bainō), "I walk, basommatophoric, basolateral,
baso-
march" debase
βαθύς (bathús, batholith, bathymetry,
bathy-, batho- deep, depth Greek
bathýs) bathyscaphe, bathysphere
be-, beat- bless Latin beare, beatus beatification
antebellum, bellicose,
bell-, belli- war Latin bellum, belli
belligerent, rebellion
beneficence, benefit,
ben- good, well Latin bene (adverb) benevolent, benign, benignant,
benignity
bicycle, biennial, bifocal,
bis, "twice"; bini,
bi-, bin-, bis- two Latin bigamy, binary, binoculars,
"in twos"
biscotti
bib- drink Latin bibere, bibitus bib, beer, beverage, imbibe
βιβλίον (biblíon)
bibl- book Greek bible, bibliography
"book"
biodiversity, biography,
bio-, bi- life Greek βίος (bíos) "life" biohazard, biology, biome,
biometric, biosphere
blenn-, blenno-, blennadenitis, blennophobia,
slime Greek βλέννος (blennos)
blennor- blennosperma, blennorrhagia
germ,
βλασταίνω blastula, fibroblast, osteoblast,
embryo, bud,
blast-, blasto- Greek (blastainō), "I put sideroblast, blastocardia,
cell with
forth shoots" blastochyle
nucleus
bon- good Latin bonus bonify, bonitary
borealis "northern"
Latin from from Βορέας
bore- north borealis
Greek (Boreas) "the north
wind"
βοτάνη, βότανον botanic, botanist, botanology,
botan- plant Greek
(botanē, botanon) botany
bos (genitive bovis) beef, boor, bovine, bucinator
bov-, bu- cow, ox Latin
"ox, cow" muscle
brachiferous, brachial artery,
brachi-, brachio- arm Latin bracchium
brachiocubital
brachi-, brachio- brachialgia, brachionerysipelas,
, brachion-, brachionigraph,
arm Greek βραχίων (brakhíōn)
brachioni-, brachiorrhachidian,
brachior- brachiosaurus
βραχύς (brakhús,
brachy- short Greek brachycephaly, brachydactyly
brakhýs)
βραδύς (bradús,
brady-, bradys- slow Greek bradycardia, bradysuria
bradýs)
βράγχιον
branchi- gill Greek (brágkhion, branchiopod, nudibranch
bránkhion)
brief, short abbreviate, brevextensor,
brev- Latin brevis, breviare
(time) brevicaudate, brevity, brief
bromat-, bromatium, bromateccrisis,
bromato-, food Greek βρῶμα (brōma) bromatherapy, bromatology,
broma-, bromo- bromography
βρόμος, βρόμη
brome, Bromus, Bromus
brom- oats Greek (brómos, brómē)
ramosus
"oats"
βρῶμος (brōmos)
brom- stench Greek bromate, bromide, bromine
"stench, clangor"
βρόγχος (brógkhos, bronchiole, bronchitis,
bronch- windpipe Greek
brónkhos) bronchus
Brontosaurus, brontology,
bront-, bronto- thunder Greek βροντή (brontē)
brontophobia
cheek, mouth, buccal, buccilingual,
bucc- Latin bucca
cavity buccolingual
bulbiform, bulbiparous,
bulb- bulbous Latin bulbus bulboartrial, bulborrhexis,
bulbous, bulbule
bullectomy, bulliferous,
bull- bubble, flask Latin bullire, bulla
ebullient, ebullism
bursa, bursalogy, bursar,
burs- pouch, purse Latin bursa bursary, bursectomy,
bursiform, disburse
C
cac-, caco-,
cachexia, cacography, cacophony,
kako-, bad Greek κακός (kakos)
cacorrhacitis, kakistocracy
kaki-
cad-, -cid-, accident, cadaver, cadence,
fall Latin cadere, casus
cas- cascade, case
caesura, democide, exorcise,
caed-, -cid-
cut, kill Latin caedere, caesus genocide, germicide, homicide,
, caes-, -cis-
incisor, scissors
calendar, claim, class, conciliate,
cal- call Latin calare conciliatory, council, intercalate,
nomenclature
from Latin calx
(genitive calcis) calcite, calcitrant, calcium,
Latin and
calc- stone "lime", from Greek calculate, calculus, chalicothere,
Greek
χάλιξ (khalix) chalk, recalcitrant
"pebble", "limestone"
καλός (kalos)
cali-, call-, calisthenics, calligraphy,
beautiful Greek "beautiful"; κάλλος
calli-, calo- calophyllous, kaleidoscope
(kallos) "beauty"
calor-,
caldron, caloric, calorie,
calo-, heat Latin calor "heat"
calorigenic, calorimeter
calori-
calumnia "slander,
trick, lie, calumnious, calumny, cavil,
calum- Latin trickery", from calvi'
deceive challenge
"to trick, deceive"
calyp- cover Greek καλύπτειν (kaluptein) apocalypse
camer- vault Latin camera bicameral, camera
campus "field", camp, campaign, campicolous,
camp- field Latin
"level ground" campimetry, campus, champion
can- dog Latin canis canine, Canis Major
can- reed, rod Greek κάννα (kanna) cane, canister, canon
can-, -cin-, cantare frequentative accent, cantata, canto, cantor,
sing Latin
cant- of canere chant, enchant, recant
cand-, glowing, candere "to be white candela, candid, candle, candor,
Latin
cend- iridescent or glisten" incandescent, incendiary, incense
capere, captus "take capable, capacious, captive,
cap-, -cip-,
or hold" (vowel caption, captivate, capture,
capt-, - hold, take Latin
changes from a to i in conception, except, forceps,
cept-
compounds) incipient, intercept, recipient
capital, capitulate, capitulation,
capit-, -
head Latin caput, capitis captain, decapitate, precipitation,
cipit-
recap, recapitulate
caper (genitive
capri) "goat", also cab, caper, caprice, Capricorn,
capr- goat Latin
capreolus "wild caprine
goat"
caps- box, case Latin capsa capsule
carbo- coal Latin carbo, carbonis carbohydrate, carbon
carcer- jail Latin carcer, carcerare incarceration
Latin Latin from Greek
cancer
carcin- from καρκίνος (karkinos) carcinogenic, carcinoma
(disease)
Greek "crab"
relating to the cardiograph, cardiology,
cardi- Greek καρδιά (kardia)
heart electrocardiogram
cardin- hinge Latin cardo, cardinis cardinal
carnage, carnal, carnival,
carn-,
flesh Latin caro, carnis carnivore, charnel, incarnadine,
carni-
incarnate, reincarnation
carp- fruit Greek καρπός (karpos) carpology
"fruit"
καρπός (karpos)
carp- wrist Greek carpal, carpal tunnel syndrome
"wrist"
castrare and castus, caste, castigate, castrate, chaste,
cast- pure, cut Latin
from kes- (to cut) chastity, incest
catabolic, catacomb, catalyst,
cata-, cat-,
down Greek κατά (katá) "down" catarrhine, catastrophe, catatonia,
catar-
cathode, cation
caten- chain Latin catena catenary, concatenation
cathar- pure Greek καθαρός (katharos) catharsis
caud- tail Latin cauda caudal, coda
accuse, because, causal, causative,
caus-, -cus- cause or motive Latin causa
cause, excuse
caust-,
burn Greek καίειν (kaiein) calm, caustic, cauterize, holocaust
caut-
cav- hollow Latin cavus cave, cavity, excavation
accede, cede, concede, precede,
move, yield,
ced-, cess- Latin cedere, cessus procedure, proceed, procession,
go, surrender
recede, secede, succeed, success
ceiling, clandestine, conceal,
cel- hide Latin celare "to hide"
occult
celer- quick Latin celer, celerare acceleration, celerity
cen- new Greek καινός (kainos) Cenozoic
cen- empty Greek κενός (kenos) cenotaph
cen- common Greek κοινός (koinos) cenobite
cens- to assess Latin censere censure, census
cent, centennial, centurion,
cent- hundred Latin centum
percent
centen- hundred each Latin centeni centenarian, centenary
centesim- hundredth Latin centesimus centesimal, centesimation
κέντρον (kéntron)
centr- center Greek eccentric
"needle", "spur"
central, center, concentrate,
centri- center Latin centrum
concentric, centrifugal, centripetal
cephalic, cephalopod,
cephal- head Greek κεφαλή (kephalē)
encephalogram
ceram- clay Greek κέραμος (keramos) ceramic
κέρας (keras),
cerat- horn Greek keratin, triceratops
κέρατος (keratos)
ascertain, certain, concern,
cernere "to sift,
cern-, cer- sift Latin concert, decree, discern,
separate"
excrement, secern, secret
relating to the
cervix, cervicis
cervic- neck, relating Latin cervix, cervical
"neck"
to the cervix
ceter- other Latin ceterus et cetera
of the hand or
chir- Greek χείρ (kheir) "hand" chiral, chiropractic, chiroptera
hands
relating to a χελώνη (khelōne)
chelon- Greek chelonia
turtle "tortoise"
chlor- green Greek χλωρός (khlōros) chlorine, chlorophyll, chloroplast
χορεία (khoreia)
relating to "dancing in unison"
chore- Greek choreography, chorus
dance from χορός (khoros)
"chorus"
Latin and chorda "rope" from
chord- cord chordata, cord
Greek χορδή (chordē)
chromatic, chrome, chromium,
chrom- color Greek χρῶμα (chrōma) chromosome, monochrome,
polychrome
anachronism, chronic, chronicle,
chron- time Greek χρόνος (chronos) chronology, chronometer,
synchronize
chrys- gold Greek χρυσός (khrusos) chrysalis, chrysolite
cili- eyelash Latin cilium cilia, supercilious
cine- motion Greek κινέω (kineō) cinema
ciner- ash Latin cinis, cineris incineration
cing-,
gird Latin cingere, cinctus succinct
cinct-
circ- circle, ring Latin circulus, circus circle, circular, circulate, circus
circumcise, circumference,
circum- around Latin circum circumlocution, circumnavigate,
circumscribe
cirr- orange Greek κιρρός (kirros) cirrhosis
cirr- curl, tentacle Latin cirrus cirrus
citare, frequentative citation, cite, excite, incite, solicit,
cit- call, start Latin
of ciere solicitous
civic, civil, civilian, civility,
civ- citizen Latin civis
civilization
clad- branch Greek κλάδος (klados) clade
acclaim, claim, clamor,
clam- cry out Latin clamare exclamation, proclamation,
reclamation
clar- clear Latin clarus, clarare clarity, clear, declaration
clast- broken Greek κλαστός (klastos) iconoclast, osteoclast
claud-, -
clause, claustrophobia, conclude,
clud-,
close, shut Latin claudere, clausus exclude, exclusive, include,
claus-, -
occlusion, occult, recluse, seclude
clus-
κλείς (kleis) "key"
clav- key Greek from κλείειν, clavichord, clavicle, conclave
(kleiein) "to close"
cleist- closed Greek κλειστός (kleistos) cleistogamy
cleithr- bar, key Greek cleithrum
clement- mild Latin clemens, clementis clemency, inclement
clin- bed Greek κλίνη (klinē) clinic
decline, declination, incline,
clin- lean, recline Latin -clinare
inclination, recline
snail, spiral
cochl- Greek κόχλος (kochlos) cochlea
shell
cognition, cognitive, cognizance,
cognoscere (see also
cogn- know Latin cognizant, cognoscenti,
gnoscere)
connoisseur, incognito, recognize,
coel- hollow Greek κοῖλος (koilos) blastocoel, coelom, spongocoel
col- strain Latin colare, colum colander, coulee, percolate
coll- hill Latin collis colliculus
coll- neck Latin collum accolade, collar
color- color Latin color coloration, coloratura, tricolor
con-, co-, coagulate, collide, compress,
cum (from older form
col-, com-, with, together Latin connect, connote, contain,
quom)
cor- corrode, quondam
con- cone Greek κῶνος (kōnos) conic, conical, conoid
condi- season Latin condire condiment
contain, content, contents,
continere (see also
contin- contain Latin continence, continent, continue,
tenere)
countenance
contraband, contraception,
contra- against Latin contra
contradict, contraindicate,
contrast, contravene
copi- plenty Latin copia copious, copy, cornucopia
coprolite, coprophagia,
copr- dung Greek κόπρος (kopros)
coprophilia
copula "that which
copul- bond Latin copula, copulation, couple
binds"
accord, cordial, core, concord,
cor-, cord- heart Latin cor, cordis courage, discord, discordant,
encourage, record
κόραξ, κόρακος
corac- raven Greek coracoid
(korax, korakos)
cori- hide, leather Latin corium, corii excoriate
corn- horn Latin cornu cornea, cornucopia, unicorn
coron- crown Latin corona, coronare corona, coronation
corporation, corporal, corporeal,
corp-,
body Latin corpus, corporis corpse, corpulent, corpuscle,
corpor-
incorporate
cortic- bark Latin cortex, corticis cortical, corticosteriod
cosmic, cosmonaut, cosmopolitan,
cosm- universe Greek κόσμος (kosmos)
cosmos, microcosm
κοσμητική
the art of dress
cosmet- Greek (kosmetike) from cosmetics, cosmetology
and ornament
κόσμος (kosmos)
cost- rib Latin costa costal
cotyl- cup Greek κοτύλη (kotulē) cotyledon
aristocracy, autocracy,
-cracy, - government, bureaucracy, democracy,
Greek κράτος (kratos)
crat rule, authority plutocracy, technocracy,
theocracy
crani- skull Greek κρανίον (kranion) cranium
crass- thick Latin crassus crassitude
creation, creature, creole,
crea- make Latin creare, creatus
procreation, recreation
accreditation, credence,
