Root word Meanings Or Examples and Definitions

a/n not, without G abyss - without bottom;

achromatic - without color;
anhydrous - without water
a on L afire - on fire;
ashore - on the shore;
aside - on the side
a, ab/s from, away, off L abduct - carry away by force;
abnormal - away from normal, not normal;
absent - away, not present;
aversion - the act of turning away from;
abbreviate: to shorten.
a/c/d to, toward, near L accelerate - to increase the speed of;
accessible - easily entered, approached, or obtained;
admittance - allowing into;
acro top, height, tip, G acrobat - a "high walker";
beginning acronym - a word formed from the first (capital) letters of a word;
acrophobia - fear of height
act do L activity - something that a person does;
react - to do something in response;
interaction - communication between two or more things
aer/o air G aerate - to let air reach something;
aerial - reLg to the air;
aerospace - the air space
agr/i/o farming L agriculture - management of the land,
G agribusiness - making money by utilizing land;
agrarian - reLg to the management of land
alg/o pain L neuralgia - pain caused by a nerve;
analgesic - a drug that makes one pain free;
nostalgia - aching for the familiar
ambi, both, on both sides, L ambidextrous - able to use both hands equally;
amphi around ambiguous - having more than one meaning;
ambivalence - conflicting or opposite feelings toward a person or thing
ambul walk, move L amble - to walk in a slow, relaxed way;
ambulant - walking or moving around;
ambulance - a vehicle that moves a patient
ami/o love L amiable - friendly, pleasant, lovable;
amity - friendly and peaceful relations;
amorous - showing romantic love
ana up, back, against, G analysis - a close examination of something;
again, throughout anatomy - the structure of something as visible when cut up for analysis;
anachronism - not being in the right place in time
andr/o man, male G androgynous - being both male and female;
android - resembling a human;
misandry - hatred towards men
anim life, spirit L animal - a living organism;
animate - to make alive;
equanimity - of balanced spirit
ann/enn year L anniversary - a date observed once a year;
annual - happening once a year;
millennium - 1,000 years
ante before, in front L antecede - to come before something in time;
antemeridian - before noon;
anteroom- a small room before the main room
anth/o flower G chrysanthemum and amaranth - names of flowers;
anthology - a collection of treasured writings;
anthozoan - half plant, half animal, like anemones and corals.
anthrop/o human G anthropology - the study of mankind;
anthropomorphism - giving human form to non-human things;
 philanthropy - the love to mankind (expressed through good deeds)
anti against, opposite of G antibody - a substance that destroys micro-organisms;
antiseptic - preventing infection;
antisocial - opposing social norm
apo, apho away, off, separate G aphorism - a short expression of a general truth;
apology - an explicit expression of regret,
apostrophe - a small dash used in place of an omitted letter
aqu/a water L aquarium - a water container for fish;
aquatic- reLg to water;
aqueduct - a pipeline for water
arbor tree L arborist - someone working with trees;
arbor - a shady area formed by trees;
arborous - having many trees
arch/i chief, most G archbishop - the highest ranking bishop;
important, rule archenemy - chief or worst enemy;
matriarch - a female who rules a group;
monarch - a king or queen
arch/a/i primitive, ancient G archaeology - the study of ancient cultures;
archaic - belonging to an earlier period;
archive - a collection of historical materials
arthr/o joint L arthroscope - a tool to see inside a joint;
G arthritis - inflammation of a joint;
arthropod - invertebrates with jointed legs, like spiders, crustaceans, insects
art skill L artifact - object made by a person's skill;
artisan - a person skilled in a craft;
artist - a person who creates skillfully
astro, star, stars, outer G astronaut - a person traveling to the stars;
aster space astronomer - someone who studies the stars;
asterisk - a star-shaped sign used as a reference tool
aud/i/io hear L audible - loud enough to be heard;
audience - people who listen to a program;
audiovisual - reLg to sound and vision
auto self, same, one G autocrat - a person who governs with absolute power;
autograph - a person's own signature;
automatic - moving by itself
avi/a bird L aviary - a large enclosure for birds;
aviatrix - a female airplane pilot;
aviation - the art of designing or operating aircraft
bar/o pressure, weight G baric - pertaining to pressure, esp. of the atmosphere;
milliard - metric unit, equal to 1/1000th of a bar;
baryon - heavy elementary particle
bell/i war L bellicose - warlike;
belligerent - hostile, ready to fight;
rebel - person who opposes and fights
bene good, well L benefactor - person who gives money to a cause;
beneficial - producing a good effect;
benevolent - showing kindness or goodwill
bi/n two, twice, once in L biannual - happening twice a year;
every two binoculars - optical device with two lenses;
bilateral - of or involving two sides
bibli/o book G bibliography - a list of books used as sources;
bibliomania - an extreme love of books;
bibliophile - a person who loves books
bio life, living matter G biography- a life story written by another person;
biology - the science of life;
biosphere - Earth's surface inhabited by living things
blast/o cell, primitive, G blastula - an early stage of embryonic development;
immature cell fibroblast - a cell that forms connective tissue;
blastoderm - the layer surrounding the inside of an egg
burs pouch, purse L bursar- an administrative officer in charge of funds;
bursary- the treasury of a college or monastery;
disburse- to expend especially from a public fund
calc stone L calcite; calcium- the flame of acetylene gas generated by reaction of
calcium carbide with water;
calcification- impregnation with calcareous matter
cand glowing, iridescent L candid- free from bias, prejudice, or malice;
candle- something that gives light;
incandescent- white, glowing, or luminous with intense heat
capt, cept, take, hold L intercept - to stop or interrupt;
ceive perceive - to take notice of something;
captivating - taking hold of
cardi/o heart G cardiac - reLg to the heart;
cardiogenic - resulting from heart disease;
cardiologist - a heart doctor
carn/i flesh, meat L carnivorous - flesh-eating;
carnal - pertaining to the body or flesh;
incarnate - given bodily form
cata down, against G cataclysm - a flood or other disaster,
completely, catalog - a complete listing;
intensive, catastrophe - turning for the worst, a substantial disaster
according to
caust, to burn L cauterize - to burn with a hot instrument;
caut G caustic - capable of burning or eating away;
holocaust - total devastation, especially by fire
