A
Root
Meaning In English
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
ab-, a-, abs-
away
Latin
abnormal, abrasion,
ab "away", from Greek apo
absorb, abstract,
"away"
aversion
a-, an-
not, without
Greek
Greek α-/αν- "a-/an" "not"
atypical, ahistorical
ac-, ak-, acu-
sharp or pointed
Latin
acutus past participle of
acuere "to sharpen", from
acus "needle"
acid, acupunture
acr-, acro-
height, summit, tip
Greek
Greek άκρος ákros "high",
"extreme"
acrophobia, acrobat,
acronym, acromegalia
ad-, a-, ac-, af-,
ag-, al-, ap-, ar-,
as-, at-
movement to or toward; in addition to
Latin
ad "to", "toward"
adapt, affect, ascend,
accept
adip-
fat
Latin
adeps, adipis "fat"
adipose
aer-, aero-
air, atmosphere
Greek
aer "air"
aeronautics, aerosol
aesth-
feeling, sensation
Greek
aisthētikos "of sense
perception" from
aesthetics
aisthanesthai "to perceive"
agr-, agri-
field
Greek and
Latin
from Greek agros and Latin
agriculture, pilgrim
ager, agr- "field"
am-, amor-
love, loving
Latin
amor "love" from amāre
"to love"
ambi-
both, on both sides
Latin
ambi "on both sides", from
ambidextrous,
Greek amphi, "on both
ambivalent
sides"
amic-, -imic-
friend
Latin
amicus
amateur, amorous
amicable, inimical
amphi-
around, about, both, on both sides of, both
kinds
Greek
amphi "on both sides"
amphibian, amphibolic
ampl-
ample
Latin
amplus
amplification
ana-
again, against, back
Greek
from Greek prefix ana"again", "against"
anabaptist, anaphylaxis
anima-
breath
Latin
anima "breath"
animal, animation
ann-, -enn-
year, yearly
Latin
annus "year"
anniversary, annual,
millennium
ant-, anti-
against, opposed to, preventive
Greek
anti "before", "against"
antibiotic, antipodes
ante-, anti-
before, in front of, prior to
Latin
Latin from Greek anti
"before", "against"
antediluvian,
antebellum, anticipate
anth-, antho-
flower
Greek
anthos "flower"
anther, anthology
anthropo-,
anthro-
human
Greek
anthropos "man"
anthropology,
anthropomorphic
aqu-
water
Latin
aqua
aquamarine, aquarium,
aqueduct
ar-
plow, till
Latin
arare
arable
ar-
be dry
Latin
arere, "be dry or parched"
arid
arch-
ruler, chief
Greek
archos "ruler"
archangel, archetype
Greek
arkhaios "ancient" from
arkhē "beginning"
archaeology or
archeology, archaic
arktos "bear"
Arctic Ocean
archaeo-, archeo- ancient
arct-, arcto-
Relating to the North Pole or the region near it;
relating to cold; used as the scientific name of Greek
some bear species, e.g. Ursus arctos horribilis
argent-
silver
Latin
argentum "silver"
argent, Argentina
arthr-, arthro-
joint
Greek
arthron "joint"
arthritis, arthropod
astr-, astro-
star, star-shaped
Greek
astron "star"
astronomy
athl-
prize
Greek
athlos "contest"
athlete
aud-, audi-
hearing, listening, sound
Latin
audire "to hear"
auditorium, auditory
aug-, auct-
grow, increase
Latin
augēre "to increase"
augmentation
aur-
relating to gold, or gold-colored
Latin
aurum "gold"
aureole, aure
auri-
Relating to the ear
Latin
auris "ear"
auricle
aut- , auto-
self; directed from within
Greek
αυτός (autos) "self", "same" automobile, autonomy
avi-
bird
Latin
avis "bird"
aviary, aviation
axi-
axis
Greek
Latin from Greek axios
"worth"
axiology, axis
[edit] B
Root
Meaning In English
Origin Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
bac-
rod-shaped
Latin
from baculum "rod"
bacilla, bacteria
baro-
weight, pressure
Greek
βαρυς (barus)
barometer, barograph,
baroreceptor
basi-
at the bottom
Greek
from βαίνω, to walk, march, βάσις
basic, basis
"step"
deep, depth
Greek
βαθύς (bathús, bathýs) "deep"
bathy-,
batholith
batho-
be-, beat-
bless
Latin
beare, beatus
beatification
bell(i)-
war
Latin
bellum, belli
antebellum, bellicose,
belligerent
ben-
good, well
Latin
bene (adverb)
benefit, benignity
bi-
two
Latin
bis, "twice"; bini, "in twos"
binoculars, bigamy, biscotti
bib-
drink
Latin
bibere, bibitus
imbibe
bibl-
book
Greek
βιβλίον (biblíon) "book"
bibliography, bible
bi(o)-
life
Greek
βίος (bíos) "life"
biology, biologist, biosphere
blenn(o)-
slime
Greek
βλεννος (blennos)
blennophobia, blennosperma
blast-
germ, embryo, bud, cell with
nucleus
Greek
βλαστάνω, "to put forth shoots"
sideroblast
bon(i)-
good
Latin
bonus
bonify, bonitary
bor-
north
Greek / Latin
(boreas)
Greek βορράς (borras) "the north
wind"
borealis
botan-
plant
Greek
(botanē)
botany
bov-
cow, ox
Latin
bos, bovis
bovine
brachi(o)-
arm
Greek
βραχίων (brakhíōn) "arm"
brachial artery, brachiosaurus
brachy-
short
Greek
βραχύς (brakhús, brakhýs) "short"
brachydactyly
brady-
slow
Greek
βραδύς (bradús, bradýs)
bradycardia
branch-
gill
Greek
βράγχιον (brágkhion, bránkhion)
"gill"
branchiopod
brev(i)-
brief, short (time)
Latin
brevis, breviare
abbreviation, brevity
briz-
nod
Greek
(brizō)
brom-
oats
Greek
βρόµος (brómos) "oats"
bronch-
windpipe
Greek
βρόγχος (brógkhos, brónkhos)
bronchitis
bront-
thunder
Greek
βροντη (brontē)
Brontosaurus
bucc-
cheek, mouth, cavity
Latin
bucca
buccal, buccinator muscle
bulb-
bulbous
Latin
bulbus
bulbous, bulbule
bull-
bubble, flask
Latin
bulla, "bubble"
ebullient, ebullism
burs-
pouch, purse
Latin
bursary, disburse
[edit] C
Root
Meaning In English
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
cac(o)-
bad
Greek
κακος (kakos)
cacophony
cad-, -cid-, cas-
fall
Latin
cadere, casus
accident, cadence, case
caed-, -cid-, caes-,
cut
-cis-
Latin
caedere, caesus
incisor
Latin and
Greek
from Latin calx "lime", and from Greek
khalix "pebble" "limestone"
calculus, calcite, calcium
calc-
stone
caedere
break
Latin
calli-
beautiful
Greek
from Greek kallos "beauty"
calligraphy
calor-
heat
Latin
calor "heat"
calorie
calyp-
cover
Greek
(kaluptein)
apocalypse
camer-
vault
Latin
camera
bicameral, camera
camp-
field
Latin
campus "field", "level ground"
champion, campaign
can(i)-
dog
Latin
canis "dog"
canine, Canis Major
can-, cant-
sing
Latin
canere "sing"
cantata, canto, cantor
cand-
glowing, iridescent
Latin
candere "to be white or glisten"
candid, incandescent,
candle, candela
Latin
capere, captus "take or hold" (note the vowel capture, captive,
change from a to i in compounds)
conception, recipient
cap-, -cip-, capt-, hold, take
cept-
caesura
capit-, -cipit-
head
Latin
caput, capitis "head"
capital, chief, chef,
