Greek
&
Latin
Roots in
English
A
Root
Meaning In English
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English Examples
a-, ab-, abs-
from, away from, away,
different from, separated Latin
from
ab "away", from
Greek apo "away"
abnormal, abrasion,
absorb, abstract
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
acid, acupunture
"to sharpen", from
acus "needle"
acr-, acro-
height, summit, tip
Greek
acrophobia acrobat,
Greek άκρος ákros
acronym
"high", "extreme"
acromegalia
ad- (related
cognate
movement to or toward;
prefixes a-, ac-,
Latin
in addition to
af-, ag-, al-, ap, as-, at-)
ad "to", "toward"
adapt, advance,
ascend
adip-
fat
Latin
adeps, adipis "fat"
adipose
aer-, aero-
air, atomsphere
Greek
from Greek aer
"air"
aeronautics,
aerosol,
Greek
from Greek
aisthētikos "of
sense perception"
from aisthanesthai
aesthetics
aesth-
feeling, sensation
"to perceive"
agr-, agri-
field
from Greek agros
Greek and
and Latin ager, agr- agriculture, pilgrim
Latin
"field"
am-, amor-
love, loving
Latin
amor "love" from
amāre "to love"
amateur, amorous
ambi-
both, on both sides
Latin
ambi "on both
sides"
ambidextrous,
ambivalent
amic-, -imic-
friend
Latin
amicus
amicable
amphi-
around, about, both, on
Greek
both sides of, both kinds
amphi "on both
sides"
amphibian
ampl-
ample
Latin
amplus
amplification
anaphylaxis
anabaptist
ana-
again, against
Greek
from Greek prefix
ana- "again",
"against"
anima-
breath
Latin
anima "breath"
animal, animation
ann- anni-,
anno-, -enn-
year, yearly
Latin
annus "year"
annual,
anniversary,
millennium
ant-, anti-
against, opposed to,
preventive
Greek
anti "before"
"against"
antibiotic,
antibody, antipodes
ante-, anti-
before, in front of, prior
Latin
Latin from Greek
antediluvian,
to
anti "before",
"against"
antebellum,
anticipate
anth-, antho-
flower
Greek
anthos "flower"
anther, anthology
anthropo-,
anthro-
human
Greek
anthropos "man"
anthropology,
anthropomorphic
aqu-
water
Latin
aqua
aquarium
ar-
plow, till
Latin
arare
arable
ar-
burn, dry
Latin
arere, "be dry or
parched"
arid
Greek
arkhaios "ancient"
from arhkē
"beginning"
archeology, archaic
archaeo-,
archeo-
ancient
arct- , arcto-
Relating to the North
Pole or the region near it;
relating to cold; used as
Greek
the scientific name of
some bear species, e.g.
ursus arctos horribilis
arktos "bear"
Arctic Ocean
argent-
silver
Latin
argentum "silver"
argent, Argentina
arthr- , arthro- joint
Greek
arthon "joint"
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, audio
aug-
grow, increase
augēre "to
increase"
augmentation,
inauguration
aur-
relating to gold, or goldLatin
colored
aurum "gold"
aureole, aure
auri-
Relating to the ear
auris "ear"
auricle
aut- auto-
self; directed from within Greek
αυτός (autos) "self", automobile,
"same"
autonomy
avi-
bird
Latin
avis "bird"
aviary, aviation
axi-
axis
Greek
Latin from Greek
axios "worth"
axis, axiology
Latin
Latin
[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
(barus)
barometer, barograph,
baroreceptor
basi-
at the bottom
Greek
from βαίνω, to walk,
march, βάσις "step"
basic, basis
bath-
deep, depth
Greek
βαθυς (bathus),
(bathos)
batholith
be-, beat-
bless
Latin
beatus, beare
beatification
bell(i)-
war
Latin
bellum, belli
bellicose, belligerent,
Ante Bellum
ben-
good, well
Latin
bene (adverb)
benefit, benign
bi-
two
Latin
bis, "twice" / bini, "in
twos"
binocular, bigamy
bib-
drink
Latin
bibere
imbibe
bibl-
book
Greek
βιβλίον
bibliography, bible
bi(o)-
life
Greek
βίος (bios)
biology, biologist,
biosphere
blast-
germ, embryo, bud,
Greek
cell with nucleus
βλαστάνω, "to put
forth shoots"
sideroblast
bon(i)-
good
Latin
bonus
bonify, bonitary
bor-
north
Greek / Latin
(boreas)
βόρρας, "the north
wind"
borealis
bot-
plant
Greek
bov-
cow, ox
Latin
botany
bos, bovis
bovine
brachi-,
brachio-
arm
Greek
βραχιων (brachion)
brach-
short
Greek
(brachus)
brad-
slow
Greek
βραδύς
bradycardia
branch-
gill
Greek
brev(i)-
brief, short (time)
Latin
brevis, breviare
abbreviation, brevity
briz-
nod
Greek
(brizō)
brom-
oats, broom,
shadow
bronch-
windpipe
Greek
βρόγχος
bronchitis
bront-
thunder
Greek
(brontē)
Brontosaurus
bucc-
cheek, mouth,
cavity
Latin
bucca
buccal
bulb-
bulbous
Latin
bulbus
bulla-
bubble, flask
Latin
ebullio, "to bubble,
boil"
bursa-
pouch, purse
Latin
(bromos)
ebullient
bursary, disburse
[edit] C
Root
Meaning In
English
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English Examples
cac(o)-
bad
Greek
(kakos)
cacophony
cad-, -cid-,
cas-
fall
Latin
cadere
accident, cadence,
case
calc-
stone
from Latin calx "lime",
Latin
probably from Greek
probably from
