List of Greek and Latin roots in English
The following is an alphabetical list of Greek and Latin roots, stems, and prefixes commonly used in English.
Some of those used in medicine and medical terminology are not listed here but instead in Wikipedia's List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes.
A
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ab-, a-, abs- | away from | Latin | ab "away" | abnormal, abrasion, absent, abstain, abstraction, aversion |
| ac- | sharp or pointed | Latin | acere | acupuncture, acute |
| acerb- | sharp, bitter, sour | Latin | acerbus | acerbic, exacerbate |
| acid- | sour or acid | Latin | acidus | acidosis, acidulation |
| acr- | height, summit, tip | Greek | ἄκρος (akros) "high", "extreme" | acrobatics, acromegaly, acronym, acrophobia |
| acr- | bitter, pungent, sharp, sour | Latin | acer, acris | acrid, acrimony |
| acu- | sharp | Latin | acutus, past participle of acuere "to sharpen", from acus "needle" | acupuncture, acute, acutifoliate |
| ad-, a-, ac-, af-, ag-, al-, ap-, ar-, as-, at- | movement to or toward; in addition to | Latin | ad "to", "toward" | accept, adapt, affect, aggression, approximate, ascend |
| adip- | fat | Latin | adeps, adipis "fat" | adipose |
| aer- | air, atmosphere | Greek | ἀήρ (aēr) "air" | aeronautics, aeroplane, aerosol |
| aesthet- | feeling, sensation | Greek | αἰσθητικός (aisthētikos) "of sense perception" from αἰσθάνεσθαι (aisthanesthai) "to perceive" | aesthetics, anaesthetic |
| ag-, act- | do | Latin | agere, actus | act, agent |
| agr- | field | Greek | ἀγρός (agros) "field" | agronomy, |
| agri-, -egri- | field | Latin | ager, agris "field, country" | agriculture, peregrine |
| alb- | dull white | Latin | albus | albedo, albino, albumen |
| am-, amat- | love | Latin | amāre, amatus, amor | amateur, amatory, amorous |
| ambi- | both, on both sides | Latin | ambi | ambidexterity, ambivalent |
| ambul- | to walk | Latin | ambulare | ambulance, ambulatory |
| amic-, -imic- | friend | Latin | amicus | amicable, inimical |
| amph-, amphi- | around, about, both, on both sides of, both kinds | Greek | ἀμφί (amphi) "on both sides" | amphibian, amphibolic, amphoterism |
| ampl- | ample, abundant, bountiful | Latin | amplus | amplification |
| an-, a- | not, without | Greek | Greek ἀν-/ἀ- "not" | anhydrous, atypical |
| ana-, an- | again, against, back, up | Greek | ἀνά (ana) | anabaptist, anaphylaxis, anion, anode |
| andr- | male, masculine | Greek | ἀνδρός andros | androgen, android |
| anem- | wind | Greek | ἄνεμος anemos | anemometer |
| anim- | breath, life, spirit | Latin | anima "breath" | animal, animation |
| ann-, -enn- | year, yearly | Latin | annus "year" | anniversary, annual, biannual, millennium |
| ant-, anti- | against, opposed to, preventive | Greek | ἀντί anti "against" | antagonist, antibiotic, antipodes |
| ante-, anti- | before, in front of, prior to | Latin | ante "before", "against" | antebellum, antediluvian, anticipate, antiquarian |
| anth- | flower | Greek | ἄνθος (anthos) "flower" | anther, anthology |
| anthra- | coal | Greek | ἄνθραξ (anthraks) | anthracite, anthrax |
| anthrop- | human | Greek | ἄνθρωπος (anthropos) "man" | anthropology, anthropomorphic |
| ap-, apo- | away from, separate, at the farthest point | Greek | ἀπό (apo) "from, away, un-, quite" | aphelion, apocrine, apogee, apostasy |
| aqu- | water | Latin | aqua | aquamarine, aquarium, aqueduct, aquifer |
| ar- | plow, till | Latin | ărāre | arable |
| ar- | be dry | Latin | ārēre "be dry or parched" | arid |
| arche-, archi- | ruler | Greek | ἀρχή (archē) "rule" (in compounds: ἀρχε-, ἀρχι-) | archangel, archetype |
| archae-, arche- | ancient | Greek | ἀρχαῖος arkhaios "ancient" from arkhē "beginning" | archaeology or archeology, archaic |
| arct- | Relating to the North Pole or the region near it; relating to cold | Greek | ἄρκτος arktos "bear" | Arctic Ocean |
| argent- | silver | Latin | argentum | argent, Argentina |
| areta- | virtue | Greek | ἀρετή aretē | aretaic |
| arist- | excellence | Greek | ἄριστος aristos | aristocracy |
| arthr- | joint | Greek | ἄρθρον (arthron) | arthritis, arthropod |
| astr- | star, star-shaped | Greek | ἄστρον (astron) "star" | asterisk, astrology, astronomy |
| athl- | prize | Greek | ἄθλος (athlos) "contest, feat" | athlete, pentathlon |
| -athroid | gathered or lumped together | Greek | αθροίζω (athroidzo) "I gather together" | hypoathroid, epiathroid |
| audi- | hearing, listening, sound | Latin | audire "to hear" | audible, auditorium, auditory |
| aug-, auct- | grow, increase | Latin | augēre, auctus "to increase" | augend, augmentation |
| aur- | relating to gold, or gold-colored | Latin | aurum "gold" | aureate, aureole |
| auri- | relating to the ear | Latin | auris "ear" | auricle |
| aut-, auto- | self; directed from within | Greek | αὐτός (autos) "self", "same" | autarchy, autograph, automobile, autonomy |
| avi- | bird | Latin | avis | aviary, aviation |
| axi- | axis | Latin | axis | axisymmetry |
| axi(o)- | merit | Greek | ἄξιος (axios) "worth" | axiology, axiom |
B
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bac- | rod-shaped | Latin | baculum | baculiform, baculum |
| bar- | weight, pressure | Greek | βάρος (baros) | barograph, barometer, barostat |
| basi- | at the bottom | Greek | βάσις (basis) "step", from βαίνω (bainō), "I walk, march" | basic, basis |
| bathy-, batho- | deep, depth | Greek | βαθύς (bathús, bathýs) | batholith, bathymetry, bathyscaphe |
| be-, beat- | bless | Latin | beare, beatus | beatification |
| bell- | war | Latin | bellum, belli | antebellum, bellicose, belligerent |
| ben- | good, well | Latin | bene (adverb) | benefit, benignity |
| bi- | two | Latin | bis, "twice"; bini, "in twos" | binary, binoculars, bigamy, biscotti |
| bib- | drink | Latin | bibere, bibitus | imbibe |
| bibl- | book | Greek | βιβλίον (biblíon) "book" | bible, bibliography |
| bio- | life | Greek | βίος (bíos) "life" | biography, biologist, biology, biosphere |
| blenn- | slime | Greek | βλέννος (blennos) | blennophobia, blennosperma |
| blast- | germ, embryo, bud, cell with nucleus | Greek | βλασταίνω (blastainō), "I put forth shoots" | blastula, fibroblast, osteoblast, sideroblast |
| bon- | good | Latin | bonus | bonify, bonitary |
| bore- | north | Latin from Greek | borealis "northern" from Βορέας (Boreas) "the north wind" | borealis |
| botan- | plant | Greek | βοτάνη, βότανον (botanē, botanon) | botanic, botanist, botany |
| bov- | cow, ox | Latin | bos, bovis | bovine |
| brachi- | arm | Greek | βραχίων (brakhíōn) | brachial artery, brachiosaurus |
| brachy- | short | Greek | βραχύς (brakhús, brakhýs) | brachycephaly, brachydactyly |
| brady- | slow | Greek | βραδύς (bradús, bradýs) | bradycardia |
| branchi- | gill | Greek | βράγχιον (brágkhion, bránkhion) | branchiopod, nudibranch |
| brev- | brief, short (time) | Latin | brevis, breviare | abbreviation, brevity |
| brom- | food | Greek | βρῶμα (brōma) | bromatium, bromatology |
| brom- | oats | Greek | βρόμος, βρόμη (brómos, brómē) "oats" | brome, Bromus, Bromus ramosus |
| brom- | stench | Greek | βρῶμος (brōmos) "stench, clangor" | bromate, bromide, bromine |
| bronch- | windpipe | Greek | βρόγχος (brógkhos, brónkhos) | bronchiole, bronchitis, bronchus |
| bront- | thunder | Greek | βροντή (brontē) | Brontosaurus |
| bucc- | cheek, mouth, cavity | Latin | bucca | buccal, buccinator muscle |
| bulb- | bulbous | Latin | bulbus | bulbous, bulbule |
| bull- | bubble, flask | Latin | bulla, "bubble" | ebullient, ebullism |
| burs- | pouch, purse | Latin | bursa | bursa, bursar, bursary, disburse |
C
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cac- | bad | Greek | κακός (kakos) | cacophony |
| cad-, -cid-, cas- | fall | Latin | cadere, casus | accident, cadence, case |
| caed-, -cid-, caes-, -cis- | cut | Latin | caedere, caesus | caesura, incisor, scissors |
| calc- | stone | Latin and Greek | from Latin calx "lime" from Greek χάλιξ (khalix) "pebble", "limestone" | calcite, calcium, calculate, calculus, chalicothere |
| call- | beautiful | Greek | κάλλος (kallos) "beauty" | calligraphy |
| calor- | heat | Latin | calor "heat" | calorie |
| calyp- | cover | Greek | καλύπτειν (kaluptein) | apocalypse |
| camer- | vault | Latin | camera | bicameral, camera |
| camp- | field | Latin | campus "field", "level ground" | champion, campaign |
| can- | dog | Latin | canis | canine, Canis Major |
| can-, -cin-, cant- | sing | Latin | canere | cantata, canto, cantor |
| cand- | glowing, iridescent | Latin | candere "to be white or glisten" | candela, candid, candle, candor, incandescent, incendiary, incense |
| cap-, -cip-, capt-, -cept- | hold, take | Latin | capere, captus "take or hold" (vowel changes from a to i in compounds) | captive, capture, conception, recipient |
| capit-, -cipit- | head | Latin | caput, capitis | capital, decapitation, precipitation |
| capr- | goat | Latin | caper, capri | Capricorn, caprine |
| caps- | box, case | Latin | capsa | capsule |
| carbo- | coal | Latin | carbo, carbonis | carbohydrate |
| carcer- | jail | Latin | carcer, carcerare | incarceration |
| carcin- | cancer (disease) | Latin from Greek | Latin from Greek καρκίνος (karkinos) "crab" | carcinogenic, carcinoma |
| cardi- | relating to the heart | Greek | καρδιά (kardia) | cardiograph, cardiology |
| cardin- | hinge | Latin | cardo, cardinis | cardinal |
| carn- | flesh | Latin | caro, carnis | carnal, carnival, carnivore |
| carp- | fruit | Greek | καρπός (karpos) "fruit" | carpology |
| carp- | wrist | Greek | καρπός (karpos) "wrist" | carpal, carpal tunnel syndrome |
| cast- | pure | Latin | castus "chaste" | caste, castigate |
