A

Origin English Examples

Etymology (Root
Root In English Language
Origin)
abnormal, abrasion,
ab-, a-, abs- away Latin ab "away" absent, abstract,
aversion
acutus past
participle of acuere acid, acupuncture,
ac-, acu- sharp or pointed Latin
"to sharpen", from acute
acus "needle"
sharp, pungent, bitter,
acri- Latin acer acrid, acrimony
eager
acrobatics,
Greek ἄκρος ákros acromegalia,
acro- height, summit, tip Greek
"high", "extreme" acronym,
acrophobia,
ad-, a-, ac-,
af-, ag-, al-, movement to or toward; in adapt, affect,
Latin ad "to", "toward"
ap-, ar-, as-, addition to ascend, accept
at-
adip- fat Latin adeps, adipis "fat" adipose
aer-, aero- air, atmosphere Greek ἀήρ (aer) "air" aeronautics, aerosol
aisthētikos "of sense
perception" from
aesthet feeling, sensation Greek αἰσθάνεσθαι aesthetics
aisthanesthai "to
perceive"
agri- field Latin ager "field, country" agriculture
from Greek ἀγρός
agro- field Greek agronomy
agros "field"
amor "love" from
amat-, amor- love, loved Latin amateur, amorous
amāre "to love"
ambi- both, on both sides Latin ambi "on both sides" ambidexterity
amic-, -imic- friend Latin amicus amicable, inimical
around, about, both, on ἀμφί amphi "on both amphibian,
amphi- Greek
both sides of, both kinds sides" amphibolic
ampl- ample Latin amplus amplification
an-, a- not, without Greek Greek ἀν-/ἀ- "not" anhydrous, atypical
from Greek prefix
anabaptist,
ana-, an- again, against, back, up Greek ἀνά ana- "again",
anaphylaxis, anode
"against"
anima- breath Latin anima "breath" animal, animation
 anniversary, annual,
ann-, -enn- year, yearly Latin annus "year" biannual,
millennium
against, opposed to,
ant-, anti- Greek ἀντί anti "against" antibiotic, antipodes
preventive
antediluvian,
ante "before",
ante-, anti- before, in front of, prior to Latin antebellum,
"against"
anticipate
ἄνθος anthos
anth-, antho- flower Greek anther, anthology
"flower"
άνθρωπος anthropos anthropology,
anthropo- human Greek
"man" anthropomorphic
away from, separate, at the ἀπό apo "from,
apo- Greek apogee, apostasy
farthest point away, un-, quite"
aquamarine,
aqu- water Latin aqua
aquarium, aqueduct
ar- plow, till Latin arāre arable
ārēre "be dry or
ar- be dry Latin arid
parched"
ἀρχή arche "rule"
arche-, archi- ruler Greek (in compounds: archangel, archetype
ἀρχε-, ἀρχι-)
ἀρχαῖος arkhaios
archaeo-, archaeology or
ancient Greek "ancient" from
archeo- archeology, archaic
arkhē "beginning"
Relating to the North Pole
or the region near it;
relating to cold; used as
arct-, arcto- Greek ἄρκτος arktos "bear" Arctic Ocean
the scientific name of
some bear species, e.g.
Ursus arctos horribilis
argent- silver Latin argentum "silver" argent, Argentina
ἀρετή, ἄριστος
arist-, aristo- excellence Greek Aristocracy
arete, aristos
arthr-, ἄρθρον arthron
joint Greek arthritis, arthropod
arthro- "joint"
asterisk, astrology,
astr-, astro- star, star-shaped Greek άστρον astron "star"
astronomy, disaster
ἄθλος athlos
athl- prize Greek athlete
"contest, feat"
aud-, audi- hearing, listening, sound Latin audire "to hear" auditorium, auditory
aug-, auct- grow, increase Latin augēre "to increase" augmentation
relating to gold, or gold-
aur- Latin aurum "gold" aureole
colored
auri- relating to the ear Latin auris "ear" auricle
αὐτός (autos) "self", automobile,
aut- , auto- self; directed from within Greek
"same" autonomy
avi- bird Latin avis "bird" aviary, aviation
axi- axis Latin axis "axis" axisymmetry
ἄξιος (axios)
axio- merit Greek axiology
"worth"

[edit] B
Meaning In Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
English Language Origin)
bac- rod-shaped Latin from baculum "rod" bacilla, bacteria
barometer, barograph,
baro- weight, pressure Greek βάρος (baros)
baroreceptor
from βαίνω, I walk,
basi- at the bottom Greek basic, basis
march, βάσις "step"
bathy-, βαθύς (bathús, bathýs)
deep, depth Greek batholith, bathyscaphe
batho- "deep"
be-, beat- bless Latin beare, beatus beatification
antebellum, bellicose,
bell(i)- war Latin bellum, belli
belligerent
ben- good, well Latin bene (adverb) benefit, benignity
bis, "twice"; bini, "in binoculars, bigamy,
bi- two Latin
twos" biscotti
bib- drink Latin bibere, bibitus imbibe
βιβλίον (biblíon)
bibl- book Greek bibliography, bible
"book"
biology, biologist,
bi(o)- life Greek βίος (bíos) "life"
biosphere
blennophobia,
blenn(o)- slime Greek βλέννος (blennos)
blennosperma
germ, embryo, bud, βλασταίνω, "I put sideroblast, fibroblast,
blast- Greek
cell with nucleus forth shoots" osteoblast, blastula
bon(i)- good Latin bonus bonify, bonitary
Greek / Latin Greek βορρᾶς (borras)
bor- north borealis
(boreas) "the north wind"
βοτάνη, βότανον
botan- plant Greek botany
(botanē, botanon)
bov- cow, ox Latin bos, bovis bovine
βραχίων (brakhíōn) brachial artery,
brachi(o)- arm Greek
"arm" brachiosaurus
brachy- short Greek βραχύς (brakhús, brachydactyly
 brakhýs) "short"
βραδύς (bradús,
brady- slow Greek bradycardia
bradýs)
βράγχιον (brágkhion,
branch- gill Greek branchiopod, nudibranch
bránkhion) "gill"
brev(i)- brief, short (time) Latin brevis, breviare abbreviation, brevity
briz- nod Greek βρίζω (brizō)
βρόμος, βρόμη
brom- oats Greek (brómos, bróme) Bromus ramosus
"oats"
βρόμος (brómos)
brom- oats Greek bromide
"stench, clangor"
βρόγχος (brógkhos, bronchitis, bronchus,
bronch- windpipe Greek
brónkhos) bronchiole
bront- thunder Greek βροντή (brontē) Brontosaurus
cheek, mouth, buccal, buccinator
bucc- Latin bucca
cavity muscle
bulb- bulbous Latin bulbus bulbous, bulbule
bull- bubble, flask Latin bulla, "bubble" ebullient, ebullism
bursar, bursary,
burs- pouch, purse Latin bursa
disburse, bursa