khalix "pebble"
Greek
"limestone"
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"
canto, cantata,
cantor
calculus, calcite,
calcium
candid,
incandescent,
candle, candela
cand-
glowing,
iridescent
Latin
candere "to be white or
glisten"
cap-, -cip-,
capt-, -cept-
take, hold
Latin
capere "take or hold"
capture, captive,
(note the vowel change
conception,
from a to i in compounds) recipient
capit-, -cipit- head
Latin
caput, capitis "head"
capital, chief, chef
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
Greek
from Greek karpos
carpal, carpal tunnel
wrist
"wrist"
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
(kainos)
cen(o)-
common
Greek
(koinos)
Latin
censere
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
(kentron)
eccentric
cephalo-
head
Greek
from Greek kephale
"head"
cephalopod,
encephalogram
ceram-
clay
Greek
(keramos)
ceramic
cerat-
horn
Greek
from Greek keras "horn"
ceratin, cornea
Latin
cernere
discern
cern-
cervic-
relating to the
neck, relating to Latin
the cervix
cervix, cervicis "neck"
cervix, cervical
ceter-
other
Latin
ceterus
et cetera
chiro-
of the hand or
hands
Greek
from Greek kheir "hand"
chiroptera,
chiropractic
chelo-
relating to a
turtle
Greek
from 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
claud-, -clud, claus-, close
clus-
Greek
klastos "broken"
iconoclast
Latin
claudere
clause, exclusion
Greek
from Greek kleis "key"
from kleiein "to close"
conclave
Latin
clemens, clementis
clemency,
inclement
-clinare
declination, inclined
clav-
key
cl(e)ist-
closed
cleithr-
bar, key
clement-
mild
clin-
bed, lean, recline Latin
cochl-
shell
Greek
coel-
hollow
Greek
cogn-
know
Latin
col-
strain
Latin
colare, colum
colander
coll-
neck
Latin
collum
collar
color-
color
Latin
color
coloration
(koilos)
cognitive
con-, co-, col- with, together,
, comjoined
Latin
cum
connect, collide,
compress
condi-
season
Latin
condire
condiment
cono-
cone
Greek
konos
conic, conical
contra-
against
Latin
contra
copro-
dung
Greek
(kopros)
coprolite
corac-
raven
Greek
(korax, korakos)
coracoid
cord-
heart
Latin
cor, cordis
accord, cordial
corn-
horn
Latin
cornu
cornucopia
coron-
crown
Latin
corona, coronare
corona, coronation
corpor-
body
Latin
corpus, corporis
corporation, corpse
cortic-
bark
Latin
cortex, corticis
Greek
(kosmet-)
cosmetics,
cosmetology
cosmet-
cost-
rib
Latin
costa
costal
cotyl-
cup
Greek
(kotulē)
cotyledon
crani-
skull
cranium
crass-
thick
Latin
crassus
crassitude
cre-
make
Latin
creare
creation, creature
crep-
boot, shoe
Greek
(krēpis, krēpidos)
cribi-
sieve
cric-
ring
cris-, crit-
judge
Greek
crisp-
curled
Latin
crispus
crist-
crest
crosso-
fringe, tassel
Greek
(krossoi)
cru(rals)-
shank
cruc(i)-
cross
Latin
crux, crucis
crucial, crucifix,
crucify
crypt-
hidden
Greek
(kruptos)
cryptic,
cryptography
cten-
comb
Greek
(kteis, ktenos)
crisis, critic
cub-
cube
Greek
(kubos)
cubic, cuboid
cub-
lie
Latin
cubare
incubation
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-
circular
Greek
κύκλος (kuklos)
bicycle, cycle,
cyclone
cylind-
roll
Greek
(kulindros)
cylinder
cyn-
dog
Greek
(kuōn, kunos)
cynosure
cyst-
capsule
Greek
(kustis)
cystic
cyt(o)-
cell
Greek
(kutos)
cytoplasm
[edit] D
Root
dactyl-
Meaning In
English
finger
damn-, -demn-
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English Examples
Greek
δάχτυλο, finger
dactylology
Latin
damnare
condemn, damnation
debit
deb-
owe
Latin
debere
deci-
tenth part
Latin
decimus, tenth; from
decibel, decimate
decem, 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
dict-
say, speak
Latin
digit-
finger
Latin
digitus
digital
dino-
terrible,
fearfully great
Greek
(deinos)
dinosaur
δια
dictation
Greek
dipl-
diameter
diploid, diplosis
doc-, doct-
teach
Latin
docere
docile, doctor
dodec-
twelve
Greek
δωδεκα (dodeka)
dodecasyllabic
dog-/dox-
opinion,
Greek
dogmatic
teaching
dom-
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
dy-
two
Greek
(duo)
dyad
dys-
badly, ill
Greek
δυσ
dysentery
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
dubious
abduction, conductor,
introduce
[edit] E
Root
ec-
Meaning In
English
out
Greek
(ek)
English Examples
eccentric
eco-
house
Greek
(oikos)
ecology, economics,
ecumenism
ecto-
outside
Greek
(ektos)
ectoderm
ed-
eat
Latin
edere
edible
ego-
self
em-, empt- buy
eme-
vomit
emul-
egocentric
Latin
emere
exemption, redeem
Greek
(emetos)
emetic
Latin
aemulus, aemulare
emulation
en-, em-
in
Greek
(en)
emphasis
endo-
inside
Greek
(endo)
endocrine
engy-
narrow
Greek
ennea-
nine
Greek
(ennea)
ennead, enneagon
ensi-
sword
eo-
dawn, east
Greek
epi-, ep-
upon
Greek
(epi)
