List of Greek and Latin roots in English 1 List of Greek and Latin roots in English 2

List of Greek and Latin roots in English anem-

anim-
wind

breath
Greek

Latin
ἄνεμος anemos

anima "breath"
anemometer

animal, animation

The following is an alphabetical list of Greek and Latin roots, stems, and prefixes commonly used in English. ann-, -enn- year, yearly Latin annus "year" anniversary, annual,
biannual, millennium
Some of those used in medicine and medical terminology are not listed here but instead in Wikipedia's List of
ant-, anti- against, opposed to, preventive Greek ἀντί anti "against" antagonist, antibiotic,
medical roots, suffixes and prefixes.
antipodes

• ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ ante-, anti- before, in front of, prior to Latin ante "before", "against" antebellum, antediluvian,
anticipate, antiquarian

anth- flower Greek ἄνθος (anthos) "flower" anther, anthology

A
anthrop- human Greek ἄνθρωπος (anthropos) "man" anthropology,
anthropomorphic
Root Meaning in English Origin Etymology (root origin) English examples
language ap-, apo- away from, separate, at the farthest point Greek ἀπό (apo) "from, away, un-, apocrine, apogee, apostasy
quite"
ab-, a-, abs- away from Latin ab "away" abnormal, abrasion, absent,
abstain, abstract, aversion aqu- water Latin aqua aquamarine, aquarium,
aqueduct, aquifer
ac- sharp or pointed Latin acere acupuncture
ar- plow, till Latin ărāre arable
acerb- sharp, bitter, sour Latin acerbus acerbic, exacerbate
ar- be dry Latin ārēre "be dry or parched" arid
acid- sour or acid Latin acidus acidosis
arche-, archi- ruler Greek ἀρχή (archē) "rule" (in archangel, archetype
acr- height, summit, tip Greek ἄκρος (ákros) "high", "extreme" acrobatics, acromegaly, compounds: ἀρχε-, ἀρχι-)
acronym, acrophobia
archae-, arche- ancient Greek ἀρχαῖος arkhaios "ancient" from archaeology or archeology,
acr- bitter, pungent, sharp, sour Latin acer, acris acrid, acrimony arkhē "beginning" archaic
acu- sharp Latin acutus, past participle of acuere acupuncture, acute, arct- Relating to the North Pole or the region near it; Greek ἄρκτος arktos "bear" Arctic Ocean
"to sharpen", from acus "needle" acutifoliate relating to cold; used as the scientific name of
ad-, a-, ac-, af-, movement to or toward; in addition to Latin ad "to", "toward" accept, adapt, affect, some bear species, e.g. Ursus arctos horribilis
ag-, al-, ap-, ar-, approximate, ascend argent- silver Latin argentum argent, Argentina
as-, at-
arist- excellence Greek ἀρετή, ἄριστος aretē, aristos aristocracy
adip- fat Latin adeps, adipis "fat" adipose
arthr- joint Greek ἄρθρον (arthron) arthritis, arthropod
aer- air, atmosphere Greek ἀήρ (aēr) "air" aeronautics, aerosol
astr- star, star-shaped Greek ἄστρον (astron) "star" asterisk, astrology,
aesthet- feeling, sensation Greek aisthētikos "of sense perception" aesthetics, anaesthetic astronomy, disaster
from αἰσθάνεσθαι
(aisthanesthai) "to perceive" athl- prize Greek ἄθλος (athlos) "contest, feat" athlete, pentathlon

agr- field Greek ἀγρός (agros) "field" agronomy audi- hearing, listening, sound Latin audire "to hear" audible, auditorium,
auditory
agri-, -egri- field Latin ager, agris "field, country" agriculture, peregrine
aug-, auct- grow, increase Latin augēre, auctus "to increase" augend, augmentation
alb- dull white Latin albus albedo, albino, albumen
aur- relating to gold, or gold-colored Latin aurum "gold" aureate, aureole
am-, amat-, love, loved Latin amor "love" from amāre "to amateur, amorous
amor- love" auri- relating to the ear Latin auris "ear" auricle

ambi- both, on both sides Latin ambi "on both sides" ambidexterity, ambivalent aut-, auto- self; directed from within Greek αὐτός (autos) "self", "same" autograph, automobile,
autonomy
amic-, -imic- friend Latin amicus amicable, inimical
avi- bird Latin avis aviary, aviation
amph-, amphi- around, about, both, on both sides of, both kinds Greek ἀμφί (amphi) "on both sides" amphibian, amphibolic,
amphoterism axi- axis Latin axis axisymmetry

ampl- ample, abundant, bountiful Latin amplus amplification axio- merit Greek ἄξιος (axios) "worth" axiology

an-, a- not, without Greek Greek ἀν-/ἀ- "not" anhydrous, atypical

ana-, an- again, against, back, up Greek ἀνά (ana) "again", "against" anabaptist, anaphylaxis,
anion, anode

andr- male, masculine Greek ἀνδρός andros androgen, android

List of Greek and Latin roots in English 3 List of Greek and Latin roots in English 4

