The prefix meaning 'bad or painful' is which?

Prepare for the SkillsUSA Medical Terminology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions that include hints and explanations to boost your confidence for exam success!

Multiple Choice

The prefix meaning 'bad or painful' is which?

Explanation:
Understanding prefixes helps decode medical terms. The prefix that means bad or painful is dys-. It shows up in words like dysuria (painful urination), dysfunction (impaired or abnormal function), and dysplasia (abnormal development), all signaling a problematic or painful condition. The other prefixes have different meanings: eu- means good or normal, hyper- means above or excessive, and hypo- means below or deficient. So, the meaning “bad or painful” is conveyed by dys-.

Understanding prefixes helps decode medical terms. The prefix that means bad or painful is dys-. It shows up in words like dysuria (painful urination), dysfunction (impaired or abnormal function), and dysplasia (abnormal development), all signaling a problematic or painful condition. The other prefixes have different meanings: eu- means good or normal, hyper- means above or excessive, and hypo- means below or deficient. So, the meaning “bad or painful” is conveyed by dys-.

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