Latin roots

From Hunter College High School Wiki

Scientific nomenclature is an attempt to name objects without ambiguity and Latin offers many advantages. As the voice of the Roman empire, Latin was in widespread use among scientists of early modern Europe. Its linguistic precision provides rules for the formation of new vocabulary, filling a vacuum created by the explosion of scientific knowledge from the Renaissance through the 19th century. The language of ancient Rome, therefore, allows us to speak of modern inventions such as digital satellite television channels (in the rubric for these first two paragraphs, all words printed in italics possess Latin origins).

Latin provides the binomial nomenclature for every species on earth, so that the animal referred to as chien, Hund, perro, 狗, σκύλος, собака, كلب or dog has one official name: Canis lupus familiaris. Carl von Linné (known as Carolus Linnaeus at a time when everything in science was given a Latin name) even flattered our own species with the name Homo sapiens ("wise human"). While modern science has begun shifting to other sources for naming molecules (such as the "pikachurin" protein or "sonic hedgehog" gene), the extensive use of Latin in medicine and law has given immortality to the language of Ceasar.

The following word lists include many examples from science and the humanities that come to us from Latin, often via French. Parallel lists of Greek and Semitic roots are also available. Return to Science for additional interdisciplinary resources.

Contents 1 A a 2 B b 3 C c 4 D d 5 E e 6 F f 7 G g 8 H h 9 I i 10 L l 11 M m 12 N n 13 O o 14 P p 15 Q q 16 R r 17 S s 18 T t 19 U u 20 V v

A a

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
ab	ab-	away from	absent, abdicate, abduct, abdomen, abscess, abhor, ablation, abolish, abominable, abnormal, abort, ab ovo, absorb, abstract, abundant, ebb
acus	ac-	needle, sharp, acid	acid, acidophile, acrid, acrimony, acerbic, acetate, acetic, acetabulum, acetone, acute, acuity, acumen, acupuncture, acanthocyte, acyl, ague, exacerbate
ad	ad-	toward	at, add, addenda, addiction, adduction, adhesive, adsorb, adjacent, adjunct, adjuvant, admit, ad lib, ad hoc, ad nauseam, ad infinitum, ad hominem, cephalad, caudad
agō	agi-	drive, act	act, action, agenda, agent, agile, agitate, ambiguous, coagulate, reaction, exact, transaction, strategy, pellagra, podagra
āla	ala-	wing	ala, alar, alisphenoid, aliferous, alinotum, aisle
albus	alba-	white, bright	alba, albino, albinism, albumen, albumin, album, albedo
almus	aliment-	nourishing	aliment, alimentary, alma mater, altricial, alimony, alumnus
altus	alti-	high	alto, altitude, altimeter, altostratus, exalt, old, haut
alveus	alveo-	hollow, cavity	alveolus, alveoli, alveolar, alveolation, alveolingual, labialveolar
ambō	ambi-	both, two	ambiguous, ambivalent, ambidextrous
ambulō	ambu-	walk	ambulate, ambulatory, ambition, ambulance, amble, funambulist, preamble, perambulate, somnambulism, ombudsman
ammōn	ammon-	salts from Amun's temple	ammonia, ammonium, ammoniacal, ammonite, amine, amino acid, vitamin, amide, amen
amplūs	ampli-	large, abundant	amplitude, ample, amplifier
ampulla	ampul-	two-handled flask	ampulla, ampullary, ampule
amylum	amyl-	milled grain, meal, starch	amylum, amylase, amylose, amylopectin, amyloplast, amyloid, amyl, paramylon, malt, maltose, meal, mill
angō	ang-	choke, strangle	anger, anguish, anxious, anxiety, angina, strangle, strangulation, angst
angulus	angul-	corner	angle, angular, anglophile, England, English, triangle
anima	anima-	breath, spirit, mind	anima, animus, animal, animate, anime, animism, animosity, equanimity, magnanimous, pusillanimous, unanimous
annus	annu-	year	annals, annual, annuity, millennium, perennial, centennial, anno domini, annus horribilis, annus mirabilis
ānsa	ansa-	jug handle	ansa cervicalis, ansa lenticularis, ansate, ansulary
ānser	anser-	goose	anserous, pes anserinus, anserine
ante	ante-	before, in front	ante, anterior, antenatal, ante meridiem, antecubital, antebellum, antecedent, antique, antler, ancient, advance
ānulus	ano-	ring	anus, anal, anorectal, annulus, annelid
apex	apica-	tip, summit	apex, apical, subapical, periapical
aqua	aqua-	water	aqua, aqua vitae, aqua regia, aquatic, aquarelle, aqualung, aqueous, aquarium, aquarius, aqueduct, aquifer, aquamarine
arabicus	arab-, ribo-	gum arabic	arabic, arabinose, ribose, ribosome, ribozyme, riboflavin, ribonucleic, deoxyribose
arbor	arbor-	tree, mast	arbor vitae, arboreal, arborization, arborescence, arboretum
arcus	arc-	bow, rainbow, arch	arc, arch, archery, arcade, arcuate
ārea	are-	site, open space	area, areola, areolate, hectare
argenteus	argo-	silver	argent, argil, Argentina, arginine, argonaut, argument, hydrargyrum
arma	arm-	weapons, arms	arm, armature, armada, armor, army, armillary, armadillo, alarm, disarm, firearms, coat of arms, gendarme, underarm
articulus	artic-	joint, knuckle	article, articulate, articulation, disarticulated, inarticulate, interarticular, polyarticular, monoarticular
ātrium	atrium	hall, central room	atrium, atria, atrial, atriopore, atrioventricular, sinoatrial
audiō	aud-	hear, listen	audio, audible, audience, audiophile, audit, auditorium, auditory, audition, auricle, auscultation, scout, oyez, obey
aurum	aurum	gold	aura, aurum, aureate, auric, aurous, aurora, aureole
auster	austral-	south, south wind	australia, austria, australopithecus, eastern, easter, east
avis	avi-	bird, omen	avian, aviary, aviation, avifauna, auspice, auspicious, rara avis, calcar avis
axis	axi-	axis, pivot	axis, axle, axial, axil, axilla, axillary, coaxial

B b

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
baculum	bacillu-	stick, staff	bacillus, bacilli, bacillum, bacillary, baculiform, baguette, bagel, debacle, imbecile, lactobacillus
barbarus	barba-	foreign, bearded	barb, barbed wire, barber, barbarian, barbarous, barbule
bīlis	bili-	bile, gall, anger	bile, biliary, bilious, bilirubin, biliverdin, stercobilin, urobilinogen
bis	bi-	twice, double	binary, bilateral, bifurcation, biped, binomial, bisect, bicarbonate, bisexual, bipolar, combine, billion, bit, byte, megabyte
bōs	bo-, bu-	cow, ox	bos, bovine, bucolic, osso buco, buccaneer, butter, butyric, butane
bracchium	brachi-	arm, forearm	brace, bracelet, bracket, embrace, brachial, brachiation, brachiocephalic, brachiopod, brachiosaur, brassiere, pretzel, antebrachial
brevis	brevi-	short, brief	brevity, brief, abridge, abbreviation, vita brevis
bucca	bucca-	cheek, mouth	buccal, buccinator, boca, buckle, bugle
bulla	bulla-	bubble, knob	bull, bulla, bullous, bulliform, ebullient, abulia, bullion, boil, bubble
bursa	bursa-	purse, bag	bursa, bursitis, bursar, disburse, reimburse