epicenter, epoch
epistem-
knowledge or
science
Greek
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
Greek
εθος (ethos)
eth-
ethm-
sieve
ethn-
Greek
Greek
(ethnos)
ethnic
etym(o)-
true
Greek
(etumos)
etymology
eu-
well
Greek
(eu)
euphoria
eur-
wide
Greek
(eurus)
ex-, e-
from, out of
Latin
ex
exo-
outside
Greek
exothermic
exter-,
extra-
outer
Latin
exterior
Latin
extrem-
extremus
extremity
[edit] F
Root
Meaning In English
Origin
Language
Etymology
(Root Origin)
English Examples
bean
Latin
faba
fac-, -fic-, fact,
make
-fect-
Latin
facere, factus
sickle
Latin
falx, falcis
Latin
fallere, falsus
falsity
Latin
fallax, fallacis
fallacy
fab-
falc-
fall-, -fell-,
fals-
fallac-
false
defect, factory,
manufacture
famili-
Latin
familiarity
fant-
Greek
fantasy
fasc-
bundle
Latin
fascis
fascicle
fatu-
foolish, useless
feder-
Latin
fatuus
fatuous, infatuate
Latin
foedus, foederis
confederation, federal
fel-
cat
Latin
feles
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
Latin
fendere
defend, offense
fend-, fens-
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
fid-
faith, trust
Latin
fides
confide
fil-
thread
Latin
filum
filament
Latin
filius
affiliate
Latin
findere
fission
Latin
firmus, firmare
confirmation
fili-
find-, fiss-
split
firm-
fistul-
hollow, tube
fl-
blow
Latin
flare
flatulence, inflation
flacc-
flabby
Latin
flaccus
flaccid
flav-
yellow
Latin
flavus
flavonoid
flect-, flex-
bend
Latin
flectere
inflection, flexor
flig-, flict-
strike
Latin
fligere
inflict
flor-
flower
Latin
flos, floris
floral, florid
flu-, flux-
flow
Latin
fluere, fluxus
effluent, fluency
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
perforation
form-
shape
Latin
forma
deformity, formation
fornic-
vault
Latin
fornix
fornication
fort-
strong
Latin
fortis
fortification
fovea-
shallow round
depression
Latin
frangere
fracture, fragment,
infringe
frater
fraternity
frang-, -fring-,
break
fract-, frag-
frater-
brother
Latin
fric-, frict-
rub
Latin
frig-
cold
Latin
frigere
frigid
front-
forehead
Latin
frons, frontis
frontal
friction
fruct-, frug-
fruit
Latin
frux, fructis
fructose
fug-
flee
Latin
fugere
centrifuge, fugitive,
refuge
fum-
smoke
Latin
fumus
fume, fumigate
fund-
bottom
Latin
fundus, fundare
fund-, fus-
pour
Latin
fundere
fundamental,
profundity, profusion
fung-, funct-
do
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)
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
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-,
gress-
walk, step, go
Latin
gradus, gradere
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
Latin
gubernare
gubernatorial
gubern-
gust-
taste
Latin
gustus
gusto
guttur-
throat
Latin
guttur
guttural
[edit] H
Meaning in
English
Root
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English
Examples
haem-
blood
Greek
(haima)
haemophilia
hal-
salt
Greek
(hals)
halogen
hal-, -hel-
breathe
Latin
halare
anhelation, inhale
hapl-
simple
Greek
(haplos)
haploid
haur,
haust
draw
Latin
haurire
exhaust
heli-
sun
Greek
hemi-
half
Greek
ήμισυς (hemisus)
hemisphere
hen-
one
Greek
(hen)
henad, hyphen
hendec-
eleven
Greek
(hendeka)
hendecagon
hept-
seven
Greek
(hepta)
heptagon
her-, hes-
cling
Latin
haerere
adhesive,
coherent
Latin
herba
herbicide
herb-
helium
herp-
creep
Greek
herpetology
heter(o)-
different, other
Greek
heur-
find
Greek
hex-
six
Greek
(hex)
hexagon
hibern-
wintry
Latin
hibernus
hibernation
hiem-
winter
Latin
hiems
hiemal
hipp-
horse
Greek
(hippos)
hippodrome
(heteros)
heuristic
hirsu[t]-
hairy
Latin
hirtus, hirsutus
hispid-
bristly
Latin
hispidus
histri-
actor
hod-
way
Greek
(hodos)
cathode
hol-
whole
Greek
(holos)
holistic
hom(o)-
same
Greek
(homos)
homosexual
homeo-
like
Greek
(homoios)
homin-
human
Latin
homo
hominid
homal-
even, flat
Greek
(homalos)
anomalous
horm-
that which excites
Greek
hort-
garden
Latin
hortus
horticulture
hum-
ground
Latin
humus
exhumation
hyal-
glass
Greek
(hualos)
hyaline, hyaloid
hydr(o)-
water
Greek
histrionic
hormone
hydrology
hygr-
wet
Greek
(hugros)
hygrology
hyo-
U-shaped
Greek
hyp(o)-
under
Greek
(hupo)
hyphen
hyper-
above, over
Greek
(huper)
hypn-
sleep
Greek
(hupnos)
hypnosis
hyster-
later
Greek
(husteros)
hysteresis
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English Examples
[edit] I
Root
Meaning In
English
ichth-
fish
Greek
(ichthus)
ichthyology
icos-
twenty
Greek
(eikosi)
icosagon, icosahedron
id(o)-
shape
Greek
(eidos)
idol
idi(o)
personal
Greek
(idios)
idiom, idiosyncrasy, idiot
ign-
fire
Latin
ignis
igneous, ignition
Latin
in
invite, incur, intend
in- (1), im- in, on
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
