List of Greek and Latin roots in English

The following is an alphabetical list of Greek and Latin roots commonly used in English. Those used in Medicine and Medical Terminology are not listed here but instead in Wikipedia's List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes.

A

Prefix	Meaning In English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
a-, ab-, abs-	from, away from, away, different from, separated from	Latin	from Latin ab "away", from Greek apo "away"	abridged, absorb, abnormal, abrasion, abstract
a-, an- (related cognate prefix un-)	not, without	Greek	Greek α-/αν- "a-/an" "not"	atypical, ahistorical
ac-, ak-, acu-	sharp	Latin	from Latin acutus past participle of acuere "to sharpen", from acus "needle"	acid, acupunture
acr-, acro-	height, summit, tip	Greek	Greek άκρος ákros "high", "extreme"	acrophobia acrobat, acronym acromegalia
ad- (related cognate prefixes a-, ac-, af-, ag-, al-, ap-, as-, at-)	movement to or toward; in addition to	Latin	from Latin ad "to", "toward"	adapt, advance, ascend
adip-	fat	Latin	from Latin adepts, adip- "fat"	adipose
aer-, aero-	air, atomsphere	Greek	from Greek aer "air"	aeronautics, aerosol,
aesth-	feeling, sensation	Greek	from Greek aisthētikos "of sense perception" from aisthanesthai "to perceive"	aesthetics
agr-, agri-	field	Greek and Latin	from Greek agros and Latin ager, agr- "field"	agriculture, pilgrim
am-, amor-	love, loving	Latin	Latin amor "love" from amāre "to love"	amateur, amorous
ambi-	both, on both sides	Latin	Latin ambi "on both sides"	ambidextrous, ambivalent
amphi-	around, about, both, on both sides of, both kinds	Greek	Latin from Greek amphi "on both sides"	amphibian
ana-	again, against	Greek	from Greek prefix ana- "again", "against"	anaplylaxis anabaptist
anima-	breath	Latin	from Latin anima "breath"	animal
ann- anni-, anno-	year, yearly	Latin	from Latin annus "year"	annual, anniversary
ant-, anti-	against, opposed to, preventive	Greek	from Greek anti "before" "against"	antipodes, antibiotic, antibody,
ante-	before, in front of, prior to	Latin	Latin from Greek anti "before", "against"	antediluvian, antebellum, anticipate
ar-	burn, dry	Latin	from Latin arere "be dry or parched"	arid
anth-, antho-	flower	Greek	from Greek anthos "flower"	anther, anthology
anthropo-, anthro-	human	Greek	from Greek anthropos "man"	anthropology, anthropomorphic
archaeo-	ancient	Greek	from Greek arkhaios "ancient" from arhkē "beginning"	archeology, archaic
arct- , arcto-	Relating to the North Pole or the region near it; relating to cold; used as the scientific name of some bear species, e.g.ursus actos horribilis	Greek	from Greek arktos "bear"	Arctic Ocean
argent-	silver	Latin	from Latin argentum "silver"	argent, Argentina
arthr- , arthro-	joint	Greek	from Greek arthon "joint"	arthropod
astr-, astro-	star, star shaped	Greek	from Greek astron "star"	astronomy
athl-	prize	Greek	from Greek athlos "contest"	athlete
aud-, audi-	hearing, listening, sound	Latin	from Latin audire "to hear"	auditorium, auditory, audio
aug-	grow, increase	Latin	from Latin augēre "to increase"	augmentation, inauguration
aur-	relating to gold, or gold-colored	Latin	from Latin aurum "gold"	aureole, aure
auri-	Relating to the ear	Latin	from Latin auris "ear"	auricle
aut- auto-	self; directed from within	Greek	from Greek autos αυτός "self", "same"	automobile, autonomy
avi-	bird	Latin	avis "bird"	aviary, aviation
axi-	axis	Greek	Latin from Greek axios "worth"	axis, axiology

B

Prefix	Meaning In English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
bac-	rod shaped	Latin	from baculum rod	bacilla, bacteria
baro-	weight, pressure	Greek	Greek Root/Prefix	barometer, barograph, baroreceptor
basi-	at the bottom	Greek	from βαίνω, to walk, march	basic, basis (βάσις "step")
bel, belli-	war	Latin	bellum, belli - war	belligerent, Ante Bellum
ben-	good, well	Latin	bene (adverb)	benefit, benign
bi-	two	Latin	bis, "twice" / bini, "in twos"	binocular, bigamy
bibl-	book	Greek	βιβλίον	bibliography, bible
bi(o)-	life	Greek	βίος	biology, biologist, biosphere
blast-	germ, embryo, bud, cell with nucleus	Greek	βλαστάνω, "to put forth shoots"	sideroblast
bor-	north	Greek / Latin (boreas)	βόρρας, "the north wind"	borealis
bot-	plant	Greek		botany
bov-	ox	Latin	bovis, bovis - ox	bovine
brach-, brachio-	arm	Greek
brach-	short	Greek
brad-	slow	Greek	βραδύς	bradycardia
branch-	gill	Greek
brev-	short (time)	Latin	brevis, breve - short, brief	brevity
briz-	to nod
brom-	oats, broom, shadow
bronch-	windpipe	Greek	βρόγχος	bronchitis
buc-	mouth, cavity	Latin	bucca
bulb-	bulbous
bulla-	bubble, flask	Latin	ebullio, "to bubble, boil"	ebullient
bursa-	pouch, purse	Latin		bursary, disburse