C c

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
cadō	cade-	fall, die	cadence, casualty, cadaver, suicide, pesticide, regicide, deciduous, decadence, decay, accident, occident, incident, casual, case, chance, chute, occasion, recidivism
caecus	caeca-	blind, obscure	cecum, cecal, cecograph, caecilian
calculus	calc-	pebble, stone	calcaneus, calcium, calcify, calculus, calculate, cholecalciferol, incalculable, miscalculate, nephrocalcinosis
callum	callo-	hard or thick skin	callus, callous, callosal, corpus callosum
calor	calo-	warmth, heat	calenture, calorie, calorimeter, calorific, decalescence, cauldron, scald
camera	camera-	arched roof, chamber	camera, chamber, unicameral, bicameral
canālis	canal-	pipe, canal	canal, canaliculi, cannula, cannulation, channel, sugarcane, cane, cannon, cannister, can, recanalize
cancellī	cancel-	latticework, cross bars	cancel, cancellation, cancellous, chancel, chancellor
cancer	cancre-	crab, ulceration	cancer, chancre, chancroid, canker
candidus	candida-	white, bright	candid, candor, candle, candida, candidate, candidiasis, incandescence, incendiary, incense
canis	cani-	dog	canis, canine, canary, canicular, chenille, kennel, cave canem
capiō	capt-	take, seize, capture	capture, catch, capacious, capable, capstan, accept, anticipate, conceive, deception, except, forceps, inception, intercept, intussusception, participate, precept, receive, recipe, rx
capra	capri-	goat, frisky	capris, caprine, caproic, caprylic, capricorn, caprice, capricious, caprolactam
capsula	capsu-	small box	capsid, capsule, capsular, encapsulate, capsicum, capsaicin, case, cash
caput	capit-, -ceps	head	caput, captain, capital, capitol, capitulate, capitate, capitellum, capo, caprice, cattle, chapter, chief, occiput, occipital, decapitate, bicipital, biceps, triceps, recapitulate, precipitate, per capita
carbō	carb-	charcoal, embers	carbon, carboxylic, carbohydrate, carbonate, bicarbonate, carbide, carbolic, carbuncle, carburetor, hydrocarbon
carīna	carina-	keel of a ship	carina, carinatum, careen
carō	carni-, cari-	flesh, meat, decay	carnal, carnage, carnivore, carnassial, carnival, incarnate, reincarnation, charnel, crone, caries, carious, carrion, carcass
cāseus	case-	cheese	casein, caseous, caseating, cheese, cheesy
cauda	cauda-	tail	cauda, caudad, caudal, caudate, cauda equina, coda
cavus	cava-	hollow, concave	cave, cava, cavern, cavity, cavitation, concave, excavate, portocaval
cēdō	cede-	go, withdraw, depart	cease, cede, cession, abscess, access, ancestor, antecedent, concede, deceased, exceed, intercede, necessary, precede, predecessor, proceed, recede, secede, succeed
celeris	celera-	swift, fast	acceleration, accelerant, celerity, decelerate
cella	cell-	granary, small room, cell	cell, cellar, cellular, cellulose, cellophane, cellmate, micelle, conceal, rathskeller
centum	cent-	one hundred	cent, cental, centavo, centum, century, centenary, centennial, centimeter, centegenarian, percent, bicentennial
cerebrum	cerebr-	brain, understanding	cerebrum, cerebral, cerebritis, cerebellum, cerebrospinal, cerebroside, decerebrate
cervīx	cervi-	neck	cervix, cervical, buccocervical, endocervicitis
cilium	cili-	eyelash	cilium, cilia, ciliated, ciliary, ciliophora, superciliary, supercilious
cingō, cingere	cinct-	enclose, gird, bind	cinch, cincture, cingulum, enceinte, precinct, shingles, succinct
circā	circa-	around, round about	circumference, circulation, circle, circuit, circa, circumscribe, circumcise, cerclage
citō, citāre	cite-	set in motion, rouse	cite, citation, excite, incite, resuscitate, solicitous
cīvitās	civi-	citizenship, city	city, citizen, civic, civil, civility, civilization
claudō, claudere	claus-	shut, close, block	claustrophobia, claustrum, cloister, claudication, occlude, occlusion, occlusal, malocclusion, include, inclusive, exclude, exclusion, close, enclosed, Claudius
clāvis	clavi-	key	clavicle, clavicular, subclavian, clavichord, autoclave, clavier, clavioline, enclave, conclave
clīvus	clivu-	slope	clivus, proclivity, postclival
cloāca	cloaca-	sewer, drain	cloaca, cloacal
coeō, coīre	co-	meet together	coalesce, coalition, coaxial, coherent, coincidence, correlation, coworker, coefficient, coordinate
colō	cultu-	cultivate	culture, cultivation, cultivar, cult, colony, colonize, cologne, incult, silvicolous, kulturkampf
collis	colli-	hill	colliculus
collum	colla-	neck	collar, accolade, torticollis, decolletage, decollation
columna	column-	column, pillar	column, columnar, colonnade, colonel, culminate
commūnis	commi-	common, universal	common, commune, community, commissure, committee, communication, communism
contrā	contra-	opposite, against	contrast, contrary, contralateral, counterintuitive, counterclockwise, country, encounter
cōpia	copi-	abudance	copious, copier, copy, cornucopia
coquō	coct-	cook, ripen	cook, cuisine, apricot, biscuit, concoction, precocious, ricotta, terra cotta, cottage cheese
cor	corda-	heart	cordate, cordial, courage, accord, concord, discord, record, precordial, misericord
cornū	cornu-	horn, horny	corn, cornea, corneum, corner, cornet, cornucopia, capricorn, unicorn, bicornuate, horn
corōna	corona-	garland, crown	corona, coronation, coronary, coroner, coronet, corolla, corollary
corpus	corpu-	body	corps, corpse, corpus delicti, habeas corpus, corpulent, corpuscle, corporation, corporeal, incorporate, corsage
cortex	cortica-	bark, shell	cortex, cortical, cortisol, subcortical, neocortex, decorticate
costa	costa-	rib, side	costal, costate, costophrenic, coast, cutlet, accost, sternocostal, intercostal, ecostate
crepō	crepitu-	rattle, creek, snap	crepitus, crepitation, decrepit
crescō	cresce-	arise, be born, grow	create, creature, crescent, crescendo, accretion, accrue, concrete, increase, decrease, increment, decrement, excrescence, recruit, procreation, cereal
crūs	crura-	leg, shin	crus, crura, crural, subcrural, tinea cruris
crūsta	crusta-	hard surface, shell	crust, crustacean, crustose, encrusted, crouton
crux	cruci-	gallows, cross	crux, crucial, cruciate, crucify, crucifer, crucifixion, cruciform, cruciverbalist, excruciating
cubō	cubi-, cumb-	lie in bed, recline	cubit, antecubital, decubitus, incubate, incubation, incubus, succubus, recumbent, incumbent, succumb, accumbens
culex	-cule, -cle	gnat, little thing	animalcule, cubicle, corpuscle, muscle, molecule, follicle, ridicule, saccule, particle, ossicle, homonculus, tubercle, ventricle
cumulus	cumu-	heap, mass, pile	cumulate, cumulative, cumulus, accumulate, encumber, cumbersome
cuneus	cune-	wedge	cuneus, cuneiform, cuneate
cūra	cura-	care, concern	cure, curator, accurate, accuracy, sinecure
cursor	curso-	runner, racer	cursor, cursorial, cursive, cursory, current, curriculum, courier, course, corral, corridor, currency, recurrent, excurrent, occur, concur, concurrent, concourse, intercourse, precursor
curvus	curva-	bent, curved, crooked	curve, curvature, curvilinear, curvaceous, curb
cuspis	cusp-	lance point	cusp, bicuspid, tricuspid
quassō	cussi-	shake, disturb	quash, squash, cascara, cascabel, incus, percussion, percussive, concussion, repercussion, succussion, discuss
cutis	cuta-	skin	cutaneous, cuticle, cutis, subcutaneous

D d

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
dō, dare	data-	give, given	dare, date, datum, data, dado, die, dice, addition, edition, tradition, render, surrender
dē	de-	down from	descend, defect, define, denominator, decrease, deduce, deposit
decem	deci-	ten, tenth	december, decimeter, decimate, decibel, decimal, decussation, dime, dean, doyenne, duodenum, hexadecimal
dēleō	dele-	destroy	delete, deleterious, deletion
dēns	denti-	tooth	dens, dental, dentin, dentate, denticle, dentist, dentition, edentate, edentulous, indent, indenture, trident, dandelion
dēnsus	densi-	thick, close	dense, density, densitometry, condenser, condensation, radiodensity
dexter	dextro-	right-hand, skillful	dexterity, dextrose, dextrorotatory, ambidextrous, maltodextrin, dextromethorphan
dīcō	dicta-	say, pronounce	dictum, dictation, dictator, dictionary, ditto, ditty, edict, benediction, valedictorian, predict, contradict, addiction, jurisdiction, indict, verdict
diēs	dia-	day	dial, diary, diet, diurnal, circadian, adjourn, journal, journey, meridian, postmeridian, quotidian
digitus	digit-	finger, toe	digit, digital, digitize, digitalis, digoxin, interdigitate, indicate, index, prestidigitation
distō	dista-	be apart, distant	distance, distal, equidistant, pars distalis
dīvīsus	divi-	separate, division	divide, divisum, division, dividend, divisor, divisive, divisible, indivisible
dolor	dolo-	pain, sorrow	dole, dolorous, doleful, condolence, indolent
domus	domo-	house, home	dome, domestic, domain, dominion, dominate, domino, dungeon, madame, madonna, majordomo
dōnum	dona-	gift, offering	donate, donor, condone, pardon, endow, dowry
dormiō	dormi-	sleep	dormitory, dormitive
dorsum	dorsa-	back, ridge	dorsal, dorsum, endorse, torso, do-se-do
dūcō	duct-	lead, guide	duct, ductile, duke, duchess, abduct, abducens, adductor, oviduct, deduce, introduce, transducer, induce, seduce, produce, product, reduction
duo	duo-	two	dual, duality, duet, duplex, duplicate, deuce, duodecimal, double
duodecim	duode-	twelve	duodecimal, duodenum, duodenostomy, duodenectomy, duodenitis, dozen, hepatoduodenal
dūrus	dura-	hard, tough	dura, durum, durable, duration, during, duress, dour, endure, epidural, subdural, induration, obdurate

