Word Root
A word root (WR) is the main part, or foundation, of a word. All medical words have at least one word root.
1–16 In the words teacher, teaches, teaching, the word root
is __________.
1–17 In the words speaker, speaks, speaking, the word root
is __________.
1–18 Identify the roots in the following words:
Word Root
reader __________
spending __________
playful __________
A word root, also called a root,may be used alone or combined with other elements to form another word
with a different meaning.
1–19 Review the following examples to see how roots are used alone or with other
elements to form words. The meaning of each term in the right-hand column is also
provided.
Root as a Complete Word Root as Part of a Word
alcohol alcoholism (condition marked by impaired
control over alcohol use)
sperm spermicide (agent that kills sperm)
thyroid thyroidectomy (excision of the thyroid
gland)
1–20 Throughout the book, a slash is used to separate word elements, as shown in
the following examples.
Write the roots in the right-hand column for each of these terms:
alcohol/ic ____________________
dent/ist ____________________
lump/ectomy ____________________
insulin/ism ____________________
gastr/itis ____________________
4 CHAPTER 1• Introduction to Programmed Learning and Medical Word Building
teach
speak
read
spend
play
alcohol
dent
lump
insulin
gastr
!