[edit] C
Meaning In Origin Etymology (Root Origin)
Root English Examples
English Language
cac(o)- bad Greek κακος (kakos) cacophony
cad-, -cid-, accident, cadence,
fall Latin cadere, casus
cas- case
caed-, -cid-, caesura, incisor,
cut Latin caedere, caesus
caes-, -cis- caesarean
from Latin calx "lime", and
Latin and calculus, calcite,
calc- stone from Greek χάλιξ (khalix)
Greek calcium
"pebble" "limestone"
from Greek καλλός kallos
calli- beautiful Greek calligraphy
"beauty"
calor- heat Latin calor "heat" calorie
calyp- cover Greek καλύπτέιν (kaluptein) apocalypse
camer- vault Latin camera bicameral, camera
campus "field", "level
camp- field Latin champion, campaign
ground"
can(i)- dog Latin canis "dog" canine, Canis Major
can-, -cin-, sing Latin canere "sing" cantata, canto, cantor
cant-
candid,
glowing, candere "to be white or
cand- Latin incandescent, candle,
iridescent glisten"
candela
capere, captus "take or
cap-, -cip-, hold" (note the vowel capture, captive,
hold, take Latin
capt-, -cept- change from a to i in conception, recipient
compounds)
capital, decapitation,
capit-, -cipit- head Latin caput, capitis "head"
precipitation
capr- goat Latin caper, capri Capricorn, caprine
caps- box, case Latin capsa capsule
carbo- coal Latin carbo, carbonis carbon
carcer- jail Latin carcer, carcerare incarceration
Latin from Latin from Greek Καρκίνος carcinoma,
carci- cancer (disease)
Greek karkinos "crab" carcinogenic
relating to the cardiology,
cardi(o)- Greek καρδιά kardia "heart"
heart cardiograph
cardin- hinge Latin cardo, cardinis cardinal
carn- flesh Latin caro, carnis carnival, carnivore
from Greek καρπός
carp(o)- relating to fruit Greek carpology, carpals
(karpos) "fruit"
relating to the from Greek καρπός carpal, carpal tunnel
carp- Greek
wrist (karpos) "wrist" syndrome
catastrophe,
cata- down Greek κατά kata "down"
catatonia, catabolic
caten- chain Latin catena concatenation
cathar- pure Greek καθαρός (katharos) catharsis
caud- tail Latin cauda caudal
cave, cavity,
cav- hollow Latin cavus "hollow"
excavation
ced-, cess- go Latin cedere, cessus procession, recede
celer- quick Latin celer, celerare acceleration, celerity
cen(o)- new Greek καινός (kainos) Cenozoic
cen(o)- empty Greek κενός (kenos) cenotaph
cens- Latin censere "to estimate" census
cent, centennial,
cent- hundred Latin centum
centurion
centen- hundred each Latin centeni centenary
centesimal,
centesim- hundredth Latin centesimus
centesimation
κέντρον (kéntron) "needle",
centr- center Greek eccentric
"spur"
 cephalopod,
cephalo- head Greek κεφαλή kephale "head" encephalogram,
cephalic
ceram- clay Greek κέραμος (keramos) ceramic
κέρας, κέρατος (keras,
cerat- horn Greek keratin
keratos) "horn"
cern- sift Latin cernere discern
relating to the
cervic- neck, relating to Latin cervix, cervicis "neck" cervix, cervical
the cervix
ceter- other Latin ceterus et cetera
of the hand or chiroptera,
chiro- Greek χείρ kheir "hand"
hands chiropractic, chiral
relating to a
chelono- Greek χελώνη khelone "tortoise" chelonia
turtle
chlorine,
from Greek χλωρός khlōros
chloro- green Greek chlorophyll,
"green"
chloroplast
from Greek χορεία khoreia
choreo- relating to dance Greek "dancing in unison" from choreography
χορός khoros "chorus"
Latin and chorda "rope" from χορδή
chord- cord chordata
Greek (chordē)
chromosome,
chrom- color Greek χρῶμα chrōma "color"
chromium
chryso- gold Greek χρυσός khrusos "gold" chrysolite
cili- eyelash Latin cilium cilia
cine- motion Greek κινέω (kineo) cinema
ciner- ash Latin cinis, cineris incineration
cing-, cinct- gird Latin cingere, cinctus succinct
circ- circle Latin circus circus
circumference,
circum- around Latin circum "around"
circumcise
cirr- orange Greek κιρρός (kirros) cirrhosis
cirr- curl, tentacle Latin cirrus cirrus
civ- citizen Latin civis civility
clad- branch Greek κλάδος (klados) clade
clar- clear Latin clarus, clarare clarity, declaration
clast- broken Greek κλαστός (klastos) iconoclast, osteoclast
claud-, -clud-, clause, exclusion,
close Latin claudere, clausus
claus-, -clus- include
from Greek κλείς kleis
clav- key Greek "key" from κλείειν, kleiein conclave, clavicle
"to close"
cl(e)ist- closed Greek κλειστός kleistos
cleithr- bar, key Greek
clement- mild Latin clemens, clementis clemency, inclement
clin- bed, lean, recline Latin -clinare declination, inclined
cochl- shell Greek κόχλος (kochlos) cochlea
spongocoel, coelom,
coel- hollow Greek κοῖλος (koilos)
blastocoel
cognitive, cognizant,
cogn- know Latin cognoscere
recognize
col- strain Latin colare, colum colander
coll- hill Latin collis
coll- neck Latin collum collar
color- color Latin color coloration
con-, co-, col-, connect, collide,
with, together Latin cum
com-, cor- compress
condi- season Latin condire condiment
con(o)- cone Greek κῶνος (konos) conic, conical
contrast, contradict
contra- against Latin contra
("say against")
coprolite,
copro- dung Greek κόπρος (kopros) coprophagia,
coprophilia
κόραξ, κόρακος (korax,
corac- raven Greek coracoid
korakos)
cord- heart Latin cor, cordis accord, cordial
cornea, cornucopia,
corn- horn Latin cornu
unicorn, cornified
coron- crown Latin corona, coronare corona, coronation
corporation, corpse,
corpor- body Latin corpus, corporis
corpuscle
cortic- bark Latin cortex, corticis corticosteriod
cosm(o)-' universe Greek κόσμος (kosmos) cosmonaut
cosmetics,
cosmet(o)- Greek κοσμετ (kosmet-)
cosmetology
cost- rib Latin costa costal
cotyl- cup Greek κοτύλη (kotulē) cotyledon
crani- skull Greek κρανίον (kranion) cranium
crass- thick Latin crassus crassitude
cre- make Latin creare, creatus creation, creature
credibility,
cred- believe, trust Latin credere, creditus
credentials
κρηπίς, κρηπίδος (krēpis,
crep- boot, shoe Greek
krēpidos)
cribr- sieve Latin cribrum, cribrare cribble, cribrate
ring Greek κρίκος (krikos)
cris-, crit- judge Greek κρίσις (crisis) crisis, critic
crisp- curled Latin crispus crispate
crist- crest Latin crista cristate
cross(o)- fringe, tassel Greek κροσσός (krossos)
crucial, crucifix,
cruc(i)- cross Latin crux, crucis
crucify, excruciating
crur(i)- leg, shank Latin crus, cruris crural
cryptic,
crypt- hidden Greek κρυπτός (kruptos)
cryptography
cten(o)- 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
concurrent,
curr-, curs- run Latin currere, cursus recursion, cursive,
current
curv- bent Latin curvus curvature
cuspid- lance, point Latin cuspis, cuspidis bicuspid
cut(i)- skin Latin cutis cuticle
cyan- blue Greek κυανός (kuanos) cyanide
bicycle, cycle,
cycl(o)- circular Greek κύκλος (kuklos)
cyclone
cylind- roll Greek κύλινδρος (kulindros) cylinder
cyn(o)- dog Greek κύων, κυνός (kuōn, kunos) cynosure
cyst- capsule Greek κύστις (kustis) cystic
cyt(o)- cell Greek κύτος (kutos) cytoplasm, cnidocyte

[edit] D
Meaning In Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
English Language Origin)
dactyl- finger, toe, digit Greek δάκτυλος (daktulos) dactylology, pterodactyl
damn-, to inflict loss
Latin damnāre condemn, damnation
-demn- upon
from, away
de- Latin dē delete, demented
from, removing
deb- owe Latin debere, debitus debit
decimus, tenth; from
deci- tenth part Latin decibel, decimate
decem, ten
deca-, dec-,
ten Greek δέκα deka, ten decagram, decahedron
deka-, dek-
delt- Greek Δέλτα (delta) deltoid
dem-, demo- people Greek δῆμος (dēmos) demagogue, democracy
den- ten each Latin deni denarius, denary
δένδρον (dendron):
dendr-,
resembling a tree Greek akin to δρύς, drys, dendrite
dendro-
"tree"
dens- thick Latin densus condense, density
dent- tooth Latin dens, dentis dental, dentures
hypodermic, dermis,
derm- skin Greek δέρμα (derma)
epidermis
Deuteronomy,
deuter- second Greek δεύτερος (deuteros)
deuterostome
dexter- right Latin dexter dexterity
dextro- right Greek δεξ-, right dextrose
di- two Greek δι dicot, dipole
dia- apart, through Greek διά (dia) diameter, dialysis
contradict, dictation,
dict- say, speak Latin dicere, dictus
dictionary
digit- finger Latin digitus digital
terrible, fearfully
dino- Greek δεινός (deinos) dinosaur
great
dipl- double; twofold Greek διπλός (diplos) diploid, diplosis
doc-, doct- teach Latin docere, doctus docile, doctor
dodec- twelve Greek δώδεκα (dodeka) dodecasyllabic
dog-, dox- opinion, teaching Greek δόξα dogmatic
dom- house Latin domus dome
dorm- sleep Latin dormire dormant, dormitory
dors- back Latin dorsum dorsal
du- two Latin duo dual
dub- doubtful Latin dubious
abduction, conductor,
duc-, duct- lead Latin dux
introduce
dulc- sweet Latin dulcis
durable, duration, duress,
dur- hard Latin durus
endure, obdurate
dy- two Greek δυο (duo) dyad
dynam- power Greek δύναμη (dunamē) dynamism, dynasty
dysentery, dysplasia,
dys- badly, ill Greek δυσ-
dystrophy

