THE LANGUAGE OF SCIENCE Science contains a language all its own. The main reason people find it difficult to understand many of the sciences is because of its difficult looking vocabulary. Actually, scientific vocabulary is a hodge podge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes put together to describe events, body parts, and conditions. Below is a list of common prefixes and suffixes. If you can learn their meanings, you will be well on your way to understanding the vast vocabulary of science.
Prefix
Meaning Prefix
Meaning Suffix
Meaning
a or an
not or non epi
above -cyst
pouch
meso
middle exo
outer / external -derm
skin, layer
endo
inside/inner gastro
stomach -saccharide
sugar
aero
needing oxygen hemo or air
blood -itis
inflammation
anti
against hetero
different -logy
study of
arth
joint or joined homo
same -meter
measurement
auto
self macro
large -osis
condition
bio
life micro
small -phase
stage
chloro
green multi
consisting of -phage many units
eater
cyto
cell photo
light -pod
foot
di
double pre
before -siasis
stationary condition
mono
one or single lipo
fat -lysis
to break
geo
earth poly
many -synthesis
to build or make
Directions: Using the above chart, determine the meaning of the following scientific words.
1. Biology:
2. Abiotic:
3. Micronucleus:
4. Polycystic:
5. Liposuction:
6. Autophage:
7. Gastritis:
8. Geology:
9. Photosynthesis:
10. Cytology:
Study of life
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