decapitate
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
carci-
cancer (disease)
Latin from
Greek
Latin from Greek karkinos "crab"
carcinoma
cardi(o)-
relating to the heart
Greek
kardia "heart"
cardiology, cardiograph
cardin-
hinge
Latin
cardo, cardinis
cardinal
carn-
flesh
Latin
caro, carnis
carnival, carnivore
carpo-
relating to fruit
Greek
from Greek karpos "fruit"
carpology
carp-
relating to the wrist
Greek
from Greek karpos "wrist"
carpal, carpal tunnel
syndrome
cata-
down
Greek
kata "down"
catastrophe, catatonia
caten-
chain
Latin
catena
concatenation
cathar-
pure
Greek
(katharos)
catharsis
caud-
tail
Latin
cauda
caudal
cav-
hollow
Latin
cavus "hollow"
cave, cavity, excavation
ced-, cess-
go
Latin
cedere
procession, recede
celer-
quick
Latin
celer, celerare
acceleration, celerity
cen(o)-
new
Greek
καινος (kainos)
Cenozoic
cen(o)-
empty
Greek
(kenos)
cenotaph
cen(o)-
common
Greek
(koinos)
cenobite, cenospecies
Latin
censere "to estimate"
census
cens-
cent-
hundred
Latin
centum "hundred"
cent, centennial, centurion
centen-
hundred each
Latin
centeni
centenary
centesim-
hundredth
Latin
centesimus
centesimal, centesimation
centr-
center
Greek
κέντρον (kéntron) "needle", "spur"
eccentric
cephalo-
head
Greek
kephale "head"
cephalopod,
encephalogram
ceram-
clay
Greek
(keramos)
ceramic
cerat-
horn
Greek
(keras, keratos) "horn"
ceratin
Latin
cernere
discern
cern-
cervic-
relating to the neck,
relating to the cervix
Latin
cervix, cervicis "neck"
cervix, cervical
ceter-
other
Latin
ceterus
et cetera
chiro-
of the hand or hands
Greek
kheir "hand"
chiroptera, chiropractic
chelo-
relating to a turtle
Greek
khelone "tortoise"
chelonia
chloro-
green
Greek
from Greek khlōros "green"
chlorine, chlorophyll
choreo-
relating to dance
Greek
from Greek khoreia "dancing in unison" from
choreography
khoros "chorus"
chord-
cord
Latin
chorda "rope"
chordata
chrom-
color
Greek
khrōma "color"
chromosome, chromium
chryso-
gold
Greek
khrusos "gold"
chrysolite
cili-
eyelash
Latin
cilium
cilia
cine-
motion
Greek
(kine-)
cinema
ciner-
ash
Latin
cinis, cineris
incineration
cing-, cinct-
gird
Latin
cingere
succinct
circ-
circle
Latin
circus
circus
circum-
around
Latin
circum "around"
circumference
cirr-
orange
Greek
kirros
cirrhosis
cirr-
curl, tentacle
Latin
cirrus
cirrus
civ-
citizen
Latin
civis
civility
clad-
branch
Greek
(klados)
clar-
clear
Latin
clarus
clarity, declaration
clast-
broken
Greek
klastos "broken"
iconoclast
claud-, -clud-,
claus-, -clus-
close
Latin
claudere
clause, exclusion, include
clav-
key
Greek
from Greek kleis "key" from kleiein "to close" conclave
cl(e)ist-
closed
cleithr-
bar, key
clement-
mild
Latin
clemens, clementis
clemency, inclement
clin-
bed, lean, recline
Latin
-clinare
declination, inclined
cochl-
shell
Greek
(kochlos)
cochlea
coel-
hollow
Greek
(koilos)
cogn-
know
Latin
col-
strain
Latin
colare, colum
colander
coll-
neck
Latin
collum
collar
color-
color
Latin
color
coloration
con-, co-, col-,
com-
with, together, joined
Latin
cum
connect, collide, compress
condi-
season
Latin
condire
condiment
cono-
cone
Greek
konos
conic, conical
contra-
against
Latin
contra
contrast
copro-
dung
Greek
(kopros)
coprolite, coprophagia,
coprophilia
corac-
raven
Greek
(korax, korakos)
coracoid
cord-
heart
Latin
cor, cordis
accord, cordial
corn-
horn
Latin
cornu
cornea, cornucopia,
unicorn
coron-
crown
Latin
corona, coronare
corona, coronation
corpor-
body
Latin
corpus, corporis
corporation, corpse
cortic-
bark
Latin
cortex, corticis
cosm(o)-
Greek
universe
(kosmos)
cognitive
cosmonaut
cosmet(o)-
Greek
(kosmet-)
cosmetics, cosmetology
cost-
rib
Latin
costa
costal
cotyl-
cup
Greek
(kotulē)
cotyledon
crani-
skull
Greek
(kranion)
cranium
crass-
thick
Latin
crassus
crassitude
cre-
make
Latin
creare, creatus
creation, creature
crep-
boot, shoe
Greek
(krēpis, krēpidos)
cribr-
sieve
Latin
cribrum "a sieve"
cric-
ring
Greek
κρικος (krikos)
cris-, crit-
judge
Greek
crisp-
curled
Latin
crispus
crispate
crist-
crest
Latin
crista
cristate
crosso-
fringe, tassel
Greek
(krossoi)
cruc(i)-
cross
Latin
crux, crucis
crucial, crucifix, crucify
crur(i)-
leg, shank
Latin
crus, cruris
crural
crypt-
hidden
Greek
(kruptos)
cryptic, cryptography
cten(o)-
comb
Greek
(kteis, ktenos)
ctenophore
cub-
cube
Greek
(kubos)
cubic, cuboid
cribble, cribrate
crisis, critic
cub-
lie
Latin
cubare
incubation, succuba
culin-
kitchen
Latin
culina
culinary
culp-
blame, fault
Latin
culpa
culpable, exculpate
cune-
wedge
Latin
cuneus
cuneiform
curr-, curs-
run
Latin
currere
concurrent, recursion
curv-
bent
Latin
curvus
curvature
cusp-
lance, point
Latin
cuspis, cuspidis
bicuspid
cut(i)-
skin
Latin
cutis
cuticle
cyan-
blue
Greek
κυανός (kuanos)
cyanide
cycl(o)-
circular
Greek
κύκλος (kuklos)
bicycle, cycle, cyclone
cylind-
roll
Greek
(kulindros)
cylinder
cyn(o)-
dog
Greek
(kuōn, kunos)
cynosure
cyst-
capsule
Greek
(kustis)
cystic
cyt(o)-
cell
Greek
(kutos)
cytoplasm
[edit] D
Root
dactyl-
Meaning In English
finger
Origin
Language
Greek
Etymology (Root Origin)
δάκτυλος, finger
English Examples
dactylology, pterodactyl
damn-, -demn-
Latin
damnare
condemn, damnation
de-
from, away from,
removing
Latin
dē
delete, demented
deb-
owe
Latin
debere, debitus
debit
deci-
tenth part
Latin
decimus, tenth; from decem,
decibel, decimate
ten
deca-, dec-, deka-,
dek-
ten
Greek
deka, ten
decagram, decahedron
Greek
(delta)
deltoid
delt-
dem-
people
Greek
demos, people
demagogue, democracy
den-
ten each
Latin
deni
denary
dendr-, dendro-
resembling a tree
Greek
dendron: akin to drys, tree
dendrite
dens-
thick
Latin
densus
condense, density
dent-
tooth
Latin
dens, dentis
dental, dentures
derm-
skin
Greek
δέρµα (derma) skin
hypodermic
deuter-
second
Greek
δεύτερος (deuteros)
"second"
Deuteronomy
dexter-
right
Latin
dexter
dexterity
dextro-
right
Greek
δεξ-, right
di-
two
Greek
dia-
apart, through
Greek
dicot
δια
diameter
dict-
say, speak
Latin
dicere, dictus
dictation
digit-
finger
Latin
digitus
digital
dino-
terrible, fearfully great
Greek
(deinos)
dinosaur
Greek
dipl-
diploid, diplosis
doc-, doct-
teach
Latin
docere, doctus
docile, doctor
dodec-
twelve
Greek
δωδεκα (dodeka)