[edit] E
 Meaning In Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
English Language Origin)
ec- out Greek εκ (ek) eccentric
ecology, economics,
eco- house Greek οίκος (oikos)
ecumenism
ecto- outside Greek εκτός (ektos) ectoderm
ed-, es- eat Latin edere, esus edible
self, I (first
ego- Latin, Greek ego, ἐγώ egocentric
person)
ego-, eg- goat Greek αἴξ (aix) egophony
em-, empt- buy Latin emere, emptus exemption, redeem
eme- vomit Greek έμετος (emetos) emetic
striving to equal,
emul- Latin aemulus, aemulare emulation
rivaling
en-, em- in Greek εν (en) emphasis
endo- inside Greek ἔνδον (endon) endocrine
engy- narrow Greek Εγγύς (engys)
ennea- nine Greek εννέα (ennea) ennead, enneagon
ens- sword Latin ensis
eo-, eos-,
dawn, east Greek Ἠώς/Ἕως Eocene
eoso-
epi-, ep- upon Greek ἐπί (epi) epicenter, epoch
knowledge or
epistem- Greek ἐπιστήμη (epistēmē) epistemic
science
equ-, -iqu- even, level Latin aequus equal,
equ- horse Latin equus Equestrian
erg- work Greek έργον (ergon) ergonomics
err- stray Latin errare aberration, errant
erythr(o)- red Greek ερυθρος (eruthros) erythrocyte
eso- within Greek ἔξω (esō) esoteric
etho-, eth-,
custom, habit Greek ἦθος (ethos) ethology
ethi-
ἠθμός (hethmos);
ethm- sieve Greek ethmoid
ἤθειν (hethein)
people, race, tribe,
ethn- Greek ἔθνος (ethnos) ethnic, ethnarch
nation
etym(o)- true Greek ἔτυμος (etumos) etymology
eu- well Greek εὖ (eu) euphoria
eur- wide Greek εὐρύς (eurus) Europe
exclude, extrude,
ex-, e-, ef- from, out of Latin ex
extend
exo- outside Greek έξω exothermic
exter-, extra- outer Latin externus exterior
extremity,
extrem- outermost, utmost Latin extremus
extremophile

[edit] F
Meaning In English Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
Language Origin)
f-, fat- say, speak Latin fari, fatus fate, infant, preface
fab- bean Latin faba faba bean
fac-, -fic-, fact, defect, factory,
make Latin facere, factus
-fect- manufacture
falc- sickle Latin falx, falcis falciform
fall-, -fell-,
deceive Latin fallere, falsus falsity, infallibility
fals-
fallac- false Latin fallax, fallacis fallacy
famili- a close attendant Latin famulus familiarity
fant- to show Greek φαντάζω fantasy
fasc- bundle Latin fascis fasciculation
fatu- foolish, useless Latin fatuus fatuous, infatuation
treaty, agreement,
feder- Latin foedus, foederis confederation, federal
contract, league, pact
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- prevent 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 finish, final
find-, fiss- split Latin findere, fissus fission
firm- fix, settle Latin firmus, firmare confirmation, firmament
fistul- hollow, tube Latin fistula
fl- blow Latin flare, flatus flatulence, inflation
flacc- flabby Latin flaccus, flaccere flaccid
flav- yellow Latin flavus flavonoid
flect-, flex- bend Latin flectere, flexus 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 faenum
foli- leaf Latin folium defoliant
font- spring Latin fons, fontis
for- bore Latin forare, foratus perforation
conformity, deformity,
form- shape Latin forma
formation
fornic- vault Latin fornix, fornicis fornication
fort- strong Latin fortis fortification
shallow round
fove- Latin fovea fovea
depression
frang-, -fring-, fracture, fragment,
break Latin frangere, fractus
fract-, frag- 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, frontal
fruct-, frug- fruit Latin frux, fructis fructose
centrifuge, fugitive,
fug-, fugit- flee Latin fugere
refuge
fum- smoke Latin fumus fume, fumigation
fundamentalism,
fund- bottom Latin fundus, fundare
profundity
fund-, fus- pour Latin fundere, fusus effusion, profusion
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

[edit] G
Meaning in Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
English Language Origin)
γάλα, γαλακτός (gala,
galact- milk Greek galactic
galaktos)
 gastric,
gastr- stomach Greek γαστήρ (gaster)
gastroenterologist
ge(o)- earth Greek γη (gē), γεω- (geō) geology
gel- icy cold Latin gelum gelid
gen- race, kind Greek γένος 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 glia glial
glob- sphere Latin globus global, globule
glori- glory Latin gloria glorify
glutin- glue Latin gluten, glutinis agglutination
grad-, -gred-, gradus, gradere,
walk, step, go Latin grade, regress
gress- gressus
gramm- letter Greek γραμμα (gramma) grammatic
gran- grain Latin granum granary, granule
grand- grand Latin grandis grandiloquous
graph- draw, write Greek γραφή (graphē) graphic, graphology
grat- thank, please Latin gratus gratitude
grav- heavy Latin gravis gravity
gregarious,
greg- flock Latin grex, gregis
segregation
gubern- govern, pilot Latin gubernare gubernatorial
gust- taste Latin gustus gusto
guttur- throat Latin guttur guttural
gymn- nude Greek γυμνός (gymnos) gymnasium

[edit] H
Root Meaning in Origin Etymology English Examples
English Language (Root Origin)

hab-, -hib-,
habere,
habit-, have Latin habit, prohibition
habitus
-hibit-
haem(o)- blood Greek αἷμα (haima) haemophilia
ἅλς, άλας
hal(o)- salt Greek halogen
(hals, halos)
hal-, -hel- breathe Latin halare, halatus anhelation, inhale
hapl(o)- simple, Greek ἁπλοῦς haploid
 single (haplous)
haurire,
haur-, haust- draw Latin exhaustion
haustus
heli(o)- sun Greek ἥλιος helium, heliotrope
ἥμισυς
hemi- half Greek hemisphere
(hemisus)
hen- one Greek ἕν (hen) henad, hyphen
ἕνδεκα
hendec- eleven Greek hendecagon
(hendeka)
hept- seven Greek επτά (hepta) heptagon, heptathlon
haerere,
her-, hes- cling Latin adhesive, coherent
haesus
herb- grass Latin herba herbicide
hered- heir Latin heres, heredis heredity
herp- creep Greek έρπω (herpo) herpetology
different, ἑτερος
heter(o)- Greek heterodox
other (heteros)
heur- find Greek εὑρίσκω heuristic
hex- six Greek ἕξ (hex) hexagon
hibern- wintry Latin hibernus hibernation
hiem- winter Latin hiems hiemal
hipp(o)- horse Greek ἵππος (hippos) hippodrome
hirsut- hairy Latin hirtus, hirsutus
hirsute
hispid- bristly Latin hispidus hispidity
histri- actor Latin histrionic
hod- way Greek ὁδός (hodos) cathode, hodometer, herpolhode
hol(o)- whole Greek όλος (holos) holistic
hom(o)- same Greek ὁμός (homos) homosexual
όμοιος
homeo- like Greek homeostasis
(homoios)
homin- human Latin homo, hominis hominid
ομαλός
homal- even, flat Greek anomalous
(homalos)
honor- esteem Latin honos, honoris honorable
that which
horm- Greek ὁρμή (horme) hormone
excites
hort(i)- garden Latin hortus, horti horticulture
hospes,
hospit- host Latin hospitality
hospitis
host- enemy Latin hostis hostile
hum- ground Latin humus, humare exhumation, inhume
hyal- glass Greek ὕαλος (hualos) hyaline, hyaloid
 hydrology, hydrologist, Hydrogen,
Hydrate, dehydrate, Hydrophobia,
hydr(o)- water Greek ὕδωρ
hydroponic, hydraulic, Hydrolysis,
hydrous, hydrophilic
hygr- wet Greek υγρός (hugros) hygrometer
hyo- U-shaped Greek ὑοειδής hyoid
hyp(o)- under Greek ὑπό (hupo) hypothermia
hyper- above, over Greek ὑπέρ (huper)
hypn- sleep Greek ὕπνος (hupnos) hypnosis
ὕστερος
hyster- later Greek hysteresis
(husteros)

