Medical Terminology

• Directions:

▪ Superior: toward the head “upper or above”

▪ Inferior: toward the feet “lower or below”
▪ Anterior: further to the front “in front of”
▪ Posterior” further to the back or “in back of”
▪ Medial: toward the midline of the body
▪ Lateral: toward the side of the body
▪ Proximal: closer to the axial body
▪ Distal: further from the axial body

• Most common suffixes and prefixes:

Affix Meaning Example Translation

A-, an- Not, without Analgesic

Abdomin- Related to the Abdominal muscles

abdomen
Audio- Related to hearing Audiologist

-aemia, ema, hemat Blood Anemia, hematoma

-algia Pain fibromyalgia, analgesia

Amnio- Related to fetal sac Amniocentesis

Andro- Man Andrology

Angi- Blood vessels Angiogram, angioplasty

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Anti- Against, opposite to Antibiotic

Arterio- Artery arteriosclerosis

Arthr- Joints Arthritis

Articul- Joint Articulation

ather- Fatty deposit Atherosclerosis

Bronchi- Bronchus Bronchitis

Carcin- Cancer Carcinogenic, carcinoma

Cardi- Heart Cardiology

Carp- Wrist Carpal tunnel syndrome

-centesis Surgical puncture Amniocentesis

Cerebre- Brain Cerebral hemorrhage

Cervic- Neck, cervix Cervical vertebrae

Cholecyst- Gall bladder Cholecystectomy

Colo- Colon colonoscopy

Colpo- Vagina Colposcopy

Cyst- Urinary bladder Cystitis

Dermato- Skin Dermatitis, dermatologist

Dys- Difficult, abnormal Dyspnea, dysmenorrhea

-ectomy Surgical removal Mastectomy

-emesis Vomit Antiemetic, hematemesis

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Encephalo- Brain Encephalogram

Entero- Intestine Gastroenterology

Fibr- Fiber Fibroid tumor

Gastr- Stomach gastrectomy

Glyc- Sugar Hypoglycemia

-graphy Recording Angiography

-gram Recorded data or Electrocardiogram

picture
Gyno- Women Gynecology

Hepato Liver Hepatitis

Hyper- Above normal Hyperthyroidism

Hypo- Below normal Hypotension

Hystero- Uterus, womb Hysterectomy

-ist Specialist Cardiologist

-itis Inflammation Tonsillitis

Kal- Potassium Hyperkalemia

Laparo- Abdominal wall Laparoscopy

Lipo- Lipids liposuction

Litho- Stones Lithotripsy

-malacia Softening Osteomalacia

Mammo- Breast Mammary gland

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Masto- Breast Mastectomy

Myringo-, tympano- Eardrum Myringoplasty

Nat- Birth Neonates/prenatal

Nephro- Kidney Nephrology

Oma- Tumor,mass Sarcoma, teratoma

Onco- Tumor Oncologist

Ophthalm- Eye Ophthalmology

Ost- Bone Osteoporosis

Pector- Chest Pectoral muscles

Ped- Children Pedophilia, pediatrics

-pepsia Digestion Dyspepsia

Peri- Around Pericarditis

-phobia Fear Claustrophobia

-plasty Surgical repair Rhinoplasty

-plegia Paralysis Paraplegia

-pnea, pneumo, pulmon- Breathing, lungs Pneumonia, apnea,

pulmonologist
Pod- Foot Podiatrist

Pre- Before Preterm

Post- After Post-partum, post mortem

Psych- Mental health Psychology

Ren- Kidney Renal failure

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Rhino Nose Rhinitis

-rrhaphy Surgical suturing Herniorrhaphy

-rrhea Flow, discharge diarrhea

Scler- Hard Sclera, arteriosclerosis

-scope Instrument for Stethoscope

viewing
-scopy Process of viewing Endoscopy

-ostomy Creation of an Tracheostomy

opening
Thermo Heat Hypothermia,
thermometer
Thrombo Blood clot Thrombolytics,
thrombosis
-otomy Incision Episiotomy

-tripsy Crushing Lithotripsy

Ur- Urine Diuretic, urologist

Vaso-, vasculo Blood vessels Cardiovascular system

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 • The cardiovascular system:

Word Translation Word translation

Cardiac arrest Arrhythmia

Cardiomyopathy Blockage

Congenital heart defects Hypotension

Endocarditis Hypertension

Heart attack Myocarditis

Heart murmur Rheumatic fever

Atrial fibrillation Atherosclerosis

Congestive heart failure Mitral/tricuspid stenosis

Embolism Aortic Aneurysm

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Angina pectoris Anemia

Lymphoma Blood clot

Expectoration Cyanosis

Blood Poisoning (sepsis) Varicose veins

High Cholesterol Myocardial infarction

Atrial/ventricular septal pericarditis

defects
Dyslipidemia Mitral regurgitation

Aortic Coarctation Thalassemia

leukemia Edema

Sickle cell anemia palpitation

Echocardiogram ECG or EKG

electrocardiogram
CT scan CBC

Blood pressure cuff Stethoscope

MRI Magnetic resonance Angiography

imaging
Blood test/blood work Doppler/duplex

Blood sugar readings Cardiologist

Phlebotomist Cardio surgeon

Vascular surgeon Hematologist

Catheter/catheterization CPR cardiopulmonary

resuscitation

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Angioplasty Pacemaker

Heart pump Open heart surgery

Prosthetic valve stent

Blood thinner Anti-coagulant

Stress test Capillary

White or red blood cells Platelets

Hemoglobin HDL

LDL Iron

Pulse Blood circulation or flow

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 • The respiratory system:

Word Translation Word translation

Flu= Influenza= common Emphysema
cold
Pulmonary embolism Sinusitis

Sleep apnea Cystic fibrosis

Upper/lower respiratory adenoids

infection
Fever Lung cancer

Phlegm Pneumonia

Shortness of breath Asthma

Bronchitis COPD

Sputum TB tuberculosis

Wheezing Rhinitis

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sneezing Fistula

Sore throat/ strep throat congestion

Spirometer Tracheotomy

Tracheostomy biopsy

Pulmonary function test Thoracotomy

Lobectomy Breathing tube

Pulmonologist ENT doctor

Heimlich Maneuver Antitussive

Windpipe Voice box

inhaler C-PAP machine

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 • The digestive system:

Word Translation Word Translation

Diarrhea Diverticulitis

Flatulence/bloating/diste Gall stones

ntion/gases
Heartburn/acid reflux Hemorrhoids

Hernia Hepatitis

Hiccough/hiccup Cleft lip/ palate

Cirrhosis Constipation

IBS= irritable bowel Jaundice

syndrome
Polyp Nausea

Vomiting Ulcers

H.Pylori GERD= gastro

esophageal reflux
disease

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Dehydration cholecystitis

Aches Tenderness

Colic Heaviness

Sawing Radiating

Burning Throbbing

Stabbing Tingling

Dull Acute

Chronic Cramping

BMI body mass index Metabolism

Fibers Leafy green

vegetables
Enzymes Whole milk

Vitamins triglycerides

Lactose intolerance Skimmed milk

Greasy/fatty/heavy food Starch

Appendectomy Cholecystectomy

Colonoscopy Colostomy

Upper GI endoscopy Sleeve gastrectomy

Antacids Antiemetic

Laxative Stool softener

Enema Gastroenterologist

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Bowel movement Fatty liver

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 • The endocrine system:

Word Translate Word Translate

Obesity/ overweight Osteoporosis

PCOS polycystic ovarian Tumor (malignant or

syndrome benign)
Loss of appetite Blurry vision

Dizziness Cushing’s syndrome

hypoglycemia Hyperglycemia

Hyperthyroidism Hypothyroidism

Type 1/type 2 diabetes coma

tremors Peripheral neuropathy

Lethargy Primary infertility

Endocrinologist Random

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Fasting Post prandial

HBA1c Saline

Insulin pump Metformin

Blood sugar log Testosterone

Estrogen/progesterone Growth hormone

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 • The integumentary system:

Word Translation Word Translation

birthmark Photosensitive

Psoriasis Rash

Ringworm Itching/scratching

Sores Vitiligo

Wart/ HPV Acne

Alopecia Bite or sting

Boil Burn/blister

Eczema Hives/urticaria

Ingrown toenails Moles

callus Atopic dermatitis

Abscess scar

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Herpes zoster Herpes simplex
(shingles)

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 • The nervous system:

Word Translation Word translation

Brain Nerve

Spinal cord Cervical vertebrae

Thoracic vertebrae Lumbar vertebrae

Dementia/ Delirium Encephalitis

Epilepsy Meningitis

Multiple sclerosis MS Cerebral/facial palsy

Nerve block Concussion

Parkinson’s disease Headache

Loss of consciousness Amnesia

Alzheimer’s disease Sciatica

Autism Seizures/convulsions

Short tern memory loss TIA transient ischemic

attack
Stroke or CVA Migraine

Hemi/para/quadriplegia confusion

Cerebral hemorrhage Pinched nerve

Vertigo Anesthesia

Neurologist Lumbar puncture

EEG Anti-epileptics
electroencephalogram

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 • The eye & the ear:

Word Translation Word Translation

Sty Astigmatism

Cataract Glaucoma

Retinal detachment Crossed eyes

strabismus
Farsightedness/ Nearsightedness/
Hypermetropia myopia
Macular degeneration Fundus examination

Contact lenses Ophthalmologist

optimetrist
Cochlear implant Ear wax/ear lavage

Tympano/myringoplasty Ruptured eardrum

Swimmer’s ear Tinnitus

Otitis media/externa Otoscopy

Mute/deaf Hearing aids

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 • Mental health:
Word Translation Word translation
Psychiatrist Psychologist