B C
Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples Root Meaning in English Origin Etymology (root origin) English examples
language
bac- rod-shaped Latin from baculum "rod" bacilla, bacteria
cac- bad Greek κακός (kakos) cacophony
bar- weight, pressure Greek βάρος (baros) barograph, barometer
cad-, -cid-, cas- fall Latin cadere, casus accident, cadence, case
basi- at the bottom Greek from βαίνω, I walk, march, βάσις basic, basis
"step" caed-, -cid-, caes-, cut Latin caedere, caesus caesura, incisor
-cis-
bathy-, deep, depth Greek βαθύς (bathús, bathýs) batholith, bathyscaphe
batho- calc- stone Latin and from Latin calx "lime", and from Greek calcite, calcium, calculus
Greek χάλιξ (khalix) "pebble" "limestone"
be-, beat- bless Latin beare, beatus beatification
call-, calli- beautiful Greek from Greek κάλλος kallos "beauty" calligraphy
bell- war Latin bellum, belli antebellum, bellicose, belligerent
calor- heat Latin calor "heat" calorie
ben- good, well Latin bene (adverb) benefit, benignity
calyp- cover Greek καλύπτειν (kaluptein) apocalypse
bi- two Latin bis, "twice"; bini, "in twos" binary, binoculars, bigamy, biscotti
camer- vault Latin camera bicameral, camera
bib- drink Latin bibere, bibitus imbibe
camp- field Latin campus "field", "level ground" champion, campaign
bibl- book Greek βιβλίον (biblíon) "book" bible, bibliography
can- dog Latin canis canine, Canis Major
bio- life Greek βίος (bíos) "life" biography, biology, biologist, biosphere,
bioluminescent can-, -cin-, cant- sing Latin canere cantata, canto, cantor

blenn- slime Greek βλέννος (blennos) blennophobia, blennosperma cand- glowing, iridescent Latin candere "to be white or glisten" candela, candid, candle, candor,
incandescent, incendiary, incense
blast- germ, embryo, bud, cell with Greek βλασταίνω (blastainō), "I put blastula, fibroblast, osteoblast, sideroblast
nucleus forth shoots" cap-, -cip-, capt-, hold, take Latin capere, captus "take or hold" (vowel capture, captive, conception, recipient
-cept- changes from a to i in compounds)
bon- good Latin bonus bonify, bonitary
capit-, -cipit- head Latin caput, capitis "head" capital, decapitation, precipitation
bor- north Greek / Latin Greek βορρᾶς (borras) "the north borealis
(boreas) wind" capr- goat Latin caper, capri Capricorn, caprine

botan- plant Greek βοτάνη, βότανον (botanē, botany caps- box, case Latin capsa capsule
botanon)
carbo- coal Latin carbo, carbonis carbon
bov- cow, ox Latin bos, bovis bovine
carcer- jail Latin carcer, carcerare incarceration
brachi- arm Greek βραχίων (brakhíōn) brachial artery, brachiosaurus
carcin- cancer (disease) Latin from Latin from Greek καρκίνος (karkinos) carcinogenic, carcinoma
brachy- short Greek βραχύς (brakhús, brakhýs) brachydactyly Greek "crab"

brady- slow Greek βραδύς (bradús, bradýs) bradycardia cardi- relating to the heart Greek καρδιά kardia "heart" cardiograph, cardiology

branchi- gill Greek βράγχιον (brágkhion, bránkhion) branchiopod, nudibranch cardin- hinge Latin cardo, cardinis cardinal

brev(i)- brief, short (time) Latin brevis, breviare abbreviation, brevity carn- flesh Latin caro, carnis carnal, carnival, carnivore

briz- nod, slumber Greek βρίζω (brizō) carp- relating to fruit Greek καρπός (karpos) "fruit" carpology

brom- oats Greek βρόμος, βρόμη (brómos, bróme) Bromus ramosus carp- relating to the wrist Greek καρπός (karpos) "wrist" carpal, carpal tunnel syndrome
"oats"
cast- pure Latin from Latin castus "chaste" caste, castigate, castrate
brom- stench Greek βρόμος (brómos) "stench, bromide
cata-, cat- down Greek from Greek κατά (katá) "down" catabolic, catalyst, catastrophe,
clangor"
catatonia, cathode, cation
bronch- windpipe Greek βρόγχος (brógkhos, brónkhos) bronchitis, bronchus, bronchiole
caten- chain Latin catena catenary, concatenation
bront- thunder Greek βροντή (brontē) Brontosaurus
cathar- pure Greek καθαρός (katharos) catharsis
bucc- cheek, mouth, cavity Latin bucca buccal, buccinator muscle
caud- tail Latin cauda caudal
bulb- bulbous Latin bulbus bulbous, bulbule
caus-, -cus- cause or motive Latin causa causative
bull- bubble, flask Latin bulla, "bubble" ebullient, ebullism
cav- hollow Latin cavus "hollow" cave, cavity, excavation
burs- pouch, purse Latin bursa bursa, bursar, bursary, disburse
ced-, cess- go Latin cedere, cessus procession, recede, secede
List of Greek and Latin roots in English 5 List of Greek and Latin roots in English 6