dodecasyllabic
dog-, dox-
opinion, teaching
Greek
dom-
dogmatic
Latin
domus
dome
dorm-
sleep
Latin
dormire
dormant, dormitory
dors-
back
Latin
dorsum
dorsal
du-
two
Latin
duo
dual
dub-
doubtful
Latin
duc-, duct-
lead
Latin
dux
dulc-
sweet
Latin
dulcis
dur-
hard
Latin
durus
durable, duration, duress, endure,
obdurate
dy-
two
Greek
(duo)
dyad
dys-
badly, ill
Greek
δυσ
dysentery
[edit] E
dubious
abduction, conductor, introduce
Root
Meaning In English
Origin Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
ec-
out
Greek
(ek)
eccentric
eco-
house
Greek
(oikos)
ecology, economics, ecumenism
ecto-
outside
Greek
(ektos)
ectoderm
ed-, es-
eat
Latin
edere, esus
edible
ego-
self, I (first person)
ego-, eg-
goat
Latin from Greek
em-, empt-
buy
Latin
emere, emptus
exemption, redeem
eme-
vomit
Greek
(emetos)
emetic
emul-
striving to equal, rivaling
Latin
aemulus, aemulare
emulation
en-, em-
in
Greek
(en)
emphasis
endo-
inside
Greek
(endo)
endocrine
engy-
narrow
Greek
ennea-
nine
Greek
(ennea)
ennead, enneagon
ens-
sword
Latin
ensis
eo-, eos-, eoso-
dawn, east
Greek
epi-, ep-
upon
Greek
epistem-
knowledge or science
Greek
egocentric
egophony
Eocene
(epi)
epicenter, epoch
epistemic
equ-, -iqu-
even, level
Latin
aequus
equal
equ-
horse
Latin
equus
Equestrian
erg-
work
Greek
(ergon)
ergonomics
err-
stray
Latin
errare
aberration, errant
erythr(o)-
red
Greek
ερυθρος (eruthros)
erythrocyte
eso-
within
Greek
(esō)
esoteric
etho-, eth-, ethi-
custom, habit
Greek
εθος (ethos)
ethology
ethm-
sieve
Greek
ethn-
people, race, tribe, nation
Greek
(ethnos)
ethnic, ethnarch
etym(o)-
true
Greek
(etumos)
etymology
eu-
well
Greek
(eu)
euphoria
eur-
wide
Greek
(eurus)
Europe
ex-, e-, ef-
from, out of
Latin
ex
exclude, extrude, extend
exo-
outside
Greek
exothermic
exter-, extra-
outer
Latin
exterior
extrem-
outermost, utmost
Latin
ethmoid
extremus
extremity, extremophile
[edit] F
Root
Meaning In English
Origin
Etymology (Root
English Examples
Language
Origin)
f-, fat-
say, speak
Latin
fari, fatus
fate, infant, preface
fab-
bean
Latin
faba
faba bean
fac-, -fic-, fact, -fect-
make
Latin
facere, factus
defect, factory,
manufacture
falc-
sickle
Latin
falx, falcis
falciform
Latin
fallere, falsus
falsity
Latin
fallax, fallacis
fallacy
fall-, -fell-, fals-
fallac-
false
famili-
Latin
familiarity
fantasy
fant-
to show
Greek
fasc-
bundle
Latin
fascis
fascicle
fatu-
foolish, useless
Latin
fatuus
fatuous, infatuate
Latin
foedus, foederis
confederation, federal
feder-
fel-
cat
Latin
feles, felis
feline
felic-
happy, merry
Latin
felix, felicis
felicity
fell-
suck
Latin
fellare
fellation
femin-
women, quality or condition of being
female
Latin
femina
femininity
femor-
thigh
Latin
femur, femoris
femoral
fend-, fens-
Latin
fendere, -fensus
defend, offense
fenestr-
window
Latin
fenestra
fenestration
fer-
carry
Latin
ferre
reference, transfer
feroc-
fierce
Latin
ferox, ferocis
ferocity
ferr-
iron
Latin
ferrum
ferrous
fet-
stink
Latin
fetere
fetid
fic-
fig
Latin
ficus
Ficus
fid-, fis-
faith, trust
Latin
fides, fidere, fisus
confide
fil-
thread
Latin
filum
filament
Latin
filius
affiliate
fili-
find-, fiss-
split
Latin
findere, fissus
fission
firm-
fix, settle
Latin
firmus, firmare
confirmation
fistul-
hollow, tube
Latin
fl-
blow
Latin
flare, flatus
flatulence, inflation
flacc-
flabby
Latin
flaccus
flaccid
flav-
yellow
Latin
flavus
flavonoid
flect-, flex-
bend
Latin
flectere, flexus
flexor, inflection
flig-, flict-
strike
Latin
fligere, flictus
inflict
fistule
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
foli-
leaf
Latin
folium
defoliate
font-
spring
Latin
fons, fontis
for-
bore
Latin
forare, foratus
perforation
form-
shape
Latin
forma
deformity, formation
fornic-
vault
Latin
fornix, fornicis
fornication
fort-
strong
Latin
fortis
fortification
fovea-
shallow round depression
frang-, -fring-, fract-,
frag-
break
Latin
frangere, fractus
fracture, fragment,
infringe
frater-, fratr-
brother
Latin
frater
fraternity
fric-, frict-
rub
Latin
fricare
dentifrice, friction
frig-
cold
Latin
frigere
frigid
front-
forehead
Latin
frons, frontis
confront, frontal
fruct-, frug-
fruit
Latin
frux, fructis
fructose
fug-, fugit-
flee
Latin
fugere
centrifuge, fugitive,
refuge
fum-
smoke
Latin
fumus
fume, fumigate
fund-
bottom
Latin
fundus, fundare
fundamental, profundity
fund-, fus-
pour
Latin
fundere, fusus
profusion
fung-, funct-
do, perform
Latin
fungi
function
fur-, furt-
steal
Latin
furare
furtive
furc-
fork
Latin
furca
bifurcation
fusc-
dark
Latin
fuscus
obfuscation
[edit] G
Root
Meaning in English
Origin Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
galact-
milk
Greek
(gala, galaktos)
galactic
gastr-
stomach
Greek
(gaster)
gastric, gastroenterologist
ge(o)-
earth
Greek
γη (gē)
geology
gel-
icy cold
Latin
gelum
gelatin
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
Latin
globus
global, globule
glob-
glori-
glory
Latin
gloria
glorify
glutin-
glue
Latin
gluten, glutinis
agglutination
grad-, -gred-, gress-
walk, step, go
Latin
gradus, gradere, gressus
grade, regress
gramm-
letter
Greek
γραµµα (gramma)
grammatic
gran-
grain
Latin
granum
granary, granule
grand-
grand
Latin
grandis
grandiloquous
graph-
draw, write
Greek
(graphē)
graphic, graphology
grat-
thank, please
Latin
gratus
gratitude
grav-
heavy
Latin
gravis
gravity
greg-
flock
Latin
grex, gregis
gregarious, segregation
gubern-
govern, pilot
Latin
gubernare
gubernatorial
gust-
taste
Latin
gustus
gusto
guttur-
throat
Latin
guttur
guttural
gymn-
nude
Greek
(gymnos)
gymnasium
[edit] H
Root
Meaning in
English
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English Examples
hab-, -hib-,
habit-, -hibit-
have
Latin
habere, habitus
habit, prohibition
haem(o)-
blood
Greek
ἁιµα (haima)
haemophilia
hal(o)-
salt
Greek
(hals, halos)
halogen
hal-, -hel-
breathe
Latin
halare, halatus
anhelation, inhale
hapl(o)-
simple
Greek
(haplos)
haploid
haur-, haust-
draw
Latin
haurire, haustus
exhaust
heli(o)-
sun
Greek
ἡλιος
helium,heliotrope
hemi-
half
Greek
ήµισυς (hemisus)
hemisphere
hen-
one
Greek
ἑν (hen)
henad, hyphen
hendec-
eleven
Greek
ἑνδεκα (hendeka) hendecagon
hept-
seven
Greek
(hepta)
heptagon, heptathlon
her-, hes-
