What does the prefix dys- mean?

What does the prefix dys- mean?

• A. Good, normal
• B. Bad, difficult or painful
• C. Within
• D. Above

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the prefix dys- signals something is not normal, often because it’s bad, difficult, or painful. It comes from Greek and is used in medical terms to indicate abnormal or challenging conditions. For example, dysphagia means trouble swallowing, dysuria means painful or difficult urination, dysmenorrhea means painful menstruation, and dyspepsia means indigestion. By contrast, prefixes like eu- mean good or normal, intra- or endo- mean within, and supra- or super- mean above. So dys- specifically points to an abnormal, troublesome, or painful state.

The main idea is that the prefix dys- signals something is not normal, often because it’s bad, difficult, or painful. It comes from Greek and is used in medical terms to indicate abnormal or challenging conditions. For example, dysphagia means trouble swallowing, dysuria means painful or difficult urination, dysmenorrhea means painful menstruation, and dyspepsia means indigestion. By contrast, prefixes like eu- mean good or normal, intra- or endo- mean within, and supra- or super- mean above. So dys- specifically points to an abnormal, troublesome, or painful state.