The following are a list of medical terms that are used in surgery, diagnosis and procedures.
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#1 -centesis
-centesis is a medical suffix term for "surgical puncture".
Word Example: amni/o/centesis
Word Breakdown: Amni/o is a combining form for "amnion (amniotic sac)", -centesis means "surgical puncture".
Definition: The procedure of amniocentesis is the surgical puncture of the amniotic sac to extract amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman.
#2 -desis
-desis is a medical suffix term for "fusion of two parts into one".
Word Example: pleur/o/desis
Word Breakdown: Pleur/o is a combining word for "pleura", -desis means "fusion of two parts into one".
Definition: Pleurodesis is the fusion between the outer wall of the lungs and its outer membrane to prevent pneumothorax from happening again.
#3 -ectomy
-ectomy is a medical suffix term for "surgical removal".
Word Example: lob/ectomy
Word Breakdown: Lob is a word root for "lobe", -ectomy means "surgical removal".
Definition: The procedure of lobectomy involves surgically removing a lobe from an organ like the lung or the brain.
More Examples of Medical Terms Ending in -ectomy
Adrenectomy: adren (meaning "related to the adrenal gland") + -ectomy (meaning "surgical removal").
Definition: Surgical removal of the adrenal gland.
Appendectomy: append (meaning "related to the appendix") + -ectomy (meaning "surgical removal").
Definition: Surgical removal of the appendix.
Cholecystectomy: chole (meaning "related to bile") + cyst (meaning "sac or bladder") + -ectomy (meaning "surgical removal").
Definition: Surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Cordectomy: cord (meaning "related to a cord or rope") + -ectomy (meaning "surgical removal").
Definition: Surgical removal of a cord or rope-like structure, such as the vocal cord.
Craniectomy: crani/o (meaning "related to the skull") + -ectomy (meaning "surgical removal").
Definition: Surgical removal of part of the skull.
Cystectomy: cyst (meaning "sac or bladder") + -ectomy (meaning "surgical removal").
Definition: Surgical removal of a cyst.
Hysterectomy: hyster (meaning "related to the uterus") + -ectomy (meaning "surgical removal").
Definition: Surgical removal of the uterus.
Nephrectomy: nephr/o (meaning "related to the kidney") + -ectomy (meaning "surgical removal").
Definition: Surgical removal of the kidney.
Oophorectomy: oophor (meaning "related to the ovary") + -ectomy (meaning "surgical removal").
Definition: Surgical removal of the ovary.
Gastrectomy: gastr (meaning "related to the stomach") + -ectomy (meaning "surgical removal").
Definition: Surgical removal of the stomach.
#4 -gram
-gram is a medical suffix term that refers "record of data".
Example Word: son/o/gram
Word Breakdown: Son/o is a combining form that pertains to "sound", -gram refers to "record of data".
Definition: The sonogram is a medical image that is created by an ultrasound echo.
More Examples of Medical Terms Ending in -gram
Angiogram: angi/o ( "blood vessels") + -gram ( "record of data")
Definition: A record of the blood vessels, typically made using X-rays or other imaging techniques.
Arteriogram: arteri/o ( "artery") + -gram ( "record of data").
Definition: A record of the inside of an artery, typically made using X-rays or other imaging techniques.
Cardiogram: cardi/o ( "heart") + -gram ( "record of data").
Definition: A record of the electrical activity of the heart, typically made using an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Echocardiogram: ech/o ( "sound") + cardi/o ( "heart") + -gram ( "record of data")
Definition: A record of the heart's structure and function, typically made using ultrasound.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): electr/o ( "electric") + encephal/o ( "brain") + -gram ( "record of data").
Definition: a record of the electrical activity of the brain, typically made using electrodes placed on the scalp.
Electromyogram (EMG): electr/o ( "electric") + my/o ( "muscle") + -gram ( "record of data").
Definition: A record of the electrical activity of muscles, typically made using electrodes placed on the skin.
Gastrogram: gastr/o ( "stomach") + -gram ( "record of data").