C

Prefix	Meaning In English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
calc-	stone	Latin probably from Greek	from Latin calx "lime", probably from Greek khalix "pebble" "limestone"	calculus, calcite, calcium
calli-	beautiful	Greek	from Greek kallos "beauty"	calligraphy
calor-	heat	Latin	from Latin calor "heat"	calory
carn-, carno-	flesh	Latin	from Latin caro, carn "flesh"	carnival, carnivore
camp-	field	Latin	from Latin campus "field" "level ground"	champion, campaign
cani-	dog	Latin	from Latin canis "dog"	canine, Canis Major
cant-, canti-	sing	Latin	from Latin canere "sing"	canto, cantata, cantor
cand-	glowing, iridescent	Latin	from Latin candere "to be white or glisten"	incandescent, candle, candela
cap-, cip-, cep-	take, hold	Latin	from Latin capire "take or hold" (note the vowel change from a to i in compounds)	capture, captive, receive, conception
cap-, capi-, capo-	head	Latin	from Latin caput "head"	capital, chief, chef
carci-	cancer (disease)	Latin from Greek	Latin from Greek karkinos "crab"	carcinoma
card-, cardi-, cardio-	relating to the heart	Latin	Latin from Greek kardia "heart"	cardiology, cardiograph
carpo-	relating to fruit	Greek	from Greek karpos "fruit" "wrist"	carpology
carp-	relating to the wrist	Greek	from Greek karpos "fruit" "wrist"	carpal carpal tunnel syndrome
cata-	down	Greek	from Greek kata "down"	catastrophe, catatonia
cav-	hollow	Latin	from Latin cavus "hollow"	cave, cavity
cent- centi-	hundred	Latin	from Latin centum "hundred"	cent, centennial, centurion
cephalo-	head	Greek	from Greek κεφάλι kephale "head"	cephalopod, encephalogram
cera-	horn	Greek	from Greek keras "horn"	cornea
cerv-	relating to the neck, relating to the cervix	Latin	from Latin cervix cervic- "neck"	cervix, cervical
chiro-	of the hand or hands	Greek	from Greek kheir "hand"	chiroptera, chiropractic
chelo-	relating to a turtle	Greek	from Greek khelone "tortoise"	chelonia
chloro-	green	Greek	from Greek khlōros "green"	chlorine, chlorophyll
choreo-	relating to dance	Greek	from Greek khoreia "dancing in unison" from khoros "chorus"	choreography
chord-	cord	Latin	from Latin chorda "rope"	chordata
chrom-	color	Greek	from Greek khrōma "color"	chromosome, chromium
chryso-	relating gold	Greek	from Greek khrusos "gold"	chrysolite
cili-	eyelash			cilia
circum-	around	Latin	from Latin circum "around"	circumference
cirr-	tentacle
clast-	broken	Greek	from Greek klastos "broken"	iconoclast
clav-	key	Greek	from Greek kleis "key" from kleiein "to close"	conclave
cl(e)ist-	closed
cleithr-	bar, key
clin-	bed, recline
cochl-	shell
coel-	hollow	Greek	koilos
cogn-	know			cognitive
coll-	neck	Latin		collar
con- (com- when assimilated with bilabials)	with, together, joined, against	Latin		connect, collide, compress
cono-	cone	Greek		conic, conical
cond(u)m-	protective armor
copro-	dung			coprolite
cora(xlg)-	raven
coron-	crown			corona
corp-	body	Latin		corpse
cort-	bark
cost-	rib	Latin		costal
cotyl-	cup	Greek		cotyledon
crani-	skull			cranium
crass-	thick	Latin		crassitude
crep-	shoe
cribi-	sieve
cric-	ring
crisp-	curled	Latin
crist-	crest
crosso-	fringe, tassel
cru(rals)-	shank
cruc-	cross-like	Latin		crucial, crucifix, crucify
crypt-	hidden	Greek		cryptic
cten-	comb
culp-	fault	Latin	culpa	culpable
cune-	wedge	Latin	cuneus
cusp-	lance, point	Latin		bicuspid
cuti-	skin	Latin	cutis	cuticle
cyan-	blue	Greek	κυανός
cycl-	circular	Greek	κύκλος	bicycle, circle
cyn-	dog	Greek		cynosure
cyst-	capsule	Greek		cystic
cyt-	cell	Greek		cytoplasm

D

Prefix	Meaning In English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
dactyl-	finger	Greek	δάχτυλο, finger	dactylology
damn-, -demn-		Latin	damnare	condemn, damnation
deb-	owe	Latin	debere	debit
deci-	tenth part	Latin	decimus, tenth; from decem, ten	decibel, decimate
deca-, dec-, deka-, dek-	ten	Greek	deka, ten	decagram, decahedron
delt-		Greek	(delta)	deltoid
dem-	people	Greek	demos, people	demagogue, democracy
den-	ten each	Latin	deni	denary
dendr-, dendro-	resembling a tree	Greek	dendron: akin to drys, tree	dendrite
dens-	thick	Latin	densus	condense, density
dent-	tooth	Latin	dens, dentis	dental, dentures
derm-	skin	Greek	δέρμα (derma) skin	hypodermic
deuter-	second	Greek	δεύτερος (deuteros) "second"	Deuteronomy
dexter-	right	Latin	dexter	dexterity
dextro-	right	Greek	δεξ-, right
di-	two	Greek
dia-	apart, through	Greek	δια	diameter
dict-	say, speak	Latin		dictation
digit-	finger	Latin	digitus	digital
dino-	terrible, fearfully great	Greek	(deinos)	dinosaur
dipl-		Greek		diploid, diplosis
doc-, doct-	teach	Latin	docere	docile, doctor
dodec-	twelve	Greek	δωδεκα (dodeka)	dodecasyllabic
dog-/dox-	opinion, teaching	Greek		dogmatic
dom-		Latin	domus	dome
dorm-	sleep	Latin	dormire	dormant, dormitory
dors-	back	Latin	dorsum	dorsal
dub-	doubtful			dubious
du-	two	Latin	duo	dual
duc-, duct-	lead	Latin	dux	abduction, conductor, introduce
dulc-	sweet	Latin	dulcis
dur-	hard	Latin	durus	durable
dy-	two	Greek	(duo)	dyad
dys-	badly, ill	Greek	δυσ	dysentery
dues	god	Greek