E e

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
ē	e-	out of	efferent, egress, eccentric, egestion, elicit, eliminate, edentulous
aequus	equi-	level, equal	equilateral, equal, equivalent, equator, equation, equilibrium, equinox, inequality
equus	equu-	horse	equus, equid, equine, equestrian, equitant, equisetum, equiline, cauda equina
esse	esse-	to be	essence, essential, absent, presence, quintessential, entity
ex	ex-	out, off, from	exit, exile, external, extrinsic, excretion, excrement, expire, expiration, ex libris, ex officio
extrā	extra-	outside, beyond	extracellular, extravasation, extraneous, extrapolate, extreme

F f

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
fābula	fabu-	story, fable, speech	fable, fabulous, fate, affable, ineffable, infant, confabulate, preface
faciēs	faci-	form, face, aspect	face, facies, facial, facet, multifaceted, prima facie
faciō	fact-	make, create	fact, factor, factorial, factitious, faculty, facultative, facile, feasible, difficult, fax, infection, affect, effect, artifact, artificial, abortifacient, malefactor, manufacture, defective, deficient, sufficient, confection
faecis	fecu-	sedimen, dregs, feces	feces, fecal, feculent, fecalith
falx	falci-	sickle, scythe	falx, falciform, falcate, falcon, falconry, falciparum
farciō	farci-	stuff, fatten	farce, farcical, infarct, infarction
fascis	fasci-	bundle, band	fascia, fascicle, fasciola, fasciitis, fascism
faucēs	fauci-	throat, channel	fauces, faucial, faucitis, faucet, suffocate
febris	febri-	fever	febrile, antifebrin, afebrile
fēlis	feli-	cat	felis, feline, felidae
fēmina	femini-	woman	female, feminine, feminization, effeminate
fenestra	fenestra-	window	fenestrate, fenestration, fenestrule, defenestrate
fera	fera-	wild beast	feral, ferocious, fierce
ferō	-fer	carry, bring	ferret, suffer, offer, circumference, difference, reference, infer, transfer, proliferate, afferent, efferent, differential, lactiferous, seminiferous, vociferous
ferrum	ferru-	iron, sword	ferric, ferrous, ferrule, ferromagnetic, transferrin, ferritin, farrier, ferredoxin
fervēns	ferve-	hot, boiling, leavening	fervent, fervor, effervesce, defervescence, ferment, fermented, fermentation
fētus	fetu-	newborn, unborn young	fetus, fetal, fetation, effete, multifetation, fawn
fibra	fibri-	fibers, entrails	fiber, fibril, fibrin, fibrinogen, microfibril, neurofibromatosis
fībula	fibula-	clasp, fastener	fibula, fibular, fix, prefix, suffix, transfix, microfiche
figūra	figura-	form, shape	figure, figurate, disfigure, configuration, prefigure, transfigure, feign, fiction, figment, effigy
fīlum	fili-	thread	file, filament, filaria, filiform, filum, filopodia, fillet, profile
fimbriae	fimbri-	fringe, ends	fimbriae, fimbriated
fīnis	fini-	end, boundary	finish, final, finite, infinity, infinitesimal, define, definite, definition
fissum	fissu-	cleft, fissure	fissile, fission, fissure, fissural, fissipedia, bifid, pentafid
fistula	fistula-	tube, pipe, hole	fistula, fistular, fistulous
flagellum	flagella-	whip	flagellum, flagella, flagellation, flagellin, choanoflagellate, dinoflagellate
flātus	flatu-	breath, blowing, wind	flatus, flatulence, inflation, insufflation, deflate, souffle, flavor, blast, bladder, blather
flāvus	flavi-	yellow	flavin, flavone, flavoprotein, riboflavin, bleach, blonde, blue
flectō	flex-	bend, turn	flexure, flexion, flexible, circumflex, reflex, reflection, inflection, genuflect
flōra	flora-	flowers, flowering	flora, floral, florist, florid, florida, inflorescence, flower, cauliflower
fluō	fluo-	flow	flux, flow, fluid, fluxion, fluorine, fluorescent, fluoroscopy, fluctuate, reflux, confluence, effluent, affluent, superfluous, mellifluous, influenza
focus	foca-	hearth, fireplace, home	focal, focus, foci, bifocal, confocal, matrifocal, parfocal
folium	foli-	leaf	folium, foliage, folio, folic, folate, portfolio, defoliate, exfoliate, trefoil
follis	folli-	bellows, air bag	follicle, follicular, follliculitis, folly, fool
forāmen	foramina-	hole, opening	foramen, foramina, foraminal, foraminifera
fōrma	forma-	shape, form	form, formal, formula, cruciform, deformity, uniform, transform
formīca	formica-	ant	formic, formicide, formica, formaldehyde, metformin
fornix	forni-	arch, vault, brothel	fornax, fornix, fornices, fornicate, furnace
fortis	forti-	strong, sturdy	force, fort, forte, fortissimo, fortify, fortitude, fortress, comfort, effort, enforce
fossa	fosso-	ditch, trench	fossa, fossil, fossorial
fovea	fovea-	pit, pitfall	foveal, fovea
fractus	fractu-	broken, crushed	fraction, fracture, fractious, fragile, fragment, frail, frangible, fractal, infringe, defray, diffraction, refraction, refractory, saxifrage, septifragal, suffrage
frāter	frater-	brother	fraternal, friar, fraternity, fratricide
frēnum	frenu-	bridle, bit, rein	frenum, frenate, frenulum, refrain
frōns	fronta-	front, forehead, brow	front, frontal, frontier, affront, bifrontal, confrontation, forefront, storefront
frūctus	fructi-	fruit, produce, revenue	fructose, frugivore, fructescence, fructiferous, fruit
fugiō	fuga-	flee, escape	fugue, fugitive, refugee, centrifuge, centifugal, nucleofugal, lucifugus, tempus fugit
functus	functi-	performed, acted on	function, functional, defunct, perfunctory
fundus	fundo-	foundation, bowl, poured	fund, fundus, fundic, foundation, foundry, profound, profundus, refund, infundibulum
fungus	fungi-	mushroom, fungus	fungus, fungi, fungiform, fungivore, antifungal
furca	furca-	fork	furcula, bifurcate, trifurcation
fūsiō	fusio-	outpouring, leakage	fusion, diffusion, infuse, infusoria, transfusion, perfusion, confusion, futile

G g

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
gallus	galli-	rooster, chicken	galline, galliform, gallium, crista galli
gelō	gel-	freeze, gel	gel, gelatin, gelation, gelato, congeal, jelly, glacial, glacier
genū	genu-	knee	genu, genuflect, geniculate
genus	gene-	birth, race, people, kind	genus, genre, genera, generate, generalization, genetics, genital, gender, genocide, genome, transgenic, progeny, progenitor, degenerate, indigenous, congenital, benign, malignant, pregnant
germen	germ-	bud, sprout, embryo	germ, germinate, germicide, germinal, germane, dysgerminoma
gestum	gesta-	carried	gesture, gesticulate, gestation, res gestae, progesterone, ingest, digest, congestion, suggest, exaggerate
gingīva	gingiva-	gums	gingivitis, gingival
glāns	gland-	acorn, nut, node, gland	glans, gland, glander, glandular
globus	globo-	ball, globe	globus, globe, global, globular, hemoglobin
glomus	glomu-	ball of yarn, tangle	glomus, glomerulus, glomerulonephritis, agglomerate, conglomerate,
glūten	glutin-	glue	gluten, glutinous, glutamine, glutamate, agglutinin, hemagglutinin
gracilis	gracili-	slender, slight	gracilis, gracile
gradus	gradu-	step, pace, stair	grade, gradient, graduation, gressorial, degree, centigrade, plantigrade, digitigrade, retrograde, progress, regression, aggressive, congress, digression
grāmen	grana-	grass, herb, grain	granum, grain, granary, granular, granulation, granuloma, granite, grenade, pomegranate, kernel, corn, granola
gravis	gravi-	heavy, loaded, pregnant	grave, gravid, gravity, gravitas, gravimetric, aggravate, grief, grieve, primigravida, multigravida
grex	grega-	flock, herd, troop	gregarious, aggregate, congregate, egregious, segregate
grossus	gross-	large, thick, fat	gross, grossen, grossly
gula	gula-	throat, gullet	gular, gullet, gulous, glut, glutton, deglutition, gargoyle, gargle, gurgle, regurgitate
gutta	gusta-	drop, taste, exude	gut, guttae, gutta percha, guttation, gutter, guttural, gustation, gusto, disgusting, ragout

