The medical prefix term peri- means “around” or “surrounding”.
Example Word: peri/cost/al
Word Breakdown: Peri- means “around”, cost is a word root for “rib”, -al is a suffix that means “pertaining to”.
Definition: Pericostal refers to the area surrounding a rib.
More Examples of Medical Terms Starting in Peri-
Periosteum: peri– (around, surrounding) + oste (bone) + –um (pertaining to)
Definition: A thin layer of connective tissue that covers the outer surface of bones.
Peritoneum: peri– (around, surrounding) + ton (stretch) + –eum (pertaining to)
Definition: Membrane covering the abdominal organs and lining the abdominal cavity.
Pericardium: peri– (around, surrounding) + cardi (heart) + –um (pertaining to)
Definition: The sac-like membrane surrounding the heart.
Periocular: peri– (around, surrounding) + ocul (eye) + –ar (pertaining to)
Definition: Located near or around the eye.
Perianal: peri– (around, surrounding) + an (anus) + –al (pertaining to)
Definition: Located near or around the anus.
Perioperative: peri– (around, surrounding) + operative (related to surgery)
Definition: Relating to the time period surrounding a surgical procedure.
Percutaneous: peri– (around, surrounding) + cutane/o (skin) + –us (pertaining to)
Definition: Performed through or on the skin.
Perioral: peri– (around, surrounding) + or (mouth) + –al (pertaining to)
Definition: Located near or around the mouth.
Perinatal: peri– (around, surrounding) + nat (birth) + –al (pertaining to)
Definition: Relating to the time period surrounding birth.