Manic episodes OCD

Panic attacks Pedophilia

Phobia PTSD

Post-partum Schizophrenia
depression
Fatigue Distress

GAD generalized Borderline personality

anxiety disorder disorder
Bipolar disorder ADHD

Anti-psychotics Psychosis

Sedatives/ hypnotics Anti-depressant

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 • Female reproductive system:

Word Translation Word Translation

Clitoris Labia

Vulva Mammary Glands

Placenta umbilical cord

Endometriosis Cervical cancer

Gestational diabetes Gonorrhea

Syphilis Chlamydia

HPV Abortion

Miscarriage Yeast infection

PCOS poly cystic ovarian STDs sexually

syndrome transmitted disease
Discharge Ectopic pregnancy

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prolapse Premature/preterm
baby
menopause Nipple discharge

Lump spotting

MRSA PMS

OBGYN Gynecologist

Obstetrician Labor and delivery

midwife Transvaginal
ultrasound
Mammogram Pap smear

Hysteroscopy Colposcopy

Pregnancy test Ovulation test

sonogram Kegel exercises

Episiotomy Hysterectomy

IUD Vaginal delivery

C-section Birth control pills

Contraceptives D&C

Tubal ligation Prenatal vitamins

Douching IVF

Induction of labor Epidural

Assisted birth (forceps Baby safety seat

and vacuum)
due date Baby crib

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Birth certificate Lactation or
breastfeeding
Colostrum Go into labor

Tampon/pads/liners Baby formula

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 • Male reproductive system:

Word Translation Word Translation

Prostatitis HIV

impotence Erectile dysfunction

varicocele Hydrocele

Benign prostatic Vasectomy

hyperplasia

Rectal exam condom

Circumcision ejaculation

Foreskin scrotum

Semen sperm

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 • The urinary system:

Word Translation Word translation

UTI urinary tract infection Incontinence

Cystitis kidney failure

intermittency Urgency

dribbling Renal calculi or

stones
Urinalysis Urine culture

Urinary catheter Cystoscopy

Void dialysis

nephrectomy Kidney transplant

Kidney function test Diuretics or water

pills
Urologist Nephrologist

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Crystals Uric Acid

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 • Musculo-skeletal system:

Word Translation Word translation

Cartilages Ligaments

tendons Joints

Jaw Mandible

Calf clavicle

Ribs Patella or
Knee cap
Thigh Rotator cuff

Forearm Sole of the foot

Fibromyalgia Gout

Herniated or Systemic lupus

prolapsed disc

Muscle tears Muscular

dystrophy/atrophy

Osteoporosis Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rotator cuff tear Scoliosis

Dislocated joint Simple/compound

fracture

Ankle sprain Bone erosions

chondromalacia Muscle cramps

swelling stiffness

Orthopedic surgeon Chiropractor

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Physiotherapist Rheumatologist

Amputation Hip replacement

Pins/screws/plates PET scan

Bone mineral density Splint/brace

Cast Internal/external fixation

EMG electromyogram Intra articular steroid

injection

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 • The lymphatic system:

Word Translation Word Translation

Lymphoma Metastatic lymph

cancer
Tonsillitis Tonsillectomy

Radiation therapy Radiation

oncologist
Immunization/vaccination Anaphylactic
shock
Antibody hepatitis

Chemotherapy Bone marrow

biopsy

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 • Important vaccines:

Word Translation Word Translation

Chicken pox/varicella DTP

MMR Polio

Whooping cough Flu shot

HPV BCG

Meningococcal Pneumococcal

Shingles/herpes zoster Booster shot

• Healthcare staff:

Word Translation Word Translation

Attending/ Resident Chaperon

Chaplain Counselor

Dietician/nutritionist NP nurse practitioner

Pharmacist PA physician’s assistant

PCP primary care physician HCP health care provider

Social worker Case manager

Anesthesiologist Triage nurse

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 • Other symptoms:

Word Translation Word translation

Blurry vision Weight gain/ loss

Distracted engorged

Chills claustrophobic

Difficulty swallowing Hoarse

Lightheaded Hot flashes

groggy Restless

Foul smell Toothache

Flushed drowsy

Faint/pass out Teeth grinding

Snoring gagging

• Tools used in healthcare facilities:

Word Translation Word Translation

Sling Sutures/stitches

syringe walker

wheelchair Cane/crutches

stretcher Hospital gown

strips/lancets/ glucometer mesh

IV fluids port

Pinch/stick/poke/prick Gauze

Wound dressings/bandages scalpel

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 • Terms used in dental visits:

Word Translation Word translation

Gum/gingivitis Dentures

Latex Tooth extraction

Fillings molars

Loose teeth Primary/milk teeth

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 • Some other useful terms:

Word Translation Word translation

Formulary medication Recreational drugs

Groin Vital signs

ICU NICU

Referral Refill

Follow up Inpatient/outpatient

Contagious Physical exam

Living will Admission/discharge

POA Advance directive

Co-pay/self-pay Deductible

Ethnicity/race Payment plan

Worker’s comp Social security number

MRN OTC

OR ER/ED

Recovery room Tablet/pills/suppository/shot

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