H h

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
habitō	habitu-	inhabit, live	habitus, habit, habituate, inhabited, inhibit, prohibit
haereō	hesi-	cling, stick, adhere	hesitate, inherent, adhesive, adherent, adhesion, cohesion
hālitus	hale-	breath, vapor	hale, halitosis, exhale, inhale, inhalant, inhalation
hallux	halluci-	big toe, wandered astray	hallux, hallucis, hallucination, hallucinogen
hāmus	hamato-	hook, talon	hamate, hamulus, hamiform
herba	herbi-	new growth, plant, shoot	herb, herbal, herbaria, herbivore, herbaceous, herbicide
hiātus	hiatu-	opening, gap, break	hiatus, hiatal, dehiscence, indehiscent
hīlum	hila-	something, little bit	hilum, hilar, nil, nihilism, annihilate
homō	homi-	human, man	homo, homicide, homage, hominid, homunculus, hombre, bonhomie, human, humane, humanities
hospitium	hospi-	hospitality, lodging	hospital, hospitality, hospice, host, hostage, hostel
humō	humu-	bury, bring down	humus, exhume, humility, humble

I i

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
ictus	icta-	stroke, blow, seizure	ictus, ictal, post ictal
īlium	ile-, ili-	flank, loin, intestine	ileum, ileocolic, ileitis, ileus, ilium, iliac, iliopsoas, sacroiliac
index	indica-	forefinger, pointer	index, indicate, indices
īnferus	infero-	below, underneath, underworld	inferior, inferolateral, infernal, inferno, infrared, infrasonic
inguen	inguina-	groin	inguinal
īnsula	insula-	island	insula, insulin, insulinoma, insulation, peninsula
integer	integra-	whole, intact, unbiased	integer, integrate, integral, integrity, entire
inter	inter-	between	internal, interval, interior, intermediate, international, intercellular, interquartile, interpolate, intersection
intimus	intima-	innermost, deepest	intima, intimal, intimate
intrā	intra-	inside, within	intracellular, intraoperative, intrinsic, introspection, introduce
ipse	ipsi-	self, very same	ipsilateral, ipse dixit, ipso facto, ipsative, ipsographic
itum	-it	went	exit, obituary, circuit, introit, coitus, transit
iterum	itera-	again, repeat	iterate, iterative, iteration, reiterate
iactō	ject-	throw, cast	jaculatory, ejaculate, project, projection, projectile, reject, conjecture, inject, subject, eject, trajectory, alea iacta est
iēiūnus	jejun-	fasting, hungry	jejunum, jejunal, jejune, jejunostomy
iugum	juga-	yoke, collar, union	jugular, jugum, conjugate, subjugate, yoke, yoga
iungō	junctio-	join, mate	joint, disjoint, juncture, junction, conjunction
iūris	juri-	of the law, justice	jury, jurist, jurisprudence, justice, conjure, injury, jurisdiction, perjury
iuvenis	juveni-	young, youth	junior, juvenile, rejuvenate
iuxtā	juxta-	near, close	juxtaglomerular, juxtapose, juxtaposition, adjust, joust

L l

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
labia	labio-	lip, slip	labia, labial, labrum, labile, lability, lapse, collapse
lacrimō	lacrima-	weep, cry	lacrimal, lachrymose, nasolacrimal
lactō	lacti-	suckle, nurse, milk	lactose, lactase, lactic, lactam, lactone, lactiferous, lactation, lacteal, prolactin, lettuce
lacūna	lacuna-	hole, pit, deficiency	lacuna, lacunae, lacunose
lāmina	lamina-	layer, plate	laminate, laminar, laminectomy, lamella, lamellae, trilaminar
larva	larva-	ghost, mask	larva, larval, larvae
lātus	lati-	broad, wide, carried	latent, lateral, bilateral, latissimus, contralateral, dilate, elation, relate, translate, ablation, prolate, oblate, translate, legislate, superlative
laxus	laxa-	loose, free, easy	lax, laxative, relax, laissez-faire
legō	lectio-	gather, read, choose	lex, lexicon, lectern, lecture, legend, legible, legion, lesson, lectin, collect, dyslexia, diligent, election, intelligent, intellect, neglect, selection
lēx	legi-	law, rule, contract	legal, legislate, legitimate, lex, loyal, privilege
lēns	lento-	lentil	lens, lenticel, lenticulate, lenticular, lentil
levis	leva-	light, lifted up	leaven, levity, lever, levator, levitation, alleviate, elevate, relieve
laevus	levo-	left, awkward, unlucky	levorotatory, levodopa, levulose, levonorgestrel
libīdō	libidi-	desire, passion	ad lib, libido, libidinous
ligō	liga-	tie up, bind	ligate, ligature, ligament, lien, liable, ligase, obligation, religion, rely
lignum	ligno-	wood, timber	lignin, ligneous, lignite, lignivorous
līmen	limi-	threshold, edge	limit, liminal, limb, limbic, limbus, subliminal, supraliminal, eliminate
līneus	line-	flax, linen, thread	line, linea, linear, lineage, linen, linoleic, linoleum, delineate, linseed, lint, crinoline
lingua	lingu-	tongue, speech, language	lingual, lingular, linguist, linguistics, linguoversion, linguini, lingo, language, bilingual, fissilingual
liquidus	liqu-	fluid, liquid, flowing	liquid, liquor, liquefaction, colliquation
littera	litera-	letter of the alphabet	literal, literary, literacy, literature
lītus	littora-	seashore, beach	littoral, sublittoral
locus	loca-	place, site, location	locus, loci, locate, local, loculated, locomotion, translocation
longus	longi-	long, vast	long, longitude, longevity, elongate, oblong, prolong, length
loquor	loqu-	speak, talk	loquacious, locution, soliloquy, colloquium, grandiloquence, interlocutor, pectoriloquy, ventriloquist, elocution
lūx	luci-	light, glory	lux, luxury, lucid, lucifer, luciferin, luciferase, elucidate, noctilucent, radiolucent, sonolucent, translucent, pellucidum, luster, illustrious, illustrate
lūdō	ludi-	play, frolic	ludicrous, ludic, allude, collude, delude, elude, illusion, interlude, prelude, quaalude
lumbōrum	lumbo-	loins	lumbar, lumbosacral, lumbago
lumbrīcus	lumbrica-	worm	lumbrical, lumbricoid, lumbricus
lūmen	lumina-	light, eye	lumen, lumina, luminous, luminosity, illuminate, transillumination
lūna	luna-	moon, crescent	luna, lunar, lunula, lunate, semilunar, lunatic, loony
lupus	lupo-	wolf	lupus, lupine, lobo
lūteus	lute-	yellow, orange	luteum, luteal, lutein
lympha	lympho-	water, lymph	lymph, limpid, lymphatic, lymphocyte, lymphoma, lymphocyte, lymphadenopathy, lymphangiogram, endolymph, perilymph

