Which combining form means curvature?

Which combining form means curvature?

• A. Scol/o
• B. Tract/o
• C. Spondyl/o
• D. Oste/o

Answer: (A)

The combining form that denotes curvature is scol/o, from the Greek skolios meaning bent or curved. It’s used to form terms describing a curved condition, most notably scoliosis, which is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. The other roots point to anatomy or structures rather than the bending itself: tract/o refers to a tract or pathway, spondyl/o to vertebrae, and oste/o to bone. Because scol/o directly signals bending or curvature, it’s the best fit.

The combining form that denotes curvature is scol/o, from the Greek skolios meaning bent or curved. It’s used to form terms describing a curved condition, most notably scoliosis, which is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. The other roots point to anatomy or structures rather than the bending itself: tract/o refers to a tract or pathway, spondyl/o to vertebrae, and oste/o to bone. Because scol/o directly signals bending or curvature, it’s the best fit.