| cata-, cat- | down | Greek | κατά (katá) "down" | catabolic, catalyst, catastrophe, catatonia, cathode, cation |
| caten- | chain | Latin | catena | catenary, concatenation |
| cathar- | pure | Greek | καθαρός (katharos) | catharsis |
| caud- | tail | Latin | cauda | caudal, coda |
| caus-, -cus- | cause or motive | Latin | causa | causative |
| cav- | hollow | Latin | cavus | cave, cavity, excavation |
| ced-, cess- | go | Latin | cedere, cessus | procession, recede, secede |
| 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 | census |
| cent- | hundred | Latin | centum | cent, centennial, centurion |
| centen- | hundred each | Latin | centeni | centenarian, centenary |
| centesim- | hundredth | Latin | centesimus | centesimal, centesimation |
| centr- | center | Greek | κέντρον (kéntron) "needle", "spur" | eccentric |
| cephal- | head | Greek | κεφαλή (kephalē) | cephalic, cephalopod, encephalogram |
| ceram- | clay | Greek | κέραμος (keramos) | ceramic |
| cerat- | horn | Greek | κέρας, κέρατος (keras, keratos) | keratin, triceratops |
| cern- | sift | Latin | cernere | discern, secern |
| cervic- | relating to the neck, relating to the cervix | Latin | cervix, cervicis "neck" | cervix, cervical |
| ceter- | other | Latin | ceterus | et cetera |
| chir- | of the hand or hands | Greek | χείρ (kheir) "hand" | chiral, chiropractic, chiroptera |
| chelon- | relating to a turtle | Greek | χελώνη (khelōne) "tortoise" | chelonia |
| chlor- | green | Greek | χλωρός (khlōros) | chlorine, chlorophyll, chloroplast |
| chore- | relating to dance | Greek | χορεία (khoreia) "dancing in unison" from χορός (khoros) "chorus" | choreography |
| chord- | cord | Latin and Greek | chorda "rope" from χορδή (chordē) | chordata |
| chrom- | color | Greek | χρῶμα (chrōma) | chromium, chromosome, monochrome |
| chron- | time | Greek | χρόνος (chronos) | chronic, chronology, chronometer |
| 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-, cinct- | gird | Latin | cingere, cinctus | succinct |
| circ- | circle, ring | Latin | circus | circular, circus |
| circum- | around | Latin | circum | circumcise, circumference, circumlocution, circumnavigate |
| cirr- | orange | Greek | κιρρός (kirros) | cirrhosis |
| cirr- | curl, tentacle | Latin | cirrus | cirrus |
| civ- | citizen | Latin | civis | civic, civility |
| clad- | branch | Greek | κλάδος (klados) | clade |
| clar- | clear | Latin | clarus, clarare | clarity, declaration |
| clast- | broken | Greek | κλαστός (klastos) | iconoclast, osteoclast |
| claud-, -clud-, claus-, -clus- | close | Latin | claudere, clausus | clause, exclusion, include |
| clav- | key | Greek | from Greek κλείς (kleis) "key" from κλείειν, (kleiein) "to close" | clavichord, clavicle, conclave |
| cleist- | closed | Greek | κλειστός (kleistos) | cleistogamy |
| cleithr- | bar, key | Greek | cleithrum | |
| clement- | mild | Latin | clemens, clementis | clemency, inclement |
| clin- | bed | Greek | κλίνη (klinē) | clinic |
| clin- | lean, recline | Latin | -clinare | declination, inclined |
| cochl- | snail, spiral shell | Greek | κόχλος (kochlos) | cochlea |
| coel- | hollow | Greek | κοῖλος (koilos) | blastocoel, coelom, spongocoel |
| cogn- | know | Latin | cognoscere, cognitus | cognitive, cognizant, recognize |
| col- | strain | Latin | colare, colum | colander, coulee, percolate |
| coll- | hill | Latin | collis | colliculus |
| coll- | neck | Latin | collum | collar |
| color- | color | Latin | color | coloration, coloratura, tricolor |
| con-, co-, col-, com-, cor- | with, together | Latin | cum | coagulate, collide, compress, connect, contain, corrode |
| con- | cone | Greek | κῶνος (kōnos) | conic, conical, conoid |
| condi- | season | Latin | condire | condiment |
| contra- | against | Latin | contra | contraception, contradiction, contrast |
| copr- | dung | Greek | κόπρος (kopros) | coprolite, coprophagia, coprophilia |
| corac- | raven | Greek | κόραξ, κόρακος (korax, korakos) | coracoid |
| cord- | heart | Latin | cor, cordis | accord, cordial |
| corn- | horn | Latin | cornu | cornea, cornucopia, unicorn |
| coron- | crown | Latin | corona, coronare | corona, coronation |
| corpor- | body | Latin | corpus, corporis | corporation, corpse, corpuscle |
| cortic- | bark | Latin | cortex, corticis | cortical, corticosteriod |
| cosm- | universe | Greek | κόσμος (kosmos) | cosmic, cosmonaut |
| cosmet- | the art of dress and ornament | Greek | κοσμητική (kosmetike) from κόσμος (kosmos) | cosmetics, cosmetology |
| cost- | rib | Latin | costa | costal |
| cotyl- | cup | Greek | κοτύλη (kotulē) | cotyledon |
| -cracy, -crat | government, rule, authority | Greek | κράτος (kratos) | democracy |
| crani- | skull | Greek | κρανίον (kranion) | cranium |
| crass- | thick | Latin | crassus | crassitude |
| cre- | make | Latin | creare, creatus | creation, creature |
| cred- | believe, trust | Latin | credere, creditus | credentials, credibility, creditor, incredible |
| crep- | boot, shoe | Greek | κρηπίς, κρηπίδος (krēpis, krēpidos) | crepidoma |
| cribr- | sieve | Latin | cribrum, cribrare | cribble, cribrate |
| cric- | ring | Greek | κρίκος (krikos) | cricoid |
| crisi-, crit- | judge | Greek | κρίσις (crisis) | crisis, critic |
| crisp- | curled | Latin | crispus | crepe, crispate |
| crist- | crest | Latin | crista | cristate |
| cross- | fringe, tassel | Greek | κροσσός (krossos) | crossopterygii |
| cruc- | cross | Latin | crux, crucis | crucial, crucifix, crucify, excruciating |
| crur- | leg, shank | Latin | crus, cruris | crural |
| crypt- | hidden | Greek | κρυπτός (kruptos) | cryptic, cryptography |
| cten- | comb | Greek | κτείς, κτενός (kteis, ktenos) | ctenophore |
| cub- | cube | Greek | κύβος (kubos) | cubic, cuboid |
| cub- | lie | Latin | cubare | incubation, succuba |
| culin- | kitchen | Latin | culina | culinary |
| culp- | blame, fault | Latin | culpa | culpable, exculpate |
| cune- | wedge | Latin | cuneus | cuneiform |
| cur- | care for | Latin | cura, curare | accurate, curator, cure |
| curr-, curs- | run | Latin | currere, cursus | concurrent, current, cursive, recursion |
| curv- | bent | Latin | curvus | curvature |
| cuspid- | lance, point | Latin | cuspis, cuspidis | bicuspid |
| cut- | skin | Latin | cutis | cutaneous, cuticle |
| cyan- | blue | Greek | κυανός (kuanos) | cyanide |
| cycl- | circular | Greek | κύκλος (kuklos) | bicycle, cycle, cyclone |
| cylind- | roll | Greek | κύλινδρος (kulindros) | cylinder |
| cyn- | dog | Greek | κύων, κυνός (kuōn, kunos) | cynology, cynosure |
| cyst- | capsule | Greek | κύστις (kustis) | cystic |
| cyt- | cell | Greek | κύτος (kutos) | cnidocyte, cytoplasm |
D
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dactyl- | finger, toe, digit | Greek | δάκτυλος (daktulos) | dactylology, pterodactyl |
| damn-, -demn- | to inflict loss upon | Latin | damnāre | condemn, damnation, indemnify |
| de- | from, away from, removing, down | Latin | dē | deletion, dementia, descend |
| deb- | owe | Latin | debere, debitus | debit |
| deca-, dec-, deka-, dek- | ten | Greek | δέκα deka, ten | decagram, decahedron, decameter |
| decim- | tenth part | Latin | decimus, tenth; from decem, ten | decimal, decimate |
| delt- | shaped like a Δ | Greek | δέλτα (delta) | deltoid |
| dem- | people | Greek | δῆμος (dēmos) | demagogue, democracy |
| den- | ten each | Latin | deni | denarius, denary, denier, dinar, dinero, dinheiro |
| dendr- | resembling a tree | Greek | δένδρον (dendron): akin to δρύς, drys, "tree" | dendrite, dendrochronology |
| dens- | thick | Latin | densus | condense, density |
| dent- | tooth | Latin | dens, dentis | dental, dentifrice, dentures |
| derm- | skin | Greek | δέρμα (derma) | dermis, epidermis, hypodermic, Dermaptera |
| 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 |
| dia- | apart, through | Greek | διά (dia) | diagram, dialysis, diameter |
| dict- | say, speak | Latin | dicere, dictus | contradict, dictate, dictation, dictionary, edict, predict |
| digit- | finger | Latin | digitus | digital |
| dino- | terrible, fearfully great | Greek | δεινός (deinos) | dinosaur |
| dipl- | double; twofold | Greek | διπλός (diplos) | diploid, diplosis |
| doc-, doct- | teach | Latin | docere, doctus | docile, doctor, indoctrinate |
| dodec- | twelve | Greek | δώδεκα (dōdeka) | dodecahedron, dodecasyllabic |
| dogmat-, dox- | opinion, tenet | Greek | δόξα | dogmatic, orthodox |
| dom- | house | Latin | domus | dome |
| don- | give | Latin | donare | condone, donation |
| dorm- | sleep | Latin | dormire | dormant, dormitory |
| dors- | back | Latin | dorsum | dorsal |
| du- | two | Latin | duo | dual |
| dub- | doubtful | Latin | dubius | dubious |
| duc-, duct- | lead | Latin | dux, ducis | abduction, conductor, deduction, introduction, production, reduction |
| dulc- | sweet | Latin | dulcis | dulcet, dulcimer |
| dur- | hard | Latin | durus | durable, duration, duress, endure, obdurate |
| dy- | two | Greek | δύο (duo) | dyad |
| dyna- | power | Greek | δύναμαι (dunamai) | dynamism, dynasty, dynamite |
| dys- | badly, ill | Greek | δυσ- (dus-) | dysentery, dysplasia, dystrophy |
E
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ec- | out | Greek | ἐκ (ek) | eccentric |
| ecclesi- | assembly, congregation | Greek | ἐκκλησία (ekklēsiā) from ἐκκαλέω (ekkaleō) "I summon" or "I call out" | Ecclesiastes, ecclesiastical |
| eco- | house | Greek | οἶκος (oikos) | ecology, economics, ecumenism |
| ecto- | outside | Greek | ἐκτός (ektos) | ectoderm |
| ed-, es- | eat | Latin | edere, esus | edible, obesity |
| eg- | goat | Greek | αἴξ, αἰγός (aix) | egophony |
