Learning medical terminology is much like discovering a new language. In fact, many terms are derived from Latin and Greek prefixes! Understanding root words, abbreviations, acronyms, and suffixes and prefixes lays the groundwork for clear communication, accurate documentation, and confident—and safe—patient care.

Xavier University School of Medicine has compiled an easy-to-understand guide to mastering medical terminology. We have narrowed down the most relevant terms, prefixes, suffixes, root words, and abbreviations as a trusted resource to build upon. This guide is meant to enhance medical students’ understanding, accuracy, and confidence—both in the classroom and in clinical practice. Let’s get started!

I. Medical terms

Below are the most relevant (as well as lesser-known) medical terms that students are likely to encounter in real-word clinical settings. How many do you know?

Acute: Refers to a condition that appears suddenly, which may be severe in intensity but typically lasts for a short duration.

Abscess: A localized fluid-filled pocket caused by infection, leading to swelling and inflammation in the affected tissue.

Chronic: A condition that develops slowly and persists over a long period of time.

Contusion: A bruise caused by blunt force injury that damages small blood vessels beneath the skin.

Defibrillator: A device that delivers an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Edema: Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the tissues of the body.

Embolism: The blockage of a blood vessel by a clot or other substance traveling through the bloodstream.

Hypertension: Abnormally high blood pressure which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Intravenous: Administered directly into a vein, usually for fluids or medication.

Sutures: Stitches used to close wounds or surgical incisions.

Zoonotic disease: An infection that spreads from animals to humans.

II. Medical prefixes and suffixes

Medical prefixes and suffixes follow the same language rules found in everyday words. Prefixes appear at the beginning and suffixes at the end to change the meaning or description of a condition. Many prefixes and suffixes originate from Latin or Greek. You may already recognize some of them!

Prefixes

A-, an-: Without or not.

Dys-: Bad, difficult, or abnormal

Macro-: Large, long, or on a large scale.

Melan/o-: Black or dark in color.

Micro-: Small or minute.

Poly-: Many.

Pseudo-: False, imitation, or resembling.

Retro-: Located behind or backward.

Suffixes

-ation: The process or result of an action.

-ectomy: Surgical removal or excision of a body part.

-ismus: A condition, disorder, or abnormal state.

-itis: Inflammation of a specific organ or tissue.

-lysis: Breaking down, dissolving, or decomposing.

-ology: The study of science of a particular concentration.

-osis: Diseased or abnormal.

-otomy: Cutting into or making an incision.

-pathy: Disease or disorder.

-plasty: Surgical repair, reconstruction, or reshaping.

III. Medical root words

In the medical field, root words form the core meaning of medical terms. These words usually indicate the body part, system, or basic concept being described, while prefixes and suffixes modify their meaning. Here are some relevant root words that you will need to (or may already) know.

Cardi/o: Relating to the heart.

Derm/a/o, dermat/o: Pertaining to the skin.

Encephal/o: Relating to the brain.

Gastr/o: Relating to the stomach.

Hemat/o: Pertaining to blood.

My/o: Relating to muscle.

Oste/o: Relating to bone.

Pulmon/o: Pertaining to the lungs.

Rhin/o: Relating to the nose.

Sclerosis: Hard or hardening.

Stasis: Stopping, slowing, or stabilizing the rate of a normal flow of bodily fluid.

Therm/o: Heat, temperature, or warmth—often in relation to body temperature or heat-based treatments.

IV. Medical abbreviations and acronyms

Medical abbreviations and acronyms are shortened forms of specific term. Using these options saves time and ensures efficient communication in healthcare settings. Abbreviations and acronyms are frequently applied to patients’ charts, prescriptions, lab reports, and clinical notes to help professionals quickly convey and receive complex information. While hundreds of medical abbreviations are used across different specialties, those listed below make up a snapshot of just some of the essential terms to give you a head start.

Dx: Diagnosis.

Tx: Treatment.

Rx: Prescription or Therapy.

Hx: History.

Fx: Fracture.

Sx: Symptoms.

Cc: Chief Complaint.

Pt: Patient.

NPO: Nothing by Mouth (nil per os).

PRN: As Needed (pro re nata).

MI: Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack).

CHF: Congestive Heart Failure.

CAD: Coronary Artery Disease.

HTN: Hypertension.

LOC: Level of (or Loss of) Consciousness.

TIA: Transient Ischemic Attack.

CVA: Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke).

MDD: Major Depressive Disorder.

ALS: Advanced Life Support.

Closing thoughts

We hope you find this guide to understanding medical terminology helpful. By taking the time—now—to study, review, and practice these terms on a regular basis, the more natural it will feel using them later in the classroom, clinic, or hospital. Remember, every medical term tells a story. Whether it’s related to anatomy, disease, diagnosis, or treatment, being fluent in this “language of medicine” helps you to think and speak like a healthcare professional from day one.

Do you have a passion for medicine? At Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba, we are more than just teachers and faculty members at a medical school. We are a family of dedicated professionals who are committed to student success, not to mention being located on the beautiful island of Aruba.

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