cede, go, yield L exceed - to go beyond the limits;
ceed, recede - to go back;
cess accessible - easily entered, approached, or obtained;
celer fast L accelerate - to increase the speed of;
decelerate - to reduce the speed of
cent/i hundred, hundredth L centennial- the 100th anniversary;
centimeter - 1/100 of a meter;
century - 100 years
centr/o/i center G egocentric - self-centered;
eccentric - not having a common center, not according to norm;
centrifugal - moving outward from a center
cephal/o head G encephalitis - inflammation of the brain;
cephalic - pertaining to the head;
cephalopod - marine mollusks like octopus and squid who have
tentacles growing from their head
cerebr/o brain L cerebral - pertaining to the brain;
cerebrate - to use the brain;
cerebrospinal - pertaining to the brain and the spinal cord
cert sure L ascertain- to find out something with certainty;
certain - being absolutely sure;
certify - to state that something is true
chrom/o color, pigment G achromatic - without color;
chromat/o, chromium - a blue-white metallic chemical element,
chros chromatics - the study of color
chron/o time G chronic - lasting for a long time;
chronological - arranging events in time order,
synchronize - happening at the same time
chrys/o gold, yellow G chrysanthemum and helichrysum - golden/yellow flowers;
chrysolite - a yellowish gem
cide, cise cut, kill L homicide - murder;
incisor - a sharp tooth for cutting food;
insecticide - a chemical used to kill insects
circum, around, about L circumnavigate - to sail around;
circle circumscribe - to draw around;
circumspect - looking around
claim, clam shout, speak out L clamor - to shout and make noise;
exclaim - to cry out loudly and suddenly;
proclamation - something announced officially in public
clar clear L clarification - an explanation;
clarify - to make something clear;
declare - to state something clearly
clud, clus close L conclusion - the end or last part;
exclusion - shutting out, rejecting;
seclude - to keep away from; to isolate
cline lean L inclination - a leaning toward;
incline - a surface that slopes or leans;
recline - to lean back and relax
co with, together, joint L coauthor - writer who collaborates with another author;
coeducation - educating males and females together;
cohousing - planning your neighborhood in an intentional neighborly fashion
col together, jointly L Collaborate - to work together;
collision - smashing together;
colloquial - words formed by everday interaction
com together, common L commemorate - to memorize together;
composition - an arrangement or putting together of parts;
commune - living together while owning things in common
cogn/i know L cognition - process of acquiring knowledge;
incognito - disguised so no one knows you;
recognize - to discover that one knows
con with, jointly L concur - to agree with someone;
contemporary - of the same time period as others;
convention - a gathering of people with a common interest
contra/o against, opposite L Contradict- to argue against,
Contraflow- contraception, contrary-not in agreement, controversy
disagreement
corp/o body L corporation - a company recognized by law as a single body;
corpse - a dead body;
corporal - pertaining to the body
cosm/o universe G cosmonaut - a Russian astronaut;
cosmos - the universe;
microcosm - a miniature universe
counter opposite, contrary, counteract - to oppose the effects of an action;
opposing countermand - to cancel a previous order;
counteroffensive - attack against an attack
cranio skull G craniology - the study of skull characteristics;
cranium - skull of vertebrates;
cranial - pertaining to the skull
cred believe L credence - belief that something is true or valid;
credulous - believing things too easily, gullible;
incredible - unbelievable
cruc cross L crucial-characteristic of or having the form of a cross ;
crucifix- the cross itself as a Christian emblem;
excruciating- so intense as to cause great pain or anguish
crypto hidden, secret G cryptic - of hidden meaning;
cryptography - science of secret codes;
encrypt - encode into secret code
cumul mass, heap L accumulate - to gather or pile up;
cumulative - gradually building up
curr, curs run L concurrent- running parallel;
current- flowing easily and smoothly;
cursive- having a flowing, easy, impromptu character
cycl circle, ring G bicycle - a vehicle with two wheels;
cycle - a sequence that is repeated;
cyclone - a storm with circling winds
de reduce, away, down, L decelerate - to slow down, reduce speed;
remove dethrone - to remove from power;
debug - to remove bugs
dec/a, ten G decade - 10 years;
deka decathlon - athletic contest that includes 10 disciplines in which each
participant competes;
December - formerly the 10th month of the Roman calendar
deci one tenth L deciliter - a tenth of a liter;
decimate - reduce dramatically;
decibel - one tenth of the sound volume unit bel
dem/o people G democracy - government of the people;
demographic - the study of people;
epidemic - spreading among people in a region
demi half, less than L demitasse - a small cup of coffee;
demimonde - someone of little respected life style
dendr/o/i tree G philodendron - a climbing plant that grows on trees;
dendrochronology - dating events by studying growth rings in trees;
dendriform - in the shape of a tree
dent, dont tooth L dental - reLg to teeth;
dentist - a doctor for the teeth;
dentures - a set of false teeth
derm/a skin G dermatologist - a doctor for the skin;
pachyderm - a class of animals with very thick skin (elephant,
rhinoceros);
dermatitis - inflammation of the skin
di/plo two, twice G dichromatic - displaying two colors;
diploma - a certificate, literally "a letter folded double";
dilemma - a situation that requires a choice between two alternatives.
di/s apart, away, L digression - a departure from the main issue, subject;
not, to the opposite disappear - to move out of sight;
dissect - to cut apart piece by piece.
dia through, between, G diabetes - disease characterized by excessive thirst and discharge of
apart, across urine;
diagnosis - understanding a condition by going through a detailed
review of symptoms;
dialog - conversation between two people.
dict speak L contradict - to express the opposite of;
prediction - a statement foretelling the future;
dictate - to speak out loud for another person to write down.
domin master L dominate - to be the master of;
domineering - excessively controlling;
predominate - to have more power than others
don/at give L donation - a contribution or gift;
donor - someone who gives something;
pardon - to give forgiveness for an offense
duc/t lead L conduct - to lead musicians in playing music;
educate - to lead to knowledge;
deduction - a subtraction of an amount.
du/o two, twice L duplicate - make an identical copy;
duet - a musical composition for two voices or instruments;
duo - a pair normally thought of as being together.