[edit] I
Meaning In Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
English Language Origin)
ichth- fish Greek ιχθύς (ichthus) ichthyology
icos- twenty Greek είκοσι (eikosi) icosagon, icosahedron
id(o)- shape Greek εἶδος (eidos) idol
ide(o)- idea; thought Greek ιδέα (idea) ideology, ideogram
idi(o)- personal Greek ἴδιος (idios) idiom, idiosyncrasy, idiot
ign- fire Latin ignis igneous, ignition
in- (1), im- in, on Latin in invite, incur, intend
in- (2), il-, in, un- illicit, impossible,
Latin in-
im-, ir- (negation) inimical, irrational
infra- under Latin infra infrastructure
insul- island Latin insula insular, insulation
inter (preposition) – intermission,
inter- among, between Latin
among, between intercollegiate, intercourse
intra- within Latin intra intracollegiate
irasc-, irat- be angry Latin irasci irascible, irate
isomorphic, isometric,
is(o)- equal, the same Greek ίσος (isos)
isoceles
iter- again Latin iterum, iterare iteration
iter, itineris – march,
itiner- route, way Latin itinerary
journey

[edit] J
Meaning In Origin Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
Root
English Language
jac- lie Latin jacēre "to be thrown" adjacent
 iacio, iacere, ieci, iectus –
jac- (originally eject, interject,
cast, throw Latin "to throw" (and cognates
IAC), -ject- ejaculate, trajectory
thereof)
janu- door Latin janua janitor
joc- joke Latin jocus jocularity
jug- yoke Latin jugare, jugum conjugal, subjugate
conjunction,
jung-, junct- join Latin jungere, junctus
juncture
junior- younger Latin junior juniority
jus-, jur-, judic-
law, justice Latin ius, iuris; iudex, iudicis justice, jury, judge
(originally IVS)
juv-, jut- help Latin juvare, jutus adjutant
juven- young, youth Latin juvenis juvenile, rejuvenate
juxta- beside, near Latin juxta juxtaposition

[edit] K
Meaning In Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
English Language Origin)
kilogram, kilometer,
kil(o)- thousand Greek χίλιοι (chilioi)
kilobyte
telekinesis, kinetic energy,
kine- movement, motion Greek κινέω (kineo)
kinesthetic
klept- steal Greek κλέπτης (kleptēs) kleptomania
kudo- glory Greek κῦδος (kudos) kudos

[edit] L
Meaning In Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
English Language Origin)
lab-, laps- slide, slip Latin labi, lapsus elapse, relapse
labi- lip Latin labia, labiae bilabial, labial
labor- toil Latin labor collaboration, elaboration
lacer- tear Latin lacer laceration
lacrim- cry, tears Latin lacrima "tear" lacrimal, lacrimous
lact- milk Latin lac, lactis, lactare lactate, lactation, lactose
lamin- layer, slice Latin lamina laminate, lamination
λαμπάς lampas
lamp- shine Greek lamp
"torch"
lapid- stone Latin lapis, lapidis lapidary
larg- large Latin largus enlargement
larv- ghost, mask Latin larva larva, larvae, larval
lat(i)- broad, wide Latin latus latitude
later- side Latin latus, lateris bilateral
laud-, laus- praise Latin laudere laud
lav- wash Latin lavare lavatory
lax- not tense Latin laxus, laxare laxative, relaxation
led-, les- hurt Latin laedere, laesus lesion
leg- law Latin lex, legis, legare legal, legislative
leio- smooth Greek λείος leios leiomyoma
leni- gentle Latin lenis, lenire leniency
leon- lion Latin leo, leonis "lion" Leo, leonine, Leopold
lep- flake, scale Greek λέπις lepis Lepidoptera
leps- grasp, seize Greek λήψης lepsis epilepsy
leuc(o)-,
white Greek λευκός leukos leucocyte
leuk(o)-
levis "light" (in
lev- lift, light Latin elevator, levitation
weight), levare
liber- free Latin liber, liberare liberation
libr- book Latin liber, libri library
lig- bind Latin ligare, ligatus ligament, ligature
lin- line Latin linea linearity, line
language, lingua tongue,
lingu- Latin bilingual, linguistic
tongue language
linqu-, lict- leave Latin linquere, lictus relict, relinquish
lip(o)- fat Greek λίπος lipos lipolysis
alliteration, illiterate, literacy,
liter- letter Latin littera
literal, obliterate
lithosphere, megalith,
lith(o)- stone Greek λίθος lithos "stone"
monolith, Neolithic Era
loc- place Latin locus local, location
thought, word, logic, monologue,
log- Greek λόγος logos "word"
speech morphological
long- long Latin longus elongate, longitude
loqu-, locut- speak Latin loqui allocution, eloquence
luc- bright, light Latin lux, lucis light 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

[edit] M
Meaning In Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
English Language Origin)
macro- long Greek μακρός (makros) macron
magn- great, large Latin magnus magnanimous, magnificent
maj- greater Latin major, majus majesty, majority, majuscule
malfeasance, malicious,
mal- bad, wretched, Latin malus
malignancy, malodorous
mamm- breast Latin mamma mammal, mammary gland
man- flow Latin manare emanationism, immanant
immanence, permanent,
man- stay Latin manēre, mansus
remanence
mandāre,
mand- hand Latin mandate, remand
mandatus
mania crazy Greek μανία kleptomania, maniac
manu- hand Latin manus manual, manuscript
mar- sea Latin mare, maris marine, maritime
mater-,
mother Latin mater, matris matriarch, matrix
matr-
maxim- greatest Latin maximus maximal
medi-,
middle Latin medius, mediare median, medieval
-midi-
meg- great, large Greek μέγας (megas) megaphone
mei- less Greek μείον (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 μενινξ (meninx) meningitis
men(o)- moon Greek μήν (men) menopause, menstruation
ment- mind Latin mens, mentis demented, mentality
mer- part Greek μέρος (meros) polymer
reward, wages,
merc- Latin merx, mercis mercantile, merchant
hire
merg-,
dip, plunge Latin mergere emerge, immersion
mers-
mes- middle Greek μέσος (mesos) mesolithic, mesozoic
meter-,
measure Greek μέτρον (metron) metric, thermometer
metr-
above, among,
meta- Greek μετά (meta) metaphor, metaphysics
beyond
mic- grain Latin mica micelle
micr(o)- 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
wonder, miror, mirari,
mir- Latin admire, miracle, mirror
amazement miratus sum
mis- hate Greek μῖσος (misos) misandry, misogyny
misce-,
mix Latin miscere, mixtus miscellaneous, mixture
mixt-
mit- thread Greek μίτος (mitos) mitochondrion
mitt-, intermittent, missionary,
send Latin mittere, missus
miss- transmission
mne- memory Greek μνήμη (mnēmē) mnemonic
mola, molere,
mol- grind Latin molar
molitus
moll- soft Latin mollis emollient, mollify
mon(o)- one Greek μόνος (monos) monolith, monotone, monism
monil- string of beads Latin monile Moniliformida
mont- mountain Latin mons, montis Montana
anthropomorphism, morpheme,
morph- form, shape Greek μορφή (morphe)
morphology
mort- death Latin mors, mortis immortal, mortality, mortuary
moveo, movere, mobile, momentum, motor,
mov-, mot- move, motion Latin
motus move
mulg-,
milk Latin mulgere emulsion
muls-
mult(i)- 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 Μυς (mus) musophobia
countless, ten
myri- Greek μύριος (murios) myriad
thousand
myth- story Greek μῦθος (muthos) mythic, mythology
myx- slime Greek μύξα (muxa)
myz- suck Greek