credentials, credibility, credible,
credit, creditor, credo, credulity,
cred- believe, trust Latin credere, creditus
credulous, creed, discredit,
incredible, incredulous, miscreant,
recreant
crep- boot, shoe Greek κρηπίς, κρηπίδος crepidoma
(krēpis, krēpidos)
cresc-, accretion, accrue, concrete,
crease, grow, rise Latin crescere crescendo, crescent, crew,
cru-, crew- decrease, increase, recruit
cribr- sieve Latin cribrum, cribrare cribble, cribrate
cric- ring Greek κρίκος (krikos) cricoid
crisp- curled Latin crispus crepe, crispate
crist- crest Latin crista cristate
κρίνειν (krinein), crisis, criterion, critic, critical,
crit-, crisi- judge, separate Greek
κρίσις (krisis) diacritic, endocrine, hypocrisy
cross- fringe, tassel Greek κροσσός (krossos) crossopterygii
crucial, crucifix, crucify,
cruc- cross Latin crux, crucis
excruciating
crur- leg, shank Latin crus, cruris crural
critare, from
-cry wail, shriek Latin cry, decry, descry
quiritare
κρύπτειν (kruptein)
crypt- hidden Greek "to hide", κρυπτός apocryphal, cryptic, cryptography
(kruptos)
κτείς, κτενός (kteis,
cten- comb Greek ctenophore
ktenos)
cub- cube Greek κύβος (kubos) cubic, cuboid
cub- lie Latin cubare incubation, succuba
culin- kitchen Latin culina culinary
culp- blame, fault Latin culpa culpable, culprit, exculpate
cune- wedge Latin cuneus cuneiform
accurate, curative, curator, cure,
cur-, cura- care for Latin cura, curare curious, manicure, pedicure,
secure, sinecure
concur, concurrent, corridor,
courier, course, currency, current,
curr-, curs- run, course Latin currere, cursus cursive, cursor, cursory,
discourse, excursion, incur, occur,
recur, recursion, recursive, succor
curvus "crooked,
curv- bent Latin curved", from cavort, curb, curvature, curve
curvare "to bend"
cuspid- lance, point Latin cuspis, cuspidis bicuspid
cult-, col- cultivate, till, Latin colere colony, cult, cultivate, cultivation,
inhabit culture
cut- skin Latin cutis cutaneous, cuticle
cyan- blue Greek κυανός (kuanos) cyanide
bicycle, cycle, cyclic, cyclone,
cycl- circular Greek κύκλος (kuklos)
cyclops, unicycle
κύλινδρος
cylind- roll Greek cylinder
(kulindros)
κύων, κυνός (kuōn,
cyn- dog Greek cynology, cynosure
kunos)
cyst- capsule Greek κύστις (kustis) cystic
cyt- cell Greek κύτος (kutos) cnidocyte, cytoplasm
D
digit, finger,
dactyl- Greek δάκτυλος (daktulos) dactylology, pterodactyl
toe
adamas "untameable,
daman- to tame Greek adamant, adamantine
invincible"
damn-, - to inflict loss
Latin damnāre condemn, damnation, indemnify
demn- upon
decay, declare, decline, decompose,
down, away dedicate, deduce, defend, deletion,
de- from, Latin dē delineate, delude, demarcate,
removing dementia, depress, derogatory,
desecrate, descend, destroy, detract
deb- owe Latin debere, debitus debit
deca-,
dec-, decade, decagram, decahedron,
ten Greek δέκα (deka), ten
deka-, Decalogue, decameter
dek-
decimus, tenth; from
decim- tenth part Latin decimal, decimate
decem, ten
decorus "fit, proper"
and decorare "to
decor- ornament Latin decorate", from decor decor, decorate, decorous, decorum
"beauty, ornament" and
decus "ornament"
del- delete Latin delere (from dē + delete, deletion, indelible
linere)
shaped like a
delt- Greek δέλτα (delta) deltoid
Δ
demagogue, democracy,
dem- people Greek δῆμος (dēmos)
demography, endemic, epidemic
denarius, denary, denier, dinar,
den- ten each Latin deni
dinero, dinheiro
δένδρον (dendron):
resembling a dendrite, dendrochronology,
dendr- Greek akin to δρύς, (drys)
tree rhododendron
"tree"
dens- thick Latin densus condense, dense, density
dent- tooth Latin dens, dentis dental, dentifrice, dentures
Dermaptera, dermatology, dermis,
derm- skin Greek δέρμα (derma)
epidermis, hypodermic, taxidermy
deuter- second Greek δεύτερος (deuteros) Deuteronomy, deuterostome
dexter- right Latin dexter dexterity, dextrose
dexi- right Greek δεξιός (deksios) Dexiarchia
di- two Greek δι- (di-) dicot, diode, dipole
apart,
dia- Greek διά (dia) diagram, dialysis, diameter
through
abdicate, benediction, malediction,
contradict, dictate, dictator,
say, speak,
dict- Latin dicere, dictare dictation, diction, dictionary,
proclaim
dictum, edict, predicate, predict,
verdict
dida- teach Greek διδάσκειν (didaskein) didactic
digit- finger Latin digitus digital
dilu-, flood, wash antediluvian, deluge, dilution,
Latin diluere
delu- away diluvial, diluvian
terrible,
dino- fearfully Greek δεινός (deinos) dinosaur
great
double;
dipl- Greek διπλός (diplos) diploid, diplosis
twofold
doc-, docile, doctor, doctrine, document,
teach Latin docere, doctus
doct- indoctrinate
dodec- twelve Greek δώδεκα (dōdeka) dodecahedron, dodecasyllabic
dog-, opinion, δόξα (doxa) "opinion", dogma, dogmatic, dogmatism,
Greek
dox- tenet from δοκεῖν (dokein) doxology, heterodox, orthodox,
"to appear, seem, think" paradox
dolere "to grieve", also
condolence, dol, doleful, dolorous,
dol- pain Latin dolus "grief" and dolor
indolence
"pain"
dom- house Latin domus dame, dome, domestic, domicile
danger, domain, dominant,
dominus "master"; dominate, domination, domineer,
domin- master Latin
(from domus "house") dominion, domino, dungeon,
predominant
domitare, frequentative
domit- tame Latin daunt, domitable, indomitable
of domare
condone, donate, donation, donor,
don- give Latin dōnum, donare
pardon
dont- tooth Greek ὀδόντος (odontos) orthodontist, periodontal
dorm- sleep Latin dormire dormant, dormitory
dors-,
back Latin dorsum dorsal, dossier, endorse
dos-
-drome run, step Latin dromos hippodrome, palindrome, syndrome
du- two Latin duo dual, duality, duo, duplex, duplicity
dub- doubtful Latin dubius doubt, dubiety, dubious
abduce, abduct, conduce, deduce,
duc-,
lead Latin ducere induce, introduce, produce, reduce,
duct-
seduce, traduce
dulc- sweet Latin dulcis billet-doux, dolce, dulcet, dulcimer
durable, duration, duress, endure,
dur- hard Latin durus, durare
obduracy, obdurate, obduration
dy- two Greek δύο (duo) dyad
dynamic, dynamism, dynamite,
dyna- power Greek δύναμαι (dunamai)
dynamo, dynasty
dys- badly, ill Greek δυσ- (dus-) dysentery, dysplasia, dystrophy
E
ec- out Greek ἐκ (ek) eccentric, ecstasy, ecstatic
ἐκκλησία (ekklēsiā)
assembly,
ecclesi- Greek from ἐκκαλέω Ecclesiastes, ecclesiastical
congregation
(ekkaleō) "I summon"
or "I call out"
ecology, economics, economy,
eco- house Greek οἶκος (oikos)
ecumenism
ecto- outside Greek ἐκτός (ektos) ectoderm
ed-, es- eat Latin edere, esus edible, obesity
eg- goat Greek αἴξ, αἰγός (aix) egophony
self, I (first Latin,
ego- ego, ἐγώ egocentric
person) Greek
eiren- peace Greek εἰρήνη (eirene) "peace" eirenic, irenic, irenology
electr- amber Greek ἤλεκτρον (elektron) electron, electricity
elem-, ἐλεημοσύνη
pity Greek almoner, alms, eleemosynary
alm- (eleemosyne)
em-,
buy Latin emere, emptus exemption, preempt, redeem
empt-
ἐμεῖν, ἔμετος (emein,
eme- vomit Greek emesis, emetic
emetos)
striving to
emul- Latin aemulus, aemulare emulator
equal, rivaling
en-, em- in Greek ἐν (en) emphasis, enclitic, enthusiasm
ἐγκέφαλος
encephal- brain Greek encephalopathy
(enkephalos)
endocardial, endocrine,
endo- inside, within Greek ἔνδον (endon) endocytosis, endoskeleton,
endosperm
engy- narrow Greek ἐγγύς (engys) Engystomops
ennea- nine Greek ἐννέα (ennea) ennead, enneagon, enneode
ens- sword Latin ensis ensiform
eo-, eos- dawn, east Greek Ἠώς/Ἕως (ēṓs) Eocene
ephemeral, epicenter, epidemic,
ep-, epi- upon Greek ἐπί (epi)
epistemic, epitaph, epithet, epoch
equal, equanimity, equate,
equ-, - even, equal, Equator, equilibrium, equinox,
Latin aequus
iqu- level equipoise, equity, equivalence,
equivocal, equivocate, iniquity
equ- horse Latin equus equestrian
allergy, energy, erg, ergometer,
ergonomics, ergophobia, liturgy,
erg- work Greek έργον (ergon)
metallurgy, organ, surgeon,
synergy
ἔρως, ἔρωτος (erōs,
erot- (sexual) love Greek erogenous, erotic
erōtos)
aberration, err, errant, erroneous,
err- stray Latin errare
error
erythr- red Greek ἐρυθρός (eruthros) erythrocyte
eso- within Greek ἔσω (esō) esoteric
eth- custom, habit Greek ἦθος (ēthos) ethology
ἠθμός (ēthmos); ἤθειν
ethm- sieve, sift Greek ethmoid
(hethein)
people, race,
ethn- Greek ἔθνος (ethnos) ethnarch, ethnic
tribe, nation
etym- true Greek ἔτυμος (etumos) etymology
eu- well, good Greek εὖ (eu) euphoria, euthanasia
eur- wide Greek εὐρύς (eurus) Europe, eurypterid
exclude, exist, exit, extend,
ex-, e-, ef- from, out Latin ex
extrude
exo- outside Greek ἔξω (eksō) exoskeleton, exothermic
extra, extraneus and estrange, exterior, extra,
extra- outer Latin
exterus extraordinary, strange
outermost,
extrem- Latin extremus extreme, extremity, extremophile
utmost
F
fab- bean Latin faba faba bean
affair, affect, affectation, amplify, artifact,
artifice, benefactor, benefice, benefit,
confection, counterfeit, defeat, defect,
disaffect, edifice, effect, effective,
fac-, fact-, effectual, face, facile, facsimile, fact,
-fect-, - faction, factitious, factor, factory, fake,
do, make Latin facere, factus
feat, -feit, fashion, feasible, feat, feature, feckless,
-fic-, -ify fiat, forfeit, infect, laissez-faire,
malefaction, manufacture, modify, office,
olfaction, perfect, proficient, prolific,
rarefy, refectory, sacrifice, scientific,
suffice, surfeit, traffic
falc- sickle Latin falx, falcis defalcation, falcate, falciform, falchion,
falcon
fall-,
false, fallere, falsus, default, fail, fallacious, fallacy, fallible,
fallac-, Latin
deceive fallax, fallacis false, falsetto, falsify, falsity, fault
fals-
a close
famili- Latin famulus familiarity, family
attendant
affable, bifarious, confess, fable, fame,
fari, see also
fari-, fat- say, speak Latin fascinate, fate, infant, nefarious, preface,
fateri
profess
fasc- bundle Latin fascis fasciculation, fascism
foolish,
fatu- Latin fatuus fatuous, infatuation
useless
treaty, foederare, from
agreement, foedus (genitive confederacy, confederation, federal,
feder- Latin
contract, foederis); see federate, federation
league, pact also fides "faith"
fel- cat Latin feles, felis Felinae, feline
felic- happy, merry Latin felix, felicis felicity
fell- suck Latin fellare fellation
women,
femin- Latin femina femininity
female
femur (genitive
femor- thigh Latin femoral, femur
femoris)
fend-,
strike Latin fendere, -fensus defend, fend, offend, offense
fens-
fenestr- window Latin fenestra defenestration
aquifer, circumference, confer, conifer,
defer, differ, ferry, fertile, infer, Lucifer,
fer- to bear, carry Latin ferre
offer, prefer, refer, suffer, transfer,
vociferous
ferv- boil, glow Latin fervere ferment, fervent, fervid, fervor, perfervid
feroc- fierce Latin ferox, ferocis ferocity
ferr- iron Latin ferrum ferrous
fet- stink Latin fetere fetid, fetor
fic- fig Latin ficus Ficus, fig
fingere "to
to form, touch, handle;
fict-, fig- Latin dough, effigy, feign, fiction, fictitious
shape devise; fabricate,
alter, change"
fides "faith, confidante, confidence, confident,
fid-, fis- faith, trust Latin trust", from diffident, faith, fealty, fidelity, fiduciary,
fidere "to trust" infidel, perfidious, perfidy
fil- thread Latin filum defile, filament, file, filigree, fillet, profile
fili- son Latin filius affiliation
affinity, confine, define, final, finale,
fin- end Latin finis
finance, fine, finish, finite, infinite, refine
find-, fiss- split Latin findere, fissus fission, fissure
firm- firm, strong Latin firmus, firmare confirmation, firmament
fistul- hollow, tube Latin fistula fistula
fixare,
affix, fix, fixation, fixture, prefix, suffix,
fix- attach Latin frequentative of
transfix
figere
flare, flatulence, flavor, flute, inflation,
fl- blow Latin flare, flatus
insufflation
flacc- flabby Latin flaccus, flaccere flaccid
flav- yellow Latin flavus flavonoid
deflect, circumflex, flex, flexible, flexile,
flect-,