dur harden, to last, L durable - having the quality of lasting;
lasting duration - the length of time something lasts;
enduring - able to last.
dyn/a/am power, energy, G dynamo - a generator of energy;
strength dynamic - having physical energy/power;
dynamite - a powerful explosive.
dys abnormal, bad G dyspepsia - abnormal digestion;
dystopia - an imaginary place of total misery;
 dyslexia - impairment of the ability to handle words.
e- out, away L eloquent - speaking beautifully and forcefully;
emissary - a representative of a country or group sent on a mission;
eject - throw out forcefully.
ego self L egoistic - self-centered;
G alter ego - a higher aspect of oneself;
egomania - excessive preoccupation with oneself.
em, en into, cover with, empathy - intention to feel like another person;
cause empower - put into power;
engorge - make larger.
endo within, inside G endotherm - a creature that can keep its inside temperature fairly constant;
endocrine - reLg to glands that secrete directly into the blood or lymph;
endogamy - the custom to marry within one's clan, tribe etc.
enn/i, anni years L bicentennial - of or reLg to an age or period of 200 years;
centennial - of or reLg to an age or period of 100 years;
perennial -lasting through many years.
en, in inside, inwards L envision - to picture in the mind;
enclose - lock inside;
inwards - towards the inside.
ep/i on, upon, over, G epidemic - the rapid spread of something negative;
among, at, after, epilogue - a short speech delivered after a play;
to, outside epicenter - the center of an earthquake.
equ/i equal, equally L equidistant - an equal distance from two points;
equanimity - calm temperament, evenness of temper;
equation - a statement of equality.
erg/o work G ergonomics - study of the working environment;
energy - the power to accomplish work;
energetics - science that looks at energy and its transformation.
esth/aesth feeling, sensation, L esthetician - someone who beautifies;
beauty aesthetic - pertaining to a sense of beauty;
kinesthesia - the sensation of bodily movement.
ethno race, people G ethnic - pertaining to a defined group of people;
ethnocentric - focusing on the ethnicity of people;
ethnology - the science of people and races.
eu good, well G euphemism - replacing an offensive word with an inoffensive one;
euphonious - having a pleasant sound;
euphoria - feeling of well-being.
ex from, out, L excavate - to dig out;
exhale - to breathe out;
extract - to pull out.
extra, outside, beyond L extraordinary - beyond ordinary;
extro extraterrestrial - outside the Earth;
extrovert - an outgoing person.
fac/t make, do L artifact - an object made by a person;
factory - a place where things are made;
malefact - a person who does wrong.
fer bear, bring, carry L confer - to bring an honor to someone;
ferry - a boat that carries passengers;
transfer - to move to another place.
fid faith L confide - place trust in someone,
fidelity - faithfulness;
fiduciary - a trustee;
flect bend L deflect - to bend course because of hitting something;
inflection - a bending in the voice's tone or pitch;
flexible - easily bending.
flor/a, flower L florist - someone working with flowers;
fleur floral - flowerlike;
flora - the plant life of a particular time or area
for completely (used to forsaken or forfeited - completely lost;
 intensify forgiven - completely given (a release of debt).
the meaning of a
word)
fore in front of, previous, forebear - ancestor;
earlier forebode - to give an advance warning of something bad;
forecast - a preview of events to be.
form shape L conformity- correspondence in form, manner, or character;
formation- something that is formed;
reformatory- intended for reformation
fract, frag break L fracture - a break;
fragile - easy to break;
fragment or fraction - a part or element of a larger whole;
fug flee, run away, L fugitive - a person who is running away;
escape refuge - a sheltered place to flee to;
refugee - a person seeking protection
funct perform, work L defunct - no longer working or alive;
function - to work or perform a role normally;
malfunction - to fail to work correctly.
fus pour L confusion - being flooded with too much information that is hard to
make sense of;
fuse - to melt by heating;
infuse - to put into.
gastr/o stomach G gastric - pertaining to the stomach;
gastronomy - serving the stomach by providing good food;
gastritis - inflammation of the stomach.
gen/o/e/ birth, production, G genealogy - the study of the history of a family;
genesis formation, kind generation - all the people born at approximately the same time;
genetic -reLg to heredity encoded in the genes.
geo earth, soil, global G geography - study of the earth's surface;
geology - study of the structure of the earth;
geoponics - soil based agriculture.
ger old age G geriatrics - medicine pertaining to the elderly;
gerontocracy - the rule of the elders;
gerontology - the science of aging.
giga a billion G gigabyte - unit of computer storage space;
gigahertz - unit of frequency (one billion Hz/sec);
gigawatt- unit of electric power (one billion watts).
gon angle L decagon - a polygon with 10 angles;
G diagonal - a slanting line running across a space;
octagon - a geometrical figure with 8 angles.
gram letter, written G diagram - a simple drawing;
grammar - rules of how to write words in sentences;
telegram - a message sent by telegraph.
gran grain L granary- a storehouse or repository for grain especially after it is threshed or husked;
granola- a mixture of rolled oats and other ingredients;
granule- a little grain (as of sugar)
graph/y writing, recording, G Graphology - the study of handwritings;
written autograph - written with one's own hand;
seismograph - a machine noting strength and duration of earthquakes.
grat pleasing L gratify - to please someone;
grateful - feeling thankful;
gratuity - a tip, token of appreciation.
gyn/o/e woman, female G gynecology - the science of female reproductive health;
gynephobia - fear of women;
gynecoid - resembling a woman.
gress, to step, to go L digression - a departure from the main issue, subject, etc.;
grad/e/i progress - movement forward or onward;
gradual - step by step.
hect/o, hundred G hectoliter - 100 liters;
hecat hectare - metric unit equaling 100 ares or 10,000 square meters;
 hectometer - 100 meters.
helic/o spiral, circular G helicopter - an aircraft with horizontal rotating wing;
helix - a spiral form;
helicon - a circular tuba.
heli/o sun G heliotropism - movement or growth in reLg to the sun;
heliograph - apparatus used to send message with the help of sunlight;
helianthus - genus of plants including sunflowers.
hemi half, partial G hemicycle - a semicircular structure;
hemisphere - one half of the earth;
hemistich - half a line of poetry.