E

Prefix	Meaning In English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
ec-	out	Greek	(ek)	eccentric
eco-	house	Greek	(oikos)	ecology
ecto-	outside	Greek	(ektos)
ed-	eat	Latin	edere	edible
ego-	I
em-, empt-	buy	Latin	emere	exemption, redeem
embol-	thrown in
eme-	vomit	Greek	(emetos)	emetic
en-	in	Greek	(en)
endo-	inside	Greek
engy-	narrow	Greek
ennea-	nine	Greek	(ennea)	ennead, enneagon
ensi-	sword
eo-	dawn, east	Greek
epi-	upon	Greek	(epi)	epicenter
episteme-	knowledge or science	Greek
equ-	even, level	Latin	aequus	equal
equ-	horse	Latin	equus	equestrian
erg-	work	Greek	(ergon)	ergonomics
err-	stray	Latin	errare	aberration, errant
eso-	within	Greek	esoteric
eth-		Greek	(ethos)
ethm-	sieve	Greek
ethn-		Greek	(ethnos)	ethnic
etym-	true	Greek	(etumos)	etymology
eu-	well	Greek	(eu)	euphoria
eur-	wide	Greek	(eurus)
ex-, e-	from, out of	Latin	ex
exo-	outside	Greek	exothermic
exter-, extra-	outer	Latin	exterior
extrem-		Latin	extremus	extremity

F

Prefix	Meaning In English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
fab-	bean	Latin	faba
fac-, fact, -fect-	make	Latin	facere	factor
falc-	sickle	Latin	'falx, falcis
fallac-	false	Latin	fallax
famili-		Latin		familiarity
fant-		Greek		fantasy
fasc(ic)-	bundle	Latin	fascis
fatu-	foolish, useless	Latin	fatuus
feder-		Latin	foedus	confederation, federal
fel-	cat	Latin	feles	feline
felic-		Latin	felix	felicity
fell-	suck	Latin	fellare
femin-		Latin	femina	femininity
fend-, fens-		Latin	fendere	defense
fenestr-	window	Latin	fenestra	fenestration
fer-	carry	Latin	ferre	reference, transfer
feroc-	fierce	Latin	ferox	ferocity
ferr-	iron	Latin	ferrum
fet-	stink	Latin	fetere	fetid
ficar-	fig-like	Latin	ficus
fid-	faith, trust	Latin	fides	confide
fil-	thread	Latin	filum	filament
fili-		Latin	affiliate
find-, fiss-	split	Latin	findere	fission
firm-		Latin		confirmation
fistul-	hollow, tube
fl-	blow	Latin	flare	inflation
flacc-	flabby	Latin	flaccus	flaccid
flav-	yellow	Latin	flavus
flexu-	wavy
flect-, flex-	bend	Latin	flectere	inflection
flor-	flower	Latin	flos	floral, florid
flu-, flux-	flow	Latin	fluere	effluent, fluency
foc-	hearth	Latin	focus	focal
fod-, foss-	dig	Latin	'fodere, fossus	fossil
foen-	hay
foetid-	foul-smelling
foli-	leaf	Latin	folium	defoliate
font-		Latin	fons
for-	bore	Latin	forare	perforation
form-	shape	Latin	forma	deformity, formation
fornic-	vault	Latin	fornix	fornication
fort-	strong	Latin	fortis	fortification
fovea-	shallow round depression
frang-, fract-, frag-	break	Latin	frangere	fracture, fragment
frater-	brother	Latin	frater	fraternity
fric-, frict-	rub	Latin		friction
frig-	cold	Latin	frigere	frigid
front-		Latin	frons
fruct-	fruit	Latin
fug-	flee	Latin	fugere	centrifuge, fugitive, refuge
fum-	smoke	Latin
fund-, fus-	pour	Latin	fundere
fung-, funct-	do	Latin		function
fur-, furt-	steal	Latin	furare	furtive
furc-	fork	Latin	furca	bifurcation
fusc-	dark	Latin	fuscus	obfuscation

G

Root	Meaning in English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
galact-	milk	Greek	(gala)	galactic
gastr-	stomach	Greek	(gaster)	gastric
gel-		Latin	gelum	gelatin
geo-	earth	Greek	(ge)	geology
ger-, gest-	bear	Latin	gerere	digest, gestation
germin-	sprout	Latin	germen	germination
glaci-	ice	Latin	glacies	glacier
gladi-	sword	Latin	gladius	gladiator
glob-		Latin	globus	global, globule
glori-		Latin	gloria	glorify
grad-, gress-	walk, step, go	Latin	gradus	grade
gramm-		Greek	(gramma)	grammatic
gran-	grain	Latin	granum	granary, granule
grand-		Latin	grandis	grandiloquous
graph-	draw, write	Greek		graphic
grat-	thank, please	Latin	gratus	gratitude
grav-	heavy	Latin	gravis	gravity
greg-	flock	Latin	grex	gregarious
gubern-		Latin	gubernare	gubernatorial
gust-	taste	Latin	gustus	gusto