| ego- | self, I (first person) | Latin, Greek | ego, ἐγώ | egocentric |
| electr- | amber | Greek | ἤλεκτρον (elektron) | electron, electricity |
| em-, empt- | buy | Latin | emere, emptus | exemption, preempt, redeem |
| eme- | vomit | Greek | ἐμεῖν, ἔμετος (emetos) | emesis, emetic |
| emul- | striving to equal, rivaling | Latin | aemulus, aemulare | emulator |
| en-, em- | in | Greek | ἐν (en) | emphasis |
| encephalo- | brain | Greek | ἐγκέφαλος (enkephalos) | encephalopathy |
| endo- | inside | Greek | ἔνδον (endon) | endocrine, endocytosis |
| engy- | narrow | Greek | ἐγγύς (engys) | Engystomops |
| ennea- | nine | Greek | ἐννέα (ennea) | ennead, enneagon, enneode |
| ens- | sword | Latin | ensis | ensiform |
| eo-, eos-, eoso- | dawn, east | Greek | Ἠώς/Ἕως | Eocene |
| ep-, epi- | upon | Greek | ἐπί (epi) | epicenter, epistemic, epitaph, epoch |
| equ-, -iqu- | even, level | Latin | aequus | equal, equivalence |
| equ- | horse | Latin | equus | equestrian |
| erg- | work | Greek | έργον (ergon) | ergonomics |
| erot- | (sexual) love | Greek | ἔρως, ἔρωτος (erōs, erōtos) | erogenous, erotic |
| err- | stray | Latin | errare | aberration, errant, error |
| erythr- | red | Greek | ἐρυθρός (eruthros) | erythrocyte |
| eso- | within | Greek | ἔσω (esō) | esoteric |
| eth- | custom, habit | Greek | ἦθος (ēthos) | ethology |
| ethm- | sieve, sift | Greek | ἠθμός (ēthmos); ἤθειν (hethein) | ethmoid |
| ethn- | people, race, tribe, nation | Greek | ἔθνος (ethnos) | ethnarch, ethnic |
| etym- | true | Greek | ἔτυμος (etumos) | etymology |
| eu- | well, good | Greek | εὖ (eu) | euphoria, euthanasia |
| eur- | wide | Greek | εὐρύς (eurus) | Europe, eurypterid |
| ex-, e-, ef- | from, out | Latin | ex | exclude, extend, extrude |
| exo- | outside | Greek | ἔξω (eksō) | exoskeleton, exothermic |
| exter-, extra- | outer | Latin | exterus | exterior |
| extrem- | outermost, utmost | Latin | extremus | extremity, extremophile |
F
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| f-, fat- | say, speak | Latin | fari, fatus | fate, infant, preface |
| fab- | bean | Latin | faba | faba bean |
| fac-, -fic-, fact, -fect- | make | Latin | facere, factus | defect, factory, manufacture |
| falc- | sickle | Latin | falx, falcis | falciform |
| fall-, -fell-, fals- | deceive | Latin | fallere, falsus | falsity, infallibility |
| fallac- | false | Latin | fallax, fallacis | fallacy |
| famili- | a close attendant | Latin | famulus | familiarity |
| fant- | to show | Greek | φαντάζω (phantazō) | fantasy |
| fasc- | bundle | Latin | fascis | fasciculation, fascism |
| fatu- | foolish, useless | Latin | fatuus | fatuous, infatuation |
| feder- | treaty, agreement, contract, league, pact | Latin | foedus, foederis | confederation, federal |
| fel- | cat | Latin | feles, felis | Felinae, feline |
| felic- | happy, merry | Latin | felix, felicis | felicity |
| fell- | suck | Latin | fellare | fellation |
| femin- | women, female | Latin | femina | femininity |
| femor- | thigh | Latin | femur, femoris | femoral |
| fend-, fens- | strike | Latin | fendere, -fensus | defend, offense |
| fenestr- | window | Latin | fenestra | defenestration |
| fer- | carry | Latin | ferre | reference, transfer |
| feroc- | fierce | Latin | ferox, ferocis | ferocity |
| ferr- | iron | Latin | ferrum | ferrous |
| fet- | stink | Latin | fetere | fetid, fetor |
| fic- | fig | Latin | ficus | Ficus |
| fid-, fis- | faith, trust | Latin | fides, fidere, fisus | confidence, fidelity |
| fil- | thread | Latin | filum | filament |
| fili- | son | Latin | filius | affiliation |
| fin- | end | Latin | finis | final, finish |
| find-, fiss- | split | Latin | findere, fissus | fission, fissures |
| firm- | firm, strong | Latin | firmus, firmare | confirmation, firmament |
| fistul- | hollow, tube | Latin | fistula | fistula |
| fl- | blow | Latin | flare, flatus | flatulence, inflation, insufflation |
| flacc- | flabby | Latin | flaccus, flaccere | flaccid |
| flav- | yellow | Latin | flavus | flavonoid |
| flect-, flex- | bend | Latin | flectere, flexus | flexible, flexile, flexor, inflection |
| flig-, flict- | strike | Latin | fligere, flictus | conflict, inflict |
| flor- | flower | Latin | flos, floris | floral, florid |
| flu-, flux- | flow | Latin | fluere, fluxus | effluent, fluency, influx |
| foc- | hearth | Latin | focus | focal |
| fod-, foss- | dig | Latin | fodere, fossus | fossil |
| foen- | hay | 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 |
| form- | shape | Latin | forma | conformity, deformity, formation, reformatory |
| form- | ant | Latin | formica | formaldehyde, formic acid |
| fornic- | vault | Latin | fornix, fornicis | fornication |
| fort- | strong | Latin | fortis | fortification |
| fove- | shallow round depression | Latin | fovea | fovea |
| frang-, -fring-, fract-, frag- | break | Latin | frangere, fractus | fracture, fragment, frangible, infringe |
| frater-, fratr- | brother | Latin | frater | fraternity |
| fric-, frict- | rub | Latin | fricare, frictus | dentifrice, friction |
| frig- | cold | Latin | frigere | frigid, frigorific |
| front- | forehead | Latin | frons, frontis | confront, frontage, frontal |
| fruct-, frug- | fruit | Latin | frux, fructis | fructose |
| fug-, fugit- | flee | Latin | fugere | centrifuge, fugitive, refuge |
| fum- | smoke | Latin | fumus | fume, fumigation |
| fund- | bottom | Latin | fundus, fundare | fundamentalism, profundity |
| fund-, fus- | pour | Latin | fundere, fusus | diffusion, effusion, effusive, fusion, profuse, profusion, transfusion |
| fung-, funct- | do | Latin | fungi, functus | function, fungibility |
| fur-, furt- | steal | Latin | fur, furare | furtive |
| furc- | fork | Latin | furca | bifurcation |
| fusc- | dark | Latin | fuscus | obfuscation |
G
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| galact- | milk | Greek | γάλα, γαλακτός (gala, galaktos) | galactic |
| gastr- | stomach | Greek | γαστήρ (gastēr) | gastric, gastroenterology |
| ge- | earth | Greek | γῆ (gē), γεω- (geō-) | geography, geology, geometry |
| gel- | icy cold | Latin | gelum | gelatin, gelid |
| gen- | race, kind | Greek | γένος (genos) | eugenics, genocide |
| ger-, gest- | bear, carry | Latin | gerere, gestus | digest, gestation |
| germin- | sprout | Latin | germen, germinis | germination |
| glabr- | hairless | Latin | glaber | glabrous |
| glaci- | ice | Latin | glacies | glacier |
| gladi- | sword | Latin | gladius | gladiator |
| glia- | glue | Greek | γλία (glia) | glial |
| glob- | sphere | Latin | globus | global, globule |
| glori- | glory | Latin | gloria | glorify |
| glutin- | glue | Latin | gluten, glutinis | agglutination |
| gnosc- | to know | Latin | cognoscenti | |
| gon- | corner, angle | Greek | γωνία (gōnía) | goniometer, polygon |
| grad-, -gred-, gress- | walk, step, go | Latin | gradus, gradere, gressus | grade, regress |
| gramm- | writing | Greek | γράμμα (gramma) | grammar, grammatic |
| gran- | grain | Latin | granum | granary, granite, granola, granule |
| grand- | grand | Latin | grandis | grandiloquous, grandiosity |
| graph- | draw, write | Greek | γραφή (graphē) | grapheme, graphic, graphology |
| grat- | thank, please | Latin | gratus | grace, gratitude, ingrate |
| grav- | heavy | Latin | gravis | aggravation, grave, gravity |
| greg- | flock | Latin | grex, gregis | egregious, gregarious, segregation |
| gubern- | govern, pilot | Latin | gubernare | gubernatorial |
| gust- | taste | Latin | gustus | disgust, gusto |
| gutt- | drop | Latin | gutta | gutta, guttifer, guttiform |
| guttur- | throat | Latin | guttur | guttural |
| gymn- | nude | Greek | γυμνός (gumnos) | gymnasium, gymnastics, gymnosperm |
| gyn- | woman | Greek | γυνή (gunē) | gynecology |
H
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hab-, -hib-, habit-, -hibit- | have | Latin | habere, habitus | habit, prohibition |
| hadr- | thick | Greek | ἁδρός (hadros) | hadrocodium, hadron |
| haem-, hem- | blood | Greek | αἷμα (haima) | haemophilia, hemoglobin |
| hal- | salt | Greek | ἅλς, ἁλός (hals, halos) | halite, halogen |
| hal-, -hel- | breathe | Latin | halare, halatus | anhelation, inhale, halitosis |
| hapl- | simple, single | Greek | ἁπλοῦς (haplous) | haploid, haplotype |
| haur-, haust- | draw | Latin | haurire, haustus | exhaustion |
| hedo- | pleasure | Greek | ἡδονή (hēdonē) | hedonism |
| heli- | sun | Greek | ἥλιος (hēlios) | heliocentric, heliotrope, helium |
| 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 |
| her-, hes- | cling | Latin | haerere, haesus | adhesive, coherent |
| herb- | grass | Latin | herba | herbal, herbicide |
| hered- | heir | Latin | heres, heredis | heredity |
| herp- | creep | Greek | ἕρπω, ἕρπειν (herpō, herpein) | herpes, herpetology |
| heter- | different, other | Greek | ἕτερος (heteros) | heterochromatin, heterodoxy, heterogeneity, heterogenous |
| 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 |
| hom- | same | Greek | ὁμός (homos) | homophone, homozygous |
| homal- | even, flat | Greek | ὁμαλός (homalos) | anomalous |
| 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 |
| horm- | that which excites | Greek | ὁρμή (hormē) | hormone |
| hort- | garden | Latin | hortus, horti | horticulture |
| hospit- | host | Latin | hospes, hospitis | hospice, hospital, hospitality, inhospitable |
| host- | enemy | Latin | hostis | hostile |
| hum- | ground | Latin | humus, humare | exhumation, inhume |
| hyal- | glass | Greek | ὕαλος (hualos) | hyaline, hyaloid |
| hydr- | water | Greek | ὕδωρ (hudōr) | hydraulics, hydrology, hydrolysis, hydrophily, hydrophobia, hydroponic, hydrous |
| hygr- | wet | Greek | ὑγρός (hugros) | hygrometer |