hem/o/a blood L hemorrhage - clotting of the blood;
G hemorrhoids - swelling of the blood vessels;
hemoglobin - red blood particle.
hepa liver L hepatitis - inflammation of the liver;
hepatoma - a tumor of the liver;
hepatotoxic - toxic and damaging to the liver.
hept/a seven G heptagon - a shape with seven angles and seven sides;
Heptateuch - the first seven books of the Old Testament;
heptameter - a line of verse consisting of seven metrical feet.
herbi grass, plant L herbicide - any chemical used to kill unwanted plants, etc.;
herbivorous - plant-eating;
herbal - reLg to plants.
hetero different, other G heterogeneous - made up of unrelated parts;
heteronyms - words with same spelling but different meanings;
heterodox - not conforming to traditional beliefs.
hex/a six G hexagon - a shape with six angles/sides;
hexameter - a verse measured in six;
hexapod - having six legs.
histo tissue G histology - study of the microscopic structure of tissues;
histochemistry - study of the chemical constitution of cells and tissues.
homo, like, alike, same L homogeneous - of the same nature or kind;
homeo G homonym - sounding alike;
homeopath - a therapy that is based on treating "same with same"
hydr/o liquid, water G hydrate - to add water to;
hydrophobia - intense fear of water;
hydroponics - growing plants in liquid nutrient solution;
hydraulic - operated by force created by a liquid.
hygr/o moisture, humidity G hygrometer - tool used to measure humidity;
hygrograph - instrument for recording variations in atmospheric
humidity.
hyper too much, over, L hyperactive - very restless;
excessive, beyond G hypercritical - too critical;
hypertension - above normal pressure.
hyp/o under G hypoglycemia - an abnormally low level of sugar in the blood;
hypothermia - abnormally low body temperature;
hypothesis - a theory that is unproven but used under the assumption
that it is true.
iatr/o medical care G geriatrics - medical care of the elderly;
pediatrician - a doctor who treats children;
podiatry - medical care for feet.
icon/o image L icon - an (often religious) image, in modern usage a simplified graphic of
G high symbolic content;
iconology - science of symbols and icons;
iconoclast - someone who destroys religious images and traditional
beliefs.
idio peculiar, personal, G idiomatic - Peculiar to a particular language;
distinct idiosyncracy - a physical or mental characteristic typical or a particular
person;
idiot - someone who is distinctly foolish or stupid.
il, in in, into L illuminate - to give light to;
innovation - a new idea, method, or device;
inspection - the act of examining or reviewing.
ig, il, im, not, without L illegal - not legal;
in, ir impossible - not possible;
inappropriate - not appropriate;
irresponsible - not responsible.
imag likeness L image - a likeness of someone;
imaginative - able to think up new ideas or images;
imagine - to form a picture or likeness in the mind.
infra beneath, below L infrastructure - underlying framework of a system;
infrared - below the regular light spectrum.
inter between, among, L international - involving two or more countries;
jointly intersection - place where roads come together;
intercept - to stop or interrupt the course of.
intra, within, inside L intrastate - existing in one state;
intro intravenous - inside or into a vein;
introvert - shy person who keeps within him/herself.
ir not L irredeemable - not redeemable;
irreformable - not reformable;
irrational - not rational.
iso equal isobar - a line on a map connecting points of equal barometric pressure;
isometric - having equality of measure;
isothermal - having equal or constant temperature.
ject throw L eject - to throw someone/something out;
interject - to throw a remark into a discussion;
project - to cast or throw something.
jud law L judgment - a decision of a court of law;
judicial - having to do with judges or courts of law;
judiciary - a system of courts of law.
junct join L conjunction - a word that joins parts of sentences;
disjunction - a disconnection;
junction - a place where two things join.
juven young L juvenile - youthful or childish;
rejuvenate - to bring back to youthful strength or appearance.
kilo thousand G kilobyte - 1,000 bytes;
kilometer - 1,000 meter;
kilograms - 1,000 grams.
kine/t motion, division G kinetics - study of the force of motion;
/mat psychokinesis or telekinesis - the ability to move objects with your
mind;
cinematography - motion picture making.
lab work L collaborate - to work with a person;
elaborate - to work out the details;
laborious - requiring a lot of hard work.
lact/o milk L lactate - to give milk, nurse;
lactose - the sugar contained in milk;
lactic acid.
later side L bilateral - of or involving two sides;
unilateral - affecting one side of something.
leuk/o, white, colorless G leukemia - abnormal increase of white blood cells in the blood;
leuc/o leukocyte - a mature white blood cell;
leucine - a white, crystalline amino acid.
lex word, law, reading G lexicology - the study and history of words;
alexia -loss of the ability to read;
illegal - not authorized by the official rules or laws.
liber free L liberate - to set free;
libertine - a person with a free, wild lifestyle;
liberty - freedom.
lingu language, tongue L linguist - one who studies languages;
multilingual - able to communicate in multiple languages;
linguine - long, flat "tongue-shaped" pasta.
lip/o fat G liposuction - the mechanical removal of fat reserves in the tissue;
lipase - enzyme that breaks down fat;
lipoid - resembling fat.
lite, ite, mineral, rock, fossil G apatite - a group of common minerals;
lith/o granite - a hard, granular rock;
monolith - a remarkable, unique stone.
loc place L dislocate - to put something out of its usual place;
location - a place;
relocate - to move to a new place.
log/o word, doctrine, G logic - correct reasoning;
discourse monologue - a long speech by one speaker;
analogy - similarity, especially between things otherwise dissimilar.
loqu, locu speak L eloquent - speaking beautifully and forcefully ;
loquacious - very talkative;
elocution - art of public speaking.
luc light L elucidate - to explain, to throw light on;
lucid - easily understood, giving off light;
translucent - allowing light through.
lud, lus to play L prelude - introduction to the major performance;
illusion - misleading optical image or impression;
delude - to mislead, deceive.
lumin light L illuminate - to fill with light;
lumen - unit measuring light.
lun/a/i moon L lunar - reLg to the moon;
lunarscape - the surface of the moon;
lunatic - insane (as if driven mad by the moon).
macro large, great G macroevolution - large scale evolution;
macromolecule - a large molecule;
macroeconomics - study of the overall forces of economy.
