The prefix for Smell is which?

The prefix for Smell is which?

• A. Schiz-
• B. Olfact-
• C. Ger-
• D. Capit-

Answer: (B)

The concept here is how medical terms express the sense of smell. The combining form used for smell is olfact-, which you’ll see in terms like olfactory (pertaining to smell) and olfaction (the act of smelling). This root comes from the idea of smelling, so it specifically signals olfactory-related meaning. The other roots point to unrelated ideas: schiz- means split or divided, seen in terms about division or fragmentation; ger- (or gero-) relates to aging or the elderly; capit- relates to the head. None of these convey smell, which is why olfact- is the correct choice.

The concept here is how medical terms express the sense of smell. The combining form used for smell is olfact-, which you’ll see in terms like olfactory (pertaining to smell) and olfaction (the act of smelling). This root comes from the idea of smelling, so it specifically signals olfactory-related meaning.

The other roots point to unrelated ideas: schiz- means split or divided, seen in terms about division or fragmentation; ger- (or gero-) relates to aging or the elderly; capit- relates to the head. None of these convey smell, which is why olfact- is the correct choice.