Latin
irasci
irascible, irate
(isos)
isomorphic, isometric
irasc-, irat- be angry
is(o)-
equal, the same Greek
-(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
jac-
Meaning In
English
lie
Origin
Language
Latin
Etymology (Root Origin)
jacēre "to be thrown"
English Examples
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
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
adjutant
juven-
young, youth Latin
juvenis
juvenile, rejuvenate
juxta-
beside, near
juxta
juxtaposition
Latin
[edit] K
Root
Meaning In
English
kil(o)- thousand
Origin
Language
Greek
Etymology (Root
Origin)
chilioi
English Examples
kilogram, kilometer, kilobyte
kine-
movement,
motion
telekinesis, kinetic energy,
kinesthetic
Greek
klept- steal
Greek
(kleptēs)
kleptomania
kudo- glory
Greek
(kudos)
kudos
[edit] L
Root
Meaning In
English
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English Examples
lab-, laps-
slide, slip
Latin
labi, lapsus
elapse, relapse
labi-
lip
Latin
labia, labiae
bilabial, labial
labor-
toil
Latin
labor
collaboration, elaboration
lacer-
tear
Latin
lacer
laceration
lacrim-
cry, tears
Latin
lacrima "tear"
lacrimal, lacrimous
lact-
of or pertaining
to milk
Latin
lac, lactare
lactate, lactation, lactose
lamin-
layer, slice
Latin
lamina
laminate, lamination
lamp-
shine
Greek
lampas "torch"
lamp
lapid-
stone
Latin
lapis
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
bilateral
Latin
laudere
laud
Latin
lavare
lavatory
Latin
laxus, laxare
laxative, relaxation
laud-, laus- praise
lav-
wash
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
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
Latin
linquere
relict, relinquish
linqu-, lict- leave
lip(o)-
fat
Greek
lipos
lipolysis
liter-
letter
Latin
littera
alliteration, literal,
obliterate
lith(o)-
stone
Greek
lithos "stone"
monolith, Neolithic Era,
lithosphere
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
Meaning In
English
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English Examples
[edit] M
Root
macr-
long
Greek
μακρός (makros)
macron
magn-
great, large
Latin
magnus
magnanimous, magnificent
maj-
greater
Latin
major, majus
majesty, majority, majuscule
mal-
bad, wretched
Latin
malus
malicious, malign
mamm-
breast
Latin
mamma
mammary, mammal
man-
flow
Latin
manare
emanate
man-
stay
Latin
manere, mansus
permanent, remanent
mand-
hand
Latin
mandare, mandatus mandate, remand
manu-
hand
Latin
manus
manual, manuscript
mar-
sea
Latin
mare, maris
marine, maritime
mater-,
matr-
mother
Latin
mater, matris
matrix
maxim-
greatest
Latin
maximus
maximal
medi-, midi-
middle
Latin
medius
median, medieval
meg-
great, large
Greek
(megas)
megaphone
Greek
mei-
meiosis
melan-
black, dark
Greek
μέλας (melas)
Melanesia, melanoma
melior-
better
Latin
melior
amelioration
mell-
honey
Latin
mel, mellis
mellifluous
mening-
membrane
Greek
(meninx)
ment-
mind
Latin
mens, mentis
demented, mentality
mer-
part
Greek
(meros)
polymer
Latin
merx, mercis
mercantile, merchant
merc-
merg-,
mers-
dip, plunge
Latin
mergere
emerge, immersion
mes-
middle
Greek
(mesos)
mesolithic, mesozoic
meter-,
metr-
measure
Greek
(metron)
metric, thermometer
meta-
above, among,
beyond
Greek
(meta)
metaphysics
micr(o)-
small
Greek
(mikros)
microphone, microscope
milit-
soldier
Latin
miles, militis
military, militia
mill-
thousand
Latin
mille
millennium, million
millen-
thousand each
Latin
milleni
millenary
Greek
(mimos)
mime, mimic
mimmin-
jut
Latin
minere
prominent
min-
less, smaller
Latin
minor, minus
minority, minuscule
mir-
wonder,
amazement
Latin
miror, mirari,
miratus sum
miracle, mirror, admire
mis-
hate
Greek
(misos)
misandry, misogyny
misce-,
mixt-
mix
Latin
miscere
miscellaneous, mixture
mit-
thread
Greek
(mitos)
mitochondrion
mitt-,
miss-
send
Latin
mittere
intermittent, transmission
mne-
memory
Greek
mol-
grind
Latin
mola
molar
moll-
soft
Latin
mollis
emollient, mollify
mon(o)-
one
Greek
(monos)
monolith, monotone,
monism
mont-
mountain
Latin
mons, montis
Montana
mnemonic
morph-
form, shape
Greek
(morphe)
morpheme,
anthropomorphic,
morphology
mort-
death
Latin
mors, mortis
immortal, mortality
mov-,
mot-
move, motion
Latin
moveo, movere
move, motor, momentum
mulg-,
muls-
milk
Latin
mulgere
emulsion
mult(i)-
many, much
Latin
multus
multitude, multiple,
multiplex
mur-
wall
Latin
murus, muri
immured, mural
mus-
thief
Latin
mus, muris
mouse
musc-
fly
Latin
musca, muscae
mut-
change
Latin
mutare
my-
mouse
Greek
(mus)
myri-
countless, ten
thousand
Greek
(murios)
myriad
myth-
story
Greek
(muthos)
mythic, mythology
myx-
slime
Greek
(muxa)
myz-
suck
Greek