bend Latin flectere, flexus flexion, flexor, inflect, inflection, reflect,
flex-
reflection, reflex
afflict, conflict, inflict, profligacy,
flig-, flict- strike Latin flīgere, flictus
profligate
flor- flower Latin flos, floris floral, florid
affluent, confluence, effluent, fluctuate,
flu-, fluv-, fluctuation, fluency, fluent, fluid, fluidity,
flow Latin fluere, fluxus
flux- flush, fluvial, flux, influence, influx,
superfluous
foc- hearth Latin focus focal, focus,
fod-, foss- dig Latin fodere, fossus fossil
foen- hay Latin foenum Foeniculum
foli- leaf Latin folium defoliant
font- spring Latin fons, fontis font, fontal, fontanelle
for- bore, drill Latin forare, foratus foralite, foramen, foraminifer, perforation
conform, deform, form, formal, formation,
form- shape Latin forma formula, formulate, inform, perform,
reform, uniform
form- ant Latin formica formaldehyde, formic acid
fornic- vault Latin fornix, fornicis fornication
fort- strong Latin fortis fort, forte, fortify, fortitude, fortress
shallow
fove- round Latin fovea fovea
depression
fract-, defray, diffract, fractal, fraction, fractious,
frag-, fracture, fragile, fragment, frangible, fray,
break Latin frangere, fractus
frang-, - infraction, infringe, refract, refractory,
fring- refrain
frater-,
brother Latin frater fraternity
fratr-
fric-,
rub Latin fricare, frictus dentifrice, friction
frict-
frig- cold Latin frigere frigid, frigorific
front- forehead Latin frons, frontis confront, frontage, frontal
fruct-,
fruit Latin frux, fructis fructose, frugivorous
frug-
fug-,
flee Latin fugere centrifuge, fugacious, fugitive, refuge
fugit-
fum- smoke Latin fumus fume, fumigation
fundare "to
found, founder, foundation, fund,
found", from
fund- bottom Latin fundament, fundamental, fundamentalism,
fundus "bottom,
profound, profundity
foundation"
confound, diffusion, effusion, effusive,
fund-,
pour Latin fundere, fusus found, fusion, infusion, perfusion, profuse,
fus-
profusion, refund, suffusion, transfusion
fulmen
fulm- flash Latin fulminant, fulminate, fulmination
"lightning flash"
fung-,
do Latin fungi, functus function, fungibility
funct-
fur (genitive
fur-, furt- thief, steal Latin furis) "thief", ferret, furtive
furare
furc- fork Latin furca bifurcation
fusc- dark Latin fuscus fuscous, obfuscate, obfuscation
G
Meaning Origin Etymology (root
in English language origin)
γάλα, γαλακτός
galact- milk Greek galactic
(gala, galaktos)
gam- leg Latin gamba gam, gambit, gambol, gammon
γάμος, γάμου bigamy, endogamy, gamete, monogamy,
gam- marriage Greek
(gamos, gamou) polygamy
gargantuan, gargle, gargoyle, garrulous,
garg- chatter Latin garrire
jargon
gastric, gastritis, gastroenterology,
gastr- stomach Greek γαστήρ (gastēr)
gastrointestinal, gastronomic, gastropod
apogee, Geocentrism, geode, geography,
ge-, geo- earth Greek γῆ (gē), γεω- (geō-)
geology, geometry, Pangea, perigee
gel- icy cold Latin gelum gelatin, gelid
congenial, engender, gender, generate,
gignere, genus generation, genial, genius, genital,
gen- beget Latin (genitive generis), genitive, genteel, gentle, genuine, genus,
see also generare indigenous, ingenious, ingenuous,
primogenitor, progeny
γίγνεσθαι
allergen, antigen, biogenesis, eugenics,
birth, (gignesthai), and
gene, genealogy, genesis, genetic,
gen- beget, Greek related γένος
genocide, gonad, heterogeneous,
race, kind (genos); see also
homogeneous, hydrogen, pathogen
γενεά (genea)
germ- sprout Latin germen, germinis germ, German, germane, germination
ger-, agger, congest, digest, gerundive,
bear, carry Latin gerere, gestus
gest- gestation, register, suggest, vicegerent
glabr- hairless Latin glaber glabrous
glaci- ice Latin glacies glacier
gladi- sword Latin gladius gladiator
glia- glue Greek γλία (glía) glial
glob- sphere Latin globus global, globe, globule
glori- glory Latin gloria glorify
gloss-,
tongue Greek γλῶσσα (glóssa) epiglottis, glossary, polyglot
glot-
glutin- glue Latin gluten, glutinis agglutination, glue, gluten
acquaint, cognition, cognitive,
gnosc-, -
know Latin gnoscere cognizance, cognizant, cognoscenti,
gnit-
connoisseur, ignorant, incognito, noble,
note, recognize
γιγνώσκειν
gnost- know Greek agnostic, diagnosis, Gnostic, prognosis
(gignoskein)
corner,
gon- Greek γωνία (gōnía) goniometer, polygon
angle
grad-,
walk, step, gradi "to step", from aggression, egress, grade, gradual,
gred-, Latin
go gradus "step" graduate, progress, regress, transgress
gress-
gramm- writing Greek γράμμα (gramma) grammar, grammatic, telegram
gran- grain Latin granum granary, granite, granola, granule
grand- grand Latin grandis grandiloquous, grandiosity
autograph, graph, grapheme, graphene,
graph- draw, write Greek γραφή (graphē) graphic, graphite, graphology,
photograph
congratulate, grace, grateful, gratify,
thank, gratus, see also
grat- Latin gratitude, gratuity, gratulate, ingrate,
please gratia
ingratiate
grav- heavy Latin gravis aggravate, grave, gravitate, gravity
aggregate, congregation, egregious,
greg- flock, herd Latin grex, gregis
gregarian, gregarious, segregation
govern,
gubern- Latin gubernare gubernatorial
pilot
gust- taste Latin gustus disgust, gusto
gutt- drop Latin gutta gutta, guttifer, guttiform
guttur- throat Latin guttur guttural
gymn- nude Greek γυμνός (gumnós) gymnasium, gymnastics, gymnosperm
gyn-', γυνή, γυναικός
woman Greek gynecology, gynodioecious, monogyny
gynaec- (gunḗ, gunaikós)
H
hab-, -hib-,
habit-, - have Latin habere, habitus habit, prohibition
hibit-
hadr- thick Greek ἁδρός (hadros) hadrocodium, hadron
haem-, haemophilia, hemoglobin,
blood Greek αἷμα (haima)
hem- hemophilia, hemorrhage, hemostat
ἅλς, ἁλός (hals,
hal- salt Greek halite, halogen
halos)
hal-, -hel- breathe Latin halare, halatus anhelation, inhale, halitosis
simple,
hapl- Greek ἁπλοῦς (haplous) haploid, haplotype
single
haur-,
draw Latin haurire, haustus exhaustion
haust-
hedo- pleasure Greek ἡδονή (hēdonē) hedonism
heliocentric, heliograph, heliotrope,
heli- sun Greek ἥλιος (hēlios)
helium
hemer- day Greek hemera Decameron, ephemeral
hemi- half Greek ἥμισυς (hēmisus) hemicycle, hemisphere
hen- one Greek ἕν (hen) henad, hyphen
hendec- eleven Greek ἕνδεκα (hendeka) hendecagon
hept- seven Greek ἑπτά (hepta) heptagon, heptathlon, heptode
heir, heiress, hereditary, heredity,
her-, heir- heir Latin heres
heritage, inherit
adhere, adhesive, cohere, coherent,
here-, hes- cling, stick Latin haerere, haesus
cohesive, hesitate, inherent
messenger,
herald- Latin heraldus herald, heraldic, heraldry
envoy
herb- grass Latin herba herbal, herbicide, herbivore
hered- heir Latin heres, heredis heredity
ἕρπω, ἕρπειν
herp- creep Greek herpes, herpetology
(herpō, herpein)
heterochromatin, heterodoxy,
different,
heter- Greek ἕτερος (heteros) heterogeneity, heterogeneous,
other
heterosexual
heur- find Greek εὑρίσκω (heuriskō) heuristic
hex- six Greek ἕξ (hex) hexagon, hexahedron, hexode
hibern- wintry Latin hibernus hibernation
hiem- winter Latin hiems hiemal
hier- sacred Greek ἱερός (hieros) hierarchy, hieroglyphics
hipp- horse Greek ἵππος (hippos) hippodrome, hippopotamus
hirsut- hairy Latin hirtus, hirsutus hirsute
hispid- bristly Latin hispidus hispidity, hispidulous
histri- actor Latin histrio, histrionis histrionic
hod- way Greek ὁδός (hodos) cathode, herpolhode, hodometer
hol- whole Greek ὅλος (holos) holistic, holography
homogeneous, homophone,
hom- same Greek ὁμός (homos)
homonym, homosexual, homozygous
ὁμαλός (homalos)
homal- even, flat Greek "even", from ὁμός anomalous, anomaly
(homos) "same"
home- like Greek ὅμοιος (homoios) homeostasis
homin- human Latin homo, hominis hominid
honor- esteem Latin honos, honoris honorable, honorarium
hor- boundary Greek ὅρος (horos) aphorism, horizon
hor- hour Greek ὥρα (hōra) horoscope
that which
horm- Greek ὁρμή (hormē) hormone
excites
hort- garden Latin hortus, horti horticulture
hospice, hospital, hospitality,
hospit- host Latin hospes, hospitis
inhospitable
host- enemy Latin hostis hostile
exhume, exhumation, human,
hum- ground Latin humus, humare
humane, humanity, humus, inhume
hyal- glass Greek ὕαλος (hualos) hyaline, hyaloid
dehydrate, hydrant, hydrate,
hydraulics, hydrogen, hydrology,
hydr- water Greek ὕδωρ (hudōr)
hydrolysis, hydrophily, hydrophobia,
hydroponic, hydrous
hygr- wet Greek ὑγρός (hugros) hygrometer
skin or
hymen- Greek ὑμήν (humēn) hymen, Hymenoptera
membrane
hyo- U-shaped Greek ὑοειδής (huoeidēs) hyoid
hyp- under Greek ὑπό (hupo) hypothermia, hypotonic
hyper- above, over Greek ὑπέρ (huper) hyperbole, hypertonic
hypn- sleep Greek ὕπνος (hupnos) hypnosis, hypnotherapy, hypnotize
hyster- later Greek ὕστερος (husteros) hysteresis
I
Meaning in Origin
Root Etymology (root origin) English examples
English language
ichthy- fish Greek ἰχθύς (ichthus) ichthyology
Meaning in Origin
English language
icosagon,
icos- twenty Greek εἴκοσι (eikosi)
icosahedron
id- shape Greek εἶδος (eidos) idol
idea;
ide- Greek ιδέα (idea) ideogram, ideology
thought
ἴδιος (idios) "private, personal, one's idiom, idiosyncrasy,
idio- peculiarity Greek
own" idiosyncratic, idiot
igneous, ignite,
ign- fire Latin ignis
ignition
imagin- copy Latin imāgō, imāginis image, imagine
in- (1), il-, illuminate, import,
in, on Latin in
im- incur, intend, invite
in- (2), il-, not, un- illicit, impossible,
Latin in-
im-, ir- (negation) inimical, irrational
inanitio "emptiness" and inanitas
"worthlessness", from inanire "to inane, inanition,
inan- empty, vain Latin
empty", from inanis "empty, void, inanity
worthless"
below,
infra- Latin infra infrastructure
under
insul- island Latin insula insular, insulation
intercollegiate,
among,
inter- Latin inter (preposition) intermission,
between
intersection
intra- within Latin intra intramural
irasc-,
be angry Latin irasci irascible, irate
irat-
irid- rainbow Latin iris iridescent
isometric,
is-, iso- equal, same Greek ἴσος (isos) isomorphic,
isotonic, isotropic
iter- again Latin iterum, iterare iteration
itiner- journey Latin iter, itineris itinerary
J
jacēre "to be
jac- lie Latin adjacent
thrown"
jac-, - jacere (also spelled adagio, deject, ejaculate, eject, inject,
cast, throw Latin
ject- iacere), iectus interject, project, reject, trajectory
janu- door Latin janua janitor, January
jocus (also spelled jocose, jocular, jocularity, jocund,
joc- joke Latin
iocus) jocundity, joke
judic- judge Latin judex, iudicis adjudicate, judicial, judiciary
jug- yoke Latin jugare, jugum conjugal, subjugate
jung-, conjunction, enjoin, injunction, join,
join Latin iungere, junctus
junct- junction, juncture
junior- younger Latin junior junior, juniority
abjure, jurisprudence, jury, just,
jus-, jur- law, justice Latin ius, iuris
justice, objurgate, perjury
juv-, jut- help Latin juvare, jutus adjutant
juven- young, youth Latin juvenis juvenile, rejuvenate
juxta- beside, near Latin juxta juxtaposition
K
kilobyte, kilogram,
kil(o)- thousand Greek χίλιοι (chilioi)
kilometer
kinesthetic, kinetic,
kine- movement, motion Greek κινέω (kineō)
telekinesis
klept- steal Greek κλέπτης (kleptēs) kleptomania, kleptoplasty
kudo- glory Greek κῦδος (kudos) kudos
L
Meaning in Origin Etymology
English language (root origin)
lab-,
slide, slip Latin labi, lapsus elapse, relapse
laps-
labi- lip Latin labia, labiae bilabial, labial
labor- work Latin labor collaboration, elaboration
lacer- tear Latin lacer laceration
lacrim- cry, tears Latin lacrima lacrimal, lacrimous
lac, lactis,
lact- milk Latin lactate, lactation, lactose
lactare
lamin- layer, slice Latin lamina laminate, lamination
λαμπάς
lamp- torch Greek lamp
(lampas)
lapid- stone Latin lapis, lapidis dilapidate, lapidary
larg- large Latin largus enlargement, large, largesse, largo
larv- ghost, mask Latin larva larva, larvae, larval