H

haem- blood Greek (haima)

hal- salt Greek (hals) halogen

hal-, -hel- breathe Latin halare anhelation, inhale

hapl- simple Greek (haplos) haploid

haur, haust draw Latin haurire exhaust

heli- sun Greek helium

hemi- half Greek (hemisus) hemisphere

hen- one Greek (hen) henad

hendec- eleven Greek (hendeka) hendecagon

hept- seven Greek (hepta) heptagon

her-, hes- cling Latin haerere adhesive, coherent

herb- Latin herba herbicide

herp- creep Greek herpetology

heter- different, other Greek (heteros)

heur- find Greek heuristic

hex- six Greek (hex) hexagon

hibern- winter Latin hibernus hibernation

hipp- horse Greek (hippos) hippodrome

hirsu[t]- hairy

hispid- bristly

histri- actor histrionic

hod- way Greek (hodos) cathode

hol- complete, whole Greek (holos) holistic

hom- same Greek (homos)

homeo- like Greek (homoios)

homin- Latin homo

homo- human/man (Latin)

homal- even, flat Greek (homalos)

hormon- that which excites

hort- garden Latin hortus horticulture

hum- ground Latin humus exhumation

hyal- glassy Greek

hydr- water Greek

hyemal- winter

hygr- wet Greek (hugros)

hyo- U-shaped

hyp- under Greek (hupo) hyphen

hyper- above, over Greek (huper)

hypn- sleep Greek (hupnos) hypnosis

hyster- later Greek (husteros) hysteresis

I

idio- personal <Greek> e.g. idiom, idiosyncrasy

Prefix	Meaning In English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
in- (1)	in, on	Greek, Latin	in	invite, incur, intend, intrusive rock
in- (2)	in, un (negation)	Greek, Latin	inimicus	inimical
infra-	under			infrastructure
inter-	between, among	Latin	inter (preposition) - among, between, with (conversation)	intermission, intercollegiate, intercourse
intra-	within	Latin		intracollegiate
is(o)-	equal, the same	Greek		isomorphic, isometric
itin-	route, way	Latin	iter, itinis - march, journey	itinerary

J

Prefix	Meaning In English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
jac-	lie	Latin	jacēre	adjacent
jac- (originally IAC)	throw, expel	Latin	iacio, iacere, ieci, iectus - to throw (and cognates thereof)	eject, interject, ejaculate
jan-	door	Latin	janua	janitor
joc-	joke	Latin	jocus	jocularity
jug-'	yoke	Latin	jugum	conjugal
junct-	join	Latin	jungere	junction
junior-	younger	Latin
jus-, jur, judic (originally IVS)	law, justice	Latin	ius, iuris; iudex, iudicis; iusticia, iusticiae...etc.	justice, jury, judge
juven-	young, youth	Latin	juvenis, juvenalis	juvenile, rejuvenate
juxta-	beside, near	Latin	juxta	juxtaposition

K

Root	Meaning In English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
kil(o)-	thousand	Greek	chilioi	kilogram, kilometer, kilobyte
kine-	movement, motion	Greek		telekinesis, kinetic energy, kinesthetic
klept-	steal	Greek	(kleptēs)	kleptomania
kudo-	glory	Greek	(kudos)	kudos

L

Prefix	Meaning In English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
lab-	lips	Latin	labia, labiae	labial, bilabial, etc.
lacr-	cry, tears	Latin	lacrima	lacrimous
lact-	of or pertaining to milk	Latin < Greek		lactose, lactate, lactic
lam-		Latin	lamina - leaf	laminate
leon-	of or pertaining to lions, of or pertaining to bravery	Latin	leo, leonis - lion	Leo, Leopold, lion, lionhearted
lev-	lift, hover	Latin	levis - light (as in weight)	elevator, levitate
lin-	line	Latin		linear, line
ling-	of or pertaning to the tongue or to language	Latin	lingua, linguae - tongue, language	lingual, linguistic
lith-	stone	Greek	lythos - stone	monolith, Neolithic Era, lithosphere
log-	Word/Thought	Greek	logos - word	monologue, logical, morphological
luc-	bright	Latin	lux, lucis - light	Lucifer (bearer of light)
lun-	of or pertaining to the moon	Latin	luna, lunae - moon	lunar, lunatic

M

Root	Meaning In English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
macr-	long	Greek	μακρός (makros)	macron
magn-	great, large	Latin	magnus, magna, magnum - great, large	magnificent, magnanimous, majesty (from the comparative, MAJ (originally MAI))
maj-	greater	Latin	major, majus	majority, majuscule
mal-	bad, wretched	Latin	malus, mala, malum - bad, wretched	malicious, malign
mamm-	breast	Latin	mamma	mammary, mammal
man-	flow	Latin	manare	emanate
man-	stay	Latin	manere	remanent
mand-	hand	Latin	mandare, mandavi, mandatus	mandate, remand
manu-	hand	Latin	manus	manual, manuscript
mar-	sea	Latin	mare, maris - sea	marine, maritime
mater-, matr	mother	Latin	mater, matris	matrix
maxim-	greatest	Latin	maximus	maximal
medi-	middle	Latin	medius	median, medieval
meg-	great, large	Greek	(megas)	megaphone
mei-		Greek		meiosis
melan-	black, dark	Greek	μέλας (melas)	Melanesia, melanoma
melior-	better	Latin	melior	amelioration
mell-	honey	Latin	mel, mellis	mellifluous
mening-	membrane	Greek	(meninx)
ment-	mind	Latin	mens	mentality
mer-	part	Greek	(meros)	polymer
merc-		Latin	merx	mercantile, merchant
mes-	middle	Greek	(mesos)	mesolithic, mesozoic
meter-, metr-	measure	Greek	(metron)	metric, thermometer
meta-	above, among, beyond	Greek	(meta)	metaphysics
micr-	small	Greek	(mikros)	microphone, microscope
milit-	soldier	Latin	miles	military, militia
mill-	thousand	Latin	mille	million
mim-		Greek	(mimos)	mime, mimic
min-	less, smaller	Latin	minor, minus	minority, minuscule
mir-	sight, wonder, amazement	Latin	miror, mirari, miratus sum - I wonder at	miracle, mirror, admire
mis-	hate	Greek	(misos)	misandry, misogyny
mit-	thread	Greek	(mitos)	mitochondrion
mne-		Greek		mnemonic
mol-	grind	Latin	mola	molar
moll-	soft	Latin	mollis	emollient, mollify
mon-	one	Greek	(monos)	monolith, monotone, monism
mont-	mountain	Latin	mons	Montana
morph-	form, shape	Greek	(morphe)	morpheme, anthropomorphic, morphology
mort-	death	Latin	mors	mortality
mov-	move, motion	Latin	moveo, movere, moti, motus; motor, motoris; momentum, momenti, etc.	move, motor, momentum
mulg-, muls-	milk	Latin	mulgere	emulsion
mult-	many, much	Latin	multus, multitudo, multitudinis etc.	multitude, multiple, multiplex
mur-	wall	Latin	murus	mural
mus-	thief	Latin	musca, muscae; mus, muris	mouse
mut-	change	Latin	mutare	mutation
my-	mouse	Greek	(mus)
myri-	countless, ten thousand	Greek	(murios)	myriad
myth-	story	Greek	(muthos)	mythic
myx-	slime	Greek	(muxa)

