Download The Language of Science

The Language of Science
Science contains a language all its own. Actually, science vocabulary is a hodge-podge of roots,
prefixes, and suffixes put together to describe events, body parts, or functions, etc. observed by
individuals studying the process. Below you will find a list of the more common prefixes and
suffixes and their meanings. If one can learn their meaning(s), they will be well on their way to
understanding the vast vocabulary of science.
Prefix
a- or anangioendoaeroantiarthroautobiochloromesocytogeobrachi-
Meaning
not or non
vessel
inside, inner
needing O2 or air
against
joint, jointed
self
relating to life
green
middle
cell
pertaining to life
having arms
Prefix
epiostepolypneumocoelnephroexogastrohemoheterohomomacromulti-
pseudosaprscleraerythrocorpmacroandroaudicaudhepatmyooscu-
false
rotten
hard
red
body
large
masculine, man
hear
tail
liver
muscle
mouth
photoprelipocephalgymnofolitoxicochromopleurseptneuromyriad-
Meaning
above
bone
many
lungs, air
hollow
kidney
outer, external
stomach
blood
different
same
large
consisting of
many units
light
before
pertaining to fat
head
naked
leaf
poison
color
lung
partition or seven
nerve
many
Suffix
-cyst-som-gen; -gine
-algia
-aceous
-derm
-itis
-ology
-meter
-osis
-phase
-pod
-stasis
-lysis
-synthesis
-phyll
-sis
-tom
-phyte
-cide
-flex
-saccharide
-micro-phore
-ped
Meaning
bladder, pouch
body
producer; former
pain
of or pertaining to
skin, layer
inflammation
study of
measurement
condition
stage
foot
stationary
condition
to break
to build or make
leaf
condition or state
cut or slice
plant
killing
bend
sugar
small
Bearer
feet, foot
Using the above chart, determine the meaning of the following scientific words.
1. arthritis
6. autophage
2. abiotic
7. gastritis
3. micronucleus
8. geology
4. polycystic
9. scleraderm
5. liposuction
10. cytology