Understanding Scientific Terms/Common Roots

Understanding Scientific Terminology Greek and Latin Roots of Scientific Terms.

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Index

Lesson 2 - Common Roots in Science

Learn the word roots below.

Roots

bio  : life

zoo  : animal

geo  : earth

lith/o : stone

cyt/o : cell

archae/o or arche/o: old / ancient (from Greek arkhaios)

palae/o or pale/o: ancient (from Greek palaios)

myc/o  : fungus

phyt/a : plant

psych/o: soul or mind

gynaec/o or gynec/o: woman

aer/o : air

astr/o : stars, celestial bodies

chem/o : chemistry

physi/o : nature

suffixes

-o/logy : The study of

-o/logist : one who studies

-ic : pertaining to

What do these words mean?

EXERCISE • Common Roots • Define the word

1. archaeology
2. geology
3. cytologist
4. archaeic

SOLUTION • Understanding Scientific Terms/Common Roots • Define the word

1. The study of ancient things
2. The study of the Earth.
3. One who studies cells.
4. Pertaining to something that is old.

How would you write the words with these meanings?

EXERCISE • Common Roots • Write the word

1. Someone who studies women.
2. The study of fungi.

SOLUTION • Understanding Scientific Terms/Common Roots • Write the word

1. gynecologist
2. mycology