cling
Latin
haerere, haesus
adhesive, coherent
herb-
grass
Latin
herba
herbicide
hered-
heir
Latin
heres, heredis
heredity
herp-
creep
Greek
herpetology
heter(o)-
different,
other
Greek
ἑτερος (heteros)
heterodox
heur-
find
Greek
ἑυρισκω
heuristic
hex-
six
Greek
ἑξ (hex)
hexagon
hibern-
wintry
Latin
hibernus
hibernation
hiem-
winter
Latin
hiems
hiemal
hipp(o)-
horse
Greek
ἱππος (hippos)
hippodrome
hirsut-
hairy
Latin
hirtus, hirsutus
hirsute
hispid-
bristly
Latin
hispidus
hispidity
histri-
actor
hod-
way
Greek
ὁδος (hodos)
cathode, hodometer
hol(o)-
whole
Greek
(holos)
holistic
hom(o)-
same
Greek
(homos)
homosexual
homeo-
like
Greek
(homoios)
homin-
human
Latin
homo, hominis
hominid
homal-
even, flat
Greek
(homalos)
anomalous
honor-
esteem
Latin
honos, honoris
honorable
horm-
that which
excites
Greek
histrionic
hormone
hort(i)-
garden
Latin
hortus, horti
horticulture
hospit-
host
Latin
hospes, hospitis
hospitality
host-
enemy
Latin
hostis
hostile
hum-
ground
Latin
humus, humare
exhumation, inhume
hyal-
glass
Greek
(hualos)
hyaline, hyaloid
hydr(o)-
water
Greek
ὑδωρ
hydrology, hydrologist, Hydrogen, Hydrate, dehydrate,
Hydrophobia, hydroponic, hydraulic, Hydrolysis, hydrous,
hydrophilic
hygr-
wet
Greek
(hugros)
hygrology
hyo-
U-shaped
Greek
hyp(o)-
under
Greek
ὑπο (hupo)
hyphen
hyper-
above, over
Greek
ὑπερ(huper)
hypn-
sleep
Greek
ὑπνος (hupnos)
hyster-
later
Greek
ὑστερος (husteros) hysteresis
hypnosis
[edit] I
Root
Meaning In English
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
ichth-
fish
Greek
(ichthus)
ichthyology
icos-
twenty
Greek
(eikosi)
icosagon, icosahedron
id(o)-
shape
Greek
(eidos)
idol
ide(o)-
idea
Greek
(idea)
ideology, ideogram
idi(o)-
personal
Greek
(idios)
idiom, idiosyncrasy, idiot
ign-
fire
Latin
ignis
igneous, ignition
in- (1), im-
in, on
Latin
in
invite, incur, intend
in- (2), il-, im-,
ir-
in, un- (negation)
Latin
in-
illicit, impossible, inimical, irrational
infra-
under
Latin
infra
infrastructure
insul-
island
Latin
insula
insular, insulation
inter-
among, between
Latin
inter (preposition) – among,
between
intermission, intercollegiate,
intercourse
intra-
within
Latin
intra
intracollegiate
irasc-, irat-
be angry
Latin
irasci
irascible, irate
is(o)-
equal, the same
Greek
(isos)
isomorphic, isometric
-(i)tat-
property of, quality
of
Latin
iter-
again
Latin
iterum
iteration
itin-
route, way
Latin
iter, itinis – march, journey
itinerary
quality, liberty
[edit] J
Root
Meaning In
English
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
jac-
lie
Latin
jacēre "to be thrown"
adjacent
jac- (originally IAC), ject-
cast, throw
Latin
iacio, iacere, ieci, iectus – "to throw" (and
cognates thereof)
eject, interject, ejaculate,
trajectory
jan-
door
Latin
janua
janitor
joc-
joke
Latin
jocus
jocularity
jug-
yoke
Latin
jugare, jugum
conjugal, subjugate
jung-, junct-
join
Latin
jungere, junctus
conjunction, juncture
junior-
younger
Latin
junior
juniority
jus-, jur, judic
(originally IVS)
law, justice
Latin
ius, iuris; iudex, iudicis; iusticia, iusticiae,
etc.
justice, jury, judge
juv-, jut-
help
Latin
juvare, jutus
adjutant
juven-
young, youth
Latin
juvenis
juvenile, rejuvenate
juxta-
beside, near
Latin
juxta
juxtaposition
[edit] K
Root
Meaning In English
Origin Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
chilioi
English Examples
kil(o)-
thousand
Greek
kilogram, kilometer, kilobyte
kine-
movement, motion
Greek
klept-
steal
Greek
(kleptēs)
kleptomania
kudo-
glory
Greek
(kudos)
kudos
telekinesis, kinetic energy, kinesthetic
[edit] L
Meaning In
English
Root
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
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
lamp-
shine
Greek
lampas "torch"
lamp
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
Latin
laxus, laxare
laxative, relaxation
lax-
led-, les-
hurt
Latin
laedere, laesus
lesion
leio-
smooth
Greek
leios
leiomyoma
leni-
gentle
Latin
lenis, lenire
leniency
leon-
lion
Latin
leo, leonis "lion"
Leo, leonine, Leopold
lep-
flake, scale
Greek
lepis
Lepidoptera
leps-
grasp, seize
Greek
lepsis
epilepsy
leuc(o)-,
leuk(o)-
white
Greek
leukos
leucocyte
lev-
lift, light
Latin
levis "light" (in weight),
levare
elevator, levitation
liber-
free
Latin
liber, liberare
liberation
libr-
book
Latin
liber
library
lig-
bind
Latin
ligare
ligament, ligature
lin-
line
Latin
linea
linearity, line
lingu-
language, tongue
Latin
lingua tongue, language
bilingual, linguistic
linqu-, lict-
leave
Latin
linquere
relict, relinquish
lip(o)-
fat
Greek
lipos
lipolysis
liter-
letter
Latin
littera
alliteration, illiterate, literacy, literal,
obliterate
lith(o)-
stone
Greek
lithos "stone"
monolith, Neolithic Era, lithosphere,megalith
loc-
place
Latin
locus
local, location
log-
thought, word
Greek
logos "word"
monologue, logic, morphological
long-
long
Latin
longus
elongate, longitude
loqu-, locut-
speak
Latin
loqui
allocution, eloquent
luc-
bright, light
Latin
lux, lucis light
Lucifer (bearer of light)
lud-, lus-
play
Latin
ludere
allude, illusion
lumin-
light
Latin
lumen, luminis
illumination, luminous
lun-
moon
Latin
luna "moon"
lunar, lunatic
[edit] M
Root
macrmagnmajmalmammmanmanmandmanumarmater-, matrmaximmedi-, -midimegmeimelanmeliormellmeningmenomentmermercmerg-, mers-
Meaning In English
long
great, large
greater
bad, wretched, evil
breast
stay
flow
hand
hand
sea
mother
greatest
middle
great, large
less
black, dark
better
honey
membrane
moon
mind
part
dip, plunge
Origin Language
Greek
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Greek
Greek
Greek
Latin
Latin
Greek
Etymology (Root Origin)
µακρός (makros)
magnus
major, majus
malus
mamma
manere, mansus
manare
mandare, mandatus
manus
mare, maris
mater, matris
maximus
medius
(megas)
(meiōn)
µέλας (melas)
melior
mel, mellis
(meninx)
English Examples
macron
magnanimous, magnificent
majesty, majority, majuscule
malicious, malign, malfeasance
mammal, mammary
permanent, remanent
emanate
mandate, remand
manual, manuscript
marine, maritime
matrix
maximal
median, medieval
megaphone
meiosis
Melanesia, melanoma
amelioration
mellifluous
meningitis
Latin
Greek
Latin
Latin
mens, mentis
(meros)
merx, mercis
mergere
