Medical Prefixes that Describe the Degree

The prefix hyp(o)- means "low, below normal". Example is the word hyp(o)/therm/ia. Hyp(o)- means "low, below normal", therm is a word root that refers to "heat", and -ia is a suffix term that signifies "condition". Hypothermia is characterized by abnormally low body temperatures, particularly below 35 degrees Celsius.

Sub- means "low, below normal". An example is sub/cutane/o/us. In this case, sub- means "low, below normal", cutane/o is a combining form that means "skin," and -us is a suffix that means "pertaining to". The subcutaneous layer refers to the fatty layer under the skin.

The prefix hyper- means "high, above normal". Example is the word hyper/therm/ia. Hyper- means "high, above normal", therm is a word root that refers to "heat", and -ia is a suffix term that signifies "condition". Hyperthermia is an abnormally elevated body temperature due to a failure of the body's heat-regulating mechanisms.

The prefix super- means "high, above normal". Example is the word super/ego. Super- means "high, above normal", eg/o is a combining form that refers to "self". The superego is the part of the mind that works as a self-reflective conscience, evaluating social standards.

The prefix ultra- means "high, above normal". Example is the word ultra/sono/graphy. Ultra- means "high, above normal", son/o is a combining form that refers to "sound", -graphy is a suffix term that indicates "process of recording". Ultrasonography is a form of imaging that utilizes high-frequency sound (ultrasound waves) to obtain images of internal organs or fetus.

The prefix norm(o)- means "normal". Example is the word norm(o)/cephal/ic. Norm(o)- means "normal", cephal is a word root that refers to "head", -ic is a suffix term that implies "pertaining to" "Normocephalic" is defined as having a head size that is normal.