celer- quick Latin celer, celerare acceleration, celerity clav- key Greek from Greek κλείς kleis "key" from clavichord, clavicle, conclave
κλείειν, (kleiein) "to close"
cen- new Greek καινός (kainos) Cenozoic
cl(e)ist- closed Greek κλειστός (kleistos)
cen- empty Greek κενός (kenos) cenotaph
cleithr- bar, key Greek cleithrum
cens- Latin censere "to estimate" census
clement- mild Latin clemens, clementis clemency, inclement
cent- hundred Latin centum cent, centennial, centurion
clin- bed, lean, recline Latin -clinare declination, inclined
centen- hundred each Latin centeni centenary
cochl- shell Greek κόχλος (kochlos) cochlea
centesim- hundredth Latin centesimus centesimal, centesimation
coel- hollow Greek κοῖλος (koilos) blastocoel, coelom, spongocoel
centr- center Greek κέντρον (kéntron) "needle", "spur" eccentric
cogn- know Latin cognoscere cognitive, cognizant, recognize
cephal- head Greek κεφαλή (kephale) cephalic, cephalopod, encephalogram
col- strain Latin colare, colum colander
ceram- clay Greek κέραμος (keramos) ceramic
coll- hill Latin collis
cerat- horn Greek κέρας, κέρατος (keras, keratos) "horn" keratin
coll- neck Latin collum collar
cern- sift Latin cernere discern, secern
color- color Latin color coloration, coloratura, tricolor
cervic- relating to the neck, Latin cervix, cervicis "neck" cervix, cervical
relating to the cervix con-, co-, col-, with, together Latin cum coagulate, collide, compress, connect,
com-, cor- contain, corrode
ceter- other Latin ceterus et cetera
con- cone Greek κῶνος (kōnos) conic, conical, conoid
chir- of the hand or hands Greek χείρ (kheir) "hand" chiral, chiropractic, chiroptera
condi- season Latin condire condiment
chelon- relating to a turtle Greek χελώνη (khelōne) "tortoise" chelonia
contra- against Latin contra contradiction, contrast
chlor- green Greek χλωρός (khlōros) "green" chlorine, chlorophyll, chloroplast
copr- dung Greek κόπρος (kopros) coprolite, coprophagia, coprophilia
chore- relating to dance Greek χορεία khoreia "dancing in unison" from choreography
χορός khoros "chorus" corac- raven Greek κόραξ, κόρακος (korax, korakos) coracoid

chord- cord Latin and chorda "rope" from χορδή (chordē) chordata cord- heart Latin cor, cordis accord, cordial
Greek
corn- horn Latin cornu cornea, cornucopia, unicorn
chrom- color Greek χρῶμα (chrōma) "color" chromium, chromosome, monochrome
coron- crown Latin corona, coronare corona, coronation
chron- time Greek χρόνος (chronos) chronic, chronology, chronometer
corpor- body Latin corpus, corporis corporation, corpse, corpuscle
chrys- gold Greek χρυσός (khrusos) "gold" chrysolite
cortic- bark Latin cortex, corticis corticosteriod
cili- eyelash Latin cilium cilia, supercilious
cosm- universe Greek κόσμος (kosmos) cosmic, cosmonaut
cine- motion Greek κινέω (kineō) cinema
cosmet- Greek κοσμητ- (kosmet-) cosmetics, cosmetology
ciner- ash Latin cinis, cineris incineration
cost- rib Latin costa costal
cing-, cinct- gird Latin cingere, cinctus succinct
cotyl- cup Greek κοτύλη (kotulē) cotyledon
circ- circle Latin circus circus
-cracy, -crat government, rule, Greek κράτος (kratos) democracy
circum- around Latin circum circumcise, circumference, authority
circumlocution, circumnavigate
crani- skull Greek κρανίον (kranion) cranium
cirr- orange Greek κιρρός (kirros) cirrhosis
crass- thick Latin crassus crassitude
cirr- curl, tentacle Latin cirrus cirrus
cre- make Latin creare, creatus creation, creature
civ- citizen Latin civis civility
cred- believe, trust Latin credere, creditus credentials, credibility, creditor,
clad- branch Greek κλάδος (klados) clade incredible

clar- clear Latin clarus, clarare clarity, declaration crep- boot, shoe Greek κρηπίς, κρηπίδος (krēpis, krēpidos)

clast- broken Greek κλαστός (klastos) iconoclast, osteoclast cribr- sieve Latin cribrum, cribrare cribble, cribrate

claud-, -clud-, close Latin claudere, clausus clause, exclusion, include ring Greek κρίκος (krikos)
claus-, -clus-
cris-, crit- judge Greek κρίσις (crisis) crisis, critic

crisp- curled Latin crispus crispate

List of Greek and Latin roots in English 7 List of Greek and Latin roots in English 8

crist- crest Latin crista cristate derm- skin Greek δέρμα (derma) dermis, epidermis, hypodermic

cross- fringe, tassel Greek κροσσός (krossos) deuter- second Greek δεύτερος (deuteros) Deuteronomy, deuterostome

cruc- cross Latin crux, crucis crucial, crucifix, crucify, excruciating dexter- right Latin dexter dexterity, dextrose