| hymen- | skin or membrane | Greek | ὑμήν (humēn) | hymen, Hymenoptera |
| hyo- | U-shaped | Greek | ὑοειδής (huoeidēs) | hyoid |
| hyp- | under | Greek | ὑπό (hupo) | hypothermia |
| hyper- | above, over | Greek | ὑπέρ (huper) | hyperbole, hypertonic |
| hypn- | sleep | Greek | ὕπνος (hupnos) | hypnosis |
| hyster- | later | Greek | ὕστερος (husteros) | hysteresis |
I
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ichthy- | fish | Greek | ἰχθύς (ichthus) | ichthyology |
| icos- | twenty | Greek | εἴκοσι (eikosi) | icosagon, icosahedron |
| id- | shape | Greek | εἶδος (eidos) | idol |
| ide- | idea; thought | Greek | ιδέα (ideal) | ideogram, ideology |
| idi- | personal | Greek | ἴδιος (idios) | idiom, idiosyncrasy, idiot |
| ign- | fire | Latin | ignis | igneous, ignition |
| imagin- | copy | Latin | imāgō, imāginis | image, imagine |
| in- (1), im- | in, on | Latin | in | import, incur, intend, invite |
| in- (2), il-, im-, ir- | not, un- (negation) | Latin | in- | illicit, impossible, inimical, irrational |
| infra- | below, under | Latin | infra | infrastructure |
| insul- | island | Latin | insula | insular, insulation |
| inter- | among, between | Latin | inter (preposition) | intercollegiate, intermission, intersection |
| intra- | within | Latin | intra | intramural |
| irasc-, irat- | be angry | Latin | irasci | irascible, irate |
| irid- | rainbow | Latin | iris | iridescent |
| is-, iso- | equal, same | Greek | ἴσος (isos) | isometric, isomorphic, isotropic |
| iter- | again | Latin | iterum, iterare | iteration |
| itiner- | journey | Latin | iter, itineris | itinerary |
J
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| jac- | lie | Latin | jacēre "to be thrown" | adjacent |
| jac-, -ject- | cast, throw | Latin | jacere, iectus | ejaculate, eject, reject, interject, trajectory |
| janu- | door | Latin | janua | janitor, January |
| joc- | joke | Latin | jocus | jocularity |
| judic- | judge | Latin | judex, iudicis | adjudicate, judicial, judiciary |
| jug- | yoke | Latin | jugare, jugum | conjugal, subjugate |
| jung-, junct- | join | Latin | jungere, junctus | conjunction, juncture |
| junior- | younger | Latin | junior | juniority |
| jus-, jur- | law, justice | Latin | ius, iuris | jury, justice |
| juv-, jut- | help | Latin | juvare, jutus | adjutant |
| juven- | young, youth | Latin | juvenis | juvenile, rejuvenate |
| juxta- | beside, near | Latin | juxta | juxtaposition |
K
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kil(o)- | thousand | Greek | χίλιοι (chilioi) | kilobyte, kilogram, kilometer |
| kine- | movement, motion | Greek | κινέω (kineō) | kinesthetic, kinetic, telekinesis |
| klept- | steal | Greek | κλέπτης (kleptēs) | kleptomania, kleptoplasty |
| kudo- | glory | Greek | κῦδος (kudos) | kudos |
L
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lab-, laps- | slide, slip | Latin | labi, lapsus | elapse, relapse |
| labi- | lip | Latin | labia, labiae | bilabial, labial |
| labor- | work | Latin | labor | collaboration, elaboration |
| lacer- | tear | Latin | lacer | laceration |
| lacrim- | cry, tears | Latin | lacrima | lacrimal, lacrimous |
| lact- | milk | Latin | lac, lactis, lactare | lactate, lactation, lactose |
| lamin- | layer, slice | Latin | lamina | laminate, lamination |
| lamp- | torch | Greek | λαμπάς (lampas) | lamp |
| lapid- | stone | Latin | lapis, lapidis | lapidary |
| larg- | large | Latin | largus | enlargement |
| larv- | ghost, mask | Latin | larva | larva, larvae, larval |
| lat- | broad, wide | Latin | latus | latitude |
| later- | side | Latin | latus, lateris | bilateral |
| laud-, laus- | praise | Latin | laudere | laud, laudanum |
| lav- | wash | Latin | lavare | lavatory |
| lax- | not tense | Latin | laxus, laxare | laxative, relaxation |
| lecith- | egg yolk | Greek | λέκιθος (lekithos) | lecithin |
| led-, les- | hurt | Latin | laedere, laesus | lesion |
| leg- | law | Latin | lex, legis, legare | legal, legislative |
| leg- | send | Latin | legare | relegate |
| lei- | smooth | Greek | λεῖος (leios) | leiomyoma |
| lekan- | dish, pot | Greek | λεκάνη (lekanē) | lekane |
| leni- | gentle | Latin | lenis, lenire | leniency |
| leon- | lion | Latin | leo, leonis | Leo, leonine, Leopold |
| lep- | flake, scale | Greek | λέπειν, λεπίς, λεπίδος (lepis, lepidos) | Lepidoptera |
| lepsi- | grasp, seize | Greek | λῆψις (lēpsis) | epilepsy |
| leuc-, leuk- | white | Greek | λευκός (leukos) | leucocyte |
| lev- | lift, light | Latin | levis "light" (in weight), levare | elevator, levitation |
| liber- | free | Latin | liber, liberare | liberation, liberty |
| libr- | book | Latin | liber, libri | librarian, library |
| lig- | bind | Latin | ligare, ligatus | ligament, ligature |
| limac- | slug | Latin | limax, limacis | limacoid, limacon |
| line- | line | Latin | linea | line, linearity |
| lingu- | language, tongue | Latin | lingua | bilingual, linguistic |
| linqu-, lict- | leave | Latin | linquere, lictus | relict, relinquish |
| lip- | fat | Greek | λίπος (lipos) | lipolysis |
| liter- | letter | Latin | littera | alliteration, illiterate, literacy, literal, obliterate |
| lith- | stone | Greek | λίθος (lithos) | lithosphere, megalith, monolith, Neolithic Era |
| loc- | place | Latin | locus | local, location |
| log- | thought, word, speech | Greek | λόγος (logos) | logic, monologue, morphological, philology |
| long- | long | Latin | longus | elongate, longitude |
| loqu-, locut- | speak | Latin | loqui | allocution, eloquence |
| luc- | bright, light | Latin | lux, lucis | Lucifer (bearer of light) |
| lud-, lus- | play | Latin | ludere, lusus | allude, illusion |
| lumin- | light | Latin | lumen, luminis | illumination, luminous |
| lun- | moon | Latin | luna | lunar, lunatic |
| lysi-, lyti- | dissolving | Greek | λύσις (lusis) | analysis, analytic, cytolysis, hydrolysis, lysigeny |
M
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| macr- | long | Greek | μακρός (makros) | macron |
| magn- | great, large | Latin | magnus | magnanimous, magnificent, magnitude |
| maj- | greater | Latin | major, majus | majesty, majority, majuscule |
| mal- | bad, wretched | Latin | malus | malfeasance, malicious, malignancy, malodorous |
| mamm- | breast | Latin | mamma | mammal, mammary gland |
| man- | flow | Latin | mānāre, manatus | emanate, emanationism, immanant, immanation |
| man- | stay | Latin | manēre, mansus | immanence, immanent, manse, permanence, permanent, remanence, remanent |
| mand- | order | Latin | mandāre, mandatus | mandate, remand |
| mania | mental illness | Greek | μανία (manίā) | kleptomania, maniac |
| manu- | hand | Latin | manus | manual, manuscript, manufacture |
| mar- | sea | Latin | mare, maris | marine, maritime |
| mater-, matr- | mother | Latin | mater, matris | maternity, matriarch, matrix |
| maxim- | greatest | Latin | maximus | maximum |
| mechan- | machine or instrument | Greek | μηχανή (mēkhanē) | mechane, mechanics |
| medi-, -midi- | middle | Latin | medius, mediare | median, medieval |
| meg- | great, large | Greek | μέγας (megas) | megaphone |
| mei- | less | Greek | μεῖον (meiōn) | meiosis |
| melan- | black, dark | Greek | μέλας (melas) | Melanesia, melanoma |
| melior- | better | Latin | melior | amelioration |
| mell- | honey | Latin | mel, mellis | mellifluous |
| memor- | remember | Latin | memor | memorial |
| mening- | membrane | Greek | μήνιγξ (meninx) | meningitis |
| men- | month | Greek | μήν (mēn) | menopause |
| menstru- | monthly | Latin | menstruus | menstrual, menstruation |
| mensur- | measure | Latin | mensura | commensurate |
| ment- | mind | Latin | mens, mentis | demented, mentality |
| mer- | part | Greek | μέρος (meros) | polymer |
| merc- | reward, wages, hire | Latin | merx, mercis | mercantile, mercenary, merchant |
| merg-, mers- | dip, plunge | Latin | mergere | emerge, immersion |
| mes- | middle | Greek | μέσος (mesos) | mesolithic, mesozoic |
| meter-, metr- | measure | Greek | μέτρον (metron) | metric, thermometer |
| meta- | above, among, beyond | Greek | μετά (meta) | metaphor, metaphysics |
| mic- | grain | Latin | mica | micelle |
| micr- | small | Greek | μικρός (mikros) | microphone, microscope |
| migr- | wander | Latin | migrare | emigrant, migrate |
| milit- | soldier | Latin | miles, militis | military, militia |
| mill- | thousand | Latin | mille | millennium, million |
| millen- | thousand each | Latin | milleni | millenary |
| mim- | repeat | Greek | μίμος (mimos) | mime, mimic |
| min- | jut | Latin | minere | prominent |
| min- | less, smaller | Latin | minor, minus | minority, minuscule, minutiae |
| mir- | wonder, amazement | Latin | miror, mirari, miratus sum | admire, miracle, mirror |
| mis- | hate | Greek | μῖσος (misos) | misandry, misogyny |
| misc-, mixt- | mix | Latin | miscere, mixtus | miscellaneous, mixture |
| mit- | thread | Greek | μίτος (mitos) | mitochondrion, mitosis |
| mitt-, miss- | send | Latin | mittere, missus | intermittent, missionary, transmission |
| mne- | memory | Greek | μνήμη (mnēmē) | amnesia, mnemonic |
| mol- | grind | Latin | mola, molere, molitus | molar |
| moll- | soft | Latin | mollis | emollient, mollify |
| mon- | one | Greek | μόνος (monos) | monism, monolith, monotone |
| monil- | string of beads | Latin | monile | Moniliformida |
| mont- | mountain | Latin | mons, montis | Montana |
| mord- | bite | Latin | mordere, morsus | mordacious, morsel, remorse |
| morph- | form, shape | Greek | μορφή (morphē) | anthropomorphism, morpheme, morphology |
| mort- | death | Latin | mors, mortis | immortal, mortality, mortuary |
| mov-, mot- | move, motion | Latin | movere, motus | mobile, momentum, motor, move |