lat- broad, wide Latin latus latitude
later- side Latin latus, lateris bilateral
laud-, laudare "to laud, laudanum, laudable, laudation, summa
praise Latin
laus- praise" cum laude
launder, laundry, lava, lavation, lavatory,
lav- wash Latin lavare
lave, lavender, lavish, lotion
lax- not tense Latin laxus, laxare laxative, relaxation
λέκιθος
lecith- egg yolk Greek lecithin
(lekithos)
led-,
hurt Latin laedere, laesus lesion
les-
collect, diligence, election, intelligence,
leg-,
read, gather Latin legere lectern, lecture, legend, legible, legion,
lect-
lesson, neglect, religion, sacrilege, select
legal, legislate, legislation, legislative,
lex, legis,
leg- law Latin legislator, legislature, legitimate, legitimize,
legare
privilege
legare (from
leg- send Latin delegate, league, legacy, legato, relegate
legis)
lei- smooth Greek λεῖος (leios) leiomyoma
λεκάνη
lekan- dish, pot Greek lekane
(lekanē)
leni- gentle Latin lenis, lenire leniency
leon- lion Latin leo, leonis Leo, leonine, Leopold
λέπειν, λεπίς,
lep- flake, scale Greek λεπίδος (lepis, Lepidoptera
lepidos)
lepsi- grasp, seize Greek λῆψις (lēpsis) epilepsy
leuc-,
white Greek λευκός (leukos) leucocyte
leuk-
levare "lighten,
lift, light, raise", from alleviate, elevate, elevator, leaven, lever,
lev- Latin
raise levis "light" (in leverage, levitation, levity, levy, relieve
weight)
liber-, deliver, deliverance, libel, liberal, liberalize,
free Latin liber, liberare
liver- liberate, liberation, libertine, liberty
libr- book Latin liber, libri librarian, library
lig- bind Latin ligare, ligatus ligament, ligature
limac- slug Latin limax, limacis limacoid, limacon
limpa- clear, water Latin limpa "water" limpid
line- line Latin linea line, linearity
smear,
line- Latin linere delete, deletion, indelible, liniment
smudge
language,
lingu- Latin lingua bilingual, linguistic
tongue
linqu-,
leave Latin linquere, lictus relict, relinquish
lict-
lip- fat Greek λίπος (lipos) lipolysis
deliquesce, liquefy, liqueur, liquid, liquor,
liq- flow Latin liquere
prolix
prayer,
lit- Greek λιτή (lite) litany
supplication
alliteration, illiterate, literacy, literal, literary,
liter- letter Latin littera
literature, obliterate
lithic, lithosphere, megalith, Mesolithic,
lith- stone Greek λίθος (lithos)
monolith, Neolithic, Paleolithic
allocate, local, locality, locate, location,
loc- place Latin locus, locare
locomotion, locus
analogy, anthology, apology, biology,
dialogue doxology, ecology, epilogue,
etymology, eulogy, geology, ideologue,
word, reason,
log-, - λόγος (logos), logarithm, logic, logogram, meteorology,
speech, Greek
logy λογία (logia) monologue, morphological, neologism,
though
neurology, philology, prologue, psychology,
tautology, terminology, theology, toxicology,
trilogy, zoology
long- long Latin longus elongate, longitude
loqu-, speak Latin loqui allocution, circumlocution, colloquial,
locut- colloquy, elocution, eloquent, eloquence,
grandiloquent, interlocution, loquacious,
loquacity, magniloquent, obloquy, soliloquy
lux (genitive elucidate, lucid, Lucifer (bearer of light),
luc- bright, light Latin
lucis), lucere lucubrate, noctilucent, pellucid, translucent
allude, collude, delude, elude, elusive,
lud-,
play Latin ludere, lusus elusory, illude, illusion, ludicrous, lusory,
lus-
prelude
luminare, from
lumin- light Latin illumination, luminary, luminous
lumen
luere (see also ablution, alluvium, colluvium, diluvium,
lu-, luv-
wash Latin diluere, fluere elute, elution, elluviation, eluvium,
, lut-
and pluere) illuviation, illuvium, pollution
lun- moon Latin luna luna, lunar, lunatic
lysi-, analysis, analytic, cytolysis, hydrolysis,
dissolving Greek λύσις (lusis)
lyti- lysigeny
M
macer- lean Latin macer emaciate, meager
macro- long Greek μακρός (makros) macro, macroeconomics, macron
magnanimous, magnate,
magn- great, large Latin magnus magnificent, magnify, magnitude,
magnum
maj- greater Latin major, majus majesty, majority, majuscule
malediction, malefaction,
bad, malevolent, malfeasance, malicious,
mal- Latin malus
wretched malignancy, malnourished,
malodorous
mamm- breast Latin mamma mammal, mammary gland
emanate, emanationism, immanant,
man- flow Latin mānāre, manatus
immanation
immanence, immanent, manse,
man- stay Latin manēre, mansus permanence, permanent, remanence,
remanent
emancipate, manacle, manage,
man-,
hand Latin manus maneuver, manual, manufacture,
manu-
manicure, manifest, manuscript
command, commend,
mand-, - order, commendation, countermand,
Latin mandāre, mandatus
mend- commit demand, mandate, mandatory,
recommend, remand
mental kleptomania, mania, maniac,
mania Greek μανία (manίā)
illness pyromania
mar- sea Latin mare, maris marine, maritime
mascul- male, man Latin masculus, masculi emasculate, masculine
mater-, maternal, maternity, matrimony,
mother Latin mater, matris
matr- matrix, matron
maxim- greatest Latin maximus maximum
machine or
mechan- Greek μηχανή (mēkhanē) mechane, mechanics
instrument
medi-, - media, median, mediate, medieval,
middle Latin medius, mediare
midi- mediocre, Mediterranean, medium
great, large, megacycle, megaphone,
mega- Greek μέγας (megas)
million megalopolis, megaton
mei- less Greek μεῖον (meiōn) meiosis
melan- black, dark Greek μέλας (melas) Melanesia, melanoma
meliorare "to
melior- better Latin improve", from ameliorate, amelioration, meliorism
melior "better"
mell- honey Latin mel, mellis mellifluous
commemorate, memoir, memorable,
memor- remember Latin memor
memorial, memorize, memory
mening- membrane Greek μήνιγξ (meninx) meningitis
comment, dement, demented,
ment- mind Latin mens, mentis mental, mentality, mention,
momento, reminisce, reminiscence
men- month Greek μήν (mēn) menopause
mendax "lying, a
amend, amendment, mendacious,
mend- defect, fault Latin liar", from menda
mendacity
"defect, fault"
menstru- monthly Latin menstruus menstrual, menstruation
commensurable, commensurate,
mensura
dimension, immense,
mensur- measure Latin "measurement", from
incommensurable, incommensurate,
metiri "to measure"
measure
mer- part Greek μέρος (meros) polymer
commerce, commercial, market,
reward, merx (genitive
merc- Latin mercantile, mercenary, merchant,
wages, hire mercis)
mercy
merg-,
dip, plunge Latin mergere emerge, immersion
mers-
mes- middle Greek μέσος (mesos) Mesolithic, mesozoic
altimeter, barometer, calorimeter,
meter-,
measure Greek μέτρον (metron) centimeter, meter, metric,
metr-
millimeter, thermometer
metabolism, metamorphic,
above,
metamorphosis, metaphase,
meta- among, Greek μετά (meta)
metaphor, metaphysics, metastatic,
beyond
meteor, method
mic- grain Latin mica micelle
microcosm, microeconomics,
micro- small Greek μικρός (mikros) micrometer, microphone,
microscope, microwave
emigrant, immigrant, migrant,
migr- wander Latin migrare
migrate, migration
milit- soldier Latin miles, militis military, militia
milli- thousand Latin mille millennium, million
thousand
millen- Latin milleni millenary
each
mim- repeat Greek μίμος (mimos) mime, mimic
min- jut Latin minere prominent
min- less, smaller Latin minor, minus minority, minuscule, minutiae
minare, variant of amenable, demeanor, menace,
mina- lead Latin
minari promenade
wonder, miror, mirari,
mir- Latin admire, miracle, mirror
amazement miratus sum
mis- hate Greek μῖσος (misos) misandry, misogyny
misc-,
mix Latin miscere, mixtus miscellaneous, mixture
mixt-
unhappy,
miser- Latin miser miser, miserable, miserly, misery
wretched
commit, emit, intermittent, missile,
mit-, miss- send Latin mittere, missus mission, missionary, omit, permit,
remit, submit, transmit
mit- thread Greek μίτος (mitos) mitochondrion, mitosis
mne- memory Greek μνήμη (mnēmē) amnesia, mnemonic
mode, model, moderate, moderation,
mod- measure Latin modus "measure" moderato, moderator, modern,
modest, modicum, modify
mol- grind Latin mola, molere, molitus molar
moll- soft Latin mollis emollient, mollify
monism, monolith, monopoly,
mon- one Greek μόνος (monos)
monopsony, monotone
admonish, monitor, monster,
mon- warn Latin monere
monument, premonition, summon
string of
monil- Latin monile Moniliformida
beads
monstra- show Latin monstrare demonstrate, muster, remonstrate
mont- mountain Latin mons, montis Montana
mor- disposition Latin mos moral, morose
morari "to delay",
mora- pause, delay Latin from mora "a pause, demur, moratorium, remora
delay"
mord- bite Latin mordere, morsus mordacious, morsel, remorse
moron, moronic, oxymoron,
μωρός (moros)
moro- foolish, dull Greek oxymoronic, sophomore,
"foolish, dull"
sophomoric
amorphous, anthropomorphism,
morph- form, shape Greek μορφή (morphē) dimorphic, metamorphosis,
morpheme, morphology
immortal, mortal, mortality,
mort- death Latin mors, mortis
mortician, mortuary
commotion, emotion, mobile,
mov-,
move, momentum, motile, motion, motive,
mob-, Latin movere, motus
motion motor, move, movement, mutiny,
mot-
promote, remove
mulg-,
milk Latin mulgere emulsion
muls-
multifold, multilingual, multiple,
multi- many, much Latin multus
multiplex, multiply, multitude
mund- world Latin mundus anima mundi, map, mundane
mur- wall Latin murus, muri immured, mural
mus- mouse Greek μῦς (mus) musophobia
mus- thief Latin mus, muris mouse
musc- fly Latin musca, muscae Muscicapidae, Muscidae
mut- change Latin mutare immutable, mutation
to shut (the
my- Latin myein miosis, myopia, myopic, mystery
eyes)
countless,
myri- Greek μυρίος (murios) myriad, myriapod
ten thousand
myrmec- ant Greek μύρμηξ (murmēx) myrmecoid, Myrmidons
myth- story Greek μῦθος (muthos) mythic, mythology
myx- slime Greek μύξα (muxa) Myxini
myz- suck Greek μυζάω (muzaō) Myzopoda
N
nar- nostril Latin naris naris
narc- numb Greek νάρκη (narkē) narcolepsy, narcosis, narcotic
narr- tell Latin narrare narrative
nas- nose Latin nasus nasal
nascere, nasci
innate, nascent, natal, native,
nasc-, nat- born Latin (past participle
renaissance
natus)
naut- ship Greek ναύτης (nautes) Argonaut, astronaut, nautical
nav- ship Latin navis naval
Neolithic, neologism, neonate,
ne-, neo- new Greek νέος (neos)
neophyte
nebula, nebulosity, nebulous,
neb-, nub- cloud Latin nebula, nubes
nuance, nubilous, obnubilate
necr- dead Greek νεκρός (nekros) necrophobia
nect- swimming Greek νηκτός (nēktos) nectopod
nect-, nex- join, tie Latin nectere, nexus connect, nexus
neg- say no Latin negare negative
nema- hair Greek νῆμα (nēma) nematode
nemor- grove, woods Latin nemus, nemoris nemoral
nephr- kidney Greek νεφρός (nephros) nephritis
nerv- sinew, nerve Latin nervus enervate, innervate, nerve, nervous
nes- island Greek νῆσος (nēsos) Polynesia
neural, neuritis, neurologist,
neur- nerve Greek νευρών (neurōn) neurology, neuron, neuropathic,
neurosurgeon, neurotic
nict- beckon, wink Latin nictari nictation
nigr- black Latin niger denigrate
nihil- nothing Latin nihilum annihilation
innocent, innocuous, nociception,
noc- hurt, harm Latin nocere
nociceptive, nocuous, nuisance
nox (genitive equinox, noctambulist, noctilucent,
noct- night Latin
noctis) nocturnal
nod- knot Latin nodus denouement, node, nodule
agronomy, astronomy, autonomous,
arrangement, autonomy, bionomics, economics,
nom- Greek νόμος (nomos)
law, order economy, gastronomy, metronome,
numismatic, taxonomy
νομάς, νομάδος
those who let
nomad- Greek (nomas, nomadic
pasture herds
nomados)
nomen-, nomenclature, nominate, nomination,
name Latin nomen, nominis
nomin- ignominious, ignominy
non- not Latin non none
non- ninth Latin nonus nonary
nonagen- ninety each Latin nonageni nonagenary
nonagesim- ninetieth Latin nonagesimus nonagesimal
not- back, south Greek νότος (notos) notochord
annotation, connotation, connote,
letter, note,
not- Latin notare denotation, denote, notable, notary,
paper
notate, notation
noth- spurious Greek νόθος (nothos) nothogenus