M m

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
macula	macula-	spot, stain	macule, macula, macular, maculopapular, immaculate
magnus	magna-	great, large	magnus, magna cum laude, magnate, magnify, magnitude, magnificent, almagest, magistrate, major, majority, master, mister, maximum, max
māla	mala-	cheek, jaw	malar, maxilla, maxillary, maxilliped, premaxilla
male	mali-	bad, evil	malaria, malicious, malign, malignant, malevolent, malinger, malfeasance, maladjusted, malediction, malocclusion, malpractice
malleus	malle-	hammer	malleus, malleable, malleolus, malleolar, mallet, maul, pall mall
mamma	mamma-	breast, teat	mammal, mammary, mammillary, mammogram, mammalogist, mama
manus	manu-	hand	manus, manacle, manage, manner, manual, manipulate, manubrium, manicure, manufacture, manuscript, manicotti, manifest, manumit, manure, amanuensis, emancipate, mandate, command, demand
margō	marca-	border, margin	mark, margin, marginal, emarginate, demarcation
mare	mari-	sea	marine, maritime, marinara, mariculture, ultramarine, mermaid, marsh
mars	marti-	war, conflict	mars, martial, martian, march, mardi gras
mās	masculi-	manly, masculine	masculine, emasculate, male, macho, machismo
māter	mater-	mother, womb	alma mater, maternal, maternity, matron, matrix, matrices, matriculate, matriarch, matricide, matrilocal, mother, material, matter
meātus	meatu-	passage, course	meatus, meatal, meander, permeate, permeable
medius	media-	middle, midst	medium, media, medial, median, mediastinum, mediation, medieval, mediocre, mediterranean, meridian, moiety, mean, intermediate, mid, middle
medicō	medica-	cure, heal	medicine, medical, mediate, remedy, paramedic, biomedical
medulla	medull-	marrow, pith	medulla, medullary
mellītus	melli-	honeyed, sweet	melody, melodious, melliferous, mellivorous, mellifluous, diabetes mellitus, molasses, marmalade, mead
memoria	memo-	memory, history	memory, memorial, memorandum, memo, memorable, commemorate
mēns	menta-	mind, understanding	mental, mentation, mention, non compos mentis, dementia, demented, memento, comment
mentum	mentu-	chin, prominence	mentum, submental, omentum, prominent, menace, amenable, promenade, eminent, imminent
mereō	meri-	deserve, merit	merit, meritorious, meretricious, emeritus, turmeric
mīlle	milli-	thousand	mill, mile, millinery, millimeter, millefiore, millenium, million, millepore, millipede
minus	minu-	less, minor	minor, minus, minuscule, minimum, minute, minuend, diminutive, diminish, mince
mīror	mira-	wonder at, be surprised	miracle, mirage, annus mirabilis, admire, mirror, mirabile dictu
mixceō	misci-	mix, blend	miscellaneous, miscible, mix, mixture, immiscible, miscegenation, promiscuous
missiō	missio-	send, release	mission, omit, dismiss, transmission, emit
mitra	mitra-	turban, cross-cut	miter, mitered, mitral
modus	modu-	measure, standard	mode, modus, modal, modulus, modular, model, modern, moderate, mood
mōlēs	mole-	mass, bulk	mole, molecule, molar, molarity
mollis	molli-	soft, softened, milled	mollify, emollient, mollusk, malt, maltose, melt
mōnstrō	monstra-	show, point out, warn	monitor, monster, monument, admonish, demonstrate, premonition, summon
mōns	monta-	mountain	mons, montane, montana, ultramontane, verumontanum, promontory, mountain, amount
morbus	morbi-	illness, disease	morbus, morbid, morbidity, morbilliform, morbillivirus
mortis	mortu-	death	mortal, mortality, mortitian, mortuary, mortgage, moribund, amortize, immortal, murder, post mortem
mōrum	moru-	mulberry	morula
mōtus	motio-	movement, impulse	motion, motor, motility, mobile, mob, moment, momentum, motif, commotion, emotion, locomotion, promote, oculomotor, vasomotor, move
multus	multi-	many	multiple, multiplication, multiplex, multitude, multivariable, multiparous
mūniō	muni-	fortify, strengthen	munitions, municipal, ammunition, immune, immunity, immunology, immunize, immunofluorescence, immunoglobulin, autoimmune
mūrus	mura-	wall, defense	mural, muramic acid, intramural, extramural, transmural, immurement
muria	muria-	brine	muriate, muriatic acid
mūsculus	muscu-	mouse, muscle	muscle, murine, muricide, musteline, muscle, muscular
mūtō	muta-	change, shift	mutate, permutation, commuter, commutative, molt

N n

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
nāsus	nasa-	nose	nasion, nasal, nasalis, nasopharynx, naris, nares, nasturtium, pince-nez
natō	nata-	swim, float	natatorial, natatorium, natant, supernatant
nātūra	natu-	birth, nature	nature, natural, natrium, nascent, nation, native, naive, nee, noel, antenatal, innate, cognate, denatured, renaissance
nāvis	navi-	ship	nave, naval, navicular, navy, navigation, circumnavigate
nebula	nebu-	cloud, mist	nebula, nebulous, nebulizer, nevada, nimbus
nexus	nectio-	bond, tie	nexus, adnexa, annex, connect, connection, necturus
negō	nega-	deny, refuse	negative, negate, negation, abnegate, renegade, renege
nervus	nervi-	sinew, string, strength	nerve, nervous, enervate, denervate
neuter	neutra-	neither	neutral, neuter, neutrality, neutron, neutrino, neutrophil, neutropenia
nīdus	nidu-	nest	nidus, nidal, nidamental, nidation, niche, pilonidal
niger	nigro-	black, dark	nigrum, nigrostriatal, nigrosine, denigrate, noir
nox	noctu-	night	nocturne, nocturnal, noctiluca, noctambulist, equinox
nōdus	nodu-	knot, swelling	node, nodal, nodular, acnode, knot, denouement
nōmen	nomina-	name, title	nomen, nomenclature, nominal, nomination, innominate, nominee, noun
novem	nona-	nine	nonagenerian, nonane, nonanoic, noon, novena, november
nōrma	norm-	rule, norm	norm, normal, normality, normocytic, normotensive, abnormal, enormous, paranormal
nota	nota-	mark, sign, note	note, notice, notify, notation, notorious, annotate, connote, nota bene
novus	nova-	new, recent, unusual	nova, novice, novel, novelty, innovate, renovate, supernova, novum eboracum
noxa	noxa-	harm, damage	noxious, nocent, noise, nuisance, obnoxious, innocuous, innocent
nucleus	nucle-	kernel, little nut	nucleus, nuclear, nucleolus, nucleosome, nucleon, nucleic, nucleotide, enucleate, ribonuclease, radionuclide, nougat, nut
nūdus	nudi-	nude, bare	nude, nudity, nudibranch, denuded
nullus	nulla-	none, not at all	null, nullify, nulliparous, annul
numerus	numera-	number, many	numeral, numerous, numerator, numerical, enumerate, supernumerary, innumerable
nūntius	nuncio-	messenger, news	nuncio, announcement, enunciate, denounce, pronounce, renounce
nūtrīx	nutri-	nurse, nourishment	nutrix, nutrition, nutrient, nutritious, nurture, nurse, nourish

O o

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
ob	ob-	against, toward	oblate, oblique, oblong, obtuse, opposite
obstetrix	obstetric-	midwife	obstetrix, obstetrician, obstetrical, ob-gyn
octō	octo-	eight	octet, octant, octave, octavo, octagon, octopus, octane, octahedron, octal, october, octogenarian
oculus	oculo-	eye, sight	oculus, ocular, oculomotor, oculogyric, oculist, extraocular, monocle, monocular, binocular, inoculate, pinochle
olea	oleo-	olive	oleic, oleoresin, olefin, oleomargarine, indole, linoleum, petroleum, olive, oil
olfactō	olfactio-	sniff, smell	olfaction, olfactory
omnis	omni-	all, every	omnibus, omnivore, omniscience, omnipotent, omnidirectional
opācus	opaci-	shady, dark	opacity, opacify, opaque
opus	opera-	work, output	opus, opera, operate, operation, operator, operand, cooperate, op. cit., modus operandi
optō	opti-	choose, wish for	optional, optimal, optimum, optimization
ōs, ōris	ora-, os-	mouth, door	os, oral, oration, oratory, orifice, orotund, ostium, osculate, oscillate, oscilloscope, usher
orbis	orbi-	ring, orbit	orb, orbital, orbit, orbiter, orbicular, orbitosphenoid
ōrdō	ordina-	order, series, regularity	order, ordinal, ordain, ordinance, ordinary, ordinate, coordination, inordinate, subordinate
oriēns	ori-	east, sunrise, birth	orient, origin, orientation, orienteering, oriental, abort
osus	-ose	full of	glucose, verbose, morose, mucous, seminiferous, famous
ōvum	ova-	egg	ova, ovum, ovary, ovule, ovulate, oviduct, oviparous, oval, mesovarium, synovial
ovis	ovi-	sheep	ovis, ovine, ewe