crur- leg, shank Latin crus, cruris crural dexi- right Greek δεξιός, right Dexiarchia

crypt- hidden Greek κρυπτός (kruptos) cryptic, cryptography di- two Greek δι- dicot, diode, dipole

cten- comb Greek κτείς, κτενός (kteis, ktenos) ctenophore dia- apart, through Greek διά (dia) dialysis, diameter, diagram

cub- cube Greek κύβος (kubos) cubic, cuboid dict- say, speak Latin dicere, dictus contradict, dictate, dictation, dictionary, edict,
predict
cub- lie Latin cubare incubation, succuba
digit- finger Latin digitus digital
culin- kitchen Latin culina culinary
dino- terrible, fearfully great Greek δεινός (deinos) dinosaur
culp- blame, fault Latin culpa culpable, exculpate
dipl- double; twofold Greek διπλός (diplos) diploid, diplosis
cune- wedge Latin cuneus cuneiform
doc-, doct- teach Latin docere, doctus docile, doctor, indoctrinate
curr-, curs- run Latin currere, cursus concurrent, current, cursive, recursion
dodec- twelve Greek δώδεκα (dodeka) dodecasyllabic
curv- bent Latin curvus curvature
dogmat-, dox- opinion, tenet Greek δόξα dogmatic, orthodox
cuspid- lance, point Latin cuspis, cuspidis bicuspid
dom- house Latin domus dome
cut- skin Latin cutis cuticle
don- give Latin donare condone, donation
cyan- blue Greek κυανός (kuanos) cyanide
dorm- sleep Latin dormire dormant, dormitory
cycl- circular Greek κύκλος (kuklos) bicycle, cycle, cyclone
dors- back Latin dorsum dorsal
cylind- roll Greek κύλινδρος (kulindros) cylinder
du- two Latin duo dual
cyn- dog Greek κύων, κυνός (kuōn, kunos) cynosure
dub- doubtful Latin dubius dubious
cyst- capsule Greek κύστις (kustis) cystic
duc-, duct- lead Latin dux, ducis abduction, conductor, introduction, production,
cyt- cell Greek κύτος (kutos) cytoplasm, cnidocyte
reduction, deduction

dulc- sweet Latin dulcis dulcet

D dur- hard Latin durus durable, duration, duress, endure, obdurate

dy- two Greek δυο (duo) dyad

Root Meaning in English Origin Etymology (root origin) English examples
dynam- power Greek δύναμη (dunamē) dynamism, dynasty, dynamite
language
dys- badly, ill Greek δυσ- dysentery, dysplasia, dystrophy
dactyl- finger, toe, digit Greek δάκτυλος (daktulos) dactylology, pterodactyl

damn-, -demn- to inflict loss upon Latin damnāre condemn, damnation

de- from, away from, Latin dē deletion, dementia, descend E

removing, down

deb- owe Latin debere, debitus debit Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples

deca-, dec-, ten Greek δέκα deka, ten decagram, decahedron ec- out Greek ἐκ (ek) eccentric
deka-, dek-
eco- house Greek οἶκος (oikos) ecology, economics, ecumenism
decim- tenth part Latin decimus, tenth; from decem, ten decimal, decimate
ecto- outside Greek ἐκτός (ektos) ectoderm
delt- Greek δέλτα (delta) deltoid
ed-, es- eat Latin edere, esus edible
dem- people Greek δῆμος (dēmos) demagogue, democracy
ego- self, I (first person) Latin, Greek ego, ἐγώ egocentric
den- ten each Latin deni denarius, denary
ego-, eg- goat Greek αἴξ (aix) egophony
dendr- resembling a tree Greek δένδρον (dendron): akin to dendrite, dendrochronology
em-, empt- buy Latin emere, emptus exemption, preempt, redeem
δρύς, drys, "tree"
eme- vomit Greek ἔμετος (emetos) emetic
dens- thick Latin densus condense, density
emul- striving to equal, rivaling Latin aemulus, aemulare emulator
dent- tooth Latin dens, dentis dental, dentifrice, dentures
List of Greek and Latin roots in English 9 List of Greek and Latin roots in English 10