nov- nine Latin novem November, novennial
innovate, innovation, nova, novel,
nov- new Latin novus
novice, renovate
noven- nine each Latin noveni novenary
novendec- nineteen Latin novendecim novemdecillion
nox-, noc- harmful Latin noxa noxious, obnoxious
nu- nod Latin nuere innuendo
to marry, to nubes, nubis,
nub-, nupt- Latin connubial, nubile, prenuptial
wed nubere
nuc- nut Latin nux, nucis nucleus
nuch- back of neck Latin nucha nuchal cord
nud- naked Latin nudus denude, nudity
null- none Latin nullus nullify
enumerate, innumerable, numeral,
numer- number Latin numerus
numeration
nunci- announce Latin nuntius pronunciation
nutri- nourish Latin nutrire malnutrition, nutrient
O
obduracy, obdurate, obduration,
ob-, o-, oc-,
obfuscate, obstinate, obstreperous,
of-, og-, op-, against Latin ob
occur, offend, omit, oppose,
os-
ostensible, ostentatious
oct- eight Greek ὀκτώ (oktō) octagon, octahedron, octode
oct- eight Latin octō octangular, octennial, octovir
octav- eighth Latin octāvus octaval
octogen- eighty each Latin octogeni octogenary
octogesim- eightieth Latin octogesimus octogesimal
octon- eight each Latin octoni octonary
ocul- eye Latin oculus, oculare ocular, oculus, ullage
anode, diode, odometer, pentode,
od- path, way Greek ὁδός (hodos)
tetrode, triode
odi- hate Latin odium odious
ὀδούς, ὀδόντος
odont- tooth Greek odontology
(odous, odontos)
odor- fragrant Latin odor odorous
oeco- house Greek οἶκος (oikos) ecology
oed- swollen Greek οἴδημα (oidēma) oedema
oen- wine Greek οἶνος (oinos) oenology
οἰσοφάγος
oesophag- gullet Greek oesophagus
(oisophagos)
office, officer, official, officiate,
offic- duty Latin officium
officious
ogdo- eighth Greek ὄγδοος (ogdoos) ogdoad
-oid like Greek -οειδής (-oeidēs) asteroid, mucoid, organoid
ole- oil Latin oleum oleosity
skull of Latin from ὠλέκρανον
olecran- olecranon
elbow Greek (ōlekranon)
oligarchy, Oligocene, oligopoly,
olig- few Greek ὀλίγος (oligos)
oligosaccharide, oligotrohic
oliv- olive Latin oliva olivaceous, olivary, olivette
morbid
-oma growth, Greek -ωμα melanoma
tumor
omas- paunch Latin omasum omasum
oment- fat skin Latin omentum omental
omin- creepy Latin omen, ominis abominable, ominous
omm- eye Greek ὄμμα (omma) ommatidium
omnipotence, omnipresent,
omni- all Latin omnis
omniscient, omnivore
omo- shoulder Greek ὦμος (omos) omohyoid
ὀμφαλός
omphal- navel Greek omphalectomy
(omphalos)
oner- burden Latin onus, oneris exonerate, onerous
onom- name Greek όνομα (onoma) onomatopoeia
ont- existing Greek ὄντος (ontos) ontogeny, ontology
anonymous, antonym, pseudonym,
-onym name Greek ὄνυμα (onuma)
synonym
oo- egg Greek ᾠόν (oion) oocyte
opac- shady Latin opacus opacity
cooperate, inoperable, opera, operate,
oper- work Latin opus, operis
opus
opercul- little cover Latin operculum operculum
ophi- snake Greek ὄφις (ophis) ophiophagy
ὀφθαλμός
ophthalm- eye Greek ophthalmology
(ophthalmos)
ὄπισθεν
opisth- behind Greek opisthosoma, opsimath
(opisthen)
ὁπότερος
opoter- either Greek
(hopoteros)
opt- eye Greek ὀπτός (optos) optical, panoptic
opt- choose Latin optare adopt, optional
optim- best Latin optimus optimum
os (genitive oris)
or- mouth Latin oral, orifice
"mouth"
orare "to pray, adore, adoration, inexorable, oracle,
ora- pray, plead Latin
plead" orate, oration, orator, oratory, orison
orb- circle Latin orbis orbit
orch- testicle Greek ὄρχις (orchis) orchid
ordin- order Latin ōrdō, ordinis ordinal, ordinary
organ,
ὄργανον
organ- instrument, Greek organism
(organon)
tool
ori-, ort- eastern Latin oriri, ortus orient
orn- decorate Latin ōrnāre adorn, ornament, ornate
ὄρνις (ornis,
ornith- bird Greek ornithology
ornithos)
orthodontist, orthodox, orthodoxy,
orth- straight Greek ὀρθός (orthos)
orthopedic, orthosis, unorthodox
oscill- swing Latin oscillum oscillation
oss- bone Latin os, ossis ossification
osteo- bone Greek ὀστοῦν (ostoun) osteoporosis
osti- entrance Latin ostium ostiole
ὄστρακον
ostrac- shell Greek ostracism, ostracoderm
(ostrakon)
οὖς, ωτός (ous,
ot- ear Greek otology
ōtos)
ov- egg Latin ovum oval, ovary, ovule
operire "to cover, covert, coverture, discover,
-over- close, cover Latin
close, cover" operculum
ovi- sheep Latin ovis ovine
sharp,
oxy- Greek ὀξύς (oxus) oxygen, oxymoron
pointed
P
appease, Pacific Ocean, pacifism,
pac- peace Latin pax, pacis
pacifist, pacify
pach- thick Greek παχύς (pachus) pachydermata, Pachypodium
pangere "to fix, compact, impact, impaction,
pact- fasten Latin
fasten" impinge, pact, page, propagate
orthopedic, paediatric, page,
παῖς (pais), genitive
paed- child Greek pedagogue, pedagogy, pedant,
παιδός (paidos)
pedantic, pediatric, pedophilia
pagin- page Latin pagina pagination
pal- stake Latin palus impalement, pale
Paleo Diet, Paleolithic era,
palae-,
ancient, old Greek παλαιός (palaios) paleomagnetism, paleontology,
pale-
paleopsychology, Paleozoic
palin- back Greek πάλιν (palin) palindrome
pall- be pale Latin pallere pallid, pallor
palliare "to cover,
palli- cloak Latin cloak", from pallium pall, palliate, palliative, pallium
"cloak"
palm- palm Latin palma palmate
palp, palpable, palpate, palpation,
palp- touch Latin palpare
palpitant, palpitation
palustr- in marshes Latin paluster palustral
Pan-American, panacea,
πᾶς, παντός (pas,
pan-, pam- all Greek pandemic, pandemonium,
pantos)
panoply, panoptic
pand-,
spread Latin pandere, pansus expand, expansion
pans-
compare, disparage, par, parity,
par- equal Latin par
peer, subpar
prepare, apparatus, disparate, empire,
par- provide, Latin parare imperative, pare, prepare, repair,
procure separate, sever, vituperate
para- beside, near Greek παρά (para) parallel, parameter
parc-,
spare, save Latin parcere, parsus parcity, parsimony
pars-
pariet- wall Latin paries, parietis parietal
apart, bipartite, compartment,
depart, impartial, parcel, part,
part- part Latin pars, partis
partial, participate, particle,
partisan, partition
parthen- maiden Greek παρθένος (parthenos) Parthenon, parthenogenesis
parv- little Latin parvus parvovirus
pasc-, past- feed Latin pascere, pastus pastor, pasture, repast
pass- pace, step Latin passus
passer- sparrow Latin passer passeriform, passerine
pat- be open Latin patere paten, patent
antipathy, apathy, empathy,
path- feeling, disease Greek πάθος (pathos) pathetic, pathogen, pathology,
sympathy
pater-, paternity, patrilocal, patriot,
father Latin pater (genitive patris)
patr- patron, patronage, patronize
pater-, πατήρ, πατριά (patēr,
father Greek patriarch
patr- patria)
suffer, feel,
pati-, pass- Latin pati, passus passion, passive, patience
endure, permit
pauc- few Latin paucus paucal, pauciloquent, paucity
pav- beat Latin pavire pave, pavement
peccatum "sin, fault,
impeccable, peccadillo, peccant,
pecc- sin Latin error", from peccare
peccavi
"to miss, mistake"
pect- fixed Greek πηκτός (pēktos) pectic, pectin
pector- chest Latin pectus, pectoris pectoral
pecunia "property",
pecu- property Latin peculiar, pecuniary, pecunious
from pecu "cattle"
centipede, impede, pedal,
ped- foot Latin pes, pedis
pedestrian
pejor- worse Latin pejor pejorative
appulse, compel, compulsory,
dispel, expel, expulsion, impel,
impulse, propel, propellent,
pell-, puls- drive, push Latin pellere, pulsus
propulsion, propulsive, propulsor,
pulsate, pulse, push, repel,
repellent, repulsive
pen- almost Latin paene peninsula, penultimate, penumbra
impune, impunity, pain, penal,
punire "punish"
penalize, penalty, penance,
pen-, poen- (earlier poenire),
punish Latin penitence, penitent, penitentiary,
, puni- from poena
pine, punish, punitive, repent,
"punishment"
subpoena
pensare, append, penchant, pendant,
pend-,
hang Latin frequentative of pending, pendulum, pensive,
pens-
pendere prepense, suspend, suspense
penn-, pennate, pinnacle, pinnate,
feather Latin penna, pinna
pinn- pinnule
pentagon, pentagram, pentagrid,
pent- five Greek πέντε (pente)
pentode
πεντηκοστός
pentecost- fiftieth Greek pentecostalism
(pentēkostos)
πέσσειν, πεπτός dyspepsia, peptic, peptide,
pept- digest Greek
(pessein, peptos) peptone
thoroughly, perfection, permeate, pernicious,
per- Latin per
through persistence, peruse, pervade
peran- across, beyond Greek πέραν (peran) Perates
perigee, perihelion, perimeter,
peri- around Greek περί (peri)
peripheral, periscope
persic- peach Greek περσικός (persikos)
pessim- worst Latin pessimus pessimal
appetite, compete, competition,
pet- strive toward Latin petere impetus, petition, petulant,
propitiate, repeat, repetition
petr- rock Greek πέτρα (petra) petroglyph
phae- dark Greek φαιός (phaios) phaeomelanin, pheochrome
bacteriophage, macrophage,
phag- eat Greek φαγεῖν (phagein)
phagocyte, sarcophagus
close
formation of φάλαγξ, φάλαγγος
phalang- Greek phalanges
troops, finger (phalanx, phalangos)
bones
having a patch
phalar- Greek φάλαρος (phalāros)[1] phalarope
of white
φάρμακον
pharmac- drug, medicine Greek pharmacy
(pharmakon)
diaphanous, emphasis, epiphany,
fantasy, phanerozoic, phantasm,
phan-, to show,
Greek φαινειν (phainein) phantom, phase, phene, phenetic,
phen- visible
phenology, phenomenon, photic,
sycophant, theophany, tryptophan
pher-, φέρω (pherō), φόρος
bear, carry Greek metaphor, pheromone
phor- (phoros)
bibliophile, hydrophile,
love,
phil-, -phile Greek φιλέω (phileō, philia) philanthropy, philharmonic,
friendship
philosophy
ϕλέγω (phlegein) "to
heat,
phleg- Greek burn", φλέγω phlegm, phlegmatic
inflammation
(phlegō)
phloe- tree bark Greek φλοιός (phloios) phlobaphene, phloem
acrophobia, claustrophobia,
phob- fear Greek φόβος (phobos) ergophobia, homophobia,
hydrophobia
cacophony, euphony, homophone,
phon- sound Greek φωνή (phōnē) microphone, phonetic,
phonograph, symphony
phosphor, phosphorus, photic,
phos-, φῶς, φωτός (phōs,
light Greek photo, photoelectric, photogenic,
phot- phōtos)
photograph, photosynthesis
phragm- fence Greek φράγμα (phragma) diaphragm
diaphragm, φρήν, φρενός (phrēn,
phren- Greek frenetic, schizophrenia
mind phrenos)
phryn- toad, toad-like Greek φρύνη (phrunē) Phrynobatrachus
phyl- tribe Greek φύλον (phulon) phylogenetics, phylum
phyll- leaf Greek φύλλον (phullon) chlorophyll, phyllotaxis
physi- nature Greek φύσις (phusis) physics
φυσαλ(λ)ίς
physalid- bladder Greek physalis
(phusal(l)is)
phyt- plant Greek φυτόν (phuton) neophyte, phytoplankton
kind, devout, expiate, impious, piety, pious,
pi- Latin pius
pity pity
pic- pitch Latin pix, picis piceous
pil- hair Latin pilus depilatory, epilator
pil- pillar, ball Latin pila pile, pill, pillar, pillory
pin- drink Greek πίνειν (pinein) pinocytosis
pin- pine Latin pinus pineal gland
ping-, pict- paint Latin pingere, pictus depiction, picture, pigment
pingu- fat Latin pinguis Pinguicula, pinguitude
pir- pear Latin pirus piriformis muscle
pisc- fish Latin piscis Pisces, piscivore
pis- pea Greek πίσος (pisos)
πλάξ, πλακός (plax,
plac- plate, tablet Greek duplex, duplicity
plakos)
implacable, placable, placate,
plac- calm Latin placare, placatus
please, supple
complacent, complaisant,
plac-, plea- please Latin placēre, placitus displease, placebo, placid, plea,
please, pleasure
plagi- oblique Greek πλάγιος (plagios) plagiocephaly, plagioclase
plan- flat Latin planus explanation, planar, plane
plang-,
Latin plangere, planctus plangent
planct-
plas- mould Greek πλάθω (plathō) plasma, plastic
platy- flat, broad Greek πλατύς (platus) plaice, plateau, platitude, platypus
plaud-, -
plod-, applaud, applause, explosion,
approve, clap Latin plaudere, plausus
plaus-, - implode, plaudits, plausible
plos-
complement, complete, deplete,
ple-, plet- fill Latin plere implement, replete, suppletion,
supply
pleb- people Latin plebs, plebis plebeian, plebs
plec- interwoven Greek πλέκω (plekō) plectics, symplectomorphism
plect-,
plait Latin plectere, plexus perplex
plex-
