para-
Prefix Medical Terminology
Beside, near, or abnormal.
Example: parathyroid (glands beside the thyroid)
Sources
- Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean · MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Related terms
- oligo-Few, scanty, or too little.
- ortho-Straight, upright, normal, or correct.
- oxy-Oxygen; also sharp or quick.
- pan-All or everywhere.
- per-Through.
- peri-Around or surrounding.
- poly-Many, much, or excessive.
- post-After or behind.