en-, em- in Greek ἐν (en) emphasis feder- treaty, agreement, contract, Latin foedus, foederis confederation, federal
league, pact
endo- inside Greek ἔνδον (endon) endocrine, endocytosis
fel- cat Latin feles, felis Felinae, feline
engy- narrow Greek ἐγγύς (engys)
felic- happy, merry Latin felix, felicis felicity
ennea- nine Greek ἐννέα (ennea) ennead, enneagon
fell- suck Latin fellare fellation
ens- sword Latin ensis
femin- women, female Latin femina femininity
eo-, eos-, eoso- dawn, east Greek Ἠώς/Ἕως Eocene
femor- thigh Latin femur, femoris femoral
ep-, epi- upon Greek ἐπί (epi) epicenter, epitaph, epoch
fend-, fens- strike Latin fendere, -fensus defend, offense
epistem- knowledge or science Greek ἐπιστήμη (epistēmē) epistemic
fenestr- window Latin fenestra defenestration
equ-, -iqu- even, level Latin aequus equal, equivalence
fer- carry Latin ferre reference, transfer
equ- horse Latin equus equestrian
feroc- fierce Latin ferox, ferocis ferocity
erg- work Greek έργον (ergon) ergonomics
ferr- iron Latin ferrum ferrous
err- stray Latin errare aberration, errant
fet- stink Latin fetere fetid, fetor
erythr- red Greek ἐρυθρός (eruthros) erythrocyte
fic- fig Latin ficus Ficus
eso- within Greek ἔσω (esō) esoteric
fid-, fis- faith, trust Latin fides, fidere, fisus confidence, fidelity
etho-, eth-, ethi- custom, habit Greek ἦθος (ēthos) ethology
fil- thread Latin filum filament
ethm- sieve Greek ἠθμός (hethmos); ἤθειν (hethein) ethmoid
fili- son Latin filius affiliation
ethn- people, race, tribe, nation Greek ἔθνος (ethnos) ethnarch, ethnic
fin- end Latin finis finish, final
etym- true Greek ἔτυμος (etumos) etymology
find-, fiss- split Latin findere, fissus fission, fissures
eu- well, good Greek εὖ (eu) euphoria, euthanasia
firm- fix, settle Latin firmus, firmare confirmation, firmament
eur- wide Greek εὐρύς (eurus) Europe
fistul- hollow, tube Latin fistula
ex-, e-, ef- from, out Latin ex exclude, extend, extrude
fl- blow Latin flare, flatus flatulence, inflation, insufflation
exo- outside Greek ἔξω (eksō) exoskeleton, exothermic
flacc- flabby Latin flaccus, flaccere flaccid
exter-, extra- outer Latin externus exterior
flav- yellow Latin flavus flavonoid
extrem- outermost, utmost Latin extremus extremity, extremophile
flect-, flex- bend Latin flectere, flexus flexible, flexile, flexor, inflection

flig-, flict- strike Latin fligere, flictus conflict, inflict

F flor- flower Latin flos, floris floral, florid

flu-, flux- flow Latin fluere, fluxus effluent, fluency, influx

Root Meaning in English Origin Etymology (root English examples
language origin) foc- hearth Latin focus focal

f-, fat- say, speak Latin fari, fatus fate, infant, preface fod-, foss- dig Latin fodere, fossus fossil

fab- bean Latin faba faba bean foen- hay Latin fenuculum

fac-, -fic-, fact, -fect- make Latin facere, factus defect, factory, manufacture foli- leaf Latin folium defoliant

falc- sickle Latin falx, falcis falciform font- spring Latin fons, fontis font, fontal, fontanelle

fall-, -fell-, fals- deceive Latin fallere, falsus falsity, infallibility for- bore, drill Latin forare, foratus foralite, foramen, foraminifer, perforation

fallac- false Latin fallax, fallacis fallacy form- shape Latin forma conformity, deformity, formation, reformatory

famili- a close attendant Latin famulus familiarity fornic- vault Latin fornix, fornicis fornication

fant- to show Greek φαντάζω fantasy fort- strong Latin fortis fortification

fasc- bundle Latin fascis fasciculation, fascism fove- shallow round depression Latin fovea fovea

fatu- foolish, useless Latin fatuus fatuous, infatuation frang-, -fring-, break Latin frangere, fractus fracture, fragment, frangible, infringe
fract-, frag-
List of Greek and Latin roots in English 11 List of Greek and Latin roots in English 12

frater-, fratr- brother Latin frater fraternity gubern- govern, pilot Latin gubernare gubernatorial

fric-, frict- rub Latin fricare, frictus dentifrice, friction gust- taste Latin gustus disgust, gusto

frig- cold Latin frigere frigid, frigorific gutt- drop Latin gutta gutta, guttifer, guttiform

front- forehead Latin frons, frontis confront, frontage, frontal guttur- throat Latin guttur guttural

fruct-, frug- fruit Latin frux, fructis fructose gymn- nude Greek γυμνός (gymnos) gymnasium, gymnastics, gymnosperm

fug-, fugit- flee Latin fugere centrifuge, fugitive, refuge gyn- woman Greek γυνή gynecology

fum- smoke Latin fumus fume, fumigation

fund- bottom Latin fundus, fundare fundamentalism, profundity

H
fund-, fus- pour Latin fundere, fusus diffusion, effusion, fusion, profuse, profusion,
transfusion, effusive
Root Meaning in Origin Etymology (root English examples
fung-, funct- do Latin fungi, functus function, fungibility English language origin)

fur-, furt- steal Latin fur, furare furtive hab-, -hib-, habit-, have Latin habere, habitus habit, prohibition
-hibit-
furc- fork Latin furca bifurcation
haem-, hem- blood Greek αἷμα (haima) haemophilia, hemoglobin
fusc- dark Latin fuscus obfuscation
hal- salt Greek ἅλς, ἁλός (hals, halos) halogen

