Medical Prefixes that Describe the Time or Speed

The prefix ante- means "before". Example is the word ante/orbit/al. Ante- means "before", orbit is a word root for " eye socket (eyehole)", and -al is a suffix that means "pertaining to". Anteorbital is located in front of the eye.

The prefix retr(o)- means "back" or "backward". Example is the word retr(o)/grade. Retr(o)- means "back" or "backward", and -grade is a suffix term that means "to go". The term retrograde amnesia refers to a condition in which a person cannot recall memories that occurred prior to the event that caused the amnesia.

The prefix pre- means "before". Example is the word pre/nat/al. Pre- means "before", nat is a word root for "birth", and -al is a suffix that means "pertaining to". Prenatal refers to events occurring before the birth of a child.

The prefix pro- means "before". Example is the word pro/drug. Pro- means "before", drug is a substance used to provide treatment. A prodrug is a drug that's delivered in an inactive form that gets metabolized in your body into an active version.

The prefix brady- means "slow". Example is the word brady/cardia. Brady- means "slow", and -cardia is a suffix term that pertains to "heart condition". The condition of a slow heartbeat is called bradycardia, which defines an adult heartbeat under 60 BPM.

The prefix chron(o)- means "time". Example is the word chron(o)/pathy. Chron(o)- means "time", and -pathy is a suffix term that pertains to "disease". Chronopathy is a lack of time sense and incapacity to manage time.

The prefix neo- means "new" or "recent". Example is the word neo/plasm. Neo- means "new", and -plasm is a suffix term that pertains to "growth" or "formation". Neoplasms are abnormal new growths of irregular tissue.

The prefix post- means "after". Example is the word post/mortem. Post- means "after", and mortem is a word root that pertains to "death". Postmortem means "after death".

The prefix re- means "again". Example is the word re/gress. Re- means "again", and gress is a word root that denotes "step". The term "regress" means a return to prior behavior patterns or skills, specifically those typical of a younger age.

The prefix tachy- means "fast". Example is the word tachy/pnea. Tachy- means "fast", and -pnea is a suffix term that refers to "breathing". Tachypnea is fast, shallow breathing that is caused by respiratory disease or by some other medical problem.