4 Types of Word Parts

The following are 4 types of word parts in medical terminology:

• Prefix: Located at the beginning of a word. The prefix may usually but not always tell you location, time, numbers/amount, or status. 
• Word Root: This contains the basic meaning of the term which can be derived from Greek or Latin language. In the case of medical terminology, it describes a body part. For example, the root "gastr," which means stomach. 
• Combining Vowel (1) or Combining form (2):

1. A combining vowel (for example: a, e, i, o, or u) allows for various terms to be pronounced easier than if words stood alone. 
2. A combining form is the word root plus the combining vowel. This allows the word to be attached to the final part of a a term. 

• Suffix: The suffix is always placed at the end of the term. It usually but not always indicates the procedure, condition, disorder or disease.