[edit] N
Meaning in English Origin Etymology (Root English Examples
Root
Language Origin)
nar- nostril Latin 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 (naus) astronaut
nav- ship Latin navis naval
ne(o)- new Greek νέος (neos) neologism
necr(o)- dead Greek νεκρός (nekros) necrophobia
nect-, nex- join, tie Latin nectere, nexus connection
necto-,
swimming Greek νεκτος nektos nectopod
nect-
neg- say no Latin negare negative
nema- hair Greek νήμα nematode
nemor- grove, woods Latin nemus, nemoris nemoral
nephr- kidney Greek νεφρός (nephros) nephritis
nes- island Greek νήσος (nesos) Polynesia
neurology,
neur- nerve Greek νευρών (neuron)
neurosurgeon
nict- wink Latin nictari nictation
nigr- black Latin niger denigrate
nihil- nothing Latin nihilum annihilation
noct- night Latin nox, noctis nocturnal
nod- knot Latin nodus node, nodule
nom- arrangement, law Greek νόμος (nomos)
those who let νομάς, νομάδος (nomas,
nomad- Greek nomadic
pasture herds nomados)
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 notaphily
noth- spurious
noto- back, south Greek νότος (notos)
nov- nine Latin novem novennial
nov- new Latin novus innovation, nova
noven- nine each Latin noveni novenary
novendec- nineteen Latin novendecim
nox-, noc- harmful Latin noxa noxious
nu- nod Latin nuere innuendo
nub- Latin nubes, nubis nubile
nuc- nut Latin nux, nucis nucleus
nuch- back of neck Latin nucha nuchal cord
nud- naked Latin nudus denude, nudity
null(i)- none Latin nullus nullify
numer- number Latin numerus numeral
-nunci- announce Latin nuntius pronunciation
nupti- Latin nuptial
nutri- nourish Latin nutrire nutrient