demented, mentality
polymer
mercantile, merchant
emerge, immersion
mesmetameter-, metrmicamicr(o)militmillmillenmimminminmirmismisce-, mixtmitmitt-, missmnemolmollmon(o)monilmontmorphmortmov-, motmulg-, mulsmult(i)murmusmuscmutmymyrimythmyxmyz-
middle
above, among, beyond
measure
grain
small
soldier
thousand
thousand each
repeat
less, smaller
jut
wonder, amazement
hate
mix
thread
send
memory
grind
soft
one
string of beads
mountain
form, shape
death
move, motion
milk
many, much
wall
thief
fly
change
mouse
countless, ten thousand
story
slime
suck
Greek
Greek
Greek
Latin
Greek
Latin
Latin
Latin
Greek
Latin
Latin
Latin
Greek
Latin
Greek
Latin
Greek
Latin
Latin
Greek
(mesos)
(meta)
(metron)
Latin
Greek
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Latin
Greek
Greek
Greek
Greek
Greek
mons, montis
(morphe)
mors, mortis
moveo, movere
mulgere
multus
murus, muri
mus, muris
musca, muscae
mutare
(mus)
(murios)
(muthos)
(muxa)
µικρος (mikros)
miles, militis
mille
milleni
(mimos)
minor, minus
minere
miror, mirari, miratus sum
µισος (misos)
miscere
(mitos)
mittere
mola
mollis
(monos)
mesolithic, mesozoic
metaphysics
metric, thermometer
micelle
microphone, microscope
military, militia
millennium, million
millenary
mime, mimic
minority, minuscule
prominent
miracle, mirror, admire
misandry, misogyny
miscellaneous, mixture
mitochondrion
intermittent, transmission
mnemonic
molar
emollient, mollify
monolith, monotone, monism
Montana
morpheme, anthropomorphic, morphology
immortal, mortality
move, motor, momentum
emulsion
multitude, multiple, multiplex
immured, mural
mouse
mutation
myriad
mythic, mythology
[edit] N
Root
Meaning in English
Origin Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
nar-
nostril
Latin
naris
narc-
numb
Greek
(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
(neos)
neologism
necr(o)-
dead
Greek
(nekros)
necrophobia
nect-, nex-
join, tie
Latin
nectere, nexus
connection
necto-, nect-
swimming
Greek
nektos
nectopod
neg-
say no
Latin
negare
negative
nema-
hair
Greek
nemor-
grove, woods
Latin
nemus, nemoris
nemoral
nephr-
kidney
Greek
nes-
island
Greek
(nesos)
Polynesia
neur-
nerve
Greek
(neuron)
neurology, neurosurgeon
nict-
wink
Latin
nictari
nictation
nigr-
black
Latin
niger
denigrate
nihil-
nothing
Latin
nihilum
annihilation
noct-
night
Latin
nox, noctis
nocturnal
nephritis
nod-
knot
Latin
nodus
nom-
arrangement, law
Greek
(nomos)
Greek
(nomas, nomados)
nomadic
nomination
nomad-
node, nodule
nomin-
name
Latin
nomen, nominis
non-
not
Latin
non
non-
ninth
Latin
nonus
nonary
nonagen-
ninety each
Latin
nonageni
nonagenary
nonagesim-
ninetieth
Latin
nonagesimus
nonagesimal
noth-
spurious
noto-
back, south
Greek
(noton)
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
Latin
nubes, nubis
nubile
Latin
nux, nucis
nucleus
nub-
nuc-
nut
nuch-
back of neck
nud-
naked
Latin
nudus
denude, nudity
null(i)-
none
Latin
nullus
nullify
numer-
number
Latin
numerus
numeral
-nunci-
announce
Latin
nuntius
pronunciation
nupti-
nutri-
nourish
nuchal cord
Latin
nuptial
Latin
nutrient
[edit] O
Root
Meaning in English
Origin Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
ob-, os-
against
Latin
obstinate, ostentatious, obstreperous
oct-
eight
Greek
(oktō)
octagon, octahedron
oct-
eight
Latin
octo
octangular, octennial, octovir
octav-
eighth
Latin
octavus
octaval
octogen-
eighty each
Latin
octogeni
octogenary
octogesim-
eightieth
Latin
octogesimus
octogesimal
octon-
eight each
Latin
octoni
octonary
ocul-
eye
Latin
oculus, oculare
ocular
od-
hate
Latin
odium
odious
-ode-
path, way
Greek
odont-
tooth
Greek
(odous)
odor-
fragrant
oecious-
house of
Greek
(oikos)
oed-
swollen
oen-
wine
Greek
(oinos)
oesoph-
gullet
Greek
(oisophagos)
ogdo-
eighth
Greek
(ogdoos)
-oid
like
Greek
(-oeides)
olecran-
skull of elbow
ole-
oily
Latin
olig-
few
Greek
(oligos)
oliv-
olive
Latin
oliva
-oma
cancer
Greek
omas-
paunch
Latin
omasum
oment-
fat skin
Latin
omentum
Latin
omen, ominis
omin-
omm-
eye
anode, odometer
odontology
oligarchy
ominous
omni-
all
Latin
omnis
omnipotence
omo-
shoulder
Latin
omphal-
navel
Greek
oner-
burden
Latin
onus, oneris
onerous
onom-
name
Greek
όνοµα (onoma)
onomatopoeia
ont-
existing
Greek
-onym
name
Greek
(-onum)
oo-
egg
Greek
(oion)
opac-
shady
Latin
opacus
opacity
oper-
work
Latin
opus, operis
opera
opt-
choose
Latin
optare
optional
optim-
best
Latin
optimus
optimum
op(t)-
eye
Greek
optos
optical
operculum-
little cover
ophi-
snake
Greek
ophis
ophthalm-
eye
Greek
(ophthalmos)
opisth-
behind
Greek
opoter-
either
omphalectomy
ontology
pseudonym
ophthalmology
or-
mouth
Latin
os, oris
oral, orator
orb-
circle
Latin
orbis
orbit
orch-
testicle
Latin
ordo, ordinis
ordinal, ordinary
Latin
oriri
orient
Latin
ornare
ornament, ornate
ordin-
Eastern
ori-
orn-
ornith-
bird
Greek
ornithology
orth-
straight
Greek
os(ti)-
mouth
os(s/t)-
bone
oscill-
swing
Latin
oscillation
ostrac-
shell
Greek
ostracize
ot-
ear
Greek
otology
ov-
egg
Latin
ovum
oval, ovule
ovi-
sheep
Latin
ovis
ovine
oxy-
sharp, pointed
Greek
(oxus)
oxymoron
(orthos)
orthosis
osteoporosis
[edit] P
Root
Meaning in English
Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
pac-
peace
Latin
pax, pacis
pacify, pacifist
pach-
thick
Greek
(pachus)
pachydermata
paed-
child
Greek
παις, παιδος (pais, paidos)
paediatric
pagin-
page
Latin
pagina
pagination
pal-
stake
Latin
palus
impale
palae-, pale-
ancient, old
Greek
(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
pan-, pam-
all
Greek
πας (pas)
pandemic
pand-, pans-
spread
Latin
pandere, pansus
expand, expansion
par(a)-
beside, near
Greek
παρα (para)
parallel, parameter
pariet-
wall
Latin
paries, parietis
parietal
part(i)-
part
Latin
pars, partis
partition
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
παθος (pathos)
pathetic, pathology
pati-, pass-
suffer; feel; endure; permit Latin
pati, passus
passive, patient
patr(i)-
father
Latin
pater, patris
patrilocal, patriarch
pauc-
Latin
paucus
paucity
pav-
Latin
pavement
pecc-
sin
Latin
peccare
impeccable
pect-
fixed
Greek
(pēktos)
pectic, pectin
pector-
chest
Latin
pectus, pectoris
pectoral
pecun-
money
Latin
pecunia
pecuniary
ped-
child
Greek
παις, παιδος (pais, paidos)