plenary, plenitude, plenty,
plen- full Latin plenus
replenish
plesi- near Greek πλησίος (plēsios) plesiosaur
pleth- full Greek πλῆθος (plēthos) plethora
pleur- side Greek πλευρά (pleura) pleuritis
appliance, application, apply,
duplication, explicate, explicit,
plic- fold Latin plicare, plicatus implicate, implicit, imply, ply,
replicate, supplicant, supplicate,
supplication
plinth- brick Greek πλίνθος (plinthos) Plinthograptis
plor- Latin plorare implore
pluere, see also
plu- rain Latin pluvial
pluvia
plum- feather Latin pluma plumage, plumate
plumb- lead Latin plumbum plumber
double, plural, pluralist, plus,
plur-, plus- more Latin plus, pluris
quadruple, surplus, triple
plurim- most Latin plurimus plurimal
plut- wealth Greek πλοῦτος (ploutos) plutocracy
air, breath, pnein, πνεῦμα
pneu- Greek apnoea, pneumatic, phneumonia
lung (pneuma)
πούς, ποδός (pous,
pod- foot Greek antipode, podiatry, tripod
podos)
πώγων, πώγωνος
pogon- beard Greek pogonotrophy
(pōgōn, pōgōnos)
poie- make Greek ποιέω (poieō) poet, poiesis
pol- pole Greek πόλος (polos) dipole, polar
acropolis, cosmopolitan,
pole-, poli- city Greek πόλις (polis) megalopolis, metropolis, police,
policy, politics
polem- war Greek πόλεμος (polemos) polemic
poli- grey Greek πολιός (polios) poliomyelitis
pollic- thumb Latin pollex, pollicis pollicate
pollin- fine flour Latin pollen, pollinis pollination
polyandry, polygamy, polygon,
poly- many Greek πολύς (polus)
polysaccharide, polytheistic
apposite, apropos, component,
depose, deposit, exponent,
expose, expound, impose,
pon-, posit- put Latin ponere, positus impound, opponent, position,
positive, postpone, posture,
propone, proponent, proposition,
propound, repose
pondus, ponderis,
ponder- weight Latin ponder, preponderance
ponderare
pont- bridge Latin pons, pontis pontoon
popul- people Latin populus, populare population, popular, populous
por- passage Greek πόρος (poros) pore, porosity
porc- pig Latin porcus porcine, pork
porn- prostitute Greek πόρνη (pornē) pornography
porphyr- purple Greek πορφύρα (porphura) porphyrin
comportment, deport, export,
portare "to carry", import, port, portable, portage,
port- carry Latin
porta "gate" portal, porter, portfolio, purport,
rapport, report, support, transport
Latin
portion- part, share portion, proportion
portio
post- after, behind Latin post posterior, posterity, postscript
potere "be powerful",
despot, impotent, possess, potent,
pot- power Latin from potis "powerful,
potentate, potential, power
able"
pot- drink Latin potus, potare potable, potion
potam- river Greek ποταμός (potamos) hippopotamus, Mesopotamia
prasin- leek-green Greek πράσινος (prasinos) prasinous
prat- meadow Latin pratum
prav- crooked Latin pravus depravity
pre- before Latin prae previous
precāri "to ask, beg,
deprecation, imprecation, pray,
prec- pray Latin pray", from prex
prayer, precarious
"prayer"
praedari "plunder", depredate, predation, predator,
pred- prey Latin
from praeda "prey" predatory, prey
apprehend, comprehend,
prehend-,
prehendere, comprehensive, enterprise,
prend-, grasp Latin
prehensus prehensility, prehension, prey,
prehens-
prison, prize, reprehend, surprise
prem-, -
prim-, press Latin premere, pressus pressure
press-
presby- old Greek πρέσβυς (presbus) Presbyterianism
preter- past Latin praeter preterite, pretermission
preti- price Latin pretium, pretiare
primacy, primal, primary, prime,
prim- first Latin primus
primeval, primitive
prior- former Latin prior priority
privus, privare,
priv- separate Latin deprivation, privilege
privatus
before, in front
pro- Greek πρό (pro) prologue, prostate
of
pro- for, forward Latin pro procrastinate, propel, propulsion
approbation, approve,
disapprobation, opprobrium,
probare "prove to be
prob- worthy, good Latin probable, probation, probe,
worthy", probus
probity, proof, prove, reprobate,
reprove
proct- anus Greek πρωκτός (prōktos) proctology
prodigus "wasteful",
prodig- waste Latin from prodigere "drive prodigal, prodigality
away, waste"
prodig- prodigy Latin prodigium "prodigy" prodigious, prodigy
proprietas
"appropriateness,
property; one's appropriate, proper, property,
propri- Latin property, ownership",
own proprietary, proprietor, propriety
from proprius "one's
own"
pros- forward Greek πρός (pros) prosenchyma, prosthesis
protagonist, Proterozoic, protocol,
prot- first Greek πρῶτος (prōtos) protoindustrial, protoplasm,
prototype, protozoan
proxim- nearest Latin proximus, proximare approximate, proximity
prun- plum Latin prunus prune
psammite, psammophyte,
psamm- sand Greek ψάμμος (psammos)
psammosere, psammous
pseud- false Greek ψευδής (pseudēs) pseudonym
psil- bare Greek ψιλός (psilos) epsilon, psilocybin
psyche, psychiatry, psychology,
psych- mind Greek ψυχή (psuchē)
psychosis
psychr- cold Greek ψυχρός (psuchros) psychrometer
pter- wing, fern Greek πτερόν (pteron) helicopter, pterodactyl
pto- fall Greek πτῶσις (ptōsis) ptosis
pty- saliva Greek πτύον (ptuon) ptyalin
ptych- fold, layer Greek πτύξ, πτυχή (ptuchē) triptych
sexually
pub- Latin pubes, puberis pubescent, pubic
mature
public- Latin publicus publication, publicity
pude- shame Latin pudere impudent, pudendum, repudiate
pugnare "to fight", impugn, pugilism, pugnacious,
pug-, pugn- fight Latin
from pugnus "fist" repugnant
pulchr- beautiful Latin pulcher, pulchri pulchritude
pulmon- lung Latin pulmo, pulmonis pulmonary
pulver- dust Latin pulvis, pulveris pulverize
acupuncture, expunge, poignant,
pung-,
prick Latin pungere, punctus point, punch, punctual,
punct-
punctuation, puncture, pungent
pup- doll Latin pupa pupa, pupate, puppet
purare "to purify", impurity, pure, puree, purge,
pur- pure Latin
from purus "pure" purify, purity
purg- cleanse Latin purgare expurgate, purgatory, purge
purpur- purple Latin purpura purpurate, purpureal
amputation, compute, dispute,
put- prune, reckon Latin putāre
impute, putative, reputation
pyg- rump Greek πυγή (pugē) callipygian, pygostyle
πυλών, πυλῶνος
pyl- gate Greek pylon
(pulōn, pulōnos)
πῦρ, πυρός (pur,
pyr- heat, fire Greek pyrolysis
puros)
Q
quadrangle, quadrillion,
quadr- four Latin quattuor
quadrilateral, quadruped
quadragenarian,
quadragen- forty each Latin quadrageni
quadragenary
quadragesim- fortieth Latin quadragesimus quadragesimal
quart- fourth Latin quartus quartary, quarter, quartile
quasi- as if Latin quasi quasar
quatern- four each Latin quaterni quaternary, quaternion
quati-, quass- shake Latin quatere quassation
quer-, -quir-,
search, seek Latin quaerere Inquisition, query
quesit-, -quisit-
acquiesce, quiescent, quiet,
qui- rest Latin quies
quietus, requiem
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
how many,
quot- Latin quotiens quota, quotient
how great
R
rad-, ras- scrape, shave Latin radere, rasus abrade, abrasion, erasure
radi- beam, spoke Latin radius, radiare radiance, radiation
radic- root Latin rādix, rādīcis eradicate, radical
ram- branch Latin rāmus ramification, ramose
ran- frog Latin rana Rana
rancidness,
ranc- grudge, Latin rancere rancid, rancor
bitterness
rap- rob, seize Latin rapere "to seize, rob" rape, rapacity, raptor, surreptitious
rap- turnip Latin rapum rapeseed
raph- seam Greek ῤαφή (rhaphē) raphe, raphae
rar- rare Latin rarus rarity
rauc- harsh, hoarse Latin raucus raucous
re-, red- again, back Latin re- recede, redact
regere "to direct, lead correct, direct, dirigible, erect,
rect-,
straight, guide", erection, ergo, rectangle, rectify,
reg-, - straight, direct Latin
related rectus rectitude, rectum, regent, regime,
rig-
"straight, right" regimen, regiment, region, surge
reg-, rex- king Latin rex (genitive regis) anorexia, regal, regicide, rex, royal
regul- rule Latin regula "to rule" regular, regulate, regulation, rule
rem- oar Latin remus bireme, trireme
ren- kidney Latin renes renal
reneg- deny Latin renegare renegade, renege
rep-,
crawl, creep Latin repere, reptus reptile
rept-
ret- net Latin rete reticle, retina
backward,
retro- Latin retro retrograde, retrospective, retrovirus
behind
rhabd- rod Greek ῥάβδος (rhabdos) rhabdoid, rhabdom
rhach-, ῥάχις, ῥάχεως
spine Greek rhachiodont
rach- (rhachis)
rhag- tear, rent Greek ῥαγίζω rhagades
rhe- flow Greek ῥεῖν (rhein) rheostat
rhig- chill Greek ῥῖγος (rhigos) rhigosaurus
ῥίς, ῥινός (rhis,
rhin- nose, snout Greek rhinoceros, rhinoplasty
rhinos)
rhiz- root Greek ῥίζα (rhiza) rhizome
rhod- rose Greek ῥόδον (rhodon) rhododendron
rhomb- spinning top Greek ῥόμβος (rhombos) rhombus
rhynch- snout Greek ῥύγχος Rhynchobatus
ridere "to laugh" (past deride, derision, ridicule, ridiculous,
rid-, ris- laugh Latin
participle risus) risible
roborare "to
strengthen", from
robor- oak, strength Latin corroborate, corroboration, robust
robur, robus
"strength"
rod-, ros- gnaw Latin rodere, rosus corrode, erosion, rodent
abrogate, arrogant, arrogate,
derogate, derogation, derogatory,
rog- ask Latin rogare
interrogation, prerogative,
prorogue, rogation, rogue, surrogate
rostr- beak, prow Latin rostrum rostral, rostriform, rostrum
rot- wheel Latin rota, rotare rotation, rotunda
ruber-,
red Latin ruber rubric, ruby
rubr-
unskilled,
rudi- rough, Latin rudis erudite, erudition, rude, rudimentary
unlearned
rug- wrinkle Latin ruga, rugare corrugation
rumin- throat Latin rumen, ruminis rumination
rump-, abrupt, corruptible, disrupt, erupt,
break Latin rumpere, ruptus
rupt- eruption, interrupt, rupture
rur- country Latin rus, ruris rural
S
σάκχαρον
sacchar- sugar Greek saccharin
(sakcharon)
sacrare, from
consecrate, desecrate, sacrament,
sacr-, -secr- sacred Latin sacer (genitive
sacred, sacrosanct
sacri)
sagac- wise Latin sagax, sagacis sagacious, sagacity
sagitt- arrow Latin sagitta sagittal plane, Sagittaria
sal- salt Latin sal, salis, salere salinity
sali-, -sili-,
jump Latin salire, saltus desultory, resilient, salient, saltus
salt-
salic- willow Latin salix, salicis salicin
health, salubrious, salubrity, salutary,
salu- Latin salus
welfare salute
salv- save Latin salvus, salvare salvage, salvation, salve
san- healthy Latin sanus insane, sanity
sancire (past sacrosanct, saint, sanctify, sanction,
sanc- holy Latin
participle sanctus) sanctuary
consanguinity, sanguinary,
sanguin- blood Latin sanguis, sanguinis
sanguine
sapere "to have a
taste, be wise",
sapi-, -sipi- taste, wise Latin insipid, insipience, sapient
related to sapor
"taste, flavor"
sapon- soap Latin sapo, saponis saponification
σάρξ, σαρκός
sarc- flesh Greek sarcophagus
(sarx, sarkos)
sartor "tailor",
sart- tailor Latin from sarcire "to sartorial
mend"
asset, sate, satiate, satiety, satisfy,
sati- enough Latin satis
saturate
saur- lizard, reptile Greek σαῦρος (sauros) dinosaur
saxatile, saxicavous, saxicoline,
sax- rock Latin saxum
saxifrage, saxifragous
scab- scratch Latin scabere scabies
scal- ladder, stairs Latin scala scalar, scale
σκαληνός
scalen- uneven Greek scalene muscles, scalene triangle
(skalēnos)
scand-, -
scend-, scans- climb Latin scandere ascend, descend, transcendent
, -scens-
anything
scaph- hollow, bowl, Greek σκάφη, σκάφος scaphoid bone
ship
σκέλος, σκέλεος
scel- leg, thigh Greek isosceles
(skelos)
schem- plan Greek σχῆμα (schēma) schematic
σχίζω, σχίσμα
schis- split, cleft Greek schism, schismatic
(schisma)
conscience, conscious,
conscientious, omniscious,
sci- know Latin scire
omniscient, prescient, science,
scienter
scind-, sciss- split Latin scindere rescind, scissors
scler- hard Greek σκληρός (sklēros) scleroderma, sclerosis, sclerotic
scoli- crooked Greek σκολιός (skolios) scoliosis
look at, horoscope, kaleidoscope,
σκέπτομαι, σκοπός
scop-, scept- examine, Greek microscope, periscope, scope,
(skopos)
view, observe stethoscope, telescope
describe, inscribe, manuscript,
scrib-, script- write Latin scribere, scriptus prescribe, scribble, scribe, script,