meno- moon

mica- grain (Latin) e.g. 'micelle'

miss- sent

mixi- mingle

monil- string of beads

myo- muscle, mouse

myx- mucous,vagina

myz- sucker

N

nar- nostril Latin naris

narc- numb Greek narcosis, narcotic

narr- tell Latin narrare narrative

nas- nose Latin nasus nasal

nasc-, nat- born Latin nascent, native

naut- ship Greek (naus) astronaut

nav- ship Latin navis naval

necro- dead Greek (nekros)

nect-, nex- Latin connection

necto- bananas

neg- Latin negative

nema- hair Greek

nemoral- in woods

neo- new

nephr- kidney Greek nephritis

nes- island Greek (nesos) Polynesia

neur- nerve Greek

nictitat- winking

nigr- black Latin niger denigrate

noct- night Latin nox nocturnal

nod- knot Latin nodus node, nodule

nom- arrangement, law Greek (nomos)

nomin- name Latin nomen nomination

non- not Latin non

non- ninth Latin nonus

nonagen- ninety each Latin nonageni nonagenary

noth- spurious

notho- southern

noto- back, south

nov- new Latin novus nova

novem- nine Latin novem

noven- nine each Latin noveni novenary

nu- nod Latin

nuc- nut Latin nux

nuch- back of neck

nucle- little nut

nud- naked Latin nudity

nulli- none Latin nullus

numer- number

nunti- Latin nuntius

nupti- Latin

nutans- nodding

nutri- nourish Latin nutrient

O

Root	Meaning in English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
oct-	eight	Greek	(oktō)	octagon, octahedron
oct-	eight	Latin	octo	octangular, octennial, octovir
octav-	eighth	Latin	octavus	octaval
octogen-	eighty each	Latin	octogeni	octogenary
octogesim-	eightieth	Latin	octogesimus	octogesimal
octon-	eight each	Latin	octoni	octonary
ocul-	eye	Latin	oculus	ocular
od-	hate	Latin	odium	odious
-ode-	path, way	Greek		anode, odometer
odont-	tooth	Greek	(odous)	odontology
odor- fragrant
oecious-	house of	Greek	(oikos)
oed- swollen
oen-	wine	Greek	(oinos)
oesoph-	gullet	Greek	(oisophagos)
ogdo-	eighth	Greek	(ogdoos)
-oid	like	Greek	(-oeides)
olecran- skull of elbow
ole-	oily	Latin
olig-	few	Greek	(oligos)	oligarchy
oliv-	olive	Latin	oliva
-ology	study of	Greek
-oma	cancer	Greek
omas-	paunch	Latin	omasum
oment-	fat skin	Latin	omentum
omin-		Latin	omen	ominous
omm-	eye
omni-	all	Latin	omnis	omnipotence
omo- shoulder
omphal-	navel	Greek		omphalectomy
oner-	burden	Latin	onus	onerous
onom-	name	Greek	όνομα (onoma)	onomatopoeia
ont-	existing	Greek		ontology
-onym	name	Greek	(-onum)	pseudonym
oo-	egg	Greek	(oion)
opac-	shady	Latin	opacus	opacity
oper-	work	Latin	opus	opera
opt-	choose	Latin	optare	optional
optim-	best	Latin	optimus	optimum
op(t)- eye
operculum- little cover
ophi- snake
ophthalm-	eye	Greek	(ophthalmos)	ophthalmology
opisth-	behind	Greek
opoter- either
or-	mouth	Latin	os	oral, orator
orb-	circle	Latin	orbis
orch- testicle
ordin-		Latin	ordo	ordinary
ori-	Eastern	Latin	oriri	orient
orn-		Latin	ornare	ornament
ornith-	bird	Greek		ornithology
orth-	straight	Greek	(orthos)	orthosis
os(ti)-	mouth
os(s/t)-	bone			osteoporosis
oscill-	swing	Latin		oscillation
ostrac-	shell	Greek		ostracize
ot-	ear	Greek		otology
ov-	egg	Latin	ovum	oval, ovule
ovi-	sheep	Latin		ovine
oxy-	sharp, pointed	Greek	(oxus)	oxymoron

P

pac- peace Latin pax pacify, pacifist

pach- thick Greek (pachus) pachydermata

paed- child Greek

palae- ancient, old Greek

palin- back Greek (palin) palindrome

pall- pale Latin pallere pallid, pallor

palli- mantle Latin pallium

palustri- in marshes

pan- all Greek pas

pand- spread Latin pandere expand

par(a)- beside, near Greek (para) parallel

pariet- wall Latin paries parietal

part- part Latin pars partition

parv- little Latin parvus

pass- pace, step Latin

patella- small dish

pat- spreading Latin patere patent

path- Greek pathology

patr- father Latin pater

pauc- Latin paucus paucity

pav- Latin pavement

pecc- sin Latin impeccable

pect- fixed Greek pectin

pector- chest Latin pectus pectoral

pectin- comb-like

pecun- Latin pecuniary

ped- child Greek ()