Definition: A record of the inside of the stomach, typically made using X-rays or other imaging techniques.
Radiogram: radi/o ( "radiation") + -gram ( "record of data").
Definition: A record of X-ray or other radiation images, typically used in medical imaging.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): electr/o ( "electric") + cardi/o ( "heart") + -gram ( "record of data").
Definition: A record of the electrical activity of the heart, typically made using electrodes placed on the skin.
Fluorogram: fluor/o ( "fluorescence") + -gram ( "record of data").
Definition: A record of images created using fluorescence, typically used in medical imaging and scientific research.
#5 -graph
-graph is a medical suffix term that pertains "instrument used to record".
Example Word: mamm/o/graph
Word Breakdown: Mamm/o is a combining form that pertains "breast", -graph refers to "instrument used to record".
Definition: The mammograph is a machine that takes X-ray photographs of your breasts using X-rays.
More Examples of Medical Terms Ending with -graph
Cardiograph: cardi/o ( "heart") + -graph ( "instrument used to record")
Definition: An instrument used to record the electrical activity of the heart, typically using an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Electrocardiograph: electr/o ( "electric") + cardi/o ( "heart") + -graph ( "instrument used to record")
Definition: An instrument used to record the electrical activity of the heart, typically using electrodes placed on the skin.
Electromyograph (EMG): electr/o ( "electric") + my/o ( "muscle") + -graph ( "instrument used to record")
Definition: An instrument used to record the electrical activity of muscles, typically used to diagnose muscle disorders such as nerve injury or muscle disease.
Laryngograph: laryng/o ( "larynx") + -graph ( "instrument used to record")
Definition: An instrument used to record the movements of the larynx, typically used in speech therapy and research.
Gastrograph: gastr/o ( "stomach") + -graph ( "instrument used to record")
Definition: An instrument used to record the inside of the stomach, typically used to diagnose or monitor conditions such as stomach ulcers or cancer.
Oscillograph: oscill/o ( "oscillation") + -graph ( "instrument used to record)
Definition: An instrument used to record oscillations, typically in the form of a graph or chart. Used in many fields such as electrical engineering, physics, and medical research.
Polygraph : poly- ( "many") + -graph ( "instrument used to record")
Definition: An instrument used to record a many physiologic responses, such as respiration, blood pressure, and heart rate, and is commonly used as a lie detector.
Thermograph: therm/o ( "heat") + -graph ( "instrument used to record")
Definition: An instrument used to record temperature, typically in the form of a graph or chart.
#6 -graphy
-graphy is a medical suffix term that pertains "process of recording".
Word Example: angi/o/graphy
Word Breakdown: Angi/o is a combining form that pertains to "vessel (usually blood vessel)", -graphy refers to "process of recording".
Definition: Angiography is a type of medical imaging in which X-rays are used to show what is going on inside the blood vessels.
More Examples of Medical Terms Ending in -graphy
Arteriography: arteri/o ( "artery") + -graphy ( "process of recording")
Definition: The process of recording the inside of an artery, typically using X-rays or other imaging techniques.
Cardiography: cardi/o ( "heart") + -graphy ( "process of recording")
Definition: The process of recording the heart's electrical activity, typically through an electrocardiogram (ECG).
CT-scanography: CT ( "computed tomography") + scan ( "scan") + -graphy ( "process of recording")
Definition: The process of recording detailed images of the body using X-rays and computer technology.
Echocardiography: ech/o ( "sound") + cardi/o ( "heart") + -graphy ( "process of recording")
Definition: The process of recording the heart's structure and function, typically using ultrasound.
Electroencephalography (EEG) : electr/o ( "electric") + encephal/o ( "brain") + -graphy ( "process of recording")
Definition: The process of recording the electrical activity of the brain, typically using electrodes placed on the scalp.
Electromyography (EMG): electr/o ( "electric") + my/o ( "muscle") + -graphy ( "process of recording")
Definition: The process of recording the electrical activity of muscles, typically using electrodes placed on the skin.
Gastrography: gastr/o ( "stomach") + -graphy ( "process of recording")
Definition: The process of recording the inside of the stomach, typically using X-rays or other imaging techniques.