| mulg-, muls- | milk | Latin | mulgere | emulsion |
| mult- | many, much | Latin | multus | multiple, multiplex, multitude |
| mur- | wall | Latin | murus, muri | immured, mural |
| mus- | thief | Latin | mus, muris | mouse |
| musc- | fly | Latin | musca, muscae | Muscicapidae, Muscidae |
| mut- | change | Latin | mutare | mutation |
| my- | mouse | Greek | μῦς (mus) | musophobia |
| myri- | countless, ten thousand | Greek | μυρίος (murios) | myriad, myriapod |
| 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
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nar- | nostril | Latin | naris | naris |
| narc- | numb | Greek | νάρκη (narkē) | narcosis, narcotic |
| narr- | tell | Latin | narrare | narrative |
| nas- | nose | Latin | nasus | nasal |
| nasc-, nat- | born | Latin | nascere, natus | nascent, native |
| naut- | ship | Greek | ναύτης (nautes) | Argonaut, astronaut |
| nav- | ship | Latin | navis | naval |
| ne- | new | Greek | νέος (neos) | neologism |
| 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 |
| nes- | island | Greek | νῆσος (nēsos) | Polynesia |
| neur- | nerve | Greek | νευρών (neurōn) | neurology, neurosurgeon |
| nict- | wink | Latin | nictari | nictation |
| nigr- | black | Latin | niger | denigrate |
| nihil- | nothing | Latin | nihilum | annihilation |
| noct- | night | Latin | nox, noctis | noctambulist, nocturnal |
| nod- | knot | Latin | nodus | node, nodule |
| nom- | arrangement, law | Greek | νόμος (nomos) | autonomous, taxonomy |
| nomad- | those who let pasture herds | Greek | νομάς, νομάδος (nomas, nomados) | nomadic |
| nomin- | name | Latin | nomen, nominis | nomination |
| non- | not | Latin | non | none |
| non- | ninth | Latin | nonus | nonary |
| nonagen- | ninety each | Latin | nonageni | nonagenary |
| nonagesim- | ninetieth | Latin | nonagesimus | nonagesimal |
| not- | letter, note, paper | Latin | notare | annotation, notable |
| noth- | spurious | Greek | νόθος (nothos) | nothogenus |
| noto- | back, south | Greek | νότος (notos) | notochord |
| nov- | nine | Latin | novem | November, novennial |
| nov- | new | Latin | novus | innovation, nova |
| noven- | nine each | Latin | noveni | novenary |
| novendec- | nineteen | Latin | novendecim | novemdecillion |
| nox-, noc- | harmful | Latin | noxa | noxious |
| nu- | nod | Latin | nuere | innuendo |
| nub- | to marry, to wed | Latin | nubes, nubis, nubere | connubial, nubile |
| 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 |
| numer- | number | Latin | numerus | numeral |
| nunci- | announce | Latin | nuntius | pronunciation |
| nupti- | pertaining to marriage | Latin | nuptialis | nuptial |
| nutri- | nourish | Latin | nutrire | nutrient |
O
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ob-, o-, oc-, of-, og-, op-, os- | against | Latin | ob | obstinate, obstreperous, occur, offend, omit, oppose, 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 |
| od- | path, way | Greek | ὁδός (hodos) | anode, diode, odometer, pentode, tetrode, triode |
| od- | hate | Latin | odium | odious |
| odont- | tooth | Greek | ὀδούς, ὀδόντος (odous, odontos) | odontology |
| odor- | fragrant | Latin | odor | odorous |
| oeco- | house | Greek | οἶκος (oikos) | ecology |
| oed- | swollen | Greek | οἴδημα (oidēma) | oedema |
| oen- | wine | Greek | οἶνος (oinos) | oenology |
| oesophag- | gullet | Greek | οἰσοφάγος (oisophagos) | oesophagus |
| ogdo- | eighth | Greek | ὄγδοος (ogdoos) | ogdoad |
| -oid | like | Greek | -οειδής (-oeidēs) | asteroid, mucoid, organoid |
| ole- | oil | Latin | oleum | oleosity |
| olecran- | skull of elbow | Latin from Greek | ὠλέκρανον (ōlekranon) | olecranon |
| olig- | few | Greek | ὀλίγος (oligos) | oligarchy |
| oliv- | olive | Latin | oliva | olivaceous, olivary, olivette |
| -oma | cancer | Greek | -ωμα | melanoma |
| omas- | paunch | Latin | omasum | omasum |
| oment- | fat skin | Latin | omentum | omental |
| omin- | creepy | Latin | omen, ominis | abominable, ominous |
| omm- | eye | Greek | ὄμμα (omma) | ommatidium |
| omni- | all | Latin | omnis | omnipotence, omnivore |
| omo- | shoulder | Greek | ὦμος omos | omohyoid |
| omphal- | navel | Greek | ὀμφαλός (omphalos) | omphalectomy |
| oner- | burden | Latin | onus, oneris | exonerate, onerous |
| onom- | name | Greek | όνομα (onoma) | onomatopoeia |
| ont- | existing | Greek | ὄντος (ontos) | ontogeny, ontology |
| -onym | name | Greek | ὄνυμα (onuma) | antonym, pseudonym, synonym |
| oo- | egg | Greek | ᾠόν (oion) | oocyte |
| opac- | shady | Latin | opacus | opacity |
| oper- | work | Latin | opus, operis | inoperable, opera |
| opercul- | little cover | Latin | operculum | operculum |
| ophi- | snake | Greek | ὄφις (ophis) | ophiophagy |
| ophthalm- | eye | Greek | ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos) | ophthalmology |
| opisth- | behind | Greek | ὄπισθεν (opisthen) | opisthosoma, opsimath |
| opoter- | either | Greek | ὁπότερος (hopoteros) | |
| opt- | eye | Greek | ὀπτός (optos) | optical |
| opt- | choose | Latin | optare | adopt, optional |
| optim- | best | Latin | optimus | optimum |
| or- | mouth | Latin | os, oris | oral, orator |
| orb- | circle | Latin | orbis | orbit |
| orch- | testicle | Greek | ὄρχις (orchis) | orchid |
| ordin- | order | Latin | ōrdō, ordinis | ordinal, ordinary |
| organ- | organ, instrument, tool | Greek | ὄργανον (organon) | organism |
| ori-, ort- | eastern | Latin | oriri, ortus | orient |
| orn- | decorate | Latin | ōrnāre | adorn, ornament, ornate |
| ornith- | bird | Greek | ὄρνις (ornis, ornithos) | ornithology |
| orth- | straight | Greek | ὀρθός (orthos) | orthodontist, orthodoxy, orthosis |
| oscill- | swing | Latin | oscillum | oscillation |
| oss- | bone | Latin | os, ossis | ossification |
| osteo- | bone | Greek | ὀστοῦν (ostoun) | osteoporosis |
| osti- | entrance | Latin | ostium | ostiole |
| ostrac- | shell | Greek | ὄστρακον (ostrakon) | ostracism |
| ot- | ear | Greek | οὖς, ωτός (ous, ōtos) | otology |
| ov- | egg | Latin | ovum | oval, ovary, ovule |
| ovi- | sheep | Latin | ovis | ovine |
| oxy- | sharp, pointed | Greek | ὀξύς (oxus) | oxygen, oxymoron |
P
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pac- | peace | Latin | pax, pacis | pacifism |
| pach- | thick | Greek | παχύς (pachus) | pachydermata, Pachypodium |
| paed- | child | Greek | παῖς, παιδός (pais, paidos) | paediatric |
| pagin- | page | Latin | pagina | pagination |
| pal- | stake | Latin | palus | impalement, pale |
| palae-, pale- | ancient, old | Greek | παλαιός (palaios) | paleontology |
| palin- | back | Greek | πάλιν (palin) | palindrome |
| pall- | be pale | Latin | pallere | pallid, pallor |
| palli- | cloak | Latin | pallium | pallium |
| palm- | palm | Latin | palma | palmate |
| palustr- | in marshes | Latin | paluster | palustral |
| pan-, pam- | all | Greek | πᾶς, παντός (pas, pantos) | pandemic |
| pand-, pans- | spread | Latin | pandere, pansus | expand, expansion |
| par(a)- | beside, near | Greek | παρά (para) | parallel, parameter |
| pariet- | wall | Latin | paries, parietis | parietal |
| part- | part | Latin | pars, partis | bipartite, partition |
| parthen- | maiden | Greek | παρθένος (parthenos) | Parthenon, parthenogenesis |
| parv- | little | Latin | parvus | parvovirus |
| pasc-, past- | feed | Latin | pascere, pastus | pasture, repast |
| pass- | pace, step | Latin | passus | |
| passer- | sparrow | Latin | passer | passeriform, passerine |
| pat- | be open | Latin | patere | patent |
| path- | feel, hurt | Greek | πάθος (pathos) | pathetic, pathology |
| pati-, pass- | suffer, feel, endure, permit | Latin | pati, passus | passive, patience |
| patr- | father | Greek | πατήρ, πατριά (patēr, patria) | patriarch |
| patr- | father | Latin | pater, patris | patrilocal |
| pauc- | few | Latin | paucus | paucal, pauciloquent, paucity |
| pav- | Latin | pavire | pavement | |
| pecc- | sin | Latin | peccare | impeccable |
| pect- | fixed | Greek | πηκτός (pēktos) | pectic, pectin |
| pector- | chest | Latin | pectus, pectoris | pectoral |
| pecun- | money | Latin | pecunia | pecuniary |
| ped- | child | Greek | παῖς, παιδός (pais, paidos) | pedagogy |
| ped- | foot | Latin | pes, pedis | pedal, quadruped |
| pejor- | worse | Latin | pejor | pejorative |
| pell-, puls- | drive | Latin | pellere, pulsus | propellent, propulsor, repellent |
| pen- | almost | Latin | paene | peninsula, penultimate, penumbra |
| pend-, pens- | hang | Latin | pendere | suspend |
| penn-, pinn- | feather | Latin | penna | pennate, pinnate |
| pent- | five | Greek | πέντε (pente) | pentagon, pentode, pentagrid |
| pentecost- | fiftieth | Greek | πεντηκοστός (pentēkostos) | pentecostalism |
| pept- | to digest | Greek | πέσσειν, πεπτός (pessein, peptos) | peptic, peptide |
| per- | thoroughly, through | Latin | per | perfection, permeate, persistence, pervade |
| peran- | across, beyond | Greek | πέραν (peran) | Perates |
| peri- | around | Greek | περί (peri) | perigee, perihelion, perimeter, peripheral, periscope |
| persic- | peach | Greek | περσικός (persikos) | |
| pessim- | worst | Latin | pessimus | pessimal |
| pet- | strive towards | Latin | petere | appetite, competition |
| petr- | rock | Greek | πέτρα (petra) | petroglyph |
| phae- | dark | Greek | φαιός (phaios) | phaeomelanin, pheochrome |
| phag- | eat | Greek | φαγεῖν (phagein) | phagocyte, sarcophagus |
| phalang- | close formation of troops, finger bones | Greek | φάλαγξ, φάλαγγος (phalanx, phalangos) | phalanges |
| phalar- | having a patch of white | Greek | φάλαρος (phalāros)[1] | phalarope |
| pharmac- | drug, medicine | Greek | φάρμακον (pharmakon) | pharmacy |