ped- foot Latin pes pedal

pejor- worse Latin pejor pejorative

pel-, puls- drive Latin pellere

pen- almost Latin paene peninsula, penultimate, penumbra

pend-, pens- to hang Latin

penia- deficiency Latin

penn-, pinn- feather Latin

pent- five Greek (pente) pentagon

pentekost- fiftieth Greek

pept- Greek peptic

per- thoroughly, through Latin per perfect

peran- across, beyond Greek

peri- around Greek perimeter, periscope

persic- peach

pessim- worst Latin

pet- Latin petere appetite, competition

petr- rock Greek () petroglyph

phaeo- dark

phag- eat

phalan(g/x)- close formation of troops

phalar- shining

phanero- visible Greek

pher- bear, carry Greek pheromone

philia- love, friendship Greek

phleg- Greek

phloe- tree bark

phob- fear Greek (phobos)

phon- sound Greek (phone)

phor- carry Greek (phoros)

phos-, phot- light Greek photograph

phragm- fence Greek (phragma) diaphragm

phren- diaphragm, mind

phryno- toad, toad-like

phyl- tribe

phyll- leaf Greek (phullon)

physa- bladder

physio- nature Greek physics

phyt- plant Greek

pic- pitch Latin pix

pil- hair Latin

pinea- pine cone Latin

pinnat- feather-shaped

ping-, pict- paint Latin

pino- drink [Greek]  e.g. pinocytosis

pir- pear Latin

pisc- fish Latin piscis Pisces

pisum- pea

plac- plate, tablet Greek

plac- Latin placid

plagi- oblique Greek (plagios)

plan- flat Latin planar

plang- Latin

plas- mould Greek plasma, plastic

platy- flat, broad Greek (platus) platypus

plaud-, plaus- Latin

ple-, plet- fill Latin complete, suppletive

pleb- Latin plebs

plect- twist, pluck Latin

plen- full Latin plenus plenary

plesi- near Greek

pleth- full Greek (plethos) plethora

pleur- side Greek

plex- interwoven Greek (plexis)

plic- fold Latin plicare

plinth- brick Greek

plor- Latin

plu- rain Latin

plum- feather Latin pluma plumage

plumb- Latin plumbum

plur- Latin plural

plurim- most Latin plurimus

plus- more Latin

pluvi- rain Latin

pneu(mo/st)- air, lung Greek pneumatic

pod- foot Greek (pous) podiatry, tripod

pogo- beard

poie- make  Greek

polem- war Greek polemic

pol- city Greek (polis)

pol- pole Latin polar

polio- grey Greek (polios)

polit- polished Latin

poll(ex)- thumb

pollin- Latin pollen pollinate

poly- many Greek (polus) polygon

pon-, posit- put Latin ponere position, postpone

pond- weight Latin

pont- bridge Latin pons

popul- people Latin population

por- passage Greek (poros) pore

porc- pig Latin porcus porcine, pork

porphyr- purple

port- carry Latin portare transportation

porta- gate Latin portus

post- after Latin

pot- drink Latin potare potable

potam- river Greek (potamos)

potero- drinking cup

praeco- early

prasin- Greek

pratens- in meadows

prav- crooked Latin depravity

pre- before Latin prae

prec- pray Latin prex deprecate

pred- Latin praed- predator

prehend-, prend- grasp Latin

prem-, prim- press Latin

presb- old Greek (presbus) Presbyterianism

preter- past Latin praeter

preti- price Latin pretium

prim- first Latin primus primary, primitive

prior- Latin prior priority

priv- Latin

pro- before, in front of Greek

pro- for, forward Latin

prob- try Latin probation

proct- anus Greek (proktos) proctology

profund- deep

proliger- bear offspring

prom- first

propri- appropriate

proso- front Greek

prostratus- lying flat

prot- first Greek (protos) protoplasm

proxim- nearest Latin proximus proximity

prunus- plum

psamma- sand Greek (psammos)

pseud- false Greek (pseudos)

psilo- bare Greek (psilos) epsilon

psycho- mind Greek

psychro- cold Greek (psuchros)

pter- wing, fern Greek (pteron) helicopter

pto- fall Greek ptosis

ptyal- sahva

ptych- fold, layer Greek triptych

pubescens- downy

pubi- sexually mature

public- Latin publicus

pude-

pugn- Latin pugnacious

pulchr- Latin pulcher

pulmo- lung

pulver- dust Latin pulvis

pung-, punct- prick Latin pungent

puni Latin

pup- doll Latin pupa

pur- pure Latin purity

purg- Latin

purpur- purple Latin

pusill- very small

put- Latin compute, putative

pygo- rump

pyl- gate Greek (pulon) pylon

pyo- pus

pyr- heat, fire Greek

pyrus- pear

Q

Prefix	Meaning In English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
quadr-	four	quattuor	Latin	quadrangle
quart-	fourth	quartus	Latin	quartary, quartile
quasi-	as if	Latin	quasi
quatern-	four each	Latin	quaterni	quaternary, quaternion
quer-, -quir-, quisit-	search, seek	Latin	quaerere	Inquisition, query
quin-	five each	Latin	quini	quinary
quinque-	five	Latin	quinque	quinquennium
quint-	fifth	Latin	quintus	quintary, quintile
quo-		Latin		quota, quotient