magn/a/i great, large L magnify - make larger;
magnificent - grand;
magnate - a powerful person, especially in business or industry.
mal/e bad, ill, wrong L malcontent - wrong content;
malaria - "bad air", infectious disease thought to originate from the "bad
air" of the swamps, but caused by the bite of an infected mosquito;
malicious - showing strong ill will.
man/i/u hand L maneuver - to move by hand;
manual - done with the hands;
manuscript - a book written by hand.
mand to order L command - an order or instruction;
demand - a hard-to-ignore order;
mandate - an official order.
mania madness, insanity, G bibliomania - a crazy love of books;
excessive desire egomania - a mad love of oneself;
maniac- an insane person.
mar/i sea L marina - a harbor for pleasure boats;
maritime - reLg to the sea;
submarine - an undersea boat;
aquamarine - color of sea water.
mater, mother L maternal - reLg to motherhood;
matr/i maternity - the state of being a mother;
matriarch - a woman head of a household.
max greatest L maximal - the best or greatest possible;
maximize - to make as great as possible;
maximum - the greatest amount.
medi middle L medieval - pertaining to the Middle Ages;
 medium - in the middle;
mediocre - only of medium (inferior) quality.
mega great, large, million G megalopolis - an area with many nearby cities;
megaphone - a device that projects a loud voice;
megastructure - huge building or other structure.
melan/o black G melancholy - a state of dark emotions;
melanoma - malignant dark tumor of the skin;
melodrama - a dark, pathetic drama.
memor/i remember L commemorate - to honor the memory of, as by a ceremony;
memorial - related to remembering a person or event;
memory: an ability to retain knowledge or an individual's stock of retained knowledge.
merge, dip, dive L immerge or immerse - to put or dip something into a liquid;
mers submerge- to dip something completely into wate.r
meso middle L Mesoamerica - Middle America;
G meson - elementary particle with a mass between an electron and a proton.
meta change, after, G metaphysics - study of nature and reality;
beyond, between metamorphosis - a complete change of form;
metastasis - the transmission of disease to other parts of the body.
meter, measure G audiometer- an instrument that measures hearing acuteness;
metr/y chronometer- an instrument that measures time;
metric - measured.
micro very small, short, G microbe - a very small living thing;
minute microchip - a tiny wafer with an integrated circuit;
microscope - a device to see very small things.
mid middle L midriff - the area between the chest and the waist;
G midterm - middle of a term in school;
midway - halfway between.
migr move L immigrant - a person who moves to a new country to settle;
migrant - person who moves from place to place;
migration - the process of moving.
milli onethousandth L millimeter - one thousandth of a meter;
millibar - one thousandth of a bar;
milliliter - one thousandth of a liter.
min/i small, less L mini - something that is very small;
minuscule - extremely tiny;
minutiae - very small or trivial details.
mis/o bad, badly, wrong, G misbehave - to behave badly;
wrongly, misprint - an error in printing;
to hate misnomer - an error in naming a person or thing.
miss, mit send, let go L dismiss - to send someone away;
missile - a weapon sent into the air;
emit - to send something out;
admittance - entry.
mob move L immobilize - to stop from moving;
mobile - able to move freely;
mobility - the quality of being able to move.
mon/o one, single, alone G monochromat - having one color;
monologue - a speech spoken by one person;
monotheism - belief in one god.
mot, mov move L motion - the act of moving;
motivate - to move someone to action; promote to move someone forward;
removable - able to be taken or carried away.
morph/o form G metamorphosis - complete change of form;
endorphins - chemical in the brain able to transform pain;
amorphous - without distinct shape or form.
mort death L immortal - living forever, unable to die;
mortal - certain to die;
mortician - an undertaker.
multi many, more than one L multicolored - having many colors;
 or two multimedia - using a range of media;
multitasking - doing many things at once.
mut change L immutable - not changing;
mutant - an organism that has undergone change;
mutate - to undergo a change.
my/o muscle L myocardium - the middle muscle of the heart;
myasthenia - muscle fatigue or weakness;
myosin - common protein in muscle tissue.
narr tell L narrate - to tell a story;
narrative - a story;
narrator - a person who tells a story.
nat born L innate - included since birth;
natal - reLg to birth;
natural - gotten at birth, not afterward.
nav ship L circumnavigate - to sail around a place;
naval - reLg to a navy or warships;
navigate - to sail a ship through a place.
necr/o dead, death G necrophil - loving death;
necrosis - the death of tissue due to disease or injury;
necrology - a list of persons who have recently died.
neg no L negate - to say it didn't happen;
negative - meaning "no";
renege - to go back on a promise.
neo new, recent neoclassic - a revival of classic form,
neocolonialism - the indirect ("new") economical and political control
of a region by a more powerful foreign power;
neonatal - a newborn child, especially the first few weeks.
nephr/o kidney G nephritis - inflammation of the kidneys;
nephrotomy - surgical incision of a kidney;
nephron - a single, excretory unit in the kidney.
neur/o nerve G neuralgia - pain along a nerve;
neurologist - doctor specializing in the nerves;
neurotic - mental disorder that usually does not include an impaired
perception of reality.
nom/in name L misnomer - an error in naming a person or thing;
nominal - being something in name only but not in reality;
nominate - to name for election or appointment, to designate.
non no, not, without L nondescript - with no special characteristics;
nonfiction - true, real, not made-up;
nonsense - without sense.
not mark L notable - marked as worthy of attention;
notarize - to certify a signature on a legal document;
annotate - to add remarks.
noun, declare L announce - to declare in public;
nunc denounce - to proclaim harsh criticism;
enunciate - to speak or declare something clearly.
nov new L innovate - to introduce a new way;
novelty - something new;
novice - a person who is new at a job;
renovate - to make something like new again.
numer number L enumerate - to name a number of items on a list;
numerology - the study of magical uses of numbers;
numerous - a large number.
ob, op in the way, against L object - to be against something;
obscure - hard to understand;
opposition - the act of resistance or action against.
oct/a/o eight G octagon - a figure with 8 sides and 8 angles;
octogenarian - person in his or her 80s;
octopus - sea animal with 8 arms.
ocu eye L binoculars - lens device for seeing distances;
monocula - reLg to one eye;
oculist - an eye doctor.