Radiography: radi/o ( "radiation") + -graphy ( "process of recording")
Definition: The process of recording X-ray or other radiation images, typically used in medical imaging.
Sonography: son/o ( "sound") + -graphy ( "process of recording")
Definition: The process of recording images created using sound waves, typically used in medical imaging such as obstetrics, gynecology and cardiology.
Tomography: tom/o ( "cut" or "slice") + -graphy ( "process of recording")
Definition: The process of recording images of a cross-section of an object, typically used in medical imaging.
#7 -meter, -metry
-meter or -metry is a medical suffix term that refers "measurement".
Example Word: gluc/o/meter
Word Breakdown: Gluc/o is a combining form that pertains to "sugar (glucose)", -meter refers to "measurement".
Definition: Glucometer is a device that measures levels of glucose in the blood.
#8 -opsy
-opsy is a medical suffix term for "looking at".
Example Word: bi/opsy
Word Breakdown: Bi (from the combining form bi/o) is a word root that pertains "life" or "living", -opsy means "looking at".
Definition: The term "biopsy" refers to taking samples of cells or tissues analyzed for disease detection.
#9 -ostomy, -stomy
-ostomy or -stomy is a medical suffix term for "surgically creating a hole".
Word Example: col/o/stomy
Word Breakdown: Col/o is a combining word for "colon (large intestine)", -stomy means "surgically creating a hole".
Definition: A colostomy involves the surgical creation of a surgical opening (stoma) in the large intestine (colon).
More Examples of Medical Terms Ending in -ostomy or -stomy
Ileostomy: ile/o (ileum) + -stomy (surgically creating a hole)
Definition: A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen and attaches the ileum to the abdominal wall, allowing feces to be collected in a bag.
Tracheostomy: trache/o (trachea) + -stomy (surgically creating a hole)
Definition: A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the trachea, typically to allow for better breathing or to remove obstructions.
Urostomy: ur/o (urine) + -stomy (surgically creating a hole)
Definition: A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen and attaches the urinary tract to the abdominal wall, allowing urine to be collected in a bag.
Gastrostomy: gastr/o (stomach) + -stomy (surgically creating a hole)
Definition: A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the stomach, typically to allow for feeding or to remove obstructions.
Laryngostomy: laryng/o (larynx) + -stomy (surgically creating a hole)
Definition: A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the larynx, typically to allow for better breathing or to remove obstructions.
Bronchostomy: bronch/o (bronchus) + -stomy (surgically creating a hole)
Definition: A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the bronchus, typically to allow for better breathing or to remove obstructions.
Thoracostomy: thorac/o (thorax) + -stomy (surgically creating a hole)
Definition: A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the thorax, typically to allow for better breathing or to remove fluid or air.
Appendicostomy: appendic/o (appendix) + -stomy (surgically creating a hole)
Definition: A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the appendix, typically to allow for drainage or to remove the appendix.
Jejunostomy: jejun/o (jejunum) + -stomy (surgically creating a hole)
Definition: A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the jejunum, typically to allow for feeding or to remove obstructions.
Cholecystostomy: cholecyst/o (gallbladder) + -stomy (surgically creating a hole)
Definition: A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the gallbladder, typically to allow for drainage or to remove the gallbladder.
Pyelostomy: pyel/o (renal pelvis) + -stomy (surgically creating a hole)
Definition: A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the renal pelvis, typically to allow for drainage of urine from the kidneys.
#10 -otomy, -tomy
-otomy or -tomy is a medical suffix term that pertains to "surgical incision".
Word Example: lapar/o/tomy
Word Breakdown: Lapar/o is a combining form for "abdomen" or "abdominal", -tomy is a suffix that refers to "surgical incision".
Laparotomy is a surgery to get into the abdominal cavity by making an incision in the abdominal wall. Usually done as part of an abdominal operation, or as an exploratory surgery.