mutation
meno- moon
mica- grain (Latin) e.g. 'micelle'
monil- string of beads
[edit] N
Root
Meaning in
English
Origin
Language
nar-
nostril
Latin
narc-
numb
Greek
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English
Examples
naris
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)
necr(o)-
dead
Greek
(nekros)
nect-, nex-
join, tie
Latin
nectere, nexus
connection
necto-, nect-
swimming
Greek
nektos
nectopod
neg-
say no
Latin
negare
negative
nema-
hair
Greek
nephr-
kidney
Greek
nes-
island
Greek
nemoral- in
woods
nephritis
(nesos)
Polynesia
neur-
nerve
Greek
(neuron)
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
(nomos)
Greek
(nomas)
nomadic
nomination
nomad-
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
nu-
nod
Latin
nub-
Latin
nubes, nubis
Latin
nux, nucis
nuc-
nut
nuch-
back of neck
nud-
naked
Latin
nudus
denude, nudity
null(i)-
none
Latin
nullus
nullify
numer-
number
Latin
numerus
numeral
-nounc-, nunci-
announce
Latin
nuntius
nupti-
Latin
nourish
nutri-
Latin
nutrient
[edit] O
Root
Meaning in
English
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English Examples
ob-,os-
against
Latin
obstinate, ostentatious
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
ocular
od-
hate
Latin
odium
odious
-ode-
path, way
Greek
odont-
tooth
Greek
anode, odometer
(odous)
odontology
odor-
fragrant
oecious-
house of
oed-
swollen
oen-
Greek
(oikos)
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
-ology
study of
Greek
-oma
cancer
Greek
omas-
paunch
Latin
oligarchy
paleontology
omasum
oment-
fat skin
omin-
Latin
omentum
Latin
omen, ominis
ominous
omnis
omnipotence
omm-
eye
omni-
all
Latin
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
omphalectomy
ontology
pseudonym
optim-
best
Latin
optimus
optimum
op(t)-
eye
Greek
optos
optical
operculum- little cover
ophi-
snake
Greek
ophis
ophthalm-
eye
Greek
(ophthalmos)
ophthalmology
opisth-
behind
Greek
or-
mouth
Latin
os, oris
oral, orator
orb-
circle
Latin
orbis
orbit
Latin
ordo, ordinis
ordinal, ordinary
Latin
oriri
orient
Latin
ornare
ornament, ornate
opotereither
orchtesticle
ordin-
ori-
Eastern
orn-
ornith-
bird
Greek
ornithology
orth-
straight
Greek
(orthos)
orthosis
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
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
(pais, paidos)
paediatric
pagin-
page
Latin
pagina
pagination
pal-
stake
Latin
palus
impale
palae-, pale-
ancient, old
Greek
(palaios)
paleontology
palin-
back
Greek
(palin)
palindrome
pall-
pale
Latin
pallere
pallid, pallor
palli-
mantle
Latin
pallium
palm-
palm
Latin
palma
palmate
palustri-
in marshes
pan-, pam-
all
Greek
pas
pandemic
pand-, pans-
spread
Latin
pandere, pansus
expand, expansion
par(a)-
beside, near
Greek
(para)
parallel, parameter
pariet-
wall
Latin
paries, parietis
parietal
part(i)-
part
Latin
pars, partis
partition
parv-
little
Latin
parvus
pass-
pace, step
Latin
passus
pat-
be open
Latin
patere
patent
path-
to feel, hurt
Greek
pathos
pathetic, pathology
Latin
pati, passus
passive, patient
Latin
pater, patris
pauc-
Latin
paucus
pav-
Latin
pati-, pass-
patr-
father
paucity
pavement
pecc-
sin
Latin
pect-
fixed
Greek
pector-
chest
Latin
pectus, pectoris
pectoral
pectin-
comb-like
Latin
pecunia
pecuniary
pecun-
peccare
impeccable
pectin
ped-
child
Greek
(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-
per-
thoroughly,
through
Latin
peran-
across, beyond
Greek
peri-
around
Greek
persic-
peach
pessim-
worst
Latin
peptic
per
perfect
perimeter, periscope
pessimus
pessimal
pet-
Latin
petere
appetite, competition
Greek
(petra)
petroglyph
Greek
phagein
sarcophagus
petr-
rock
phaeo-
dark
phag-
eat
phalan(g/x)-
close formation
of troops
phalar-
shining
phanero-
visible
Greek
pher-
bear, carry
Greek
philia-
love, friendship
Greek
pheromone
Greek
phleg-
phloe-
tree bark
phob-
fear
Greek
(phobos)
phon-
sound
Greek
(phone)
microphone,
phonograph
phor-
carry
Greek
(phoros)
metaphor
phos-, phot-
light
Greek
photograph
phragm-
fence
Greek
(phragma)
diaphragm
phren-
diaphragm, mind
phryno-
toad, toad-like
phyl-
tribe
phyll-
leaf
Greek
(phullon)
chlorophyll
physa-
bladder
phys-
nature
Greek
phyt-
plant
Greek
(phuton)
pic-
pitch
Latin
pix, picis
pil-
hair
Latin
pin-
pine
Latin
ping-, pict-
paint
Latin
pino-
drink
Greek
physics
pingere
neophyte
picture
pinocytosis
pir-
pear
Latin
pisc-
fish
Latin
pisum-
pea
plac-
plate, tablet
Greek
plac-
calm
plac-, -plic-
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
plesi-
near
Greek
(plēsios)
pleth-
full
Greek
(plēthos)
pleur-
side
Greek
pleura
plex-
interwoven
Greek
(plexis)
plic-
fold
Latin