| phaner- | visible | Greek | φανερός (phaneros) | phanerozoic |
| pher- | bear, carry | Greek | φέρω (pherō) | pheromone |
| phil-, -phile | love, friendship | Greek | φιλέω (phileō, philia) | hydrophile, philosophy |
| phleg- | heat | Greek | φλέγω (phlegō) | phlegm, phlegmatic |
| phloe- | tree bark | Greek | φλοιός (phloios) | phlobaphene, phloem |
| phob- | fear | Greek | φόβος (phobos) | hydrophobia |
| phon- | sound | Greek | φωνή (phōnē) | homophone, microphone, phonograph |
| phor- | carry, bear | Greek | φόρος (phoros) | metaphor |
| phos-, phot- | light | Greek | φῶς, φωτός (phōs, phōtos) | phosphor, photograph |
| phragm- | fence | Greek | φράγμα (phragma) | diaphragm |
| phren- | diaphragm, mind | Greek | φρήν, φρενός (phrēn, phrenos) | phrenetic, schizophrenia |
| 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 |
| physalid- | bladder | Greek | φυσαλ(λ)ίς (phusal(l)is) | physalis |
| phyt- | plant | Greek | φυτόν (phuton) | neophyte, phytoplankton |
| pic- | pitch | Latin | pix, picis | |
| pil- | hair | Latin | pilus | depilatory, epilator |
| pin- | drink | Greek | πίνειν (pinein) | pinocytosis |
| pin- | pine | Latin | pinus | pineal gland |
| ping-, pict- | paint | Latin | pingere, pictus | depiction, picture |
| pingu- | fat | Latin | pinguis | Pinguicula |
| pir- | pear | Latin | pirus | piriformis muscle |
| pisc- | fish | Latin | piscis | Pisces, piscivore |
| pis- | pea | Greek | πίσος (pisos) | |
| plac- | plate, tablet | Greek | πλάξ, πλακός (plax, plakos) | |
| plac- | calm | Latin | placare, placatus | placate, placid |
| plac-, -plic- | please | Latin | placēre, placitus | placebo |
| plagi- | oblique | Greek | πλάγιος (plagios) | plagiocephaly, plagioclase |
| plan- | flat | Latin | planus | explanation, planar, plane |
| plang-, planct- | Latin | plangere, planctus | plangent | |
| plas- | mould | Greek | πλάθω (plathō) | plasma, plastic |
| platy- | flat, broad | Greek | πλατύς (platus) | platypus |
| plaud-, -plod-, plaus-, -plos- | approve, clap | Latin | plaudere, plausus | applaud, applause, explosion, implode, plaudits, plausible |
| ple-, plet- | fill | Latin | plere | complement, suppletion |
| pleb- | people | Latin | plebs, plebis | plebeian, plebs |
| plec- | interwoven | Greek | πλέκω (plekō) | plectics, symplectomorphism |
| plect-, plex- | plait | Latin | plectere, plexus | perplex |
| plen- | full | Latin | plenus | plenary |
| plesi- | near | Greek | πλησίος (plēsios) | plesiosaur |
| pleth- | full | Greek | πλῆθος (plēthos) | plethora |
| pleur- | side | Greek | πλευρά (pleura) | pleuritis |
| plic- | fold | Latin | plicare, plicatus | duplication, replicate |
| plinth- | brick | Greek | πλίνθος (plinthos) | Plinthograptis |
| plor- | Latin | plorare | implore | |
| plu- | rain | Latin | pluere | |
| plum- | feather | Latin | pluma | plumage, plumate |
| plumb- | lead | Latin | plumbum | plumber |
| plur- | more | Latin | plus, pluris | plural, surplus |
| plurim- | most | Latin | plurimus | plurimal |
| plut- | wealth | Greek | πλοῦτος (ploutos) | plutocracy |
| pluvi- | rain | Latin | pluvia | pluvial |
| pneu- | air, breath, lung | Greek | pnein, πνεῦμα (pneuma) | apnoea, pneumatic |
| pod- | foot | Greek | πούς, ποδός (pous, podos) | podiatry, tripod |
| pogon- | beard | Greek | πώγων, πώγωνος (pōgōn, pōgōnos) | pogonotrophy |
| poie- | make | Greek | ποιέω (poieō) | poiesis |
| pol- | pole | Greek | πόλος (polos) | dipole, polar |
| pole-, poli- | city | Greek | πόλις (polis) | metropolis, 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 |
| poly- | many | Greek | πολύς (polus) | polygon |
| pon-, posit- | put | Latin | ponere, positus | component, position, postpone |
| ponder- | weight | Latin | pondus, ponderis | preponderance |
| pont- | bridge | Latin | pons, pontis | pontoon |
| popul- | people | Latin | populus, populare | population |
| 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 |
| port- | gate | Latin | porta | portal |
| port- | carry | Latin | portare, portatus | export, portable, transportation |
| post- | after, behind | Latin | post | posterior, postscript |
| pot- | drink | Latin | potus, potare | potable |
| 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 |
| prec- | pray | Latin | prex, precis, precāri | deprecation |
| pred- | prey | Latin | praeda, praedari | predator |
| prehend-, prend-, prehens- | grasp | Latin | prehendere, prehensus | comprehend, prehensility |
| prem-, -prim-, press- | press | Latin | premere, pressus | pressure |
| presby- | old | Greek | πρέσβυς (presbus) | Presbyterianism |
| preter- | past | Latin | praeter | preterite, pretermission |
| preti- | price | Latin | pretium, pretiare | |
| prim- | first | Latin | primus | primary, primeval, primitive |
| prior- | former | Latin | prior | priority |
| priv- | separate | Latin | privus, privare, privatus | deprivation, privilege |
| pro- | before, in front of | Greek | πρό (pro) | prologue, prostate |
| pro- | for, forward | Latin | pro | procrastinate, propulsion |
| prob- | worthy, good | Latin | probus, probare | probation |
| proct- | anus | Greek | πρωκτός (prōktos) | proctology |
| propri- | one's own, ownership | Latin | proprius, proprietas | appropriate, property, propriety |
| pros- | forward | Greek | πρός (pros) | prosenchyma, prosthesis |
| prot- | first | Greek | πρῶτος (prōtos) | protoplasm |
| proxim- | nearest | Latin | proximus, proximare | approximate, proximity |
| prun- | plum | Latin | prunus | prune |
| psamm- | sand | Greek | ψάμμος (psammos) | psammite, psammophyte, psammosere, psammous |
| pseud- | false | Greek | ψευδής (pseudēs) | pseudonym |
| psil- | bare | Greek | ψιλός (psilos) | epsilon, psilocybin |
| psych- | mind | Greek | ψυχή (psuchē) | psyche, psychology |
| 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 |
| pub- | sexually mature | Latin | pubes | pubescent, pubic |
| public- | Latin | publicus | publication | |
| pude- | shame | Latin | pudere | impudent, pudendum |
| pugn- | fight | Latin | pugna, pugnare | pugnacious, repugnant |
| pulchr- | beautiful | Latin | pulcher, pulchri | pulchritude |
| pulmon- | lung | Latin | pulmo, pulmonis | pulmonary |
| pulver- | dust | Latin | pulvis, pulveris | pulverize |
| pung-, punct- | prick | Latin | pungere, punctus | puncture, pungent |
| puni- | punish | Latin | punire, punitus | impunity, punitive |
| pup- | doll | Latin | pupa | pupa, puppet |
| pur- | pure | Latin | purus | impurity, purify |
| purg- | cleanse | Latin | purgare | expurgate, purgatory, purge |
| purpur- | purple | Latin | purpura | purpurate, purpureal |
| put- | prune, reckon | Latin | putāre | compute, putative |
| pyg- | rump | Greek | πυγή (pugē) | callipygian, pygostyle |
| pyl- | gate | Greek | πυλών, πυλῶνος (pulōn, pulōnos) | pylon |
| pyr- | heat, fire | Greek | πῦρ, πυρός (pur, puros) | pyrolysis |
Q
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| quadr- | four | Latin | quattuor | quadrangle, quadrillion |
| quadragen- | forty each | Latin | quadrageni | quadragenarian, 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-, quesit-, -quisit- | search, seek | Latin | quaerere | Inquisition, query |
| qui- | rest | Latin | quies | quiet, 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 |
| quot- | how many, how great | Latin | quotiens | quota, quotient |
R
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| ranc- | rancidness, grudge, bitterness | Latin | rancere | rancid, rancor |
| 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 |
| reg-, -rig-, rect- | straight | Latin | regere, rectus | direct, dirigible, erect, erection, rectum |
| rem- | oar | Latin | remus | bireme, trireme |
| ren- | kidney | Latin | renes | renal |
| rep-, rept- | crawl, creep | Latin | repere, reptus | reptile |
| ret- | net | Latin | rete | reticle, retina |
| retro- | backward, behind | Latin | retro | retrograde, retrospective, retrovirus |
| rhabd- | rod | Greek | ῥάβδος (rhabdos) | rhabdoid, rhabdom |
| rhach-, rach- | spine | Greek | ῥάχις, ῥάχεως (rhachis) | rhachiodont |
| rhag- | tear, rent | Greek | ῥαγίζω | rhagades |
| rhe- | flow | Greek | ῥεῖν (rhein) | rheostat |
| rhig- | chill | Greek | ῥῖγος (rhigos) | rhigosaurus |
| rhin- | nose, snout | Greek | ῥίς, ῥινός (rhis, rhinos) | rhinoceros, rhinoplasty |
| rhiz- | root | Greek | ῥίζα (rhiza) | rhizome |
| rhod- | rose | Greek | ῥόδον (rhodon) | rhododendron |
| rhomb- | spinning top | Greek | ῥόμβος (rhombos) | rhombus |
| rhynch- | snout | Greek | ῥύγχος | Rhynchobatus |
| rid-, ris- | laugh | Latin | ridere, risus | derision, ridicule |
| robor- | oak, strength | Latin | robur, roboris | corroboration |
| rod-, ros- | gnaw | Latin | rodere, rosus | corrode, erosion, rodent |
| rog- | ask | Latin | rogare | derogatory, interrogation |
| rostr- | beak, prow | Latin | rostrum | rostral, rostriform, rostrum |
| rot- | wheel | Latin | rota, rotare | rotation, rotunda |
| ruber-, rubr- | red | Latin | ruber | rubric, ruby |
| rug- | wrinkle | Latin | ruga, rugare | corrugation |
| rumin- | throat | Latin | rumen, ruminis | rumination |
| rump-, rupt- | break | Latin | rumpere, ruptus | eruption, interrupt, rupture |
| rur- | country | Latin | rus, ruris | rural |
S
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sacchar- | sugar | Greek | σάκχαρον (sakcharon) | saccharin |
| sacr-, secr- | sacred | Latin | sacer, sacrare | consecrate, sacrament |
| sagac- | wise | Latin | sagax, sagacis | sagacity |
| sagitt- | arrow | Latin | sagitta | sagittal plane, Sagittaria |
| sal- | salt | Latin | sal, salis, salere | salinity |
| sali-, -sili-, salt- | jump | Latin | salire, saltus | resilient, salient, saltus |