[edit] O
Meaning in Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
English Language Origin)
ob-, o-, oc-, obstinate, ostentatious,
against Latin ob
os- obstreperous
oct- eight Greek ὀκτώ (oktō) octagon, octahedron
octangular, octennial,
oct- eight Latin octō
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
od- path, way Greek ὁδός (hodos) anode, odometer
od- hate Latin odium odious
ὀδούς, ὀδόντος
odont- tooth Greek odontology
(odous, odontos)
odor- fragrant Latin odor odorous
oeco- house Greek οἶκος (oikos) ecology
oed- swollen Greek οἴδημα (oidēma) oedema
oen- wine Greek οἶνος (oinos) oenology
οἰσοφάγος
oesoph- gullet Greek oesophagus
(oisophagos)
ogdo- eighth Greek ὄγδοος (ogdoos)
-oid like Greek -οειδής (-oeidēs)
ole- oily Latin
Latin from ὠλέκρανον
olecran- skull of elbow olecranon
Greek (ōlekranon)
olig- few Greek ὀλίγος (oligos) oligarchy
oliv- olive Latin oliva
-oma cancer Greek -ωμα
omas- paunch Latin omasum omasum
oment- fat skin Latin omentum
omin- Latin omen, ominis ominous
omm- eye Greek ὄμμα (omma) ommatidium
omni- all Latin omnis omnipotence, omnivore
omo- shoulder Latin
omphal- navel Greek ὀμφαλός (omphalos) omphalectomy
oner- burden Latin onus, oneris onerous
onom- name Greek όνομα (onoma) onomatopoeia
ont- existing Greek ὄντος (ontos) ontogeny, ontology
-onym name Greek ὄνυμα (onuma) pseudonym
oo- egg Greek (oion) oocyte
opac- shady Latin opacus opacity
oper- work Latin opus, operis opera
opercul- little cover Latin operculum
ophi- snake Greek ὄφις (ophis)
ὀφθαλμός
ophthalm- eye Greek ophthalmology
(ophthalmos)
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- Greek ὄργανον (organon) organism
instrument, tool
ori-, ort- eastern Latin oriri, ortus orient
orn- Latin ōrnāre adorn, ornament, ornate
ornith- bird Greek ὄρνις (ornis, ornithos) ornithology
orth(o)- straight Greek ὀρθός (orthos) orthodoxy, orthosis
oscill- swing Latin oscillum oscillation
oss(i)- bone Latin os, ossis
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, ovule
ovi- sheep Latin ovis ovine
oxy- sharp, pointed Greek ὀξύς (oxus) oxymoron
[edit] P
Meaning in English Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
Language Origin)
pac- peace Latin pax, pacis pacifism
pach- thick Greek παχύς (pachus) pachydermata
παῖς, παιδός (pais,
paed- child Greek paediatric
paidos)
pagin- page Latin pagina pagination
pal- stake Latin palus impale
palae-, pale- ancient, old Greek παλαιός (palaios) paleontology
palin- back Greek παλιν (palin) palindrome
pall- pale Latin pallere pallid, pallor
palli- mantle Latin pallium pallium
palm- palm Latin palma palmate
palustr(i)- in marshes Latin paluster palustral
πᾶς, παντός (pas,
pan-, pam- all Greek pandemic
pantos)
pand-, pans- spread Latin pandere, pansus expand, expansion
par(a)- beside, near Greek παρά (para) parallel, parameter
pariet- wall Latin paries, parietis parietal
part(i)- part Latin pars, partis partition
parthen(o)- maiden Greek παρθένος (parthenos) parthenogenesis
parv- little Latin parvus
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- to feel, hurt Greek πάθος (pathos) pathetic, pathology
suffer; feel; endure;
pati-, pass- Latin pati, passus passive, patient
permit
patr(i)- father Latin pater, patris patriarch, patrilocal
pauc- few Latin paucus paucity
pav- Latin pavement
pecc- sin Latin peccare impeccable
pect- fixed Greek πηκτός (pēktos) pectic, pectin
pector- chest Latin pectus, pectoris pectoral
pecun- money Latin pecunia pecuniary
παῖς, παιδός (pais,
ped- child Greek pedagogy
paidos)
ped- foot Latin pes, pedis pedal
pejor- worse Latin pejor pejorative
pel-, puls- drive Latin pellere propellent, propulsion
peninsula,
pen- almost Latin paene penultimate,
penumbra
pend-, pens- hang Latin pendere suspend
penn-, pinn- feather Latin penna pennate
pent- five Greek πέντε (pente) pentagon
pentecost- fiftieth Greek (pentekostos) pentecostalism
πέσσειν, πεπτός
pept- to digest Greek peptic
(pessein, peptos)
per- thoroughly, through Latin per perfect, persistent
peran- across, beyond Greek
peri- around Greek περί perimeter, periscope
persic- peach Greek περσικός (persikos)
pessim- worst Latin pessimus pessimal
pet- strive towards Latin petere appetite, competition
petr- rock Greek πέτρα (petra) petroglyph
phaeo- dark Greek φαιός (phaios)
phag- eat Greek φαγεῖν (phagein) sarcophagus
close formation of φάλαγξ, φάλαγγος
phalang- Greek phalange(s)
troops, finger bones (phalanx, phalangos)
having a patch of
phalar- Greek φάλαρος (phalāros)[1]
white
pharma- drug, medicine Greek φάρμακον pharmacy
phanero- visible Greek φανερός
pher- bear, carry Greek φέρω pheromone
philia- love, friendship Greek φιλια philosophy
phleg- heat Greek φλέγω Phlegmatics
phloe- tree bark Greek φλοιός (phloios) Phlobaphene
phob(ia)- fear Greek φόβος (phobos) hydrophobia
microphone,
phon(o)- sound Greek φωνή (phone)
phonograph
carry, bearing,
phor- Greek φόρος (phoros) metaphor
bearer
phos-, phot- light Greek φῶς photograph
phragm- fence Greek φράγμα (phragma) diaphragm
φρήν, φρενός (phrēn,
phren- diaphragm, mind Greek schizophrenia
phrenos)
phryn(o)- toad, toad-like Greek φρύνη (phrunē)
phyl- tribe Greek φύλων (phulon) phylum
phyll- leaf Greek φύλλων (phullon) chlorophyll
φυσά, φούσκα (phusa,
physa- bladder Greek
phouska)
phys- nature Greek φύση (physe) physics
phyt- plant Greek φυτών (phuton) neophyte
pic- pitch Latin pix, picis
pil- hair Latin
pin- pine Latin
ping-, pict- paint Latin pingere picture
pino- drink Greek πίνειν (pinein) pinocytosis
pir- pear Latin
pisc- fish Latin piscis Pisces
pis- pea Greek πίσος (pisos)
πλαξ, πλακός (plax,
plac- plate, tablet Greek
plakos)
plac- calm Latin placare, placatus placate
plac-, -plic- please Latin placēre, placitus placid
plagi- oblique Greek πλάγιος (plagios)
plan- flat Latin planus explanation, planar
plang- Latin plangere plangent
plas- mould Greek πλάθω (platho) plasma, plastic
platy- flat, broad Greek πλατύς (platus) platypus
plaud-, plaus- clap Latin plaudere, plausus applaud
ple-, plet- fill Latin plere complete, suppletive
pleb- people Latin plebs, plebis plebian
plect-, plex- plait Latin plectere, plexus perplex
plec- interwoven Greek πλέκω (pleko) Plectics
plen- full Latin plenus plenary
plesi- near Greek πλησίος (plēsios)
pleth- full Greek πλῆθος (plēthos) plethora
pleur- side Greek πλευρά pleura
plic- fold, braid Latin plicare, plicatus duplication, replicate
plinth- brick Greek πλίνθος (plinthos)
plor- Latin plorare implore
plu- rain Latin pluere
plum- feather Latin pluma plumage, plumate
plumb- lead Latin plumbum
plur- more Latin pluris plural
plurim- most Latin plurimus
plus- more Latin plus
pluvi- rain Latin pluvia pluvial
pneu- air, lung Greek πνεῦμα pneumatic
πούς, ποδός (pous,
pod- foot Greek podiatry, tripod
podos)
pogon(o)- beard Greek πώγων, πώγωνος pogonotrophy
 (pōgōn, pōgōnos)
poie- make Greek ποιέω poiesis
pole-, poli- city Greek πόλις (polis) metropolis, politics
pol- pole Greek πόλος (polos) dipole, polar
pol- stake, pale Latin palus pole-vault
polem- war Greek πόλεμος (polemos) polemic
poli(o)- grey Greek πολιός (polios)
pollic- thumb Latin pollex, pollicis
pollin- Latin pollen, pollinis pollination
poly- many Greek πολύς (polus) polygon
component, position,
pon-, posit- put Latin ponere, positus
postpone
ponder- weight Latin pondus, ponderis ponderable
pont- bridge Latin pons, pontis pontoon
popul- people Latin populus population
por- passage Greek πόρος (poros) pore
porc- pig Latin porcus porcine, pork
porphyr- purple Greek πορφύρα (porphura) porphyrin
port- gate Latin porta portal
port- carry Latin portare, portatus export, transportation
post- after, behind Latin post posterior, postscript
pot- drink Latin potare potable
Mesopotamia,
potam- river Greek ποταμός (potamos)
hippopotamus
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, precare deprecation
pred- Latin praedari predator
prehend-,
grasp Latin prehendere comprehend
prend-
prem-, -prim-,
press Latin premere, pressus pressure
press-
presb- old Greek πρέσβυς (presbus) Presbyterianism
preterite,
preter- past Latin praeter
pretermission
preti- price Latin pretium
primary, primeval,
prim- first Latin primus
primitive
prior- former Latin prior priority
priv- separate Latin privare, privatus deprivation
pro- before, in front of Greek πρό (pro)
pro- for, forward Latin pro propulsion
prob- try Latin probare probation
proct- anus Greek πρωκτός (proktos) proctology
propri- Latin proprius appropriate
pros(o)- forward Greek πρός (pros)
prot(o)- first Greek πρῶτος (prōtos) protoplasm
proxim- nearest Latin proximus proximity
prun- plum Latin prunus prune
psamma- sand Greek ψάμμος (psammos)
pseud(o)- false Greek ψεῦδος (pseudos) pseudonym
psil(o)- bare Greek ψιλός (psilos) epsilon
psych(o)- mind Greek ψυχη (psychē) psycho
psychr(o)- cold Greek ψυχρος (psuchros)
pter- wing, fern Greek πτερών (pteron) helicopter
pto- fall Greek πτώσης ptosis
ptyal- saliva Greek πτύον (ptyon)
ptych- fold, layer Greek πτυχή (ptuchē) triptych
pubi- sexually mature Latin pubic, pubescent
public- Latin publicus publication
pude- Latin pudere impudent
pugnacious,
pugn- fight Latin pugnare
repugnant
pulchr- beautiful Latin pulcher, pulchri pulchritude
pulmon- lung Latin pulmo, pulmonis pulmonary
pulver- dust Latin pulvis, pulveris pulverize
pung-, punct- prick Latin pungere puncture, pungent
puni- punish Latin punire punitive
pup- doll Latin pupa pupa, puppet
pur- pure Latin purus impure, purity
purg- Latin purgare expurgate, purgatory
purpur- purple Latin purpura
put- think Latin putāre compute, putative
pygo- rump Greek πύγηε (pugē)
πυλών, πυλῶνος
pyl- gate Greek pylon
(pulōn)
pyr(o)- heat, fire Greek πύρ, πυρός (pur, pyrolysis
puros)

[edit] Q
Root Meaning In Origin Etymology (Root English Examples
 English Language Origin)
quadrangle,
quadr- four Latin quattuor
quadrillion
quadragen- forty each Latin quadrageni quadragenary
quadragesim- fortieth Latin quadragesimus quadragesimal
quart- fourth Latin quartus quartary, quartile
quasi- as if Latin quasi
quaternary,
quatern- four each Latin quaterni
quaternion
quati-, quass- shake Latin quatere
quer-, -quir-, quesit-,
search, seek Latin quaerere Inquisition, query
-quisit-
qui- rest Latin quies quiet
quin- five each Latin quini quinary
quindecim- fifteenth Latin quindecimus quindecimal
quinden- fifteen each Latin quindeni quindenary
quinque- five Latin quinque quinquennium
quint- fifth Latin quintus quintary, quintile
how many, how
quot- Latin quota, quotient
great