plicare
plinth-
brick
Greek
(plinthos)
Latin
plorare
implore
plumage
plor-
plu-
rain
Latin
plum-
feather
Latin
pluma
plumb-
lead
Latin
plumbum
Latin
plur-
plurim-
most
Latin
plenary
plethora
duplication, replicate
plural
plurimus
plus-
more
Latin
plus
pluvi-
rain
Latin
pluvia
pneu-
air, lung
Greek
pod-
foot
Greek
pogo-
beard
poie-
make
Greek
pol-
city
Greek
(polis)
metropolis, politics
pol-
pole
Greek
(polos)
dipole
pol-
pole
Latin
polus
polar
polem-
war
Greek
(polemos)
polemic
poli(o)-
grey
Greek
(polios)
pollic-
thumb
Latin
pollex, pollicis
Latin
pollen, pollinis
pollinate
Greek
(polus)
polygon
pollin-
poly-
many
pluvial
pneumatic
(pous, podos)
podiatry, tripod
poiesis
pon-, posit-
put
Latin
ponere
position, postpone
ponder-
weight
Latin
pondus, ponderis
ponderable
pont-
bridge
Latin
pons, pontis
popul-
people
Latin
populus
population
por-
passage
Greek
(poros)
pore
porc-
pig
Latin
porcus
porcine, pork
porphyr-
purple
Greek
port-
gate
Latin
porta
portal
port-
carry
Latin
portare
export, transportation
post-
after, behind
Latin
post
pot-
drink
Latin
potare
potam-
river
Greek
(potamos)
praeco-
early
prasin-
leek-green
Greek
(prasinos)
potable
prasinous
prat-
meadow
Latin
pratum
prav-
crooked
Latin
pravus
pre-
before
Latin
prae
prec-
pray
Latin
prex, precare
deprecation
Latin
praedari
predator
pred-
depravity
prehend-,
prend-
grasp
Latin
prehendere
comprehend
prem-, -prim-,
press-
press
Latin
premere
pressure
presb-
old
Greek
(presbus)
Presbyterianism
preter-
past
Latin
praeter
preti-
price
Latin
pretium
prim-
first
Latin
primus
primary, primitive
prior-
former
Latin
prior
priority
Latin
privare
priv-
pro-
before, in front of Greek
(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
(protos)
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
(psychē)
psychr(o)-
cold
Greek
(psuchros)
pter-
wing, fern
Greek
(pteron)
helicopter
pto-
fall
ptyal-
sahva
ptych-
fold, layer
pubi-
sexually mature
Greek
ptosis
Greek
(ptuchē)
triptych
public-
Latin
publicus
publication
pude-
Latin
pudere
impudent
pugn-
fight
Latin
pugnare
pugnacious
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-
purple
purpur-
put-
Latin
purgare
Latin
purpura
Latin
putare
compute, putative
(pulon)
pylon
pygo-
rump
pyl-
gate
Greek
pyo-
pus
Greek
pyr-
heat, fire
Greek
pyrus-
pear
expurgate, purgatory
[edit] Q
Root
Meaning In
English
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English
Examples
quadr-
four
Latin
quattuor
quadrangle
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-,
search, seek
-quisit-
Latin
quaerere
Inquisition, query
qui-
Latin
quies
quiet
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)
English Examples
rach-
spine
Greek
(rhachis)
rad-, ras-
scrape, shave
Latin
radere
abrasion
radi-
beam
Latin
radius
radiation
radic-
root
Latin
radix
radical
ram-
branch
Latin
ramus
ramification,
ramose
ran-
frog
Latin
rana
Latin
ranc-
rap-
turnip
Latin
raph-
seam
Greek
Latin
rar-
rancid
rapum
rarus
rarity
re-, red-
again, back
Latin
recede, redact
rect-
straight
Latin
erect
reg-, -rig-, rect-
straight
Latin
dirigible
rem-
oar
Latin
remus
ren-
kidney
Latin
renes
renal
rep-, rept-
crawl, creep
Latin
repere
reptile
ret-
net
Latin
rete
retro-
behind,
backward
Latin
rhabd-
rod
Greek
(rhabdos)
rhach-
spine
Greek
(rhachis)
rhage-
tear, rent
rhe-
flow
Greek
rheostat
rhin-
nose, snout
Greek
rhinoplasty
rhiz-
root
Greek
rhod-
red
Greek
rhododendron
Greek
rhombus
retic- network
retina- little net
rhomb-
(rhiza)
rhizome
rhynch-
snout
-rrh- flow
rid-, ris-
laugh
Latin
ridere
derision, ridicule
rod-, ros-
gnaw
Latin
rodere
corrode, erosion,
rodent
rog-
ask
Latin
rogare
interrogation
rogos-
wrinkled
rostr-
beak, prow
Latin
rot-
wheel
Latin
rota
rub(e)r-
red
Latin
ruber
rug-
wrinkle
Latin
ruga
corrugation
rumin-
throat
Latin
rumen
rumination
rump-, rupt-
break
Latin
rumpere
rupture
Latin
rus
rural
roborem- oak tree,
strength
rur-
rostrum
rotation
[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
Latin
sagax, sagacis
sagacity
sagac-
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
sanctify
san-
sanct-
holy
Latin
sancire
sanguin-
blood
Latin
sanguis, sanguinis sanguine
Latin
sapere
sapient
Latin
sapo, saponis
saponify
sapi-, -sipi-
sapon-
soap
sarc(o)-
flesh
Greek
sativus-
cultivated
saur-
lizard, reptile
saxum-
rock
scab-
scratch
Latin
scabere
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
(schema)
schematic
Greek
Greek
schem-
(sarx)
sarcophagus
dinosaur
schis-
split
Greek
schism
sci-
know
Latin
scire
prescient, science
scind-, sciss-
split
Latin
scindere
scissors
scler-
hard
Greek
(skler-)
scleroderma