hal-, -hel- breathe Latin halare, halatus anhelation, inhale

G hapl- simple, single Greek ἁπλοῦς (haplous) haploid, haplotype

haur-, haust- draw Latin haurire, haustus exhaustion

Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples
heli- sun Greek ἥλιος (hēlios) heliocentric, heliotrope, helium
galact- milk Greek γάλα, γαλακτός (gala, galaktos) galactic
hemi- half Greek ἥμισυς (hēmisus) hemicycle, hemisphere
gastr- stomach Greek γαστήρ (gaster) gastric, gastroenterology
hen- one Greek ἕν (hen) henad, hyphen
geo- earth Greek γῆ (gē), γεω- (geō-) geography, geology, geometry
hendec- eleven Greek ἕνδεκα (hendeka) hendecagon
gel- icy cold Latin gelum gelatin, gelid
hept- seven Greek ἑπτά (hepta) heptagon, heptathlon, heptode
gen- race, kind,birth Greek γένος (genos) eugenics, genocide
her-, hes- cling Latin haerere, haesus adhesive, coherent
ger-, gest- bear, carry Latin gerere, gestus digest, gestation
herb- grass Latin herba herbal, herbicide
germin- sprout Latin germen, germinis germination
hered- heir Latin heres, heredis heredity
glabr- hairless Latin glaber glabrous
herp- creep Greek ἕρπω, ἕρπειν (herpō, herpes, herpetology
glaci- ice Latin glacies glacier
herpein)
gladi- sword Latin gladius gladiator
heter- different, other Greek ἕτερος (heteros) heterodoxy
glia- glue Greek γλία (glia) glial
heur- find Greek εὑρίσκω (heuriskō) heuristic
glob- sphere Latin globus global, globule
hex- six Greek ἕξ (hex) hexagon, hexahedron, hexode
glori- glory Latin gloria glorify
hibern- wintry Latin hibernus hibernation
glutin- glue Latin gluten, glutinis agglutination
hiem- winter Latin hiems hiemal
grad-, -gred-, gress- walk, step, go Latin gradus, gradere, gressus grade, regress
hipp- horse Greek ἵππος (hippos) hippodrome
gram- writing Greek γράμμα (gramma) grammar, grammatic
hirsut- hairy Latin hirtus, hirsutus hirsute
gran- grain Latin granum granary, granite, granola, granule
hispid- bristly Latin hispidus hispidity, hispidulous
grand- grand Latin grandis grandiloquous, grandiosity
histri- actor Latin histrio, histrionis histrionic
graph- draw, write Greek γραφή (graphē) grapheme, graphic, graphology
hod- way Greek ὁδός (hodos) cathode, herpolhode, hodometer
grat- thank, please Latin gratus gratitude, ingrate
hol- whole Greek ὅλος (holos) holistic
grav- heavy Latin gravis aggravation, grave, gravity
hom- same Greek ὁμός (homos) homophone, homosexual
greg- flock Latin grex, gregis egregious, gregarious, segregation
List of Greek and Latin roots in English 13 List of Greek and Latin roots in English 14

home- like Greek ὅμοιος (homoios) homeostasis itiner- route, way Latin iter, itineris – march, journey itinerary

homin- human Latin homo, hominis hominid

homal- even, flat Greek ὁμαλός (homalos) anomalous

J
honor- esteem Latin honos, honoris honorable, honorarium

hor- boundary Greek ὅρος (horos) aphorism, horizon Root Meaning in Origin Etymology (root origin) English examples
English language
hor- hour Greek ὥρα (hōra) horoscope
jac- lie Latin jacēre "to be thrown" adjacent
horm- that which Greek ὁρμή (hormē) hormone
excites jac- (originally IAC), -ject- cast, throw Latin iacio, iacere, ieci, iectus – "to throw" (and eject, interject, ejaculate,
cognates thereof) trajectory
hort- garden Latin hortus, horti horticulture
janu- door Latin janua janitor
hospit- host Latin hospes, hospitis hospital, hospitality, inhospitable
joc- joke Latin jocus jocularity
host- enemy Latin hostis hostile
jug- yoke Latin jugare, jugum conjugal, subjugate
hum- ground Latin humus, humare exhumation, inhume
jung-, junct- join Latin jungere, junctus conjunction, juncture
hyal- glass Greek ὕαλος (hualos) hyaline, hyaloid
junior- younger Latin junior juniority
hydr- water Greek ὕδωρ (hudōr) hydraulics, hydrology, hydrolysis, hydrophily, hydrophobia,
hydroponic, hydrous jus-, jur-, judic- (originally law, justice Latin ius, iuris; iudex, iudicis judge, jury, justice
IVS)
hygr- wet Greek ὑγρός (hugros) hygrometer
juv-, jut- help Latin juvare, jutus adjutant
hyo- U-shaped Greek ὑοειδής (huoeidēs) hyoid
juven- young, youth Latin juvenis juvenile, rejuvenate
hyp- under Greek ὑπό (hupo) hypothermia
juxta- beside, near Latin juxta juxtaposition
hyper- above, over Greek ὑπέρ (huper) hyperbole, hypertonic