P p

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
pāx	paci-	peace	pacific, pacifier, pacifist, pax Romana, pax Brittanica
palātum	palato-	palate, taste	palate, palatine, palace, palatial, salpingopalatine, transpalatine
pallium	palli-	cloak, mantle	pall, pallium, palliate, palliative, archipallium, neopallium
pallor	pallo-	paleness, fading, fear	pale, pallor, pallid, appall, palomino, peliosis, poliomyelitis, poliovirus
palma	palma-	palm, hand, date palm	palm, palmate, palmar
palpō	palpi-	stroke, touch	palpate, palpation, palpitation, palpable, palpebral, pedipalp
pānis	pans-	bread, loaf	pannus, panniculitis, pantry, pannier, expand, expansion
papilla	papilla-	nipple, breast	pap, papa, papilla, papillary, papilloma
pariēs	parieta-	wall	paries, parietal, gastroparietal, uteroparietal
pariō	paro-	give birth, create	parous, parent, parity, parturition, parturient, multiparous, oviparous, viviparous, nulliparity, postpartum
pars	parti-	part, share, fraction	pars, parse, part, partial, particle, partite, partition, parcel, particular, parsimony, bipartite, tripartite
parvus	parvi-	small, slight, little	parvus et tardis, parvitude, parvocellular, parvovirus, paraffin
patēns	pate-	open, exposed	patent, patency, patulous, patella, prepatent
pater	pater-	father	paternal, patron, patronize, patriotic, patrician, patrimony, expatriate
patiēns	pati-	suffering, enduring	patient, patience, passion, passive, compassion, compatible, impatient, inpatient
paucus	pauci-	few, little	paucity, pauper, poor, poverty, poco
pectus	pecto-	breast, heart, feeling	pectus, pectoral, pectoriloquy, expectorate, expectorant
pēs	pedi-	foot	pes, pedal, pedicel, peduncle, pedestrian, pedicle, peduncle, biped, millipede, expedite, impede, path, peripatetic
pellō	-pel	push, knock	pulse, push, compel, dispel, expel, impel, propel, repel
pellis	pelli-	skin, hide, leather	pelt, pellicle, pellagra, pillion, erysipelas, peau d’orange
pelvis	pelvi-	basin	pelvis, pelvic, hemipelvis
pendeō	pendu-	hang, be weighed	pendant, pendulous, penthouse, dependable, independent, perpendicular, appendage, appendix, suspend, suspense, pensive, pansy, ponderous, preponderance, pound
pēnis	pene-	penis	pencil, penis, penetrate, penicillin
poena	pena-	debt, penalty, deficiency	penalty, penal, neutropenia, pancytopenia, osteopenia
per	per-	through, by means of	per, per se, percent, percentage, percentile, permutation, perpendicular
persōna	persona-	mask, character	person, personal, personnel, impersonate, persona non grata
petō	peta-	aim at, go toward	petition, petulant, appetite, compete, impetus, perpetual, repeat, centripetal
pictus	pictu-	colored, tattooed	picture, picturesque, pictogram, pigment, depict, paint, pinto, pint
pilus	pili-	hair	pili, pileated, capillary, capillariasis
pīnus	pine-	pine, pinecone	pine, pineal, pinyon, pinot
pinna	pinna-	feather, wing, fin	pinna, pinnae, pinnate, pinnacle, pinniped, pen, pennate, panache
pirum	piri-	pear	piriform, piriformis
piscis	pisci-	fish	piscis, piscine, piscatorial, piscivore, pisces
placeō	placi-	please, pleasant	placid, placebo, placate, complacent, plea, please, plead
plānus	plano-	level, flat plain	plan, plane, planar, planaria, planula, piano, explain, multiplanar
planta	planta-	sole of foot	plant, plantar, plantigrade, planted, plantation, implant, explant, transplant
plaudō	plosi-	strike, clap	plaudit, applaud, explode, implode, explosion, plosive
plēnus	pleni-	full, plenty	plenary, plenty, plenum, replenish, terreplein
plicō	plico-	fold, pleat	plicae, plait, pliant, plexus, complicate, explicate, explicit, implicit, multiply, duplicate, triple, applied, plywood, replicate, plexiglas, perplexed, complex, complexion
plūs	plu-	more, plural	plus, plural, pluperfect, nonplus, surplus
plumbum	plumbo-	lead, bullet, pipe	plumb, plumbum, plumbing, plumbism
pālus	pola-	stake, pole	pole, polar, polarity, bipolar, circumpolar, dipole, nonpolar
pollex	pollici-	thumb	pollicis, pollex
pollen	pollina-	fine flour, meal	pollen, pollinate, pollinator, pollinosis
pōns	ponti-	bridge	pons, pontic, pontine, pontiff, pontifex, pontoon, pontobulbar, cerebellopontine, transpontine, punt
poples	popliteu-	back of the knee	popliteus, popliteal
porca	porci-	sow, pig	porcine, porcupine, pork, porpoise, porcelain, aardvark
portō	porta-	carry, convey, bring	port, portal, portable, porter, deport, import, portfolio, report, support, transport
positus	positi-	situated, placed	pose, positive, position, deposit, opposite, composite, transposition, exponent, expository, compound
post	post-	behind, after	postpone, post mortem, posterior, postganglionic, posthumous
potēns	potenti-	capable, powerful	potent, potency, potential, potentiation, impotent, omnipotent, totipotent, possess, possible, power
prae	pre-	in front, before	precox, precocious, prefrontal, predetermined, prenuptial, prenatal, premature, premie
praedor	predatio-	plunder, raid, seize	prey, predator, predation, prehensile, apprehend, comprehend, osprey, spree
pressus	pressu-	pressed	press, pressure, pregnant, print, depression, impressive, compression, repress, supress, oppress
prīmum	prima-	first	prime, primal, primative, primate, primary, primogeniture, primeval, primavera, prince, principle, principal
prīvātus	priva-	individual, private	privy, privilege, privacy, private, deprive
probō	probi-	prove, show, examine	probe, problem, probability, probate, probative, prove, proof, approval
proprius	proprio-	one's own	proper, property, proprium, proprioception, proprietary, appropriate, impropriety
proximus	proxima-	nearest, next	proxy, proximal, proximate, proximity, approximate
prūriō	pruri-	itch, burn	pruritis, prurient, prurigo
pūbēns	pube-	full-grown, ripe	puberty, pubic, prepubescent
pulmō	pulmo-	lung	pulmonary, pulmonic
pulsō	pulsa-	batter, knock, strike	pulse, pulsion, pulsatile, impulse, compulsion, repel, expel, propeller, retropulsion
pulvīnar	pulvina-	seat of honor, cushion	pulvinar, pulvinus, pulvillus
pūnctum	puncta-	point, dot	punctate, punctual, puncture, punctuation, punctilious, pungent, point, pointillism, endpoint
pūpa	pupa-	doll, child	pupil, pupa, puppy, puppet
pūrus	pura-	clear, purged, cleansed	pus, purulent, purify, pure, puritan, purge, purine, suppurative, putrefaction
purpura	purpura-	purple	purpura, purple
putō	puta-	prune, settle, think over	putamen, putative, amputate, compute, dispute, impute, repute

Q q

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
quattuor	quad-	four, fourth	quadrant, quadrilateral, quadriceps, quadratic, quadrivium, quadrille, quadroon, quarantine, quaternary, quaternion, quart, quartile, quarter, quartic, square
quantum	quanti-	amount, how much	quantify, quantitative, quantity
quercus	querc-	oak, cork	quercus, cork, corkage, corker, corkscrew
quiēs	quie-	rest, quiet, sleep	quiet, quiescent, acquiesce, requiem, requiescat
quīnque	quint-	five, fifth	quintet, quintessence, quintuplets, quintic, quincunx, quinate
quot	quot-	how many, how often	quote, quotation, quotidian, quotient, quotition, aliquot