scripture, subscribe
scrupus "sharp
scrupl- uneasiness Latin scruple, scrupulous, unscrupulous
stone"
sculp- carve Latin sculpere, sculptus sculpture
scut- shield Latin scutum scute
scyph- cup Greek σκύφος (skyphos) Scyphozoa
se-, sed- apart Latin se secede, sedition
seb- tallow Latin sebum sebaceous, sebum
sec-, sect-,
cut Latin secare secant, section, segment
seg-
sed- settle, calm Latin sedare, sedatus sedative
assiduous, insidious, obsession,
possess, preside, president, reside,
sed-, -sid-,
sit Latin sedere, sessus resident, sediment, sedulity,
sess-
sedulous, session, subside,
supersede
sedec- sixteen Latin sedecim sedecimal
seget- in cornfields Latin segetum
σείω, σεισμός
sei- shake Greek seismograph
(seismos)
selen- moon Greek σελήνη (selēnē) Selene, selenium
sell- saddle, seat Latin sella sella turcica
sema- sign Greek σῆμα (sēma) semantics, semaphore
semi- half Latin semis semifinal
semin- seed Latin semen, seminis insemination
senator, senescent, senile, senility,
sen- old man Latin senex, senis
senior
sen- six each Latin seni senary
assent, consensus, consent, dissent,
resent, scent, sensation, sense,
senti-, sens- feel Latin sentire, sensus sensible, sensitive, sensory,
sentence, sentient, sentience,
sentiment
fence,
sept- partition, Latin saeptum transept
enclosure
sept- seven Latin septem septennial
septen- seven each Latin septeni septenary
septim- seventh Latin septimus septimal, septime
septuagen- seventy each Latin septuageni septuagenary
septuagesim- seventieth Latin septuagesimus septuagesima, septuagesimal
septuagint- seventy Latin septuaginta Septuagint
consecutive, consequence, ensue,
sequere, from
non sequitur, obsequious,
sequ-, secut- follow Latin sequi, see also
prosecute, pursue, second, sequel,
secutus
sequence, subsequent
serere (past sative, season, seasonable,
ser- sow Latin
participle satus) seasonal, semen
serere (past assert, desert, dissertation, exert,
ser- attach, join Latin
participle sertus) insert, serial, serialize, series
ser- body fluid Latin serum serous
ser- late Latin sērus serein, serotine
serp- crawl, creep Latin serpere, serptus serpent
saw, saw-
serr- Latin serra, serrare serration
toothed
conserve, deserve, observe,
save, protect,
serv- Latin servare preserve, reserve, servant, service,
serve
servile, servitude, subservient
sesqui- one and a half Latin sesqui sesquicentennial
set- bristle, hair Latin saeta seta, setose
stern, strict,
sever- Latin severus severity
serious
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
siccare "to dry",
sicc- dry Latin from siccus "dry, desiccate, desiccation, sec, siccative
thirsty"
sider- star Latin sidus, sideris sidereal
design, designate, insignia, signal,
sign- sign Latin signum
signature, significant
sil- quiet or still Latin silere silence
silv- forest Latin silva silviculture
simi- ape, monkey Latin simia simian
assimilate, dissimilate, dissemble,
ensemble, resemble, semblance,
simulare "to similar, similarity, simile,
likeness,
simil-, simul- Latin emulate", from similitude, simulacrum, simular,
imitating
similis "alike" simulate, simulation, simulator,
simultaneous, verisimilar,
verisimilitude
singul- one each Latin singulus singular
sinistr- left Latin sinister, sinistri sinistral
(to draw) a
sinu- Latin sinuare insinuate
line
sinus- hollow, bay Latin sinus sinusoidal
siph- tube Greek σίφων (siphōn) siphon
assist, consist, desist, exist, insist,
sist- cause to stand Latin sistere
persist, resist, solstice, subsist
food, grain,
sit- Greek σῖτος (sitos) sitology
wheat
soci- group Latin socius, sociare associate, social
sol- sun Latin sol, solis solar, solstice
comfort,
sol- Latin solari consolation, console, solace
soothe
desolate, sole, soliloquy, solipsism,
sol- alone, only Latin solus
solitaire, solitary, solitude, solo
solere "be insolence, insolent, obsolescence,
sole- accustomed Latin
accustomed" obsolescent, obsolete
solen- pipe, channel Greek σωλήν (sōlēn) solenoid
absolute, absolve, dissolute,
loosen, set
solv-, solut- Latin solvere, solutus dissolve, resolute, resolve, soluble,
free
solute, solution, solve, solvent
σῶμα, σώματος
soma- body Greek somatic
(sōma, sōmatos)
somn- sleep Latin somnus insomnia, somnambulist, somnolent
somni- dream Latin somnium somnial
son- sound Latin sonus dissonance, resonance
philosophy, sophism, sophist,
soph- wise Greek σοφός (sophos) sophisticate, sophomore,
sophomoric
sopor- deep sleep Latin sopor sopor, soporific
sorb-, sorpt- suck Latin sorbere absorb, absorption
sord- dirt Latin sordes, sordere sordid
soror- sister Latin soror sorority
asperse, aspersion, disperse,
spars-, -spers- sprinkle Latin spargere
intersperse, sparse
spati- space Latin spatium spatial
aspect, conspicuous, expect,
inspect, introspective, prospect,
spec-, -spic-,
look Latin specere respect, retrospective, species,
spect-
specific, specimen, specious,
speculate, spectacle, spectator
spect- watch, look at Latin spectare spectator
specul- observe Latin speculari speculation
sper- hope Latin spes, sperare desperation, esperance
sperm- seed Greek σπέρμα (sperma) angiosperm
sphen- wedge Greek σφήν (sphēn) sphenoid
hemisphere, sphere, spheroid,
spher- ball Greek σφαῖρα (sphaira)
stratosphere
sphing-, σφίγγω sphingein,
closing Greek sphincter
sphinct- σφίγγα sphinga
spic- spike Latin spica spicule
spin- thorn Latin spina spine
aspire, conspire, expire, inspire,
spir- breathe Latin spirare
perspire, respiration, spirit
a surety,
spond-,
guarantee; Latin spondere, sponsus respond
spons-
give
assurance,
promise
solemnly
σπόνδυλος
spondyl- vertebra Greek spondylosis
(spondylos)
spu-, sput- spew, spit Latin spuere sputum
scaly, dirty,
squal- Latin squalere squalid, squalor
filthy
squam- scale Latin squama squamous
spreading at
squarros- Latin squarrosus squarrose
tips
ἵστημι histēmi, antistatic, ecstatic, stasis, static,
st- cause to stand Greek
histánai systasis, system
circumstance, consist, constant,
stare "to stand",
constitute, distant, extant, instant,
also causative
obstacle, presto, stable, stamen,
form statuere "to
st- stand Latin stamina, stance, stanchion, stanza,
enact, set", from
state, station, stationary, statistic,
status "condition,
statue, status, staunch, stay,
position"
substance, substitute, superstition
pool of
stagn- standing Latin stagnare stagnant
water
σταλακτός
(stalaktos) and
σταλαγμός
dripping,
stala- Greek (stalagmos), both stalactite, stalagmite
trickling
from σταλάζειν
(stallassein) "to
drip"
stann- tin Latin stannum stannous
standing,
stasi- Greek στάσις (stasis) static
discord
statu-, -stitu- stand Latin statuere institution, statute
στέαρ, στέατος
stear- fat, tallow Greek stearic acid
(stear, steatos)
στέγη (stegē),
steg- covering Greek στεγανός steganography, Stegosaurus
(steganos)
stell- star Latin stella constellation, stellar
stell- send Greek στέλλω (stellein) apostle, epistle, stole
sten- stand Greek στεναί (stenai) apostasy, apostate
sten- narrow Greek στενός (stenos) stenography, stenosis
stere- solid Greek στερεός (stereos) stereometry
consternation, prostrate, stratify,
stern-, strat- spread, strew Latin sternere, stratus
stratum, stratus, street
stern- breastbone Greek στέρνον (sternon) sternum
stich- line, row Greek στίχος (stichos) distich
mark,
stigmat- Greek στίγμα (stigma) astigmatic, stigma
puncture
still- drip Latin stilla, stillare distillation, instill
goad, rouse,
stimul- Latin stimulus stimulate
excite
stin- stand Latin stinare destination, obstinate
stingu-,
apart Latin stinguere distinction, distinguish
stinct-
stoch- aim Greek στόχος (stochos) stochastic
stom- mouth Greek στόμα (stoma) stomatoplasty
streper- noise Latin strepere obstreperous
strept- twisted Greek στρεπτός (streptos) Streptococcus
strig- compress Latin strix, strigis strigogyps
having stiff strigosus from
strigos- Latin strigose
bristles striga
astringent, constrain, constrict,
tight, upright,
string-, strict- Latin stringere, strictus constringe, restrict, strain, strict,
stiff
stringent
stroph- turning Greek στροφή (strophē) apostrophe
construct, construction, construe,
to make up,
stru-, struct- Latin struere, structus destroy, destruct, instruct, obstruct,
build
structure
stud- dedication Latin studere student
stup- wonder Latin stupere stupid, stupor
styl- column, pillar Greek στῦλος (stulos) Stylites
su-, sut- sew Latin suere, sutus couture, suture
suad-, suas- urge Latin suadere, suasus persuasion
suav- sweet Latin suavis assuage, suave, suavity
sub-, su-, suf-, submarine, submerge, suffix,
below Latin sub
sug-, sup-, suggest, support
sus-
subter- under Latin subter subterfuge
sucr- sugar Latin succarum sucrose
sud- sweat Latin sudare exude, sudoriferous
sui- self Latin sui sui generis, suicide
sulc- furrow Latin sulcus sulcus
summare "to sum consummate, consummation, sum,
sum- sum Latin up", from summa summa cum laude, summary,
"sum" summation
assume, assumption, consume,
sum-, sumpt- take Latin sumere, sumptus consumption, presumption,
subsume
insuperable, soprano, sovereign,
summit, superable, superb,
supercilious, supercomputer,
superficial, superfluous, superheat,
superimpose, superior, superlative,
supermarket, supernal,
super- above, over Latin super
supernatural, supernova,
superposition, superpower,
superscript, supersede, supersonic,
superstition, supervene, supervise,
supreme, supremum, surname,
surplus, surround, survive
supin- lying back Latin supinus supination, supine
supra- above, over Latin supra supranationalism
surd- deaf Latin surdus absurdity
surg- rise Latin surgere resurgent
syn-, sy-, syl-, symbol, symmetry, sympathy,
with Greek σύν (sun)
sym- synchronous, synonym, system
σύριγξ, σύριγγος
syring- pipe Greek syringe
(syrinx, syringos)
T
tac-, -tic- be silent Latin tacere, tacitus reticent, reticence, tacit, taciturn
tach- swift Greek ταχύς (tachus) tachometer, tachycardia
taeni- ribbon Greek ταινία (tainia) taenidium, taeniodont, Taeniolabis
tal- ankle Latin talus talus bone
attain, contact, contagious,
tang-, -ting-, tangere (past
touch Latin contingent, contingency, contiguous,
tact-, tag- participle tactus)
intact, tactile, tangent, tangible
tapet- carpet Latin tapete, tapetis tapestry, tapetum, tapis
tard- slow Latin tardus retard, tardigrade, tardy
ταρσός (tarsos, a
tars- ankle Greek tarsal
flat basket)
taur- bull Greek ταῦρος (tauros) Minotaur
taur- bull Latin taurus Taurus
arrangement,
tax- Greek τάξις (taxis) taxonomy
order
techn- art, skill Greek τέχνη (technē) technology
teg-, tect- cover Latin tegere, tectus integument, protection
telecast, telegram, telegraph,
tele- far, end Greek τῆλε (tēle) telepathy, telephone, telescope,
television
tele- complete Greek τέλος (telos) teleology
temn- cut Greek τέμνω (temnō) Temnospondyli
contemporaneous, contemporary,
tempor- time Latin tempus, temporis extemporaneous, tempo, temporal,
temporary
abstain, contain, content, contents,
continence, continent, continue,
countenance, detain, detention,
ten-, -tin-,
hold Latin tenere, tentus entertain, maintain, pertain,
tent-
pertinacious, pertinacity, pertinent,
retention, tenacious, tenacity, tenant,
tenet, tenor, untenable
attend, contend, contention,
contentious, extend, extension, extent,
tendere (past intend, ostensible, ostentatious,
tend-, tens- stretch, strain Latin
participle tensus) portend, portent, portentous, pretense,
tend, tendentious, tendency, tender,
tensile, tension
tenuare "make
tenu- slender, thin Latin thin", from tenuis attenuate, extenuate, tenuous
"thin"
tep- be warm Latin tepere tepid, tepor
ter-, trit- rub Latin terere, tritus attrition, contrite, detritus, trite
teret- rounded Latin teres, teretis subterete, teretial
terg-, ters- wipe Latin tergere, tersus detergent, terse