R

Root	Meaning in English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
rach-	spine	Greek	(rhachis)
rad-, ras-	scrape, shave	Latin	radere	abrasion
radi-	beam	Latin	radius	radiation
radic-	root	Latin	radix	radical
ram-	branch	Latin	ramus	ramification, ramose
ran-	frog	Latin	rana
ranc-		Latin		rancid
rap-	turnip	Latin	rapum
raph-	seam	Greek
rar-		Latin	rarus	rarity
re-, red-	again, back	Latin		recede, redact
rect-	straight	Latin		erect
reg-, -rig-, rect-	straight	Latin		dirigible
rem-	oar	Latin	remus
ren-	kidney	Latin	renes	renal
rep-, rept-	crawl, creep	Latin	repere	reptile
ret-	net	Latin	rete
retic- network
retina- little net
retro-	behind, backward	Latin
rhabd-	rod	Greek	(rhabdos)
rhach-	spine	Greek	(rhachis)
rhage-	tear, rent
rhe-	flow	Greek		rheostat
rhin-	nose, snout	Greek		rhinoplasty
rhiz-	root	Greek	(rhiza)	rhizome
rhod-	red	Greek		rhododendron
rhomb-		Greek		rhombus
rhynch-	snout
-rrh- flow
rid-, ris-	laugh	Latin	ridere	derision, ridicule
roborem- oak tree, strength
rod-, ros-	gnaw	Latin	rodere	corrode, erosion, rodent
rog-	ask	Latin	rogare	interrogation
rogos-	wrinkled
rostr-	beak, prow	Latin		rostrum
rot-	wheel	Latin	rota	rotation
rub(e)r-	red	Latin	ruber
rug-	wrinkle	Latin	ruga	corrugation
rumin-	throat	Latin	rumen	rumination
rump-, rupt-	break	Latin	rumpere	rupture
rur-		Latin	rus	rural

S

sapien- thinking, wise, knowing

sacchar- sugar

saccul- little sac

sacr-, secr- sacred Latin sacer consecrate, sacrament

sagac- Latin sagax

sagitt- arrow Latin Sagittarius

sal- salt Latin sals salinity

sali- jump Latin resilient, salient, saltus

salv- save Latin salvation

sanct- holy Latin sanctify

sanguin- bloody Latin sanguis sanguine

sapi-, sipi- Latin sapient

sapon- soap Latin

sarc- flesh Greek (sarx)

sativus- cultivated

saur- lizard, reptile Greek dinosaur

saxum-rock

scala- ladder Latin scala

scalene- uneven Greek

scaph- anything hollow, bowl, ship

schem- Greek (schema) schematic

schis- split Greek schism

sci- know Latin prescient, science

scind-, sciss- split Latin scissors

scler- hard Greek (skler-) scleroderma

scoli- crooked Greek (skolios) scoliosis

scop-, scopy, scept- look at, examine, view, observe Greek

scrib-, script- write Latin scripture

scut- shield

scyph- cup

seba- tallow, wax

sec-, sect-, seg- cut Latin secare secant, section, segment

sed-, sid- sit Latin sediment, supersede

sedec- Latin sedecimal

segetum- in cornfields

sei- shake Greek (seismos) seismograph

selen- moon Greek

sella- saddle, seat

sema- Greek (sema) semantics, semaphore

semi- half Latin

semin- seed Latin semen insemination

sen- old man Latin senex senator, senility

sen- six each Latin seni senary

sept- seven, wall Latin

septim- seventh Latin septimus

septuagen- seventy Latin septuageni septuagenary

sequ- follow Latin sequence

ser(olu)- any body fluid

serot- late

serp- crawl Latin

serr- saw, saw-toothed Latin serra serration

set- hair

sex-, se- six Latin sex semester, sexangle

sexagen- sixty each Latin sexageni sexagenary

sext- sixth Latin sextus sextant

sibil- hiss Latin sibilance

sicc- dry Latin desiccate

sider- Latin sidus

sign- Latin signum signal

silv- forest Latin

simi- ape, monkey Latin simian

simil- Latin similis assimilate, similarity

sinistr- left Latin sinister

sinu- Latin insinuate

sinus- hollow, bay

sipho- tube

sol- sun solar

solen- pipe, channel Greek solenoid

solv-, solut- Latin

soma- body Greek (soma) somatic

somn- sleep Latin somnus

son- sound Latin resonance

soph- Greek (sophos) sophist

sord- dirt Latin

soror- sister Latin sorority

spas- hope

spec-, spect- look, see Latin specimen

specios- showy

specto- watch, to look at

sper- hope Latin desperation

sperm- seed Greek (sperma)

sphen- wedge

spher- Greek (sphaira) spheroid

sphinct- closing

spic- spike Latin

spinos- spiny

spondyl- vertebra

spu- spew Latin

squalid- squalid

squam- scale

squarros- spreading at tips

st- stand Latin stare stable, station, status

stalact- Greek (stalaktites) stalactite

stalagm- Greek (stalagmos) stalagmite

stae(rlt)- fat

stann- tin Latin

statu-, stitu- Latin

steg- covering Greek steganography

stell- star Latin constellation, stellar

sten- narrow Greek (stenos) stenography

stere- solid Greek (stereos)

steril- sterile

stern- breastbone

stich- line, row Greek (stichos)