R r

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
racēmus	racemi-	cluster of grapes, bunch	raceme, racemic, racemize, racemose
radius	radi-	stick, rod	radius, radian, radial, radium, radiate, radiator, radiation, radio, radiotherapy, radionuclide, radiology, radiograph
rādīx	radica-	root, radish	radix, radical, radicand, radicle, radiculopathy, radish
rādō	radu-	scrape, shave, scratch	radula, rash, rasorial, razor, abrade, abrasion, erase
rāmus	rami-	branch	ramose, ramus, rami, ramification, ramapithecus
rapiō	rapto-	seize, rape, plunder	rape, rapacious, rapt, rapture, raptor, velociraptor
ratus	ratio-	settled rate, proportion	rate, ratio, ratify, rational, prorated, reason
rēs	re-	thing	re, real, realia, reality, realize, republic, rebus
regō, rēctus	regi-	rule, keep straight, right	rex, regent, regimen, regicide, regulate, regular, rectangle, rectum, rectify, rectilinear, correct, direction, directrix, erect, ruler, rule, royal, anorexia
rēnēs	rena-	kidneys	renal, reniform, renin, adrenal, adrenalin, adrenergic, suprarenal
rēptō	repti-	creep, crawl	reptile, reptilian
rēte	rete-	snare, net, network	rete, retina, reticular, reticulocyte, reticulum
retrō	retro-	backwards, behind	retrograde, retrospect, retroverted, retrobulbar
rigor	rigo-	stiffness, hardness	rigid, rigidity, rigor mortis, rigorous
rīvus	riva-	stream, brook	river, rivulet, derive, derivative
rōdō	rode-	gnaw, corrode	rodent, corrode, erode, erosion, rostrum
rōstrum	rostra-	beak, bill, prow	rostrum, rostral, adrostral
rota	rota-	wheel, disk	rotate, rotation, rotatory, rotary, rotifer, rotavirus, rotor, rotund, round, rodeo
ruber	rubro-	red	rubor, rubrospinal, rubella, ruby, rubidium, bilirubin
rūga	ruga-	wrinkle, crease	rugal, rugae, rugose, corrugated
rūminō	rumina-	chew the cud	rumen, rumination, ruminant
rumpō	ruptu-	break, violate	rumpus, rupture, abrupt, bankrupt, corrupt, disrupt, erupt, interrupt

S s

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
saccus	sac-	bag, purse, wallet	sac, saccule
sacrum	sacro-	holy thing, shrine	sacred, sacrum, sacral, consecrate, sacrosanct, sacrament, sacrifice, sacrilegious
sagitta	sagitta-	arrow	sagittal, sagittate, sagittarius
sāl	sali-	salt, brine	saline, saliva, salivary, salary, salt, salsa, salami, saltpeter, cum grano salis
saltō	salta-	leap, dance	salacious, salient, saltation, saltatory, saltigrade, resilient, resilin, result, insult, somersault
salūs	salu-	health, welfare	salutation, salute, salvation, salvage
sanguis	sangu-	blood	sanguine, sanguinary, sangfroid, sangria, exsanguinate
sānus	sani-	healthy, sound, sane	sane, sanity, sanitation, sanitarium, insanity, mens sana in corpore sano
sapiēns	sapi-	wise, man of taste	sapiens, sapient, sapid, savory, savant, savvy, insipid
sartor	sartori-	tailor, mender	sartorius, sartorial
satelles	satelli-	attendant, assistant	satellite, microsatellite
satis	sati-	enough, sufficient	satisfy, satiate, satiety, satire, saturate, unsaturated, supersaturated
scāla	scala-	scale, ladder	scale, scalar, escalate
scandō	scande-	climb, ascend	scan, scandent, scansorial, ascend, descend, transcend
scientia	scienti-	knowledge, skill	science, scientific, scientist, omniscience, pseudoscience, conscience, plebiscite, prescient
scissus	scissi-	split, cut	scissors, chisel, decide, incise, incision, excise, incisura, abscissa, abscission, circumcision, precise
scorbutus	scorbu-	scurvy	scurvy, scorbutic, ascorbic
scrībō	script-	write, draw	scribble, scribe, script, scripture, describe, inscription, circumscribe, manuscript, prescribe, subscribe, postscript
scūtum	scutu-	shield	scutum, scutellum, scutigera, escutcheon
sēbum	sebo-	grease, tallow	sebum, sebaceous, seborrhea
sēcrētus	secreti-	separate, private	secrete, excrete, secret, segregate, secretin, secretagogue, discrete
sectus	secti-	cut	sect, section, sector, segment, set, bisect, resect, dissect, insect, intersect, secant,
secundus	secund-	following, next	second, secundum
sedeō	seda-	sit, lie low	sedate, sedative, sedentary, sessile, session, reside, resident, residue, president, insidious, assiduous
sella	sella-	chair, seat, saddle	sella, suprasellar
sēmi-	semi-	half	semicircle, semicircular, semimajor, semimonthly
sēmen	semina-	seed	semen, seminar, seminary, seminiferous, seminal, seminoma, seminuria, insemination, disseminate
senex	sene-	old, elderly	senex, senescence, senile, senior, senate, senator, sir, sire
sēnsus	sensa-	feeling, sense	sense, sensation, sensory, scent, sentient, sentiment, sentence, consent, dissent, resent
septem	septa-	seven	september, septet, septaguint, septuple
sēparō	septu-	separate, divide	septum, septation, separate, inseparable, separatism
sequor	seque-	follow, go with	sequence, sequential, sequel, non sequitur, consecutive, consequence, segue, suture, sew, suit
seriēs	seri-	silk, web, row	series, serial, sericulture, serigraph, serine, sericin
serra	serra-	saw	serrate, serratiform, biserrate, sierra
serum	seru-	whey, watery fluid	serum, serous, serosa, serology, seronegative, seroconversion, serotonin, antisera
sīdereus	sidero-	starry, radiant	sidereal, siderostat, siderosis, hemosiderin
signō	signa-	mark, stamp	signal, sign, signature, significant, signet, designate
silex	silico-	flint, rock	silex, silicon, silicosis, silicate, silane, in silico
sīmius	simi-	ape	simian, prosimian
similis	simili-	similar	simile, similar, similarity, simulation, assimilate
simplex	simpli-	single, simple	simplex, simple, simplify, simplicity
sinus	sino-	curve, bay, cove	sinus, sinoatrial, sine, sinusoidal, cosine, insinuate
situs	situ-	situation, site	in situ, situs, situation, site
sociō	socio-	unite, associate	social, sociology, society, associate, dissociate
sōl	sola-	sun	sol, solar, solarium, solstice, solanaceae, parasol
solea	sole-	sandal, sole, shoe	soleus, sole, insole
sōlus	solo-	only, alone	solo, solitude, solitary, desolate, soliloquy, solipsism
solvō	solu-	loosen, undo, free	soluble, solute, solve, solution, absolute, dissolve, resolve, resolution, soil
somniō	somni-	dream, sleep	somnolent, insomnia
sonō	sono-	sound, make noise	sonar, sonographic, sonorous, sonolucent, sonata, resonate, dissonant, consonant, sound, resound, unison
sorbeō	sorba-	suck in, swallow	sorbent, sorbital, adsorb, absorb, absorption, resorb
soror	sorora-	sister	sorority, sororal
speciēs	specu-	sight, appearance, form	spectacle, speculum, speculate, spectrum, special, species, specimen, specification, inspect, interspecific, perspective, retrospective
spīca	spica-	ear of grain, spike	spicule, spica, conspicuous, spike
spīna	spina-	thorn, spine	spine, spinal, spiny, cerebrospinal
spīritus	spiro-	breath, air, courage	spirit, spiral, spiracle, spirometry, spirochete, transpire, aspire, aspirate, inspire, expire, respiration, perspiration, leptospirosis
spūtō	sputu-	spit out	sputum, sputter
squāma	squamo-	flat scale	squamous, squamate, desquamated
stāmen	stamina-	warp, upright thread	stamen, stamina, stem
stannum	stanno-	tin	stannum, stannous, stannic, stannary
stapes	stape-	stirrup	stapes, stapedial
status	statu-	state, position	status, stately, state, stance, station
stēlla	stella-	star	stellar, stellate, constellation
stercus	sterco-	dung, excrement	stercoral, stercobilin
sterilis	sterili-	barren, sterile	sterilization, sterile
stimulus	stimu-, -stinct	goad, sting, spur	stimulus, stimulate, sting, distinguish, extinguish, extinct, instinct, instigate
strātum	strata-	layer, cover	stratum, strata, stratified, stratigraphy, stratosphere, biostratigraphy, substrate, strewn
stria	stria-	stripe, scallop	striated, striae, striatum
stringō	strictu-	draw tight	strict, stricture, restriction, constrict, astringent, string, strain, constraint
strīdor	strido-	hissing, squeaking	stridor, strident
struō	structio-	build, pile up	structure, construct, obstruct, ultrastructure, destruction, misconstrue, instruct, industry
studium	studio-	enthusiasm, zeal	student, studious, study, studio, etude
sub	sub-	under, beneath	substitution, subclinical, subscript, subset, subtend, subtract, subway, supine
sūdō	sudo-	sweat, perspire	sudoriferous, sudomotor, sudatorium, sudoresis, exude, exudate
sūs	sui-	pig, boar	sus, suidae, suet, swine, sow
sulcus	sulci-	furrow, trench	sulcus, sulci, sulcate, sulcomarginal
summus	summa-	utmost, total, height	summa cum laude, summit, summary, summation, sum
super	super-	above, on top	super, superior, supreme, superimpose, superscript, supermodel, superlative, soprano