boundary,
termin- Latin terminus determine, terminal, termination
limit, end
tern- three each Latin terni ternary, ternion
inter, subterranean, terrace, terracotta,
terr- earth Latin terra
terrain, terrarium, terrestrial, territory
terti- third Latin tertius tertian, tertiary
attest, contest, detest, protest,
test- witness Latin testis
testament, testify, testimony
τέσσαρες
tetr- four Greek tetrahedron, tetrode
(tessares)
context, subtle, pretext, text, textile,
tex-, text- weave Latin texere, textus
texture
θάλαμος
thalam- chamber, bed Greek hypothalamus
(thalamos)
θάλασσα
thalass- sea Greek Panthalassa, thalassemia
(thalassa)
θάνατος
than- death Greek euthanasia, thanatology
(thanatos)
atheism, enthusiasm, monotheism,
the-, thus- god Greek θεός (theos)
polytheism, theology
antithesis, antithetical, Bibliotheca,
τίθημι (tithēmi), deem, doom, epithet, hypothesis,
the- put Greek
θήκη (thēkē) synthesis, theca, thematic, theme,
Themis, thesis
thel- nipple Greek θηλή (thēlē) epithelium, thelium, thelial
theori- speculation Greek θεωρία (theōria) theorem, theory
ther- beast, animal Greek θήρ, θηρός (thēr) theroid, theropod
thermal, endotherm, hypothermia,
therm- heat, warm Greek θερμός (thermos)
thermometer, thermos, thermostat
thym- mood Greek θυμός (thumos) dysthymia
thyr- door Greek θύρα (thura) thyratron
Thyreophora, thyroid, thyrotropin,
thyre- large shield Greek θυρεός (thureos)
thyroxine
tim- be afraid Latin timere timid, timorous
-timus, e.g. in intimate, intimation, optimum,
-tim- most Latin
intimus "inmost", ultimate
optimus "best",
ultimus "last"
ting-, tinct- moisten Latin tingere, tinctus tincture
anatomy, appendectomy, atom,
τομή (tome),
tom- cut Greek dichotomy, ectomy, embolectomy,
τόμος (tomos)
tome, tonsillectomy, vasectomy
ton- stretch Greek τόνος (tonos) isotonic, monotone, tone
atopy, isotope, topiary, topic,
top- place Greek τόπος (topos) topography, topology, toponymy,
utopia
Latin
tornare < τόρνος
torn-, tourn- turn or rotate from tornado, tournament
(tornos)
Greek
torpe- be numb Latin torpere torpent, torpid, torpor
contort, distort, extort, extortion,
torqu-, tort- twist Latin torquere, tortus retort, torque, torsion, tortuous,
torture
tot- all, whole Latin totus subtotal, total, totality
antitoxin, intoxicate, toxic, toxology,
tox- arrow, bow Greek τόξον (toxon)
toxoplasmosis
trab- beam Latin trabs, trabis trabeculae
trachy- rough Greek τραχύς (trachus) trachea
trag- goat Greek τράγος (tragos) tragus
tractare, attract, contract, detract, retract,
trah-, tract- draw, pull Latin frequentative of subtract, subtrahend, tractable,
trahere, tractus traction, tractor
intransigent, tradition, transact,
trans-, tra-,
across Latin trans transcend, transient, transitory,
tran-
transport
four-sided,
trapez- Greek τράπεζα (trapeza) trapezius, trapezoid
table
traum- wound Greek τραῦμα (trauma) trauma, traumatic, traumatize
trecent- three hundred Latin trecenti trecentennial, trecentillion
tredec- thirteen Latin tredecim tredecimal
τρεισκαίδεκα
treiskaidek- thirteen Greek triskaidekaphobia
(treiskaideka)
trem- tremble Latin tremere tremor
trema- hole Greek τρῆμα (trēma) monotreme, trematode
trepid- tremble Latin trepidare "to intrepid, trepid, trepidation
tremble, hurry",
from trepidus
"alarmed, scared"
τρεῖς, τρία (treis,
tri- three Greek triad, trigon, triode, tripod
tria)
tri- three Latin trēs triangle, triumvirate, trivia
trib- rub Greek τρίβειν (tribein) diatribe, tribology
attribute, contribute, retribution, tribe,
tribuere "to pay",
tribu- pay Latin tribulation, tribunal, tribune, tributary,
from tribus
tribute
tricen- thirty each Latin triceni tricenary
tricesim-,
thirtieth Latin tricesimus trigesimal
trigesim-
θρίξ, τριχός (thrix, peritrichous, trichopathophobia,
trich- hair Greek
trichos) Trichoptera
trin- three each Latin trini trinary, trine, trinity
trit- third Greek τρίτος (tritos) tritagonist
tritic- wheat Latin triticum triticale
troch- wheel Greek τροχός (trochos) trochlea
contrive, heliotropism, isotrope,
psychotropic, retrieve, trope, tropic,
trop- turning Greek τρόπος (tropos)
tropism, troposphere, troubadour,
trove
τροφή, τροφός
troph- feed, grow Greek dystrophy, pogonotrophy, trophic
(trophos)
truc- fierce Latin trux, trucis truculent
trud-, trus- thrust Latin trudere, trusus extrusion, intrude
truncare "to
maim, mutilate",
trench, trenchant, truncate, truncheon,
trunc- cut off Latin from truncus
trunk
"mutilated, cut
off"
contumely, contumacious, tumid,
tum- to swell up Latin tumere tumor, tumular, tumulose, tumulous,
tumult, tumultuous
disturb, perturb, turbid, turbine,
turb- disturb Latin turba
turbulent,
tuss- cough Latin tussis, tussire pertussis
τύμπανον
tympan- drum Greek tympani
(tumpanon)
archetype, phenotype, prototype,
typ- stamp, model Greek τύπος (tupos) type, typewriter, typical, typify,
typography, typology
U
Meaning in Origin
English language
uber- fruitful Latin uber, uberare exuberant
uligin- in marshes Latin uligo, uliginis uliginous
ulo- wooly Greek οὖλος (oulos) Ulotrichi
ultim- farthest Latin ultimus ultimate, ultimatum
ultra- beyond Latin ultra ultrasonic
umbilic- navel Latin umbilicus umbilical
shade, adumbrate, penumbra,
umbr- Latin umbra
shadow umbrage, umbrella
unanimous, unary, unicorn,
un- one Latin unus, unius unify, union, universe,
university
unc- hooked Latin uncus uncinate, Uncinia
ounce,
unci- Latin uncia uncial
twelfth
abundant, redundancy,
und- wave Latin unda
undulate
undecim- eleventh Latin undecimus undecimal
unden- eleven each Latin undeni undenary
ungui- claw, nail Latin unguis unguiform
ungul- claw, hoof Latin ungula ungulate
ur- tail Greek οὐρά (oura) uroid, uroborus
ur- urine Greek οὖρον (ouron) urology
urbanus "belonging to a
suburbanite, urban, urbane,
urb- city Latin city", from urbs (genitive
urbanism, urbanize
urbis) "city"
urg- work Latin urgere urgent
urs- bear Latin ursus Ursa Major, ursine, Ursus
abuse, use, usual, utilitarian,
ut-, us- use Latin uti, usus
utility, utilize
uv- grape Latin uva uvea
Meaning in Origin
English language
uxor- wife Latin uxor uxoricide
V
evacuate, vacancy, vacant, vacate, vacation,
vac- empty Latin vacare
vacuous, vacuum
vacc- cow Latin vacca vaccary, vaccination, vaccine
vacillare "sway,
vacil- waver Latin vacillate, vacillation
be untrustworthy"
vad-,
go Latin vadere evade, pervasive
vas-
vag- wander Latin vagus, vagare vagabond, vague
strength, ambivalence, avail, equivalent, evaluate,
val- Latin valere
worth prevail, valence, valiant, valid, valor, value
vanus "empty",
empty,
van- Latin also vanescere evanescent, vain, vanish, vanity
vain, idle
"vanish"
vap- lack (of) Latin vapor evaporation, vapid, vapor
variable, variance, variant, variate, variation,
vari- vary Latin variare
variety, various, vary
varicare "to
straddle", from
varic- straddle Latin prevaricate
varus
"bowlegged"
veh-, vehere "to carry",
carry Latin invective, inveigh, vector, vehement, vehicle
vect- vectus
vel- veil Latin velum revelation, velate
vell-,
pull Latin vellere, vulsus convulsion
vuls-
veloc- quick Latin velox, velocis velocity
ven- vein Latin vena intravenous, venosity, venule
ven- hunt Latin venari venison
advent, adventure, avenue, circumvent,
contravene, convene, convenient,
ven-,
come Latin venire convention, event, intervene, intervention,
vent-
invent, prevent, revenue, souvenir,
supervene, venue, venture
vend- sell Latin vendere vend, vendor
vener- respectful Latin venus, veneris venerable, veneration, venereal
vent- wind Latin ventus ventilation, ventilator
ventr- belly Latin venter, ventris ventral
aver, veracious, verdict, verify, verisimilar,
ver- true Latin verus
verisimilitude, verity, very
verb- word Latin verbum verbal, verbatim, verbosity
verber- whip Latin verber reverberation
verm- worm Latin vermis vermiform, vermin
vern- spring Latin ver, vernus vernal
adverse, adversity, advertise, anniversary,
avert, controversy, controvert, conversant,
conversation, converse, convert, diversify,
versus, past
vers-, divert, extrovert, introvert, inverse, invert,
turn Latin participle of
vert- perverse, pervert, reverse, revert, subvert,
vertere
tergiversate, transverse, universe, versatile,
verse, version, versus, vertex, vertical,
vertigo
vesic- bladder Latin vesica vesical
evening,
vesper- Latin vespera vesperal
western
vestire "to clothe",
clothing, divest, invest, investiture, transvestite,
vest- Latin related to vestis
garment travesty, vest, vestment
"garment"
vestig- track Latin vestigium investigate, vestigial
vet- forbid Latin vetare veto
veter- old Latin vetus, veteris inveterate, veteran
vi- way Latin via deviate, obviate, obvious, via
vic- change Latin vicis vicar, vicarious, vice versa, vicissitude
vicen-, twenty
Latin viceni vicenary
vigen- each
vicesim-,
twentieth Latin vicesimus vicesimary, vicesimation, vigesimal
vigesim-
evident, provide, providence, provident,
vid-, vis- see Latin videre, visus revise, supervise, video, visible, vision, visit,
vista
invigilate, reveille, surveillance, vigil,
vigil- watchful Latin vigil, also vigilare
vigilance, vigilant, vigilante
vil- cheap Latin vilis revile, vile, vilify
country
vill- Latin villa villa, village, villain
house
shaggy
vill- Latin villus velour, velvet, villiform
hair
vin- wine Latin vinum vine, vinous
vinc-, vincere (past convict, convince, evict, evince, invincible,
conquer Latin
vict- participle victus) province, vanquish, victor, victory
vir- man Latin vir triumvirate, virility
vir- green Latin virere virid, viridian
visc- thick Latin viscum viscosity
internal
viscer- Latin viscus, visceris eviscerate, visceral
organ
vit- life Latin vita vital, vitamin
vitell- yolk Latin vitellus vitellogenesis
viti- fault Latin vitium vice, vitiate, vituperate
vitr- glass Latin vitrum vitreous, vitriol
vivere "to live", convivial, revive, survive, viable, victuals,
viv- live Latin related to vita vital, vitality, vitamin, vivacious, vivacity,
"life" vivid, vivisection
advocate, avocation, convocation, equivocal,
vocare (to call),
equivocate, evoke, invocation, invoke,
voc- call, voice Latin from vox "voice"
provocative, provoke, revoke, vocal,
(genitive vocis)
vocation, vociferous
vol- fly Latin volare volatility
voluntas "will" benevolent, malevolent, velleity, volition,
vol- will Latin from velle "to voluntary, Voluntaryism, volunteer,
wish" voluptuary, voluptuous
convolution, devolve, evolve, involve,
volv-,
roll Latin volvere, volutus revolve, valve, vault, voluble, volume,
volut-
voluminous, volvox, vulva
vom- discharge Latin vomere vomit
vor-, carnivorous, devour, herbivorous, locavore,
swallow Latin vorare, vorax
vorac- omnivorous, voracious
vov-,
vow Latin vovere, votus votive
vot-
vulg- crowd Latin vulgus divulge, vulgarity, vulgate
vulner- wound Latin vulnus, vulneris vulnerable
vulp- fox Latin vulpēs, vulpis vulpine
X
xanthium, xanthochromia, xanthogenic,
xanth- yellow Greek ξανθός (xanthos)
xanthophyll
xen- foreign Greek ξένος (xenos) xenoblast, xenogamy, xenophobia, xenon
xeroderma, xerography, xeromorph,
xer- dry Greek ξηρός (xēros)
xerophagy, xerophile, xerophyte
xiph- sword Greek ξίφος (xiphos) xiphisternum, xiphoid, xiphophyllous
xyl- wood Greek ξύλον (xulon) xylem, xylocarp, xyloid, xylophone
Z
zel- zeal, jealousy Greek ζῆλος (zēlos) jealousy, zeal, zealot
azotemia, protozoa, zoanthropy, zodiac, zoic,
animal, living
zo- Greek ζῷον (zōion) zoo, zoology, zoomorphism, zoon,
being
zooxanthella
zon- belt, girdle Greek ζώνη (zōnē) zonal, zone
zyg- yoke Greek ζυγός (zugon) heterozygous, zygote
zym- ferment Greek ζύμη (zumē) enzyme, lysozyme

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List of Greek and Latin roots in English

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