stig- Greek stigma

stingu-, stinct- Latin distinguish

stoch- aim Greek

stom- mouth Greek

strat- layer

strept- twisted

string-, strict- upright, stiff Latin

strigos- having stiff bristles

stroph- turning Greek

stupor- wonder

styl- column

sub- below

sucr- sugar

sulc- furrow

super- beyond

supin- lying back

supra- above

sutur- seam

sym- with

syn-, sy-, syl-, sym- with Greek (sum) symbol, system

syrin(glx)- pipe

sys- with

T

Root

tac-, -tic- silent Latin reticent, tacit

tach- swift Greek (tachus) tachometer

tachy- heavy

taenia- ribbon

tag-, tact- Latin

talus- ankle Latin

tang-, -ting-, tact-, tag- touch Latin tangent

tapetum- carpet

tard- slow Latin tardus retard, tardy

tarsus- ankle tarsal

taur- bull Greek (tauros) Minotaur

taur- bull Latin taurus Taurus

tax- arrangement, order Greek (taxis) taxonomy

techn- Greek (techne) technology

teg-, tect- cover Latin tegere protection

tegmen- covering

tel- far, end Greek telephone

teleo- complete

temno- cut Greek

tempor- time Latin tempus, temporis temporary

ten-, -tin- hold Latin tenere continent, tenacious

tenacul- holding

tend-, tens- stretch Latin tendere extend, extension

tentor- spread like a tent

tenu- slender, thin Latin tenuis attenuate, tenuous

tep- warm Latin tepere tepid

ter-, trit- rub Latin terere attrition

teres- round

terg- wipe Latin detergent

termin- Latin terminus termination

tern- three each Latin terni ternary

terr- Latin terra

terti- third Latin tertius tertiary

test- witness Latin testis testimony

tetr- four Greek (tetra-) tetrahedron

tex- weave Latin texere texture

textilis- of textiles

thalam- chamber, bed

thalass- sea Greek

than- death Greek euthanasia

the- put Greek (tithemi) theme, thesis

theca- case Greek

thel- nipple, female

the- god

theor- Greek theorem, theory

therm- heat Greek (thermos) thermometer

thero- breast, mammal

thus- Greek enthusiasm

thyreo- large shield

tinctori- of dyes

tom- cut Greek ectomy

ton- stretch Greek

top- place Greek (topos) topic, topography

torn- cut

torpe- numb

torqu-, tort- twist Latin torquere extortion, torque, torture

tot- all, whole Latin totus total

toxo- arrow, dart

trab- beam

trachy- rough

trago- goat

trah-, tract- pull Latin trahere subtrahend, tractor

trans-, tra-, tran- across Latin tradition, transcend, transportation

trapez- four-sided, table Greek (trapeza) trapezoid

traum- Greek traumatic

trecent- three hundred Latin trecenti

tredec- thirteen Latin tredecim

treiskaidek- thirteen Greek triskaidekaphobia

trem- tremble Latin tremor

trema- hole

tremulans- trembling

tri- three Greek (treis, tria) triad, trigon

tri- three Latin tres triangle, trivia

trich- hair Greek (thrix)

troch- wheel

trop- turning Greek tropic

troph- feed Greek

trud-, trus- thrust Latin trudere extrusion, intrude

tuss- cough Latin tussis pertussis

tympan- drum Greek (tumpan-) tympani

U

uliginosus- in marshes

-ul- diminutive

ulo- wooly

ultra- above

umbilic- navel

umbra- dark

un- one

unc- hook

ungui- nail, claw

ungul- hoof, claw

universitas- universe

urens- bum

uro- tail

urs- of bears

utricul- little skin bag

uv(ela)- grapes

uxor- wife

V

Root	Meaning in English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
vac-	empty	Latin	vacare	vacancy, vacation, vacuum
vad-, vas-	go	Latin	vadere	evade, pervasive
van-		Latin	vanus	vanity
vap-		Latin		evaporation, vapid
veh-, vect-	carry	Latin	vehere	vehicle, vector
vel-	veil	Latin	velum	revelation, velate
vell-, vuls-	pull	Latin	vellere	convulsion
veloc-	quick	Latin	velox	velocity
ven-	vein	Latin	vena	venosity
ven-	hunt	Latin	venari	venison
ven-, vent-	come	Latin	venire	convention
vend-	sell	Latin	vendere	vendor
vener-		Latin	venus	veneration, venereal
vent-	wind	Latin	ventus	ventilation
ventr-	belly	Latin	venter	ventral
ver-	true	Latin	verus	verify, verity
verb-	word	Latin	verbum	verbal, verbosity
verber-	whip	Latin	verber	reverberation
verm-	worm	Latin	vermis	vermiform
vern-	spring	Latin	ver	vernal
vert-, vers-	turn	Latin	vertere, versus	convert, inversion
vesic-	bladder	Latin	vesica	vesical
vesper-	evening, western	Latin
vest-	clothe, garment	Latin	vestis	divest, vest
vestig-		Latin	vestigium	investigate
vet-	forbid	Latin	vetare	veto
veter-	old	Latin	vetus	veteran
vi-	way	Latin	via	deviate, obvious
vic-	change	Latin	vicis	vice versa, vicissitude
vid-, vis-	see	Latin	videre	video, vision
vil-	cheap	Latin	vilis	vile, vilify
vill-	shaggy hair, velvet	Latin	villus	villiform
vin-	wine	Latin	vinum	vinous
vinc-, vict-	conquer	Latin	vincere	invincible, victory
vir-	man	Latin	vir	virility
vir-	green	Latin	virere	virid
visc-		Latin	viscum	viscosity
viscer-	organs of body cavity	Latin	viscus	visceral
vit-	life	Latin	vita	vital
vitell-	yolk	Latin	vitellus
viti-		Latin	vitium	vice, vitiate
vitr-	glass	Latin	vitrum	vitreous
voc-	voice	Latin	vox	vocal
vol-	fly	Latin	volare	volatility
vol-	wish	Latin	velle	volition
volv-, volut-	roll	Latin	volvere	convolution, revolve
vom-		Latin	vomere	vomit
vor-, vorac-	swallow	Latin	vorare, vorax	devour, voracious
vov-, vot-	vow	Latin	vovere	votive
vulg-	common, crowd	Latin	vulgus	vulgarity, vulgate
vulner-	wound	Latin	vulnus	vulnerable
vulp-	fox	Latin	vulpes	vulpine

X

Root	Meaning in English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
xanth-	yellow	Greek	(xanthos)	xanthogenic
xen-	foreign	Greek	(xenos)	xenophobia
xer-	dry	Greek	(xeros)	xerography
xiph-	sword	Greek	(xiphos)	xiphoid
xyl-	wood	Greek	(xulon)	xylophone

Z

Prefix	Meaning In English	Origin Language	Etymology (Root Origin)	English Example
-zo-	animal, living being, life	Greek		protozoa, zoo, zoology
zyg-	yoke, joined, paired	Greek		zygote
zym-	ferment	Greek		enzyme, lysozyme

See also

• International Scientific Vocabulary
• List of Latin words with English derivatives
• List of Greek words with English derivatives
• List of Germanic and Latinate equivalents in English
• Interlingua

External links

• List of Latin Derivatives