scoli-
crooked
scop-, scopy, scept-
look at, examine,
Greek
view, observe
scrib-, script-
write
sculp-
carve
scut-
shield
scyph-
cup
seba-
tallow, wax
sec-, sect-, seg-
cut
sed-
Greek
(skolios)
scoliosis
Latin
scribere
inscribe, scripture
Latin
sculpere
sculpture
Latin
secare
secant, section,
segment
Latin
sedare
sedative
sed-, -sid-, sess-
sit
Latin
sedere
sediment, session,
supersede
sedec-
sixteen
Latin
sedecim
sedecimal
segetum-
in cornfields
sei-
shake
Greek
(seismos)
seismograph
selen-
moon
sella-
saddle, seat
sema-
Greek
Greek
(sema)
semantics, semaphore
semi-
half
Latin
semis
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
sept-
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(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-
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
desiccate
sider-
star
Latin
sidus, sideris
sidereal
sign-
Latin
signum
signal
sil-
Latin
silere
silent
silv-
forest
Latin
silva
silviculture
simi-
ape, monkey
Latin
simia
simian
simil-
Latin
similis
assimilate, similarity
simul-
Latin
simulare
simulation
singul-
one each
Latin
singuli
singular
sinistr-
left
Latin
sinister, sinistri
sinistral
Latin
sinuare
insinuate
sinu-
sinus-
hollow, bay
siph(o)-
tube
Greek
siphon
sist-
cause to stand
soci-
sol-
sun
sol-
solen-
pipe, channel
solv-, solut-
Latin
sistere
Latin
socius, sociare
Latin
sol
solar
Latin
solare
consolation
Greek
solenoid
Latin
solvere
solution
soma-
body
Greek
(soma)
somatic
somn-
sleep
Latin
somnus
insomnia
somni-
dream
Latin
somnium
son-
sound
Latin
sonus
resonance
Greek
(sophos)
sophist
soph-
sorb-, sorpt-
suck
Latin
sorbere
absorb, absorption
sord-
dirt
Latin
sordes, sordere
sordid
soror-
sister
Latin
soror
sorority
spati-
space
spec-, -spic-, spect- look
spect-
watch, look at
specul-
Latin
spatium
spatial
Latin
specere
conspicuous,
inspection, specimen
Latin
spectare
spectator
Latin
speculari
speculation
desperation
sper-
hope
Latin
spes, sperare
sperm-
seed
Greek
(sperma)
sphen-
wedge
Greek
(sphaira)
spher-
sphinct-
closing
spic-
spike
Latin
spica
spin-
thorn
Latin
spina
spir-
breathe
Latin
spirare
Latin
spondere, sponsus
spond-, spons-
spondyl-
vertebra
spheroid
respiration
spu-, sput-
spew, spit
Latin
spuere
sputum
Latin
squalere
squalid, squalor
Latin
stare
stable, station, status
stalact-
Greek
(stalaktites)
stalactite
stalagm-
Greek
(stalagmos)
stalagmite
Latin
stagnare
stagnant
Latin
stannum
stannous
Latin
statuere
institution, statute
squal-
squam-
scale
squarros- spreading
at tips
st-
stae(rlt)-
stand
fat
stagn-
stann-
tin
statu-, -stitu-
steg-
covering
Greek
steganography
stell-
star
Latin
stella
constellation, stellar
sten-
narrow
Greek
(stenos)
stenography
stere-
solid
Greek
(stereos)
stern-, strat-
spread, strew
Latin
sternere, stratus
stern-
breastbone
stich-
line, row
Greek
(stichos)
Greek
stig-
still-
drip
stingu-, stinct-
stigma
Latin
stillare
distillation
Latin
stinguere
distinction,
distinguish
stringere
stringent
struere
construction
stoch-
aim
Greek
stom-
mouth
Greek
strept-
twisted
string-, strict-
upright, stiff
strigos-
having stiff
bristles
stroph-
turning
stru-, struct-
stratify
Latin
Greek
Latin
stud-
Latin
studere
stupere
stup-
wonder
Latin
styl-
column
Greek
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-
sucr-
sugar
sud-
sweat
Latin
sudare
sulc-
furrow
Latin
sulcus
sum-, sumpt-
take
Latin
sumere
super-
above, over
Latin
super
supin-
lying back
Latin
supinus
subterfuge
assumption, consume
supra-
above, over
Latin
surd-
deaf
Latin
surdus
absurdity
surg-
rise
Latin
surgere
resurgent
syn-, sy-, syl-, sym- with
Greek
(sum)
symbol, system
syrin(glx)-
Greek
pipe
[edit] T
Root
Meaning in
English
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English Examples
tac-, -tic-
be silent
Latin
tacere
reticent, tacit
tach-
swift
Greek
ταχυς (tachus)
tachometer
taenia-
ribbon
tal-
ankle
Latin
talus
tang-, -ting-,
tact-, tag-
touch
Latin
tangere
tangent
tapetum-
carpet
tard-
slow
Latin
tardus
retard, tardy
tars-
ankle
taur-
bull
Greek
(tauros)
Minotaur
taur-
bull
Latin
taurus
Taurus
tax-
arrangement,
order
Greek
(taxis)
taxonomy
Greek
(techne)
technology
tegere
protection
techn-
tarsal
teg-, tect-
cover
Latin
tel-
far, end
Greek
teleo-
complete
telephone
temno- cut Greek
tempor-
time
Latin
tempus, temporis temporary
ten-, -tin-, tent-
hold
Latin
tenere
continent, tenacious
tend-, tens-
stretch
Latin
tendere
extend, extension
tenu-
slender, thin
Latin
tenuis
attenuate, tenuous
tep-
be warm
Latin
tepere
tepid
ter-, trit-
rub
teres-
round
terg-
wipe
termin-
Latin
terere
attrition
Latin
tergere
detergent