od path, way G diode - an electron tube having two electrodes, a cathode and an anode;
odometer - an instrument attached to a vehicle to measure the distance
traversed;
triode - an electron tube with an anode, a cathode, and a control grid
odor smell, scent L deodorant - a substance that helps prevent body odor;
malodorous - having a terribly bad smell;
odoriferous- something that bears or diffuses a scent
omni all L omnipotent - with all the power;
omniscient - knowing all things;
omnivorous eating all foods.
op/t/s eye, visual condition, G optic - reLg to the eyes;
sight optician - a person who fits eyeglasses;
autopsy - the examination of a dead body.
opt best L optimal - the best, the most desirable;
optimize - to make the best of;
optimum - the best something could be.
ortho straight G orthodontist - a dentist that straightens teeth;
orthopedic - a doctor concerned with the proper alignment of the
bones;
orthography - the correct way of writing.
osteo bone G osteoarthritis - inflammation caused by degeneration of the joints;
osteopathy - therapy that uses among others manipulation of the skeleton to
restore health;
osteology - the study of bones.
out goes beyond, Outgoing - being of lively, sharing nature;
surpasses, exceeds outdoing - doing better than;
outdoor - outside.
over excessive En overconfident - more confident than is appropriate;
gli overstock - more supplies than is desirable;
sh overexcited - ,more excited than one should be.
oxi/oxy sharp G oxymoron - combining two ideas that sharply contradict each other;
oxidize - corrode a surface.
pale/o ancient G paleontology - study of ancient fossils;
paleography - the study of ancient forms of writing;
Paleolithic - period of the Stone Age.
pan all, any, everyone G panacea - a cure for all diseases or problems;
panorama - an all-around view;
pantheism - the worship of all gods;
pandemic - affecting all.
para beside, beyond, G parasite - an organism that lives on and off another living being;
abnormal, parallel - alongside and always an equal distance apart;
assistant paragraph - a portion of a writtenn document that presents a distinct
idea.
para protection from parachute - protection from falling;
parasol - an umbrella used to protect from the sun;
pater, father L paternal - reLg to fathers;
patr/i G paternity - fatherhood;
patriarch - a man who rules a group.
path feeling, emotion antipathy - a feeling of great dislike;
apathy - a lack of feeling or interest;
empathy - ability to understand another's feelings.
ped/i/e foot, feet L pedal - a lever pushed by the foot;
pedestrian - one who walks;
pedicure - cosmetic treatment of feet and toes.
pel drive, force L compel - to force someone to act;
expel - to drive someone out of a place;
 repel - to force back.
pent/a five G pentagon - shape having 5 angles and 5 sides,
pentagram - a five-pointed star formerly used as a symbolic figure in
magic;
pentathlon - an athletic contest that includes five events.
pept, digestion G dyspepsia - abnormal digestion;
peps peptic - aiding digestion;
pepsin - a digestive enzyme.
per through, throughout L permanent - lasting throughout all time;
permeate - to spread throughout;
persist - to continue for a long time;
perennial - lasting through many years.
peri around, enclosing G periodontal - pertaining to bone and tissue around a tooth;
peripheral - lying outside of the center;
perimeter - the outer boundary of an area.
phag/e to eat G esophagus - muscular tube that carries food to the stomach;
anthropophagy or sarcophagy - cannibalism;
xylophagous - feeding on wood.
phil/o love, friend G philanthropist - one who loves humanity;
philology - the love of words;
philosophy - the love of wisdom;
bibliophil - loving books.
phon/o sound G cacophony - loud, unpleasant sounds;
/e/y microphone - a device that records and amplifies sound;
phonetic - reLg to human speech sounds.
phot/o light G photogenic - caused by light;
photograph - image made on light-sensitive film;
photon - the smallest possible unit of light.
phyll/o leaf G chlorophyll - a group of green pigments found in leaves;
phyllotaxis - the arrangement of leaves on a stem;
phyllite - a rock that forms sheets, similar to slate.
phys nature, medicine, the G physical - reLg to the body;
body physician - a doctor;
physique - nature and shape of one's body.
phyt/o/e plant, to grow G epiphyte - a plant growing independently on the surface of another;
hydrophyte - a plant that grows only in water;
neophyte - a beginner, especially a person recently converted to a new
belief.
plas/t/m to form, G protoplasm - something that is the first made or formed, also the living
development, portion of a cell;
forming cells plastic - able to be formed, especially when warm;
plaster - a mixture of lime, sand and water that forms a smooth solid
covering for walls.
plaud, approve, clap L applaud- to show approval of especially by clapping the hands;
plod, plaus, explosion- an act of exposing something as invalid or baseless;
plos plausible- worthy of being applauded
pneum/o breathing, lung, air, G pneumonia - inflammation of the lungs;
spirit pneumatic - using the force of air;
dyspnea - difficulty breathing.
pod/e foot G podiatrist - a doctor for the feet;
podium - a small platform to stand on;
tripod - a stand or frame with 3 legs.
poli city G metropolis - a large city;
police - people who work for the government to maintain order in a city;
politics - actions of a government or political party.
poly many, more than one G polychrome - with many colors;
polyglot - a person fluent in many languages;
polygon - shape with 3 or more straight sides.
pon place, put L opponent - a person who places him/herself against an action, idea, etc.;
 postpone - to put off doing something.
pop people L popular - appealing to a lot of people;
population - all of the people who live in a particular area;
populist - a supporter of the rights of people.
port carry L export - to carry goods out of a place to another;
portable - able to be carried;
porter - a person who carries luggage.
pos place, put L deposit - to place or drop something;
expose to place out into the open for all to see;
position - the place where someone is.
post after, behind L posthumous - after someone's death;
postpone - to delay something;
postscript - an addition to an already completed document.
pre earlier, before, in L preamble - a part in front of a formal document;
front of prepare - to get ready in advance;
prediction - a statement foretelling the future.
pro before, in front of, G prognosis - a prediction of what will happen;
for, forward L prologue - a passage before the main part;
prophet - a person who foretells the future.
prot/o primitive, first, chief G prototype - the first of a kind;
proton - on of the very basic parts of an atom;
protocol - a first draft from which a document is prepared.