[edit] R
Meaning In Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
English Language Origin)
rad-, ras- scrape, shave Latin radere, rasus abrade, abrasion
radi- beam, spoke Latin radius, radiare radiance, radiation
radic- root Latin rādix, rādīcis eradicate, radical
ram- branch Latin rāmus ramification, ramose
ran- frog Latin rana Rana
rancidness, grudge,
ranc- Latin rancere rancid, rancor
bitterness
rap- turnip Latin rapum rapeseed
raph- seam Greek ραφή (raphē)
rar- Latin rarus rarity
rauc- harsh, hoarse Latin raucus raucous
re-, red- again, back Latin re- recede, redact
reg-, -rig-, dirigible, erect, erection,
straight Latin regere, rectus
rect- 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
retrograde, retrospective,
retro- backward, behind Latin retro
retrovirus
rhabd- rod Greek ῥάβδος (rhabdos) rhabdoid, rhabdom
rhach-, ῥάχις, ῥάχεως
spine Greek rhachiodont
rach- (rhachis)
rhag- tear, rent Greek ῥαγίζω rhagades
rhe- flow Greek ῥεῖν (rhein) rheostat
rhig- chill Greek ῥῖγος (rhigos) rhigosaurus
ῥίς, ῥινός (rhis,
rhin- nose, snout Greek rhinoplasty
rhinos)
rhiz- root Greek ῥίζα (rhiza) rhizome
rhod(o)- 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 interrogation
rostr- beak, prow Latin rostrum rostrum
rot- wheel Latin rota, rotare rotation
ruber-,
red Latin ruber rubric, ruby
rubr-
rug- wrinkle Latin ruga, rugare corrugation
rumin- throat Latin rumen, ruminis rumination
rump-,
break Latin rumpere, ruptus eruption, rupture
rupt-
rur- country Latin rus, ruris rural

[edit] S
Meaning in English Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
Language Origin)
σάκχαρον
sacchar- sugar Greek saccharin
(sakcharon)
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 salvare salvation
san- healthy Latin sanus insane, sanity
sanct- holy Latin sancire sanctify, sanctuary
sanguin- blood Latin sanguis, sanguinis sanguine
sapi-, -sipi- taste; wise Latin sapere sapient
sapon- soap Latin sapo, saponis saponification
sarc(o)- flesh Greek σάρξ (sarx, sarkos) sarcophagus
sativ- cultivated Latin sativus
saur- lizard, reptile Greek σαῦρος (sauros) dinosaur
saxum rock Latin saxum
scab- scratch Latin scabere scabies
scal- ladder, stairs Latin scala scale
scalen- uneven Greek σκαληνός skalenos scalene
scand-, -scend-,
climb Latin scandere ascend
scans-, -scens-
anything hollow,
scaph- Greek scaphoid
bowl, ship
schem- plan Greek σχῆμα (schema) schematic
schis- split Greek σχίσμα (schisma) schism
sci- know Latin scire prescient, science
scind-, sciss- split Latin scindere scissors
scler- hard Greek σκληρός (sklēros) scleroderma, sclerosis
scoli- crooked Greek σκολιός (skolios) scoliosis
scop-, scopy, look at, examine, kaleidoscope,
Greek σκοπός (skopos)
scept- view, observe stethoscope
scrib-, script- write Latin scribere inscribe, scripture
sculp- carve Latin sculpere sculpture
scut- shield Latin scutum scute
scyph- cup Greek χούφτα (choyphta) 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 sedative
reside, sediment,
sed-, -sid-, sess- sit Latin sedere
session, supersede
sedec- sixteen Latin sedecim sedecimal
seget- in cornfields Latin segetum
sei- shake Greek σεισμός (seismos) seismograph
selen- moon Greek σελήνη (selene) Selene
sell- saddle, seat Latin sella sella turcica
sema- sign Greek σῆμα (sema) semantics, semaphore
semi- half Latin semis semi-final
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
fence, partition,
sept- Latin saeptum transept
enclosure
sept- seven Latin septem septennium
septen- seven each Latin septeni septenary
septim- seventh Latin septimus
septuagen- seventy each Latin septuageni septuagenary
septuagesim- seventieth Latin septuagesimus septuagesimal
septuagint- seventy Latin septuaginta Septuagint
sequ-, secut- follow Latin sequere consecutive, sequence
ser(o)- any body fluid Latin serum serous
ser(ot)- late Latin serus
serp- crawl Latin serpere 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- hair Latin seta
sever- stern, strict, serious Latin severus severity
semester, sexangle,
sex-, se- six Latin sex
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
design, designate,
sign- sign Latin signum
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
an imitating,
simul- Latin simulare simulation
feigning
singul- one each Latin singuli singular
sinistr- left Latin sinister, sinistri sinistral
sinu- (to draw) a line Latin sinuare insinuate
sinus- hollow, bay Latin sinus
siph(o)- tube Greek σίφων (siphon) siphon
sist- cause to stand Latin sistere consist
sito- food, grain, wheat Greek σίτος (sitos) sitology
soci- group Latin socius, sociare associate, social
sol- sun Latin sol solar
sol- comfort, soothe Latin solare consolation
solen- pipe, channel Greek σωλήν (solen) solenoid
solv-, solut- loosen, set free Latin solvere solution
soma- body Greek σῶμα (sōma) somatic
somn- sleep Latin somnus insomnia
somni- dream Latin somnium
son- sound Latin sonus resonance
soph- Wise Greek σοφός (sophos) sophist
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-, conspicuous,
look Latin specere
spect- 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(o)- wedge Greek σφήν (sphen)
spher- ball Greek σφαῖρα (sphaira) spheroid, sphere
sphinct- closing Greek σφίγγα sphincter
spic- spike Latin spica spicule
spin- thorn Latin spina spine
spir- breathe Latin spirare respiration
a surety, guarantee;
spond-, spons- give assurance, Latin spondere, sponsus
promise solemnly
spondyl- vertebra
spu-, sput- spew, spit Latin spuere sputum
squal- scaly, dirty, filthy Latin squalere squalid, squalor
squam- scale Latin squama
squarros- spreading at tips Latin
st- stand Latin stare, status stable, station, status,
statistic, statue,
establish
pool of standing
stagn- Latin stagnare stagnant
water
σταλακτίτες
stalact- Greek stalactite
(stalaktites)
 σταλαγμός
stalagm- Greek stalagmite
(stalagmos)
stann- tin Latin stannum stannous
statu-, -stitu- stand Latin statuere institution, statute
στέαρ, στεαρος
stea- fat, tallow Greek stearic acid
(stear, steatos)
steg- covering Greek steganography
stell- star Latin stella constellation, stellar
sten- narrow Greek στενός (stenos) stenography
stere- solid Greek στερεός (stereos)
stern-, strat- spread, strew Latin sternere, stratus stratify
stern- breastbone Greek στέρνον (sternon) sternum
stich- line, row Greek στίχος (stichos)
stig- Greek στίγμα 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
strept- twisted Greek στρεπτός (streptos)
strig- compress Latin strix, strigis strigogyps
string-, strict- upright, stiff Latin stringere, strictus stringent
strigos- having stiff bristles Latin
stroph- turning Greek στροφή (strophe) apostrophe
stru-, struct- Latin struere construction, construe
stud- dedication Latin studere student
stup- wonder Latin stupere stupor
styl- column, pillar Greek στῦλος (stulos) stylus
su-, sut- sew Latin suere suture
sui- self Latin suicide
suad-, suas- urge Latin suadere, suasus persuasion
suav- sweet Latin suavis suave
sub-, su-, sus- below Latin sub submerge
subter- Latin subter subterfuge
sucr- sugar Latin sucrose
sud- sweat Latin sudare sudoriferous
sulc- furrow Latin sulcus sulcus
sum-, sumpt- take Latin sumere assumption, consume
super- above, over Latin super supersede
supin- lying back Latin supinus supination
supra- above, over Latin supra supranationalism
surd- deaf Latin surdus absurdity
surg- rise Latin surgere resurgent
syn-, sy-, syl-, symbol, system,
with Greek σύν (sun)
sym- synonym, symmetry
σύριγξ, σύριγγος
syring- pipe Greek syringe
(syrinx, syringos)

