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ortho-

Prefix Medical Terminology

Straight, upright, normal, or correct.

Example: orthopnea (difficulty breathing unless sitting upright)

Sources

Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean · MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Clinical Nursing Skills, Chapter 23 Key Terms · OpenStax

Terms built with ortho-

orthopneaDifficulty breathing when lying flat, eased by sitting upright.
orthostatic hypotensionA drop in blood pressure when the patient moves from lying or sitting to standing, which can cause dizziness.

Related terms

non-Not or without.
normo-Normal.
nulli-None.
oligo-Few, scanty, or too little.
oxy-Oxygen; also sharp or quick.
pan-All or everywhere.
para-Beside, near, or abnormal.
per-Through.

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