pseud/o wrong,false G pseudonym - a fictitious name;
pseudoscience - theories presumed without proof of a scientific
nature;
pseudopregnancy - a false pregnancy.
psych/o mind, mental G psyche - the human spirit or soul;
psychic - reLg to the human mind or someone who has supernatural mental abilities;
psychology - the study of the mind.
pugn/a, to fight L pugnacious - having a quarrelsome or aggressive nature;
pung repugnant - distasteful, offensive or revolting;
pungent - piercing.
pul urge compulsion - a very strong urge;
expulsion - to someone out;
impulsive - having a spontaneous urge to do something.
purg clean L purge - remove anything undesirable;
purgatory - according to Roman Catholics a place where souls must clean themselves of sin;
expurgate - remove objectionable passages from a publication.
put think L computer - an electronic thinking device;
dispute - to disagree with what another person thinks;
input - contribution of one's thinking.
pyr/o fire, heat G pyrotechnics - the art of making fireworks;
pyrometer - a thermometer for measuring high temperature;
pyretic - reLg to or producing fever.
quad/r/ri four L quadrant - open space with buildings on 4 sides;
quadrennium - period of 4 years;
quadruped - a 4-footed animal.
quart fourth L quarter - one fourth;
quart - a fourth of a gallon;
quartet - a musical composition or group involving 4 voices or
instruments.
quin/t five, fifth L quintett - a composition for 5 voices or instruments;
quintessence - pure essence, based on the ancient philosophy that
there was a fifth element that was present in all things;
quintuple - fivefold.
radic, root L eradicate - pull out at the roots;
radix radical - fundamental, looking at things from a drastic point of view;
radish - an edible root of the mustard family.
radio radiation, ray radioactive - emitting radiation;
 radiologist - someone diagnosing or treating via radiation.
ram/i branch L ramification - the resulting consequence of a decision;
ramify - to spread or branch out;
ramus - a branchlike part.
re again, back, L rebound -to spring back again;
backward rewind - to wind something backward;
reaction: a response;
recognize: to identify someone or something seen before.
reg guide, rule L regent - a person who rules on behalf of a king or queen;
regime - a government that rules;
regulate - to apply a rule.
retro backward, back L retroactive - reLg to something in the past;
retrogress - to go back to an earlier condition;
retrospect - the remembering of past events.
rhin/o nose G rhinoceros - a species of animals with a big horn on the snout;
rhinoplasty - surgery of the nose;
rhinovirus - viruses that are causing the common cold.
rhod/o red G rhododendron - a flower with red/pink flowers;
rhodium - an element which produces a red solution;
rhodopsin - a purple pigment in the retina that is needed for vision.
rid laugh L deride - to make fun of someone;
ridicule - to make fun or mock;
ridiculous - silly, causing laughter.
rrh/ea flow, discharge L diarrhea - abnormally excessive bowl movement;
/oea/ag G hemorrhage - heavy blood flow;
catarrh - inflammation of a mucous membrane, especially the nose and throat.
rub red L ruby - deep red color and a precious stone of the same color;
rubella - measles;
bilirubin - reddish pigment in bile.
rupt break, burst L bankrupt - unable to pay because you're "broke";
interrupt - to break into a conversation or event, to disturb;
rupture - a break in something.
san health L sane - mentally healthy;
sanitary - reLg to cleanliness and health;
sanitation - maintenance of public health and cleanliness.
scend climb, go L ascend - to climb upward;
crescendo - a climbing up of the volume of music;
descend - to go or climb down.
sci know L conscience - sense of knowing right from wrong;
conscious - knowing what is happening;
omniscient - knowing everything.
scler/o hard G arteriosclerosis - hardening of the arterial walls;
multiple sclerosis - disease which causes the tissue of the brain and spinal cord to harden;
sclerometer - instrument for measuring hardness.
scop/e/y see, examine, G microscope - a device used to see tiny things;
observe periscope - a seeing instrument on a submarine;
telescope - a device used to see over a distance.
scrib, write, written L inscribe - to write letters or words on a surface;
script scribe - a person who writes out documents;
describe - to represent with words or pictures.
se apart L secede - to formally break away from;
seclude - to keep away from;
serum - a liquid isolated out of another.
sect cut L dissect - to cut apart piece by piece;
intersection - the place or point where two things cross each other;
bisect - to cut into two equal parts.
sed, sid, sit L reside- be stationed;
sess sediment- the matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid;
session- an actual or constructive sitting of a body
self of, for, or by itself self-discipline - the ability to discipline yourself;
self-respect - respect for yourself;
selfish - concerned only with your own interests.
semi half, partial L semiannual - every half year;
semicircle - half a circle;
semiconscious - partly conscious;
semiannual - every half of a year.
sept/i seven L September - this used to be the seventh month in the Roman calendar;
septet - a group of seven musicians;
septuagenarian - a person in his/her seventies.
serv save, keep L conserve - to save or keep something safe;
preserve - to save something;
reservation - a place kept for a person.
sex six L sextet or sextette - a composition or group of six,
sextuple - sixfold;
sexagenarian - person in his/her sixties.
sol alone L desolate - lonely, dismal, gloomy;
solitary - done alone, by yourself;
solo - a performance done by one person alone.
sol sun L solar - involving the sun;
parasol - umbrella protecting from the sun;
solarium - a room where one is exposed to sun light.
somn/I sleep L insomnia - inability to fall asleep;
somniloquy - talking in your sleep;
somnolent - feeling sleepy.
son sound L consonant - a speech sound;
sonorous - producing loud, full, rich sounds;
supersonic - faster than sound; unison - as one voice.
soph wise G philosopher - a wise person;
sophisticated - wise about the ways of the world;
sophism - a clever but misleading argument.
spec/t, see, look L circumspect - cautious, looking all around;
spic retrospective - a looking back at past things;
spectator - a person who sees an event.
sphere ball G biosphere - the whole round surface of the earth;
hemisphere - half the earth spherically shaped like a ball.
spir breathe L inspire - to stimulate or animate;
transpire - to give of vapor with waste product through the skin or a
membrane;
spirit - invisible life force.
sta stand L stable - standing steady and firm;
stagnant - standing still, not moving;
stationary - at a standstill, fixed.
