dys- (6/15)

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Dys- is a medical prefix term that means “bad”, “difficult” or “painful”.

Example Word: dys/pepsia

Word Breakdown: Dys- means “bad”, “difficult” or “painful”, and -pepsia is a suffix term that pertains to “digestion”.

Definition: Dyspepsia is a mild digestive disorder characterized by stomach pain, discomfort, heartburn, and nausea after eating.

More examples of medical terms for dys-

Dyscalculia: dys– (meaning “difficulty with”) + calcul (meaning “mathematics”) + –ia (meaning “condition”).

Dyscalculia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulty with mathematical concepts and calculations.


Dysgraphia: dys– (meaning “difficulty with”) + –graph (meaning “writing or instrument used to record” + –ia (meaning “condition”).

Dysgraphia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulty with written expression, including handwriting, spelling, and grammar.


Dyslexia: dys– (meaning “difficulty with”) + lex (meaning “language or words”) + –ia (meaning “condition”).

Dyslexia is a medical condition in which an individual has difficulty with reading, spelling, and sometimes speaking due to a learning disorder.


Dyspnea: dys– (meaning “difficulty with”) + –pnea (meaning “breathing”).

Dyspnea is difficulty breathing, often characterized by shortness of breath or labored breathing.


Dysphagia: dys– (meaning “difficulty with”) + phag (meaning “eating or swallowing”) + –ia (meaning “condition”).

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, often characterized by pain or discomfort when swallowing.


Dysphoria: dys– (meaning “difficulty with”) + phor (meaning “feeling”) + –ia (meaning “condition”).

Dysphoria is a state of unease or dissatisfaction.


Dysplasia: dys– (meaning “difficulty with”) + plas (meaning “formation”) + –ia (meaning “condition”).

Dysplasia is a medical condition in which cells, tissues, or organs grow abnormally, often resulting in abnormal size, shape, or function.


Dysphonia: dys– (meaning “difficulty with”) + phon (meaning “sound or voice”) + –ia (meaning “condition”).

Dysphonia is difficulty speaking or producing sounds, often characterized by hoarseness or changes in the voice.


Dysuria: dys– (meaning “difficulty with”) + –uria (meaning “urination”).

Dysuria is difficulty urinating, often characterized by pain or discomfort during urination.


Dysphasia: dys– (meaning “difficulty with”) + phas (meaning “speech”) + –ia (meaning “condition”).

Dysphasia is difficulty speaking or understanding spoken language, often as a result of brain damage or neurological conditions.


Dysprosody: dys– (meaning “difficulty with”) + pros- (meaning “toward”) + –ody (meaning “song or voice”).

Dysprosody is difficulty with the rhythm, melody, or intonation of speech, often as a result of neurological conditions or brain damage.