Chapter 2:

Suffixes
Suffixes
Suffix = word ending that modifies a root
May indicate a noun or adjective
Often determines how word begins
Myel/o (bone marrow) + -oid = meyloid (like
or pertaining to bone marrow)
Myel/o + -oma = myeloma (tumor of the
bone marrow)

Adjective Suffixes
Adjective endings meaning pertaining to
or resembling include:
-ac as in cardiac
-form as in muciform
-ory as in respiratory
No rules for which ending to use with a
given noun

Forming Plurals
Special plural forms
Words ending in a carry plural ending ae:
Gingiva vs. gingivae
Words ending in is carry plural ending es:
Diagnosis vs. diagnoses

Some Exceptions to the Rules
Plural of virus is viruses
Plural of serums is sera
Plural of carcinoma is carcinomata