hypn- sleep Greek ὕπνος (hupnos) hypnosis

hyster- later Greek ὕστερος (husteros) hysteresis K

Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples

I kil(o)- thousand Greek χίλιοι (chilioi) kilobyte, kilogram, kilometer

kine- movement, motion Greek κινέω (kineo) telekinesis, kinetic energy, kinesthetic
Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples
klept- steal Greek κλέπτης (kleptēs) kleptomania
ichthy- fish Greek ἰχθύς (ichthus) ichthyology
kudo- glory Greek κῦδος (kudos) kudos
icos- twenty Greek εἴκοσι (eikosi) icosagon, icosahedron

id- shape Greek εἶδος (eidos) idol

ide- idea; thought Greek ιδέα (idea) ideogram, ideology L

idi- personal Greek ἴδιος (idios) idiom, idiosyncrasy, idiot
Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples
ign- fire Latin ignis igneous, ignition
lab-, laps- slide, slip Latin labi, lapsus elapse, relapse
in- (1), im- in, on Latin in import, incur, intend, invite
labi- lip Latin labia, labiae bilabial, labial
in- (2), il-, im-, ir- not, un- (negation) Latin in- illicit, impossible, inimical, irrational
labor- toil Latin labor collaboration, elaboration
infra- below, under Latin infra infrastructure
lacer- tear Latin lacer laceration
insul- island Latin insula insular, insulation
lacrim- cry, tears Latin lacrima "tear" lacrimal, lacrimous
inter- among, between Latin inter (preposition) intercollegiate, intermission, intersection
lact- milk Latin lac, lactis, lactare lactate, lactation, lactose
intra- within Latin intra intramural
lamin- layer, slice Latin lamina laminate, lamination
irasc-, irat- be angry Latin irasci irascible, irate
lamp- shine Greek λαμπάς lampas "torch" lamp
is-, iso- equal, the same Greek ἴσος (isos) isometric, isomorphic, isotropic
lapid- stone Latin lapis, lapidis lapidary
iter- again Latin iterum, iterare iteration
larg- large Latin largus enlargement
List of Greek and Latin roots in English 15 List of Greek and Latin roots in English 16

larv- ghost, mask Latin larva larva, larvae, larval M

lat- broad, wide Latin latus latitude
Root Meaning in English Origin Etymology (root English examples
later- side Latin latus, lateris bilateral
language origin)
laud-, laus- praise Latin laudere laud
macro- long Greek μακρός (makros) macron
lav- wash Latin lavare lavatory
magn- great, large Latin magnus magnanimous, magnificent, magnitude
lax- not tense Latin laxus, laxare laxative, relaxation
maj- greater Latin major, majus majesty, majority, majuscule
led-, les- hurt Latin laedere, laesus lesion
mal- bad, wretched, Latin malus malfeasance, malicious, malignancy, malodorous
leg- law Latin lex, legis, legare legal, legislative
mamm- breast Latin mamma mammal, mammary gland
leg- send Latin legare relegate
man- flow Latin mānāre, manatus emanate, emanationism, immanant, immanation
lei- smooth Greek λείος leios leiomyoma
man- stay Latin manēre, mansus immanence, immanent, manse, permanence, permanent,
lekan- dish, pot Greek λεκάνη lekane lekane remanence, remanent

leni- gentle Latin lenis, lenire leniency mand- hand Latin mandāre, mandatus mandate, remand

leon- lion Latin leo, leonis Leo, leonine, Leopold mania mental illness Greek μανία (manίā) kleptomania, maniac

lep- flake, scale Greek λέπις lepis Lepidoptera manu- hand Latin manus manual, manuscript

leps- grasp, seize Greek λήψης lepsis epilepsy mar- sea Latin mare, maris marine, maritime

leuc(o)-, leuk(o)- white Greek λευκός leukos leucocyte mater-, mother Latin mater, matris maternity, matriarch, matrix
matr-
lev- lift, light Latin levis "light" (in weight), levare elevator, levitation
maxim- greatest Latin maximus maximum
liber- free Latin liber, liberare liberation, liberty
medi-, middle Latin medius, mediare median, medieval
libr- book Latin liber, libri librarian, library
-midi-
lig- bind Latin ligare, ligatus ligament, ligature
meg- great, large Greek μέγας (megas) megaphone
limac- slug Latin limax, limacis limacoid, limacon
mei- less Greek μεῖον (meiōn) meiosis
lin- line Latin linea line, linearity
melan- black, dark Greek μέλας (melas) Melanesia, melanoma
lingu- language, tongue Latin lingua bilingual, linguistic
melior- better Latin melior amelioration
linqu-, lict- leave Latin linquere, lictus relict, relinquish
mell- honey Latin mel, mellis mellifluous
lip- fat Greek λίπος lipos lipolysis
memor- remember Latin memor memorial
liter- letter Latin littera alliteration, illiterate, literacy, literal, obliterate
mening- membrane Greek μήνιγξ (meninx) meningitis
lith- stone Greek λίθος (lithos) lithosphere, megalith, monolith, Neolithic Era
men- month Greek μήν (mēn) menopause
loc- place Latin locus local, location
menstru- monthly Latin menstruus menstruation, menstrual
log- thought, word, speech Greek λόγος (logos) "word" logic, monologue, morphological
mensur- measure Latin mensura commensurate
long- long Latin longus elongate, longitude
ment- mind Latin mens, mentis demented, mentality
loqu-, locut- speak Latin loqui allocution, eloquence
mer- part Greek μέρος (meros) polymer
luc- bright, light Latin lux, lucis light Lucifer (bearer of light)
merc- reward, wages, hire Latin merx, mercis mercantile, merchant
lud-, lus- play Latin ludere, lusus allude, illusion
merg-, dip, plunge Latin mergere emerge, immersion
lumin- light Latin lumen, luminis illumination, luminous mers-