[edit] T
Meaning in Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
English Language Origin)
tac-, -tic- be silent Latin tacere, tacitus reticent, tacit
tach- swift Greek ταχυς (tachus) tachometer
taenia- ribbon Greek ταινία (tainia)
tal- ankle Latin talus
tang-, -ting-,
touch Latin tangere, tactus contact, tangent
tact-, tag-
tapet- carpet Latin tapete, tapetis
tard- slow Latin tardus retard, tardy, tardigrade
ταρσός (tarsos, a
tars- ankle Greek tarsal
flat basket)
taur- bull Greek ταῦρος (tauros) Minotaur
taur- bull Latin taurus Taurus
arrangement,
tax- Greek τάξης (taxis) taxonomy
order
techn- Greek τέχνη (techne) technology
teg-, tect- cover Latin tegere, tectus protection
telephone, telescope,
tele- far, end Greek τῆλε-
telegram
teleo- complete Greek τέλος teleology
temno- cut Greek τέμνω
tempor- time Latin tempus, temporis temporary, temporal.
ten-, -tin-, tent- hold Latin tenere, tentus continent, tenacious
tend-, tens- stretch Latin tendere, tensus extend, extension
tenu- slender, thin Latin tenuis attenuate, tenuous
tep- be warm Latin tepere tepid
ter-, trit- rub Latin terere, tritus attrition, contrite
teret- rounded Latin teres, teretis
terg-, ters- wipe Latin tergere, tersus detergent
termin- Latin terminus determine, termination
tern- three each Latin terni ternary, ternion
terr- dry land Latin terra terrace, terrain, terracotta
terti- third Latin tertius tertian, tertiary
test- witness Latin testis testimony
tetr- four Greek τετρά (tetra-) tetrahedron
tex-, text- weave Latin texere, textus texture, textile
θάλαμος
thalam- chamber, bed Greek
(thalamos)
thalass- sea Greek θάλασσα (thalassa) Panthalassa
than- death Greek θάνατος (thanatos) euthanasia
the- put Greek τίθημι (tithemi) theme, thesis thesaurus
-theca case Greek θήκη Bibliotheca
thel(o)- Greek θηλή
the(o)-, thus- god Greek θεός (theos) theology, enthusiasm
theori- Greek θεωρία theorem, theory
therm- heat Greek θερμός (thermos) thermometer, endotherm
thero- beast, animal Greek θήρ, θηρός theropod
thymo- mood Greek θυμό dysthymia
thyreo- large shield Greek θυρεός thyroid
tim- be afraid Latin timere timid
ting-, tinct- moisten Latin tingere, tinctus tincture
τομή (tome), τόμος
tom- cut Greek ectomy, atom, tome
(tomos)
ton- stretch Greek τόνος (tonos) tone, isotonic
top- place Greek τόπος (topos) topic, topography
Latin from tornare < τόρνος
torn- cut
Greek (tornos)
torpe- numb Latin torpere torpor
torqu-, tort- twist Latin torquere, tortus extortion, torque, torture
tot- all, whole Latin totus total
tox(o)- arrow, bow Greek τόξον (toxon)
trab- beam Latin trabs, trabis trabeculae
trachy- rough Greek τραχύς (trachus) trachea
trag(o)- goat Greek τράγος (tragos) tragus
trah-, tract- pull/draw Latin trahere, tractus subtrahend, tractor
trans-, tra-, tradition, transcend,
across Latin trans
tran- transportation
trapez- four-sided, table Greek τράπεζα (trapeza) trapezoid trapezius
traum- wound Greek τραύμα (trauma) trauma, traumatic
trecent- three hundred Latin trecenti trecentennial
tredec- thirteen Latin tredecim
treiskaidek- thirteen Greek τρεισκαίδεκα triskaidekaphobia
trem- tremble Latin tremere tremor
trema- hole Greek τρῆμα (trēma) trematode
tri- three Greek τρεῖς, τρία (treis, triad, trigon, tripod
 tria)
triangle, trivia,
tri- three Latin tres
triumvirate
tricen- thirty each Latin triceni tricenary
tricesim-,
thirtieth Latin tricesimus trigesimal
trigesim-
θρίξ, τριχός (thrix, trichopathophobia,
trich- hair Greek
trichos) peritrichous
trin- three each Latin trini trinity
troch- wheel Greek τροχός trochlea
trop- turning Greek τρόπος (tropos) tropic
pogonotrophy, trophic,
troph- feed, grow Greek τροφός
dystrophy
trud-, trus- thrust Latin trudere, trusus extrusion, intrude
tuss- cough Latin tussis, tussire pertussis
τύμπανον
tympan- drum Greek tympani
(tumpanon)

[edit] U
Meaning in English Origin Language Etymology (Root English Examples
Root
Origin)
uber- fruitful Latin uber, uberare exuberant
ulig- in marshes Latin
ulo- wooly Greek
ultim- farthest Latin ultimus ultimate
ultra- beyond Latin ultra ultrasonic
umbilic- navel Latin umbilicus umbilical
penumbra,
umbr- shade, shadow Latin umbra
umbrella
un-, uni- one Latin unus, unius unary, union
unc- hooked Latin uncus uncinate
unci- ounce, twelfth Latin uncia uncial
und- wave Latin unda abundant, undulate
undecim- eleventh Latin undecimus undecimal
unden- eleven each Latin undeni undenary
ungui- claw, nail Latin unguis
ungul- claw, hoof Latin ungula ungulate
ur-, uro- tail Greek οὐρά (oura) uroid, uroborus
ur-, uro- urine Greek οὖρον (ouron) urology
urb- city Latin urbs, urbis urban
urg- work Latin urgere urgent
urs- bear Latin ursus Ursa Major, ursine
ut-, us- use Latin uti, usus usual, utility
uv- grape Latin uva uvea
uxor- wife Latin uxor uxoricide

[edit] V
Meaning in Origin Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
English Language Origin)
vacancy, vacation,
vac- empty Latin vacare
vacuum
vad-, vas- go Latin vadere evade, pervasive
vag- wander Latin vagus, vagare vague, vagabond
van- empty, vain, idle Latin vanus vanity
evaporation, vapid,
vap- lack (of) Latin vapor
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 venosity
ven- hunt Latin venari venison
ven-, vent- come Latin venire advent, convention
vend- sell Latin vendere vendor, vending
vener- respectful Latin venus veneration, venereal
vent- wind Latin ventus ventilation
ventr- belly Latin venter ventral
ver- true Latin verus verify, verity
verbal, verbatim,
verb- word Latin verbum
verbosity
verber- whip Latin verber reverberation
verm- worm Latin vermis vermiform
vern- spring Latin ver, vernus vernal
convert, inversion,
vert-, vers- turn Latin vertere, versus
invert, vertical
vesic- bladder Latin vesica vesical
vesper- evening, western Latin vespera vesperal
vest- clothe, garment Latin vestis divest, vest
vestig- follow, track Latin vestigium investigate
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 Latin viceni vicenary
vicesim-,
twentieth Latin vecesimus vicesimary, vigesimal
vigesim-
vid-, vis- see Latin videre, visus video, vision
vil- cheap Latin vilis vile, vilify
shaggy hair,
vill- Latin villus villiform
velvet
vin- wine Latin vinum vinous
vinc-, vict- conquer Latin vincere, victus invincible, victory
vir- man Latin vir virility
vir- green Latin virere virid, viridian
visc- thick Latin viscum viscosity
organs of the
viscer- Latin viscus, visceris visceral
body cavity
vit- life Latin vita vital
vitell- yolk Latin vitellus
viti- fault Latin vitium vice, vitiate
vitr- glass Latin vitrum vitreous
viv- live Latin vivere revive, survive, vivid
vocal, vocation,
voc- voice Latin vox, vocis
provocative
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
divulge, vulgarity,
vulg- common, crowd Latin vulgus
vulgate
vulner- wound Latin vulnus, vulneris vulnerable
vulp- fox Latin vulpes, vulpis vulpine

[edit] X
Meaning in English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
Root
xanth- yellow Greek ξάνθος (xanthos) xanthogenic
xen- foreign Greek ξενος (xenos) xenophobia
xer- dry Greek ξηρός (xēros) xerography
xiph- sword Greek ξίφος (xiphos) xiphoid
xyl- wood Greek ξύλων (xulon) xylophone
[edit] Z
Meaning In English Origin Language Etymology (Root
Root English Examples
Origin)
protozoa, zoo,
-zo- animal, living being Greek ζῷον (zōion)
zoology
zon- belt, girdle Greek ζωνη (zōnē) zone
zyg- yoke Greek ζυγον (zugon) heterozygous, zygote
zym- ferment Greek ζυμη (zumē) enzyme, lysozyme