Elements and Structure of Medical Terminology
by
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The following three sections, then, will be organized around a chart that has four columns. These columns will be concerned, respectively and in order left to right, with (1) type of element, (2) language of origin and medical relationship, (3) combination forms, and (4) English meaning.
1. The organizing chart is shown below.
Specific Element |
Language |
Combinations/Forms Special Use |
Combinations/Forms English Derivative |
English Meaning(s) |
| Meaning prefix, root, or suffix | 1. Meaning language of origin. Also given are: 2. Part of speech: noun, verb, adjective, and 3. Body or medical relationship |
For example, (before vowels only) | Usually applies to prefixes | In order of priority: 1. 2. 3. etc. |
2. In short, this chart applies to each of the sections only in certain specifics. Thus, the organizing principle for each of the sections will be given at the start of each of the sections. Column 1 will be headed Prefix, Root Word, or Suffix as applicable; numbers 2 and 3 under Column 2 apply only to roots and root words; Column 3 applies to prefixes and suffixes--the same column in the root section will be combining forms only, in this order:
Root
Nominative singular
Nominative plural
Genitive singular
Specific medical reference
The change caused (if any) by a prefix/suffix addition
3. Column 3 refers to the way the word is found in its various altered spellings and when in combination with other prefixes, roots, and suffixes.
4. Further, specific problems relating to each of the sections will be discussed and analyzed in the appropriate sections. In this respect, one can note a problem regarding transliterations of the Greek letter kappa, which becomes C or K in English. A problem also arises regarding the "true" or "basic" stem of a root. These are deemed matters of consistency.
5. From the prefix section, reading across, you can note the following example:
Ambi |
Latin |
Before consonants or vowels |
ambi- am- |
Both Around At |
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
The Greek physician, Hippocrates, who lived from 460 to 377 B.C., is credited with the development and use of medical terminology. The Romans adopted Greek medicine and terminology by the Third Century B.C. and for convenience, often gave the words Latin spellings. During the Renaissance, both Latin and Greek received new importance, as these became the medium of accurate transfer of the increasing intellectual inquiry and discoveries. They provided a convenient, proven, and ready method of constructing medical words that could be used and understood by physicians and scientists throughout Europe and other parts of the world. Over seventy-five percent of the scientific words commonly used today are of these ancient languages. The balance came from later translations of Arabic, German, and French, which are not included in this text, since they tend to stand alone and are unique. Current medical terminology is one accepted as the standard for communicating medical information and is used by health care professionals the world over. Since ancient Greek and Latin are deemed "dead" languages, the meanings of their elements (prefixes, roots, and suffixes) have ‘not changed’ over the centuries. In addition the rules of combining them that evolved also stood the test of time. Thus, medical terms formed from their combination are logical and precise, leading to their universal acceptance and use. This book is not a mere compendium of medical terms used. Rather, it constitutes a compilation of the most used elements (prefixes, root words, suffixes), along with their English meanings. It also explains how to properly combine these elements in such a way as to describe or denote a medical object, condition, or state.