stell star L constellation - a group of stars that forms a pattern;
interstellar - between the stars;
stellar - reLg to stars.
struct build L construct - to build;
destruction - the act of destroying something that was built;
structure - something built;
infrastructure - underlying framework of a system.
sub under, lower than, L submarine - an underwater boat;
inferior to submerge - to put underwater;
substandard - inferior to accepted standards.
sum highest L sum - the combined total of everything;
summation - the total, highest amount;
summit - the highest point or top.
super higher in quality L Super bowl - the final annual football game;
or quantity superior - above average, better in quality;
supersonic - faster than the speed of sound.
sy/m together, with, same G symmetry -similarity in size, form or arrangement;
/n/l/s synergy - the combined effect;
synchronize - to cause to occur at the same time.
tact, tang touch L contact - a state in which two things touch;
tactile - reLg to the sense of touch;
tangible - able to be touched;
intact - with nothing missing.
tax/o arrangement G syntax - the systematic arrangement of words;
taxonomy - the science of classification;
ataxia - loss of the ability to coordinate muscle action.
techno technique, skill G technology - the practical application of knowledge;
technocracy - rule of technology;
technologically - characterized by technology.
tel/e/o far, distant, complete G telephone - a device to talk to a distant person;
telescope - a device to view distant objects;
television - a device to receive pictures from afar;
telecommuting - working remotely, bridging the distance via virtual devices.
temp/or time L contemporary- existing at the same time;
temporal - reLg to time;
temporary - lasting for a limited time.
ten, tin, hold L continent- serving to restrain or limit;
tent detention- the act or fact of detaining,
tenacious- having parts or elements strongly adhering to each other
ter, trit rub L attrition- the act of rubbing together or wearing down;
detritus- a product of disintegration or wearing away;
trite- used or occurring so often as to have lost interest, freshness, or
force
term/ina end, limit L determine - to find something out at the end of an investigation;
terminate - to end;
exterminate - to destroy or get rid of completely.
terr/a/i land, earth L extraterrestrial - existing outside the earth;
terrain - ground or land; territory - an area of land.
tetra four L tetrapod - having 4 legs;
tetrarchy - government by 4 rulers;
tetrose - a monosaccharide with four carbon atoms.
the put G bibliotheca- a list or catalog of books;
theme- a proposition for discussion or argument;
thesis- a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view
the/o god G monotheism - belief in one god;
polytheism - worshiping more than one god;
theology - the study of religion, god, etc.
therm/o heat G thermal - reLg to heat;
thermos - an insulated jar that keeps heat in;
thermostat - a device that controls heat.
tort twist L contortion - a twisted shape or position;
distort - to alter the shape or condition of;
retort - reply in a manner that is supposed to change the effect of something previously said.
tox poison L detoxification - the process of removing poisons;
toxic - poisonous;
toxicology - the study of poisons;
intoxicated - influenced by drugs.
tract pull, drag L attract - to pull objects nearer;
distract - to drag attention away from something;
tractor - a motor vehicle that pulls things.
trans across,beyond, L transcontinental - across the continent;
through transfer - to move from one place to another;
transport - to carry something across a space.
tri three, once in every G triangle - a figure with 3 sides and 3 angles;
three, L triathlon - an athletic contest with 3 events;
third
 tricycle - a 3-wheeI vehicle with pedals.
ultra beyond, extreme, L ultrahigh - extremely high;
more than ultramodern - more modern than anything else;
ultrasonic - sound waves beyond human hearing.
un not,opposite of, L unabridged - not shortened;
lacking unfair - opposite of fair;
unfriendly - lacking friendliness.
uni one, single L unicycle - a vehicle with one wheel;
unilateral - decided by only one person or nation;
unique - the only one of its kind;
unison - as one voice.
urb city L suburb - residential area on the edge of a city;
urban - reLg to a city;
urbanology - the study of city life.
vac empty L evacuate - to empty a dangerous place;
vacant - empty, not occupied;
vacation - a time without work.
ven/t come L circumvent - to go around or bypass restrictions;
convention - a gathering or assembly of people with a common interest;
intervene - to come between.
ver/I truth L veracious - truthful, honest;
veracity - the truth;
verify - to make sure that something is true.
verb word L verbalize - to put into words;
adverb - a word reLg to a verb;
proverb - a short saying that expresses a well-known truth.
vers, turn L reverse - to turn around;
vert introvert - being turned towards the inside;
version - a variation of an original;
controversy - a conversation in which positions are turned against each
other.
vice acting in place of, L vice-president - the person next in rank to the president
next in rank
vid see L Evident - clearly seen
vince, conquer L convince - to win someone over;
vic invincible - not able to be conquered;
victory - the conquest of an enemy.
vis, vid see L vision - the ability to see;
envision - to picture in the mind;
evident - clearly visible.
viv/i live, life L revival - the act of bringing back to life;
vit vital - pertaining to live;
vivacious - high-spirited and full of life.
voc/i voice, call L advocate - to speak in favor of;
equivocate - to use misleading language that could be interpreted two different ways;
vocalize - to produce with your voice.
vol/i/u wish, will L benevolent - showing good will and kindness;
volition - the act of making a choice or decision,
voluntary - resulting from your own free will.
vor, eat L carnivorous - meat-eating;
vour voracious - desiring or eating food in great quantities;
devour - to eat quickly.
xanth yellow L xanthium- a genus of coarse and rough or spiny herbs;
xanthochromia- yellowish discoloration (as of the skin or cerebrospinal
fluid);
xanthogenic
xen/o foreign G xenophobic - afraid of foreigners;
xenogenesis - the creation of offspring that is completely different from either
parent;
xenophile - attracted to foreigners.
xer/o/I dry G xerophyte - a plant that grows in dry climate;
xerography - a dry photocopying process;
xeric - requiring small amounts of moisture.
xyl wood G xylocarp; xyloid- resembling wood;
xylophone-an organ percussion stop of similar tone quality
zo/o animal life G zoology - study of animals;
zooid - resembling an animal;
zooplankton - minute floating aquatic animals.
zyg/o pair G zygote - a cell formed by the union of two gametes and the organism
developing from that;
zygomorphic - pertaining to organisms that can be divided into
symmetrical halves along one axis only.