Latin
terminus
termination
ternary
tern-
three each
Latin
terni
terr-
dry land
Latin
terra
terti-
third
Latin
tertius
tertiary
test-
witness
Latin
testis
testimony
tetr-
four
Greek
(tetra-)
tetrahedron
tex-, text-
weave
Latin
texere
texture
thalam-
chamber, bed
thalass-
sea
Greek
than-
death
Greek
the-
put
Greek
euthanasia
(tithemi)
theme, thesis
theca-
case
Greek
god
Greek
theology, enthusiasm
Greek
theorem, theory
thel- nipple,
female
the(o)-, thus-
theor-
heat
Greek
(thermos)
thermometer
tim-
be afraid
Latin
timere
timid
ting-, tinct-
moisten
Latin
tingere
tincture
tom-
cut
Greek
ectomy
ton-
stretch
Greek
top-
place
Greek
therm-
thero- breast,
mammal
thyreo- large
shield
torn- cut
(topos)
topic, topography
torpe- numb
torqu-, tort-
twist
Latin
torquere
extortion, torque, torture
tot-
all, whole
Latin
totus
total
toxo-
arrow, dart
trab-
beam
trachy- rough
trago-
goat
trah-, tract-
pull
Latin
trahere
subtrahend, tractor
trans-, tra-,
tran-
across
Latin
trans
tradition, transcend,
transportation
trapez-
four-sided, table Greek
(trapeza)
trapezoid
traum-
Greek
traumatic
trecent-
three hundred
Latin
trecenti
tredec-
thirteen
Latin
tredecim
treiskaidek-
thirteen
Greek
trecentennial
triskaidekaphobia
tremble
Latin
tremere
tremor
tri-
three
Greek
(treis, tria)
triad, trigon
tri-
three
Latin
tres
triangle, trivia
tricen-
thirty each
Latin
triceni
tricenary
tricesim-
thirtieth
Latin
tricesimus
trich-
hair
Greek
(thrix)
trin-
three each
Latin
trini
troch-
wheel
trop-
turning
Greek
troph-
feed
Greek
trud-, trus-
thrust
Latin
trudere
extrusion, intrude
tuss-
cough
Latin
tussis, tussire
pertussis
tympan-
drum
Greek
(tumpan-)
tympani
trem-
trema- hole
[edit] U
trinity
tropic
Meaning in
English
Root
Origin
Language
uber-
udder
Latin
ulig-
in marshes
Latin
ulo-
wooly
Greek
ultim-
farthest
ultra-
beyond
umbilic- navel
umbr-
shade, shadow
un-, uni- one
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English Examples
uber, uberare
exuberant
Latin
ultimus
ultimate
Latin
ultra
Latin
umbilicus
umbilical
Latin
umbra
penumbra,
umbrella
Latin
unus, unius
unary, union
unc-
hooked
Latin
uncus
unci-
ounce, twelfth
Latin
uncia
uncial
und-
wave
Latin
unda
abundant, undulate
Latin
undecimus
undecimal
Latin
undeni
undenary
undecim- eleventh
unden-
eleven each
ungui-
claw, nail
Latin
unguis
ungul-
claw, hoof
Latin
ungula
ungulate
Greek
(oura)
uroid
Latin
urbs, urbis
urban
Latin
urgere
urgent
ur-, uro- tail
city
urb-
urg-
urs-
bear
Latin
ursus
Ursa Major, ursine
ut-, us-
use
Latin
uti, usus
utility
uv-
grape
Latin
uva
uvea
uxor-
wife
Latin
uxor
uxoricide
[edit] V
Meaning in
English
Root
Origin
Language
Etymology (Root
Origin)
English Examples
vac-
empty
Latin
vacare
vacancy, vacation,
vacuum
vad-, vas-
go
Latin
vadere
evade, pervasive
vag-
wander
Latin
vagus, vagare
vague
van-
Latin
vap-
Latin
vanus
vanity
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
Latin
venus
veneration, venereal
vener-
vent-
wind
Latin
ventus
ventilation
ventr-
belly
Latin
venter
ventral
ver-
true
Latin
verus
verify, verity
verb-
word
Latin
verbum
verbal, 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
vesic-
bladder
Latin
vesica
vesical
vesper-
evening, western Latin
vespera
vest-
clothe, garment
Latin
vestis
divest, vest
Latin
vestigium
investigate
vestig-
vet-
forbid
Latin
vetare
veto
veter-
old
Latin
vetus
veteran
vi-
way
Latin
via
deviate, obvious
vic-
change
Latin
vicis
vice versa, vicissitude
Latin
viceni
vicenary
vicen-, vigen- twenty each
vicesim-,
vigesim-
twentieth
Latin
vecesimus
vicesimary, vigesimal
vid-, vis-
see
Latin
videre
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
Latin
viscum
viscosity
visc-
viscer-
organs of body
cavity
Latin
viscus, visceris
visceral
vit-
life
Latin
vita
vital
vitell-
yolk
Latin
vitellus
Latin
vitium
viti-
vice, vitiate
vitr-
glass
Latin
vitrum
vitreous
viv-
live
Latin
vivere
revive, survive, vivid
voc-
voice
Latin
vox
vocal
vol-
fly
Latin
volare
volatility
vol-
wish
Latin
velle
volition
volv-, volut-
roll
Latin
volvere, volutus
convolution, revolve
Latin
vomere
vomit
vom-
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
vulpine
[edit] X
Root Meaning in English Origin Language Etymology (Root Origin) English Examples
xanth- yellow
Greek
(xanthos)
xanthogenic
xen-
foreign
Greek
(xenos)
xenophobia
xer-
dry
Greek
(xēros)
xerography
xiph- sword
Greek
(xiphos)
xiphoid
wood
Greek
(xulon)
xylophone
xyl-
[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
ζωνη (zōnē)
zone
zyg- yoke, joined, paired Greek
(zugon)
heterozygous, zygote
zym- ferment
(zumē)
enzyme, lysozyme
Greek
Greek