lun- moon Latin luna lunar, lunatic mes- middle Greek μέσος (mesos) mesolithic, mesozoic

lysis dissolving Greek λύσις (lusis) analysis, cytolysis, hydrolysis meter-, measure Greek μέτρον (metron) metric, thermometer
metr-

meta- above, among, Greek μετά (meta) metaphor, metaphysics

beyond

mic- grain Latin mica micelle

List of Greek and Latin roots in English 17 List of Greek and Latin roots in English 18

micr- small Greek μικρός (mikros) microphone, microscope N

migr- wander Latin migrare emigrant, migrate
Root Meaning in English Origin language Etymology (root origin) English examples
milit- soldier Latin miles, militis military, militia
nar- nostril Latin naris
mill- thousand Latin mille millennium, million
narc- numb Greek νάρκη (narkē) narcosis, narcotic
millen- thousand each Latin milleni millenary
narr- tell Latin narrare narrative
mim- repeat Greek μίμος (mimos) mime, mimic
nas- nose Latin nasus nasal
min- jut Latin minere prominent
nasc-, nat- born Latin nascere, natus nascent, native
min- less, smaller Latin minor, minus minority, minuscule
naut- ship Greek ναύτης (nautes) Argonaut, astronaut
mir- wonder, amazement Latin miror, mirari, miratus admire, miracle, mirror
sum nav- ship Latin navis naval

mis- hate Greek μῖσος (misos) misandry, misogyny ne- new Greek νέος (neos) neologism

misce-, mix Latin miscere, mixtus miscellaneous, mixture necr- dead Greek νεκρός (nekros) necrophobia
mixt-
nect- swimming Greek νηκτός (nēktos) nectopod
mit- thread Greek μίτος (mitos) mitochondrion
nect-, nex- join, tie Latin nectere, nexus connect, connexion
mitt-, miss- send Latin mittere, missus intermittent, missionary, transmission
neg- say no Latin negare negative
mne- memory Greek μνήμη (mnēmē) mnemonic
nema- hair Greek νῆμα (nēma) nematode
mol- grind Latin mola, molere, molitus molar
nemor- grove, woods Latin nemus, nemoris nemoral
moll- soft Latin mollis emollient, mollify
nephr- kidney Greek νεφρός (nephros) nephritis
mon- one Greek μόνος (monos) monism, monolith, monotone
nes- island Greek νῆσος (nēsos) Polynesia
monil- string of beads Latin monile Moniliformida
neur- nerve Greek νευρών (neurōn) neurology, neurosurgeon
mont- mountain Latin mons, montis Montana
nict- wink Latin nictari nictation
mord- bite Latin mordere, morsus mordacious, morsel, remorse
nigr- black Latin niger denigrate
morph- form, shape Greek μορφή (morphē) anthropomorphism, morpheme, morphology
nihil- nothing Latin nihilum annihilation
mort- death Latin mors, mortis immortal, mortality, mortuary
noct- night Latin nox, noctis noctambulist, nocturnal
mov-, mot- move, motion Latin movere, motus mobile, momentum, motor, move
nod- knot Latin nodus node, nodule
mulg-, muls- milk Latin mulgere emulsion
nom- arrangement, law Greek νόμος (nomos) autonomous, taxonomy
mult- many, much Latin multus multiple, multiplex, multitude
nomad- those who let pasture herds Greek νομάς, νομάδος (nomas, nomados) nomadic
mur- wall Latin murus, muri immured, mural
nomin- name Latin nomen, nominis nomination
mus- thief Latin mus, muris mouse
non- not Latin non none
musc- fly Latin musca, muscae Muscicapidae, Muscidae
non- ninth Latin nonus nonary
mut- change Latin mutare mutation
nonagen- ninety each Latin nonageni nonagenary
my- mouse Greek μῦς (mus) musophobia
nonagesim- ninetieth Latin nonagesimus nonagesimal
myri- countless, ten Greek μυρίος (murios) myriad, myriapod
not- letter, note, paper Latin notare annotation, notable
thousand
noth- spurious Greek νόθος (nothos) nothogenus
myrmec- ant Greek μύρμηξ (murmēx) myrmecoid, Myrmidons
noto- back, south Greek νότος (notos) notochord
myth- story Greek μῦθος (muthos) mythic, mythology
nov- nine Latin novem November, novennial
myx- slime Greek μύξα (muxa) Myxini
nov- new Latin novus innovation, nova
myz- suck Greek μυζάω (muzaō) Myzopoda
noven- nine each Latin noveni novenary

novendec- nineteen Latin novendecim

nox-, noc- harmful Latin noxa noxious