| salic- | willow | Latin | salix, salicis | salicin |
| salv- | save | Latin | salvus, salvare | salvation |
| san- | healthy | Latin | sanus | insane, sanity |
| sanc- | holy | Latin | sancire, sanctus | sanctify, sanctuary |
| sanguin- | blood | Latin | sanguis, sanguinis | consanguinity, sanguine |
| sapi-, -sipi- | taste, wise | Latin | sapere | insipience, sapient |
| sapon- | soap | Latin | sapo, saponis | saponification |
| sarc- | flesh | Greek | σάρξ, σαρκός (sarx, sarkos) | sarcophagus |
| saur- | lizard, reptile | Greek | σαῦρος (sauros) | dinosaur |
| sax- | rock | Latin | saxum | saxatile, saxicavous, saxicoline, saxifrage, saxifragous |
| scab- | scratch | Latin | scabere | scabies |
| scal- | ladder, stairs | Latin | scala | scalar, scale |
| scalen- | uneven | Greek | σκαληνός (skalēnos) | scalene muscles, scalene triangle |
| scand-, -scend-, scans-, -scens- | climb | Latin | scandere | ascend, descend, transcendent |
| scaph- | anything hollow, bowl, ship | Greek | σκάφη, σκάφος | scaphoid bone |
| scel- | leg, thigh | Greek | σκέλος, σκέλεος (skelos) | isosceles |
| schem- | plan | Greek | σχῆμα (schēma) | schematic |
| schis- | split | Greek | σχίζω, σχίσμα (schisma) | schism |
| sci- | know | Latin | scire | prescient, science |
| scind-, sciss- | split | Latin | scindere | rescind, scissors |
| scler- | hard | Greek | σκληρός (sklēros) | scleroderma, sclerosis |
| scoli- | crooked | Greek | σκολιός (skolios) | scoliosis |
| scop-, scept- | look at, examine, view, observe | Greek | σκέπτομαι, σκοπός (skopos) | horoscope, kaleidoscope, stethoscope |
| scrib-, script- | write | Latin | scribere, scriptus | inscribe, scripture |
| 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-, seg- | cut | Latin | secare | secant, section, segment |
| sed- | settle, calm | Latin | sedare, sedatus | sedative |
| sed-, -sid-, sess- | sit | Latin | sedere, sessus | reside, sediment, session, supersede |
| sedec- | sixteen | Latin | sedecim | sedecimal |
| seget- | in cornfields | Latin | segetum | |
| sei- | shake | Greek | σείω, σεισμός (seismos) | seismograph |
| 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 |
| sen- | old man | Latin | senex, senis | senator, senility |
| sen- | six each | Latin | seni | senary |
| senti-, sens- | feel | Latin | sentire, sensus | consensus, sentient |
| sept- | fence, partition, enclosure | Latin | saeptum | transept |
| 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 |
| sequ-, secut- | follow | Latin | sequere, secutus | consecutive, sequence |
| ser-, sat- | cultivate | Latin | serere, satus | sative |
| ser- | body fluid | Latin | serum | serous |
| ser- | late | Latin | serus | serein, serotine |
| serp- | crawl, creep | Latin | serpere, serptus | serpent |
| serr- | saw, saw-toothed | Latin | serra, serrare | serration |
| serv- | save, protect, serve | Latin | servare | conservation |
| sesqui- | one and a half | Latin | sesqui | sesquicentennial |
| set- | bristle, hair | Latin | saeta | seta, setose |
| sever- | stern, strict, serious | Latin | severus | severity |
| sex-, se- | six | Latin | sex | semester, sexangle, sexennium |
| sexagen- | sixty each | Latin | sexageni | sexagenary |
| sexagesim- | sixtieth | Latin | sexagesimus | sexagesimal |
| sext- | sixth | Latin | sextus | sextant |
| sibil- | hiss | Latin | sibilus, sibilare | sibilance |
| sicc- | dry | Latin | siccus | desiccation |
| sider- | star | Latin | sidus, sideris | sidereal |
| sign- | sign | Latin | signum | design, designate, signal |
| sil- | quiet or still | Latin | silere | silence |
| silv- | forest | Latin | silva | silviculture |
| simi- | ape, monkey | Latin | simia | simian |
| simil- | likeness, trust, group | Latin | similis | assimilate, similarity |
| simul- | imitating, feigning | Latin | simulare | simulation |
| singul- | one each | Latin | singulus | singular |
| sinistr- | left | Latin | sinister, sinistri | sinistral |
| sinu- | (to draw) a line | Latin | sinuare | insinuate |
| sinus- | hollow, bay | Latin | sinus | sinusoidal |
| siph- | tube | Greek | σίφων (siphōn) | siphon |
| sist- | cause to stand | Latin | sistere | consist, persistence |
| sit- | food, grain, wheat | Greek | σῖτος (sitos) | sitology |
| soci- | group | Latin | socius, sociare | associate, social |
| sol- | sun | Latin | sol, solis | solar |
| sol- | comfort, soothe | Latin | solari | consolation, solace |
| sol- | alone, only | Latin | solus | desolate, sole, solo, solipsism |
| solen- | pipe, channel | Greek | σωλήν (sōlēn) | solenoid |
| solv-, solut- | loosen, set free | Latin | solvere, solutus | dissolve, solution |
| soma- | body | Greek | σῶμα, σώματος (sōma, sōmatos) | somatic |
| somn- | sleep | Latin | somnus | insomnia |
| somni- | dream | Latin | somnium | somnial |
| son- | sound | Latin | sonus | resonance |
| soph- | wise | Greek | σοφός (sophos) | sophist, sophomore |
| sorb-, sorpt- | suck | Latin | sorbere | absorb, absorption |
| sord- | dirt | Latin | sordes, sordere | sordid |
| soror- | sister | Latin | soror | sorority |
| spati- | space | Latin | spatium | spatial |
| spec-, -spic-, spect- | look | Latin | specere | conspicuous, inspection, specimen |
| spect- | watch, look at | Latin | spectare | spectator |
| specul- | observe | Latin | speculari | speculation |
| sper- | hope | Latin | spes, sperare | desperation, esperance |
| sperm- | seed | Greek | σπέρμα (sperma) | angiosperm |
| sphen- | wedge | Greek | σφήν (sphēn) | sphenoid |
| spher- | ball | Greek | σφαῖρα (sphaira) | sphere, spheroid |
| sphinct- | closing | Greek | σφίγγα | sphincter |
| spic- | spike | Latin | spica | spicule |
| spin- | thorn | Latin | spina | spine |
| spir- | breathe | Latin | spirare | respiration |
| spond-, spons- | a surety, guarantee; give assurance, promise solemnly | Latin | spondere, sponsus | respond |
| spondyl- | vertebra | Greek | σπόνδυλος (spondylos) | spondylosis |
| spu-, sput- | spew, spit | Latin | spuere | sputum |
| squal- | scaly, dirty, filthy | Latin | squalere | squalid, squalor |
| squam- | scale | Latin | squama | squamous |
| squarros- | spreading at tips | Latin | squarrosus | squarrose |
| st- | stand | Latin | stare, status | stable, station, statistic, statue, status |
| stagn- | pool of standing water | Latin | stagnare | stagnant |
| stalact- | Greek | σταλακτίτης (stalaktitēs) | stalactite | |
| stalagm- | Greek | σταλαγμός (stalagmos) | stalagmite | |
| stann- | tin | Latin | stannum | stannous |
| stasi- | standing, discord | Greek | στάσις (stasis) | static |
| statu-, -stitu- | stand | Latin | statuere | institution, statute |
| stear- | fat, tallow | Greek | στέαρ, στέατος (stear, steatos) | stearic acid |
| steg- | covering | Greek | στέγη (stege), στεγανός (steganos) | steganography, Stegosaurus |
| stell- | star | Latin | stella | constellation, stellar |
| sten- | narrow | Greek | στενός (stenos) | stenography |
| stere- | solid | Greek | στερεός (stereos) | stereometry |
| stern-, strat- | spread, strew | Latin | sternere, stratus | stratify |
| stern- | breastbone | Greek | στέρνον (sternon) | sternum |
| stich- | line, row | Greek | στίχος (stichos) | distich |
| stigmat- | mark, puncture | Greek | στίγμα (stigma) | stigma |
| still- | drip | Latin | stilla, stillare | distillation |
| stimul- | goad, rouse, excite | Latin | stimulus | stimulate |
| stingu-, stinct- | apart | Latin | stinguere | distinction, distinguish |
| stoch- | aim | Greek | στόχος | stochastic |
| stom- | mouth | Greek | στόμα (stoma) | stomatoplasty |
| strept- | twisted | Greek | στρεπτός (streptos) | Streptococcus |
| strig- | compress | Latin | strix, strigis | strigogyps |
| strigos- | having stiff bristles | Latin | strigosus from striga | strigose |
| string-, strict- | upright, stiff | Latin | stringere, strictus | stringent |
| stroph- | turning | Greek | στροφή (strophē) | apostrophe |
| stru-, struct- | to make up, build | Latin | struere, structus | construction, construe |
| stud- | dedication | Latin | studere | student |
| stup- | wonder | Latin | stupere | stupor |
| styl- | column, pillar | Greek | στῦλος (stulos) | Stylites |
| su-, sut- | sew | Latin | suere, sutus | suture |
| sui- | self | Latin | sui | sui generis, suicide |
| suad-, suas- | urge | Latin | suadere, suasus | persuasion |
| suav- | sweet | Latin | suavis | suave |
| sub-, su-, suf-, sug-, sup-, sus- | below | Latin | sub | submarine, submerge, suffix, suggest, support |
| subter- | under | Latin | subter | subterfuge |
| sucr- | sugar | Latin | succarum | sucrose |
| sud- | sweat | Latin | sudare | sudoriferous |
| sulc- | furrow | Latin | sulcus | sulcus |
| sum-, sumpt- | take | Latin | sumere, sumptus | assumption, consume |
| super- | above, over | Latin | super | supersede |
| 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-, sym- | with | Greek | σύν (sun) | symbol, symmetry, sympathy, synchronous, synonym, system |
| syring- | pipe | Greek | σύριγξ, σύριγγος (syrinx, syringos) | syringe |
T
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tac-, -tic- | be silent | Latin | tacere, tacitus | reticent, tacit |
| tach- | swift | Greek | ταχύς (tachus) | tachometer, tachycardia |
| taeni- | ribbon | Greek | ταινία (tainia) | taenidium, taeniodont, Taeniolabis |
| tal- | ankle | Latin | talus | talus bone |
| tang-, -ting-, tact-, tag- | touch | Latin | tangere, tactus | contact, tactile, tangent |
| tapet- | carpet | Latin | tapete, tapetis | tapestry, tapetum, tapis |
| tard- | slow | Latin | tardus | retard, tardigrade, tardy |
| tars- | ankle | Greek | ταρσός (tarsos, a flat basket) | tarsal |
| taur- | bull | Greek | ταῦρος (tauros) | Minotaur |