pedagogy
ped-
foot
Latin
pes, pedis
pedal
pejor-
worse
Latin
pejor
pejorative
pel-, puls-
drive
Latin
pellere
propellent, propulsion
pen-
almost
Latin
paene
peninsula, penultimate, penumbra
pend-, pens-
hang
Latin
pendere
suspend
penia-
deficiency
Latin
penn-, pinn-
feather
Latin
penna
pennate
pent-
five
Greek
(pente)
pentagon
pentecost-
fiftieth
Greek
(pentekostos)
pentecostalism
Greek
pept-
peptic
per-
thoroughly, through
Latin
peran-
across, beyond
Greek
peri-
around
Greek
persic-
peach
Greek
pessim-
worst
Latin
pessimus
pessimal
Latin
petere
appetite, competition
(petra)
petroglyph
sarcophagus
pet-
per
perfect, persistent
perimeter, periscope
petr-
rock
Greek
phaeo-
dark
Greek
phag-
eat
Greek
φαγειν phagein
phalang-
close formation of troops
Greek
(phalanx, phalangos)
phalar-
shining
Greek
(phalaros)
phanero-
visible
Greek
φανερος
pher-
bear, carry
Greek
φερω
pheromone
philia-
love, friendship
Greek
φιλια
Greek
phleg-
phloe-
tree bark
phob(ia)-
fear
Greek
()
hydrophobia
phon-
sound
Greek
φονη (phone)
microphone, phonograph
phor-
carry
Greek
(phoros)
metaphor
phos-, phot-
light
Greek
φως
photograph
phragm-
fence
Greek
(phragma)
diaphragm
phren-
diaphragm, mind
phryno-
toad, toad-like
phyl-
tribe
phyll-
leaf
physa-
bladder
phys-
nature
Greek
phyt-
plant
Greek
(phuton)
pic-
pitch
Latin
pix, picis
pil-
hair
Latin
pin-
pine
Latin
schizophrenia
Greek
(phullon)
chlorophyll
physics
neophyte
ping-, pict-
paint
Latin
pino-
drink
Greek
pir-
pear
Latin
pisc-
fish
Latin
pisum-
pea
plac-
plate, tablet
Greek
plac-
calm
plac-, -plic-
pingere
picture
pinocytosis
piscis
Pisces
Latin
placare, placatus
placate
please
Latin
placēre, placitus
placid
plagi-
oblique
Greek
(plagios)
plan-
flat
Latin
planus
explanation, planar
Latin
plangere
plangent
plang-
plas-
mould
Greek
platy-
flat, broad
Greek
(platus)
platypus
plaud-, plaus-
clap
Latin
plaudere, plausus
applaud
ple-, plet-
fill
Latin
plere
complete, suppletive
Latin
plebs, plebis
plebian
pleb-
plasma, plastic
plect-, plex-
plait
Latin
plectere
plen-
full
Latin
plenus
plenary
plesi-
near
Greek
(plēsios)
pleth-
full
Greek
(plēthos)
pleur-
side
Greek
pleura
plex-
interwoven
Greek
(plexis)
plic-
fold, braid
Latin
plicare
plinth-
brick
Greek
(plinthos)
Latin
plorare
implore
plumage, plumate
plor-
plu-
rain
Latin
plum-
feather
Latin
pluma
plumb-
lead
Latin
plumbum
Latin
plur-
plethora
duplication, replicate
plural
plurim-
most
Latin
plurimus
plus-
more
Latin
plus
pluvi-
rain
Latin
pluvia
pneu-
air, lung
Greek
pod-
foot
Greek
pogo-
beard
poie-
make
pluvial
pneumatic
(pous, podos)
podiatry, tripod
pogonotrophy
Greek
ποιεω
poiesis
pol-
city
Greek
πολις (polis)
metropolis, politics
pol-
pole
Greek
(polos)
dipole
pol-
pole
Latin
polus
polar
polem-
war
Greek
πολεµος (polemos)
polemic
poli(o)-
grey
Greek
(polios)
pollic-
thumb
Latin
pollex, pollicis
Latin
pollen, pollinis
pollination
pollin-
poly-
many
Greek
πολυς (polus)
polygon
pon-, posit-
put
Latin
ponere, positus
component, position, postpone
ponder-
weight
Latin
pondus, ponderis
ponderable
pont-
bridge
Latin
pons, pontis
pontoon
popul-
people
Latin
populus
population
por-
passage
Greek
πορος (poros)
pore
porc-
pig
Latin
porcus
porcine, pork
porphyr-
purple
Greek
(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
potam-
river
Greek
ποταµος (potamos)
Mesopotamia
prasin-
leek-green
Greek
(prasinos)
prasinous
prat-
meadow
Latin
pratum
prav-
crooked
Latin
pravus
depravity
pre-
before
Latin
prae
previous
prec-
pray
Latin
prex, precare
deprecation
Latin
praedari
predator
grasp
Latin
prehendere
comprehend
prem-, -prim-, press- press
Latin
premere, pressus
pressure
pred-
prehend-, prend-
presb-
old
Greek
πρεσβυς (presbus)
Presbyterianism
preter-
past
Latin
praeter
preterite, pretermission
preti-
price
Latin
pretium
prim-
first
Latin
primus
primary, primeval, primitive
prior-
former
Latin
prior
priority
priv-
separate
Latin
privare, privatus
deprivation
pro-
before, in front of
Greek
προ (pro)
pro-
for, forward
Latin
pro
propulsion
prob-
try
Latin
probare
probation
proct-
anus
Greek
(proktos)
proctology
Latin
proprius
appropriate
propri-
pros(o)-
forward
Greek
(pros)
prot(o)-
first
Greek
πρωτος (prōtos)
protoplasm
proxim-
nearest
Latin
proximus
proximity
prun-
plum
Latin
prunus
prune
psamma-
sand
Greek
(psammos)
pseud(o)-
false
Greek
(pseudos)
pseudonym
psil(o)-
bare
Greek
(psilos)
epsilon
psych(o)-
mind
Greek
ψυχη (psychē)
psycho
psychr(o)-
cold
Greek
(psuchros)
pter-
wing, fern
Greek
(pteron)
pto-
fall
Greek
ptyal-
sahva
ptych-
fold, layer
pubi-
sexually mature
public-
helicopter
ptosis
Greek
(ptuchē)
triptych
Latin
publicus
publication
pude-
Latin
pudere
impudent
pugn-
fight
Latin
pugnare
pugnacious, repugnant
pulchr-
beautiful
Latin
pulcher, pulchri
pulchritude
pulmon-
lung
Latin
pulmo, pulmonis
pulmonary
pulver-
dust
Latin
pulvis, pulveris
pulverize
pung-, punct-
prick
Latin
pungere
puncture, pungent
puni-
punish
Latin
punire
punitive
pup-
doll
Latin
pupa
pupa, puppet
pur-
pure
Latin
purus
impure, purity
Latin
purgare
expurgate, purgatory
purg-
purpur-
purple
Latin
purpura
put-
think
Latin
putare
compute, putative
pygo-
rump
pyl-
gate
Greek
(pulon)
pylon
pyro-
heat, fire
Greek
pyro
[edit] Q
Root
quadr-
Meaning In English
four
Origin Language
Latin
Etymology (Root Origin)
quattuor
English Examples
quadrangle, quadrillion
quadragen-
forty each
Latin
quadrageni
quadragenary
quadragesim-
fortieth
Latin
quadragesimus
quadragesimal
quart-
fourth
Latin
quartus
quartary quartile
quasi-
as if
Latin
quasi
quatern-
four each
Latin
quaterni
quati-, quass-
shake
Latin
quatere
quer-, -quir-, quesit-, -quisit-
search, seek
Latin
quaerere
Inquisition, query
Latin
quies
quiet
qui-
quaternary, quaternion
quin-
five each
Latin
quini
quinary
quindecim-
fifteenth
Latin
quindecimus
quindecimal
quinden-
fifteen each
Latin
quindeni
quindenary
quinque-
five
Latin
quinque
quinquennium
quint-
fifth
Latin
quintus
quintary, quintile
quot-
how many, how great
Latin
quota, quotient
[edit] R
Root
Meaning in English
Origin Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
rach-
spine
Greek
(rhachis)
rad-, ras-
scrape, shave
Latin
radere, rasus
English Examples
