Medical Prefixes that Describe the Status

A- or an- means "not" or "without". An example is the word a/pnea. A- means "not" or "without", and -pnea is a suffix term that pertains to "breathing". The term apnea refers to the stopping of breathing, most often during sleep.

Non- means "not" or "without". An example is the word non/path/o/genic. The prefix non- means "not" or "without", path/o is a combining form that denotes "disease", and -genic is a suffix term that pertains to "producing" or "forming". A nonpathogenic organism does not cause illness, harm, or death to other organisms.

Un- means "not" or "without". An example is the word un/infect/ed. The prefix un- means "not" or "without", infected denotes having an infection. Uninfected means not having an infection.

Anti- means "against". An example is the word anti/bi/o/tic. The prefix anti- denotes "against", bi/o is a combining form that refers to "life", and -tic is a suffix term that means "pertaining to". An antibiotic is a drug made from naturally occurring or synthetic substances that fights bacterial infection.

Contra- means "against". An example is the word contra/indicate. The prefix contra- denotes "against", and indicate means 'to point out". Contraindicate means to warn against a specific medicine or treatment.

De- is a prefix that means "away from" or "without". Consider the word de/hydr/ate. De- means "away from" or "without", hydr is a word root that pertains to "water", and -ate is a suffix term that signifies "become". Dehydrate is the action of removing or losing water from the body.

Dis- is a prefix that means "apart, separate". Consider the word dis/ease. Dis- means "apart, separate", ease indicates comfort or relief. A disease is any disturbance from the normal structural or functional state of an organism.

Eu- is a prefix that means "normal". Consider the word eu/pnea. Eu- means "normal", and -pnea is a suffix term that refers to "breathing". Eupnea is normal, relaxed breathing. It's a healthy breathing pattern.

Heter(o)- is a prefix that means "other" or "different". Consider the word heter(o)/sexual. Heter(o)- means "other" or "different", and -sexual is a suffix term that modifies to a noun or adjective denoting sexual orientation. A heterosexual is sexually attracted to the opposite sex. (also known as straight)

Hom(o)- is a prefix that means "same" or "similar". Consider the word hom(o)/phobia. Hom(o)- means "same" or "similar", and -phobia is a suffix term that signifies "irrational fear". Homophobia is the dislike, fear, or prejudice toward homosexuals.

Mal- is a prefix that means "bad". Take the word mal/nutrit/ion. Mal- means "bad", nutrit is a word root that pertains to "nourishment" or "food", and -ion is a suffix term that signifies "state of being". Malnutrition is defined as the deficiency of proper nutrition.

Dys- is a prefix that means "bad", "difficult" or "painful". Take the word dys/pepsia. Dys- means "bad", "difficult" or "painful", and -pepsia is a suffix term that pertains to "digestion". Dyspepsia is a mild digestive disorder characterized by stomach pain, discomfort, heartburn, and nausea after eating.

Orth(o)- is a prefix that means "straight; correct". Take the word orth(o)/pnea. Orth(o)- means "straight; correct", and -pnea is a suffix term that pertains to "breathing". Orthopnea refers to a shortness of breath when lying down, causing one to sleep curled up in bed.

Poikilo- is a prefix that means "irregular, varied". Take the word poikilo/derma. Poikilo- means "irregular, varied", and -derma is a suffix term that pertains to "skin disease". Poikiloderma is a disorder that causes the skin to become discolored and to break down.

Pseud(o)- is a prefix that means "false". Take the word pseud(o)/hernia. Pseud(o)- means "false", a hernia is an abnormal protrusion of an organ through an adjacent tear or opening, usually in the abdomen. A pseudohernia is a bulge in the abdominal wall that may be mistaken for a hernia.