| taur- | bull | Latin | taurus | Taurus |
| tax- | arrangement, order | Greek | τάξις (taxis) | taxonomy |
| techn- | art, skill | Greek | τέχνη (technē) | technology |
| teg-, tect- | cover | Latin | tegere, tectus | integument, protection |
| tele- | far, end | Greek | τῆλε (tēle) | telegram, telephone, telescope |
| tele- | complete | Greek | τέλος (telos) | teleology |
| temn- | cut | Greek | τέμνω (temnō) | Temnospondyli |
| tempor- | time | Latin | tempus, temporis | contemporary, temporal, temporary |
| ten-, -tin-, tent- | hold | Latin | tenere, tentus | continent, detention, tenacious, tenor |
| tend-, tens- | stretch, strain | Latin | tendere, tensus | extend, extension, tensile |
| tenu- | slender, thin | Latin | tenuis | attenuate, tenuous |
| 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 |
| termin- | boundary, limit, end | Latin | terminus | determine, terminal, termination |
| tern- | three each | Latin | terni | ternary, ternion |
| terr- | earth | Latin | terra | subterranean, terrace, terracotta, terrain |
| terti- | third | Latin | tertius | tertian, tertiary |
| test- | witness | Latin | testis | testament, testimony |
| tetr- | four | Greek | τέσσαρες (tessares) | tetrahedron, tetrode |
| tex-, text- | weave | Latin | texere, textus | context, subtle, textile, texture |
| thalam- | chamber, bed | Greek | θάλαμος (thalamos) | hypothalamus |
| thalass- | sea | Greek | θάλασσα (thalassa) | Panthalassa, thalassemia |
| than- | death | Greek | θάνατος (thanatos) | euthanasia, thanatology |
| the-, thus- | god | Greek | θεός (theos) | enthusiasm, theology |
| the- | put | Greek | τίθημι (tithēmi), θήκη (thēkē) | Bibliotheca, theca, theme, 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 |
| therm- | heat, warm | Greek | θερμός (thermos) | endotherm, thermometer |
| thym- | mood | Greek | θυμός (thumos) | dysthymia |
| thyr- | door | Greek | θύρα (thura) | thyratron |
| thyre- | large shield | Greek | θυρεός (thureos) | Thyreophora, thyroid, thyrotropin, thyroxine |
| tim- | be afraid | Latin | timere | timid, timorous |
| ting-, tinct- | moisten | Latin | tingere, tinctus | tincture |
| tom- | cut | Greek | τομή (tome), τόμος (tomos) | atom, ectomy, tome |
| ton- | stretch | Greek | τόνος (tonos) | isotonic, monotone, tone |
| top- | place | Greek | τόπος (topos) | topic, topography, toponymy |
| torn-, tourn- | turn or rotate | Latin from Greek | tornare < τόρνος (tornos) | tornado, tournament |
| torpe- | be numb | Latin | torpere | torpent, torpid, torpor |
| torqu-, tort- | twist | Latin | torquere, tortus | extortion, torque, torture |
| tot- | all, whole | Latin | totus | subtotal, total, totality |
| tox- | arrow, bow | Greek | τόξον (toxon) | toxic, toxoplasmosis |
| trab- | beam | Latin | trabs, trabis | trabeculae |
| trachy- | rough | Greek | τραχύς (trachus) | trachea |
| trag- | goat | Greek | τράγος (tragos) | tragus |
| trah-, tract- | draw, pull | Latin | trahere, tractus | subtrahend, tractor |
| trans-, tra-, tran- | across | Latin | trans | tradition, transcend, transportation |
| trapez- | four-sided, table | Greek | τράπεζα (trapeza) | trapezius, trapezoid |
| traum- | wound | Greek | τραῦμα (trauma) | trauma, traumatic, traumatize |
| trecent- | three hundred | Latin | trecenti | trecentennial, trecentillion |
| tredec- | thirteen | Latin | tredecim | tredecimal |
| treiskaidek- | thirteen | Greek | τρεισκαίδεκα (treiskaideka) | triskaidekaphobia |
| trem- | tremble | Latin | tremere | tremor |
| trema- | hole | Greek | τρῆμα (trēma) | monotreme, trematode |
| tri- | three | Greek | τρεῖς, τρία (treis, tria) | triad, trigon, triode, tripod |
| tri- | three | Latin | trēs | triangle, triumvirate, trivia |
| tricen- | thirty each | Latin | triceni | tricenary |
| tricesim-, trigesim- | thirtieth | Latin | tricesimus | trigesimal |
| trich- | hair | Greek | θρίξ, τριχός (thrix, trichos) | peritrichous, trichopathophobia, 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 |
| trop- | turning | Greek | τρόπος (tropos) | heliotropism, psychotropic, tropic |
| troph- | feed, grow | Greek | τροφή, τροφός (trophos) | dystrophy, pogonotrophy, trophic |
| trud-, trus- | thrust | Latin | trudere, trusus | extrusion, intrude |
| tuss- | cough | Latin | tussis, tussire | pertussis |
| tympan- | drum | Greek | τύμπανον (tumpanon) | tympani |
| typ- | stamp, model | Greek | τύπος (tupos) | archetype, phenotype, typography |
U
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| umbr- | shade, shadow | Latin | umbra | penumbra, umbrella |
| un- | one | Latin | unus, unius | unary, unicorn, union |
| unc- | hooked | Latin | uncus | uncinate, Uncinia |
| unci- | ounce, twelfth | Latin | uncia | uncial |
| und- | wave | Latin | unda | abundant, redundancy, 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 |
| urb- | city | Latin | urbs, urbis | suburbanite, urban, urbanism, urbanize |
| urg- | work | Latin | urgere | urgent |
| urs- | bear | Latin | ursus | Ursa Major, ursine, Ursus |
| ut-, us- | use | Latin | uti, usus | usual, utility |
| uv- | grape | Latin | uva | uvea |
| uxor- | wife | Latin | uxor | uxoricide |
V
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vac- | empty | Latin | vacare | vacancy, vacation, vacuum |
| vacc- | cow | Latin | vacca | vaccary, vaccination, vaccine |
| vad-, vas- | go | Latin | vadere | evade, pervasive |
| vag- | wander | Latin | vagus, vagare | vagabond, vague |
| van- | empty, vain, idle | Latin | vanus | evanescent, vanity |
| vap- | lack (of) | Latin | vapor | evaporation, vapid, vaporize |
| veh-, vect- | carry | Latin | vehere, vectus | vehicle, vector |
| vel- | veil | Latin | velum | revelation, velate |
| vell-, vuls- | pull | Latin | vellere, vulsus | convulsion |
| veloc- | quick | Latin | velox, velocis | velocity |
| ven- | vein | Latin | vena | intravenous, venosity, venule |
| ven- | hunt | Latin | venari | venison |
| ven-, vent- | come | Latin | venire | advent, convention |
| vend- | sell | Latin | vendere | vendor, vending |
| vener- | respectful | Latin | venus, veneris | venerable, veneration, venereal |
| vent- | wind | Latin | ventus | ventilation, ventilator |
| ventr- | belly | Latin | venter, ventris | ventral |
| ver- | true | Latin | verus | aver, veracious, verify, verisimilitude, verity |
| verb- | word | Latin | verbum | verbal, verbatim, verbosity |
| verber- | whip | Latin | verber | reverberation |
| verm- | worm | Latin | vermis | vermiform, vermin |
| vern- | spring | Latin | ver, vernus | vernal |
| vert-, vers- | turn | Latin | vertere, versus | convert, inversion, invert, vertical |
| vesic- | bladder | Latin | vesica | vesical |
| vesper- | evening, western | Latin | vespera | vesperal |
| vest- | clothing, garment | Latin | vestis | divest, vest |
| vestig- | track | Latin | vestigium | investigate, vestigial |
| vet- | forbid | Latin | vetare | veto |
| veter- | old | Latin | vetus, veteris | inveterate, veteran |
| vi- | way | Latin | via | deviate, obvious, via |
| vic- | change | Latin | vicis | vice versa, vicissitude |
| vicen-, vigen- | twenty each | Latin | viceni | vicenary |
| vicesim-, vigesim- | twentieth | Latin | vicesimus | vicesimary, vicesimation, vigesimal |
| vid-, vis- | see | Latin | videre, visus | video, vision |
| vil- | cheap | Latin | vilis | revile, vile, vilify |
| vill- | country house | Latin | villa | villa, village, villain |
| vill- | shaggy hair | Latin | villus | velour, velvet, villiform |
| vin- | wine | Latin | vinum | vine, vinous |
| vinc-, vict- | conquer | Latin | vincere, victus | invincible, victory |
| vir- | man | Latin | vir | triumvirate, virility |
| vir- | green | Latin | virere | virid, viridian |
| visc- | thick | Latin | viscum | viscosity |
| viscer- | internal organ | Latin | viscus, visceris | eviscerate, visceral |
| vit- | life | Latin | vita | vital, vitamin |
| vitell- | yolk | Latin | vitellus | vitellogenesis |
| viti- | fault | Latin | vitium | vice, vitiate |
| vitr- | glass | Latin | vitrum | vitreous, vitriol |
| viv- | live | Latin | vivere | revive, survive, vivid |
| voc- | voice | Latin | vox, vocis | provocative, vocal, vocation |
| vol- | fly | Latin | volare | volatility |
| vol- | wish | Latin | velle | volition |
| volv-, volut- | roll | Latin | volvere, volutus | convolution, revolve |
| vom- | discharge | Latin | vomere | vomit |
| vor-, vorac- | swallow | Latin | vorare, vorax | devour, voracious |
| vov-, vot- | vow | Latin | vovere, votus | votive |
| vulg- | crowd | Latin | vulgus | divulge, vulgarity, vulgate |
| vulner- | wound | Latin | vulnus, vulneris | vulnerable |
| vulp- | fox | Latin | vulpēs, vulpis | vulpine |
X
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| xanth- | yellow | Greek | ξανθός (xanthos) | xanthium, xanthochromia, xanthogenic, xanthophyll |
| xen- | foreign | Greek | ξένος (xenos) | xenoblast, xenogamy, xenophobia, xenon |
| xer- | dry | Greek | ξηρός (xēros) | xeroderma, xerography, xeromorph, xerophagy, xerophile, xerophyte |
| xiph- | sword | Greek | ξίφος (xiphos) | xiphisternum, xiphoid, xiphophyllous |
| xyl- | wood | Greek | ξύλον (xulon) | xylem, xylocarp, xyloid, xylophone |
Z
| Root | Meaning in English | Origin language | Etymology (root origin) | English examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| zel- | zeal, jealousy | Greek | ζῆλος (zēlos) | jealousy, zeal |
| zo- | animal, living being | Greek | ζῷον (zōion) | protozoa, zoo, zoology |
| zon- | belt, girdle | Greek | ζώνη (zōnē) | zonal, zone |
| zyg- | yoke | Greek | ζυγός (zugon) | heterozygous, zygote |
| zym- | ferment | Greek | ζύμη (zumē) | enzyme, lysozyme |