T t

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
tabula	tabula-	board, tablet	tabula, tabulate, tablet, tabloid, tab
tāctus	tacti-	touch, handling	tact, tactile, tactics, tangent, tangential, tangible, myotactic, contact, intact, contingent
tālus	talo-	ankle, heel	talus, talonavicular, talon, talipes
tardus	tardi-	slow, late	tardy, tardigrade, tardive, retarded
temperō	tempera-	mix in, moderate	temperate, temperature, temper, tempered, distemper
tempus	tempo-	time, pulse	tempo, temple, temporary, temporal, temporalis
tendō	teno-	stretch, extend, hold	tenet, tenure, tenacious, tentacle, tendon, tendinous, tension, tensile, tenesmus, sustentacular, extend, extension, extent, subtend, detention, abstinence, maintain, tentorium
terra	terra-	land, earth	terra firma, terracotta, terrain, terrene, terrace, terraform, terrarium, terrestrial, territory, terrier, subterranean, mediterranean, extraterrestrial
testis	testi-	witness, give evidence	test, testis, testify, testimony, testicular, testosterone, testament, attest, contest
textus	text-	texture, weave	texture, textile, text, tissue, context, pretext
tībia	tibia-	flute, pipe, shinbone	tibia, tibial, tibialis, tibiotarsal
tingō	tinctu-	dye, soak in color	tincture, tinctorial, tint, taint, tinge
tinnītus	tinni-	ringing, jingle	tinnitus, tintinnabulation
tōphus	tophu-	soft stone	tophus, tufa, tuff
torqueō	tortu-	turn, twist, wind	torque, torcular, tort, torture, tortuous, torsion, torso, torticollis, retort, contortion, extortion, distortion
tōtus	tota-	entire, whole	total, totality, totipotent, totalitarian, factotum, tutti frutti, in toto
trabis	trabe-	beam, timber	trabecular, trabeated, architrave
tractus	tractio-	pulled, drawn	tract, tractor, traction, attract, extract, protractor, protracted, contract, retract, subtraction, drag, draw
trāns	trans-	across, through	transit, transition, transfer, transmembrane, transverse, transform, translation, transposition
trēs	tri-, ter-	three, third	trio, triangle, triple, triquetral, trimester, trivia, trinomia, ternary, tertiary, tercel
tribuō	tribu-	assign, divide among tribes	tribe, tribal, tributary, distribute, attribute
truncō	trunca-	lop off, mutilate	truncus, truncate, trunk
trūdō	trusi-	push, thrust	intrude, extrude, extrusion, obtrusive, abstruse, detrusor
tūber	tubero-	swelling, lump	tuber, tuberous, tubercle, tuberculosis, tuberculoma, protuberance, truffle
tubus	tubo-	pipe, tube	tube, tubal, tubocurarine, tuba
tumor	tume-	swelling, bulge	tumor, tumescent, tumefaction, detumescence
turbō	turbi-	disturb, confuse	turbid, turbulence, turbinate, disturb
turgens	turgi-	swollen	turgor, turgid, turgidity
tussis	tussi-	cough	tussive, pertussis, antitussive, robitussin

U u

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
ubīque	ubiqui-	everywhere, anywhere	ubiquitous, ubiquinone
ulcus	ulcera-	sore, ulcer	ulcer, ulcerated, ulceration
ulna	ulna-	elbow, arm, ell	ulna, ulnar, ell
ulterior	ultra-	farther, beyond	ultimate, ultimatum, ultraviolet, ultrasound, ulterior, penultimate, antepenultimate
umbilīcus	umbilica-	navel	umbo, umbilicus, umbilical, nombril, periumbilical
umbra	umbro-	shadow, shade	umbra, umber, umbel, umbelliferous, umbrella, umbrage, penumbra
uncus	unco-	hook, weight	uncinate, uncial, uncus, ounce, inch, quincunx
undō	undu-	surge, wave, roll	undulate, undulation, abundant
ungula	ungula-	nail, claw, hoof	unguis, ungulate, unguligrade, periungual
ūnus	uni-	one, only	unit, unity, unique, universe, union, uniform, unilateral, triune
urbis	urba-	city, Rome	urban, urbane, urbanization, suburbia, urbi et orbi
ursa	ursi-	bear	ursine, ursa major
uterus	utero-	womb	uterus, uterine, utricle, intrauterine
ūva	uva-	grape, cluster	uvea, uveitis, uvula, pyruvate

V v

Root	Stem	Meaning	Examples
vacca	vacca-	cow	vaccinia, vaccination, vaccine
vacuus	vacu-	empty, void, wanting	vacuum, vacuole, vacuous, vacant, vacation, evacuate, void, devoid
vāgīna	vagina-	sheath, husk	vagina, vaginal, invaginate, evagination
vagus	vago-	wandering, unsettled	vagus, vagal, vagotomy, vagrant
valeō	vale-	be strong, worthy	valor, value, valid, validity, valedictorian, valence, valerian, valeric, valine, equivalence, evaluate, prevail, available
valva	valva-	folding door	valve, valvular
variō	vari-	change, diversify	variable, variation, variegated, variolation, varicella
varix	varico-	swollen vein	varices, varicose, varix
vās	vaso-	vessel, duct	vas, vasa, vasorum, vasovagal, vasodilation, vasoconstriction, vascular, extravasation
vehō, vector	vecto-	carry, carrier	vector, vehicle, vehement, conveyor, convection, inveigh
vēlōx	velo-	swift, fast	velocity, velociraptor, velocipede
vēlum	velo-	sail, curtain	velum, velar, veliger, velamen
venus	venera-	charm, beauty, worship	venerate, venerable, venereal, venus, venom, vanadium
vēna	veno-	vein, course	vena, venous, vein, venule, venation, venotomy, venipuncture, intravenous
ventus	venti-	wind	vent, ventilate, ventilation
venter	ventra-	stomach, belly	venter, ventral, ventricle, ventriculitis, ventriloquism, biventer, eventration
verbum	verba-	word, saying	verb, verbatim, verbose, verbal, verve, adverb, cruciverbalist, proverb
vēritās	veri-	truth, reality	verity, very, verdict, verify, verisimilitude, aver, voir dire
vermis	vermi-	worm	vermis, vermiform, vermin, vermicelli, vermiculite, vermillion
vertō	verte-	turn, change	verse, vs, vice versa, versatile, vertex, vertical, vertigo, vertebra, verge, vortex, vorticella, adverse, anniversary, avert, controversy, convert, diverticulum, evert, extrovert, inverse, pervert, reverse, subversive, transverse, universe
vēsīca	vesico-	bladder, purse	vesical, vesicular, vesicoureteral
vestibulum	vestibu-	entrance, forecourt	vestibule, vestibular
vestīgium	vestigi-	trace, footprint, sign	vestige, vestigial, investigate
via	via-	way, road	via, viaduct, voyage, envoy, deviate, deviant, deviation, previous, trivium, quadrivium, obvious, previous
vibrō	vibra-	shake, vibrate	vibration, vibratory, vibrio
villus	villa-	hair, fleece	villus, villi, villous, microvilli
vir	viri-	man, husband, virtue	virile, virilization, virtue, virtual, werewolf
vīrus	viru-	slime, poison	virus, virulent, viral, retrovirus, oncovirus
viscus	visce-	internal organs, bowels	viscus, viscera, visceromotor, viscerosensory, viscerotonia
vīsō	visi-	survey, look at	visible, vision, view, visa, visage, vista, voyeur, evident, television, revise, clairvoyant, envy, interview, review, survey
vitellus	vitelli-	calf, yolk	veal, vellum, vitellus, vitelline
vitrum	vitro-	glass	in vitro, vitreous, vitrine
vīvus	vivo-	alive, living	vivo, vivid, vivify, viviparous, vivisection, vivacious, vital, vitae, vitalism, viable, vitamin, viatical, survive, revival, convivial, modus vivendi
vocō	voca-	call, summon	vox, vocal, vocation, vowel, advocate, equivocal, convocation, evoke, provoke
volvō	volu-	roll, bring around	volvulus, volume, volute, volvox, involve, involute, involucrum, revolve, evolve, evolution, envelope, development
vōmer	vomer-	plowshare	vomer, vomeronasal, vomerine
vorāx	vora-	ravenous, consuming	voracious, carnivore, carnivorous, herbivore, omnivore, frugivore, insectivore