abrade, abrasion
radi-
beam, spoke
Latin
radius, radiare
radiation
radic-
root
Latin
radix, radicis
eradicate, radical
ram-
branch
Latin
ramus
ramification, ramose
ran-
frog
Latin
rana
Rana
ranc-
rancidness, grudge, bitterness
Latin
rancere
rancid, rancor
rap-
turnip
Latin
rapum
raph-
seam
Greek
rar-
Latin
rarus
rarity
rauc-
harsh, hoarse
Latin
raucus
raucous
re-, red-
again, back
Latin
re-
recede, redact
reg-, -rig-, rect-
straight
Latin
regere, rectus
dirigible, erect, erection, rectum
rem-
oar
Latin
remus
bireme, trireme
ren-
kidney
Latin
renes
renal
rep-, rept-
crawl, creep
Latin
repere, reptus
reptile
ret-
net
Latin
rete
reticle, retina
retro-
backward, behind
Latin
retro
retrograde, retrospective
rhabd-
rod
Greek
(rhabdos)
rhabdoid, rhabdom
rhach-
spine
Greek
(rhachis)
rhachiodont
rhag-
tear, rent
Greek
rhe-
flow
Greek
(rhein)
rheostat
rhin-
nose, snout
Greek
(rhis, rhinos)
rhinoplasty
rhiz-
root
Greek
(rhiza)
rhizome
rhod(o)-
rose
Greek
(rhodon)
rhododendron
rhomb-
rhagades
Greek
rhombus
Rhynchobatus
rhynch-
snout
Greek
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
rub(e)r-
red
Latin
ruber
ruby
rug-
wrinkle
Latin
ruga, rugare
corrugation
rumin-
throat
Latin
rumen, ruminis
rumination
rump-, rupt-
break
Latin
rumpere, ruptus
eruption, rupture
rur-
country
Latin
rus, ruris
rural
[edit] S
Root
Meaning in English
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English Examples
sacchar-
sugar
Greek
(sakchar)
saccharin
sacr-, secr-
sacred
Latin
sacer, sacrare
consecrate, sacrament
sagac-
Wise
Latin
sagax, sagacis
sagacity
sagitt-
arrow
Latin
sagitta
Sagittarius
sal-
salt
Latin
sal, salis, salere
salinity
sali-, -sili-, salt-
jump
Latin
salire
resilient, salient, saltus
salv-
save
Latin
salvare
salvation
Latin
sanus
insane, sanity
san-
sanct-
holy
Latin
sancire
sanctify, sanctuary
sanguin-
blood
Latin
sanguis, sanguinis
sanguine
Latin
sapere
sapient
sapi-, -sipi-
sapon-
soap
Latin
sapo, saponis
saponification
sarc(o)-
flesh
Greek
σαρξ (sarx, sarkos)
sarcophagus
sativus-
cultivated
saur-
lizard, reptile
Greek
σαυρος (sauros)
dinosaur
saxum-
rock
scab-
scratch
Latin
scabere
scabies
scal-
ladder, stairs
Latin
scala
scale
scalen-
uneven
Greek
skalenos
scalene
scand-, -scend-, scans-, scens-
climb
Latin
scandere
ascend
scaph-
anything hollow, bowl, ship Greek
schem-
plan
Greek
(schema)
schematic
schis-
split
Greek
sci-
know
Latin
scire
prescient, science
scind-, sciss-
split
Latin
scindere
scissors
scler-
hard
Greek
(skler-)
scleroderma
scoli-
crooked
Greek
(skolios)
scoliosis
scop-, scopy, scept-
look at, examine, view,
observe
Greek
scrib-, script-
write
Latin
scribere
inscribe, scripture
sculp-
carve
Latin
sculpere
sculpture
scut-
shield
scyph-
cup
se-, sed-
apart
Latin
schism
kaleidoscope
secede, sedition
seba-
tallow, wax
Latin
sec-, sect-, seg-
cut
Latin
secare
secant, section, segment
sed-
settle, calm
Latin
sedare
sedative
sed-, -sid-, sess-
sit
Latin
sedere
reside, sediment, session,
supersede
sedec-
sixteen
Latin
sedecim
sedecimal
segetum-
in cornfields
sei-
shake
Greek
(seismos)
seismograph
selen-
moon
Greek
sella-
saddle, seat
Greek
(sema)
semantics, semaphore
sema-
Sebum, sebaceous
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
Latin
saeptum
Latin
septem
sept-
sept-
seven
septennium
septen-
seven each
Latin
septeni
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(olu)-
any body fluid
ser-
late
Latin
serus
serp-
crawl
Latin
serpere
serpent
serr-
saw, saw-toothed
Latin
serra, serrare
serration
serv-
Latin
servare
conservation
sesqui-
Latin
sesqui
Latin
severus
severity
set-
septenary
hair
sever-
sex-, se-
six
Latin
sex
semester, sexangle, sexennium
sexagen-
sixty each
Latin
sexageni
sexagenary
sexagesim-
sixtieth
Latin
sexagesimus
sexagesimal
sext-
sixth
Latin
sextus
sextant
sibil-
hiss
Latin
sibilus, sibilare
sibilance
sicc-
dry
Latin
siccus
desiccation
sider-
star
Latin
sidus, sideris
sidereal
sign-
sign
Latin
signum
design, designate, signal
Latin
silere
silence
sil-
silv-
forest
Latin
silva
silviculture
simi-
ape, monkey
Latin
simia
simian
simil-
group
Latin
similis
assimilate, similarity
Latin
simulare
simulation
simul-
singul-
one each
Latin
singuli
singular
sinistr-
left
Latin
sinister, sinistri
sinistral
sinu-
(to draw) a line
Latin
sinuare
insinuate
sinus-
hollow, bay
siph(o)-
tube
Greek
sist-
cause to stand
Latin
sistere
consist
soci-
group
Latin
socius, sociare
associate, social
sol-
sun
Latin
sol
solar
sol-
warmth
Latin
solare
consolation
siphon
solen-
pipe, channel
solv-, solut-
Greek
solenoid
Latin
solvere
solution
soma-
body
Greek
σωµα (soma)
somatic
somn-
sleep
Latin
somnus
insomnia
somni-
dream
Latin
somnium
son-
sound
Latin
sonus
resonance
soph-
Wise
Greek
σοφος (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-, spect-
look
Latin
specere
conspicuous, inspection,
specimen
spect-
watch, look at
Latin
spectare
spectator
Latin
speculari
speculation
desperation
specul-
sper-
hope
Latin
spes, sperare
sperm-
seed
Greek
(sperma)
sphen(o)-
wedge
Greek
spher-
Greek
(sphaira)
spheroid
sphinct-
closing
spic-
spike
Latin
spica
spin-
thorn
Latin
spina
spir-
breathe
Latin
spirare
Latin
spondere, sponsus
Latin
spuere
sputum
Latin
squalere
squalid, squalor
squama
spond-, spons-
spondyl-
vertebra
spu-, sput-
spew, spit
squal-
respiration
squam-
scale
Latin
squarros-
spreading at tips
Latin
st-
stand
Latin
stare, status
stable, station, status, statistic,
statue
stagn-
pool of standing water
Latin
stagnare
stagnant
stalact-
Greek
(stalaktites)
stalactite
stalagm-
Greek
(stalagmos)
stalagmite
stann-
tin
Latin
stannum
stannous
statu-, -stitu-
stand
Latin
statuere
institution, statute
stea-
fat, tallow
Greek
steg-
covering
Greek
stell-
star
Latin
stella
constellation, stellar
sten-
narrow
Greek
(stenos)
stenography
stere-
solid
Greek
(stereos)
stern-, strat-
spread, strew
Latin
sternere, stratus
stratify
stern-
breastbone
Greek
(sternon)
sternum
stich-
line, row
Greek
(stichos)
drip
stingu-, stinct-
stigma
Latin
stilla, stillare
distillation
Latin
stinguere
distinction, distinguish
stoch-
aim
Greek
stom-
mouth
Greek
strept-
twisted
Greek
(streptos)
Latin
strix, strigis
Latin