More Examples of Medical Terms Ending in -otomy or -tomy
Arthrotomy: arthr (“joint”) + -otomy (“surgical incision”)
Definition: An incision into a joint for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Bronchotomy: bronch (“bronchus”) + -otomy (“surgical incision”)
Definition: An incision into the bronchus, typically performed to remove an object blocking the airway.
Craniotomy: crani (“skull”) + -otomy (“surgical incision”)
Definition: An incision into the skull, typically performed to remove a brain tumor or to relieve pressure on the brain.
Gastrotomy: gastr (“stomach”) + -otomy (“surgical incision”)
Definition: An incision into the stomach, typically performed to remove an object or to treat a digestive problem.
Rhinotomy: rhin (“nose”) + -otomy (“surgical incision”)
Definition: An incision into the nose, typically performed to remove an object or to relieve nasal congestion.
Tracheotomy: trache (“trachea”) + -otomy (“surgical incision”)
Definition: An incision into the trachea, typically performed to relieve an obstructed airway.
#11 -pexy
-pexy is a medical suffix term that pertains "fix or secure.".
Example Word: orchi/o/pexy
Word Breakdown: Orchi/o pertains to "testis", -pexy is a suffix that refers to "fix or secure".
Definition: Orchiopexy is a surgery designed to move and/or permanently fix a testicle into the scrotum.
#12 -(a)pheresis
The medical suffix term -(a)pheresis refers to "removal".
Example Word: plasm/apheresis
Word Breakdown: Plasm is a word root that pertains to "plasma" ; plasma represents the liquid portion of our blood, about 55% or can also means "something formed", and -apheresis is a suffix term that refers to "removal".
Definition: Plasmapheresis involves removing plasma or its components, and returning or exchanging them from and to the blood circulation.
#13 -plasty
-plasty is a medical suffix term for "surgical repair or reconstruction".
Word Example: rhin/o/plasty
Word Breakdown: Rhin/o is a combining form for "nose", -plasty means " surgical repair or reconstruction".
Definition: In cosmetic surgery, rhinoplasty refers to an operation that aims to enhance the appearance and function of the nose.
#14 -rrhaphy
-rrhaphy is a medical suffix term for "surgical suturing".
Word Example: my/o/rrhaphy
Word Breakdown: My/o is a combining form for "muscle", -rrhaphy means " surgical suturing".
Definition: Myorrhaphy is a surgical suturing of a muscle.
#15 -scope
-scope is a medical suffix term that pertains "instrument used for viewing or examination".
Word Example: micr(o)/scope
Word Breakdown: Micr(o)- is a prefix that pertains to "small", -scope refers to "instrument used for viewing or examination".
Definition: A microscope is an optical instrument for seeing small things.
#16 -scopic
-scopic is a medical suffix term that means "pertaining to visual examination".
Example Word: micr(o)/scopic
Word Breakdown: Micr(o)- is a prefix that pertains to "small", -scopic means "pertaining to visual examination".
Definition: The term microscopic refers to extremely small objects or organisms, visible only under a microscope.
#17 -scopy
-scopy is a medical suffix term that pertains to "process of viewing with a scope".
Word Example: ophthalm/o/scopy
Word Breakdown: Ophthalm/o is a combining form that pertains to "eye", -scopy refers to "process of viewing with a scope".
Definition: An ophthalmoscopy is an examination of the back part of the eye, or the fundus. The fundus is made up of the retina, optic disc, choroid, and blood vessels.
#18 -tome
-tome is a medical suffix term that pertains to "surgical incision instrument".
Word Example: Take the word micr(o)/tome as an example.
Word Breakdown: Micr(o)- is a prefix term that means "small", -tome pertains to "surgical incision instrument".
Definition: Microtome is a piece of equipment that makes tissue slices that are super thin.
#19 -tripsy
-tripsy is a medical suffix term for "crushing or breaking up".
Word Example: lith/o/tripsy
Word Breakdown: Lith/o is a combining word for "stone", -tripsy means "crushing or breaking up".
Definition: Lithotripsy is a treatment that involves shock waves that break up kidney and ureter stones into manageable pieces that can be excreted through the urine.