stringere, strictus
strig-
string-, strict-
upright, stiff
strigos-
having stiff bristles
stroph-
turning
stearic acid
steganography
Greek
stig-
still-
(stear, steatos)
Greek
stringent
stru-, struct-
To pile, build
stud-
Latin
struere
construction, construe
Latin
studere
student
stupor
stup-
wonder
Latin
stupere
styl-
column, pillar
Greek
(stulos)
su-, sut-
sew
Latin
suere
suture
Latin
suadere, suasus
persuasion
suave
suad-, suas-
suav-
sweet
Latin
suavis
sub-, su-, sus-
below
Latin
sub
Latin
subter
subter-
subterfuge
sucr-
sugar
sucrose
sud-
sweat
Latin
sudare
sulc-
furrow
Latin
sulcus
sum-, sumpt-
take
Latin
sumere
assumption, consume
super-
above, over
Latin
super
supersede
supin-
lying back
Latin
supinus
supra-
above, over
Latin
surd-
deaf
Latin
surdus
absurdity
surg-
rise
Latin
surgere
resurgent
syn-, sy-, syl-, sym-
with
Greek
syrin(glx)-
pipe
Greek
συν (sun)
symbol, system
[edit] T
Root
Meaning in English Origin Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
tac-, -tic-
be silent
Latin
tacere, tacitus
reticent, tacit
tach-
swift
Greek
ταχυς (tachus)
tachometer
taenia-
ribbon
Greek
(tainia)
tal-
ankle
Latin
talus
tang-, -ting-, tact-, tag- touch
Latin
tangere, tactus
tapet-
carpet
Latin
tapete, tapetis
tard-
slow
Latin
tardus
tars-
ankle
Greek
ταρσός (tarsos, a flat basket) tarsal
taur-
bull
Greek
ταυρος (tauros)
Minotaur
taur-
bull
Latin
taurus
Taurus
tax-
arrangement, order
Greek
(taxis)
taxonomy
Greek
(techne)
technology
tegere, tectus
protection
techn-
teg-, tect-
cover
Latin
tel-
far, end
Greek
contact, tangent
retard, tardy
telephone, telescope, telegram
teleo-
complete
Greek
temno-
cut
Greek
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
Latin
terminus
determine, termination
termin-
teleology
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
(tetra-)
tetrahedron
tex-, text-
weave
Latin
texere, textus
texture
thalam-
chamber, bed
Greek
(thalamos)
thalass-
sea
Greek
θαλασσα (thalassa)
Panthalassa
than-
death
Greek
θανατος (thanatos)
euthanasia
the-
put
Greek
τιθηµι (tithemi)
theme, thesis thesaurus
theca-
case
Greek
thel(o)-
nipple, female
Greek
the(o)-, thus-
god
Greek
θεος (theos)
theology, enthusiasm
Greek
theor-
therm-
heat
Greek
thero-
breast, mammal
Greek
thyreo-
large shield
tim-
be afraid
ting-, tinct-
theorem, theory
θερµος (thermos)
thermometer
Latin
timere
timid
moisten
Latin
tingere, tinctus
tincture
tom-
cut
Greek
(tomos)
ectomy, atom, tome
ton-
stretch
Greek
(tonos)
top-
place
Greek
τοπος (topos)
topic, topography
torn-
cut
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
(toxon)
trab-
beam
Latin
trabs, trabis
trachy-
rough
Greek
(trachus)
trag(o)-
goat
Greek
(tragos)
tragus
trah-, tract-
pull
Latin
trahere, tractus
subtrahend, tractor
trans-, tra-, tran-
across
Latin
trans
tradition, transcend, transportation
trapez-
four-sided, table
Greek
(trapeza)
trapezoid
traum-
wound
Greek
(trauma)
trauma, traumatic
trecent-
three hundred
Latin
trecenti
trecentennial
tredec-
thirteen
Latin
tredecim
treiskaidek-
thirteen
Greek
trem-
tremble
Latin
tremere
trema-
hole
Greek
(trēma)
tri-
three
Greek
(treis, tria)
triad, trigon, tripod
tri-
three
Latin
tres
triangle, trivia, triumvirate
tricen-
thirty each
Latin
triceni
tricenary
tricesim-, trigesim-
thirtieth
Latin
tricesimus
trigesimal
triskaidekaphobia
tremor
trich-
hair
Greek
(thrix)
trin-
three each
Latin
trini
troch-
wheel
Greek
trop-
turning
Greek
tropic
troph-
feed, grow
Greek
pogonotrophy
trud-, trus-
thrust
Latin
trudere, trusus
extrusion, intrude
tuss-
cough
Latin
tussis, tussire
pertussis
tympan-
drum
Greek
τυµπαν- (tumpan-)
tympani
trinity
[edit] U
Root
Meaning in English
Origin Language
uber-
udder
Latin
ulig-
in marshes
Latin
ulo-
wooly
Greek
ultim-
farthest
ultra-
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
uber, uberare
exuberant
Latin
ultimus
ultimate
beyond
Latin
ultra
ultrasonic
umbilic-
navel
Latin
umbilicus
umbilical
umbr-
shade, shadow
Latin
umbra
penumbra, 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
(oura)
uroid
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
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
[edit] V
Root
Meaning in English
Origin Language
vac-
empty
Latin
vacare
vacancy, vacation, vacuum
vad-, vas-
go
Latin
vadere
evade, pervasive
vag-
wander
van-
Latin
vagus, vagare
vague
Latin
vanus
vanity
vap-
lack (of)
Latin
evaporation, vapid
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
verb-
word
Latin
verbum
verbal, verbatim, verbosity
verber-
whip
Latin
verber
reverberation
verm-
worm
Latin
vermis
vermiform
vern-
spring
Latin
ver, vernus
vernal
vert-, vers-
turn
Latin
vertere, versus
convert, inversion, invert, vertical
vesic-
bladder
Latin
vesica
vesical
vesper-
evening, western
Latin
vespera
vesperal
vest-
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-, vigesim-
twentieth
Latin
vecesimus
vicesimary, vigesimal
vid-, vis-
see
Latin
videre, visus
video, vision
vil-
cheap
Latin
vilis
vile, vilify
vill-
shaggy hair, velvet
Latin
villus
villiform
vin-
wine
Latin
vinum
vinous
vinc-, vict-
conquer
Latin
vincere, victus
invincible, victory
vir-
man
Latin
vir
virility
vir-
green
Latin
virere
virid, viridian
visc-
thick
Latin
viscum
viscosity
viscer-
organs of the body cavity
Latin
viscus, visceris
visceral
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
voc-
voice
Latin
vox, vocis
vocal, vocation, 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
vulg-
common, crowd
Latin
vulgus
divulge, vulgarity, vulgate
vulner-
wound
Latin
vulnus, vulneris
vulnerable
vulp-
fox
Latin
vulpes, vulpis
vulpine
[edit] X
Root
Meaning in English
Origin Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
xanth-
yellow
Greek
(xanthos)
xanthogenic
xen-
foreign
Greek
ξενος (xenos)
xenophobia
xer-
dry
Greek
(xēros)
xerography
xiph-
sword
Greek
(xiphos)
xiphoid
xyl-
wood
Greek
(xulon)
xylophone
[edit] Z
Root
Meaning In English
Origin Language
Etymology (Root Origin)
English Examples
-zo-
animal, living being
Greek
(zōion)
protozoa, zoo, zoology
zon-
belt, girdle
Greek
ζωνη (zōnē)
zone
zyg-
yoke
Greek
ζυγον (zugon)
heterozygous, zygote
zym-
ferment
Greek
ζυµη (zumē)
enzyme, lysozyme