Which prefix means 'Down'?

Master the Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology Test. Engage with flashcards and quizzes, detailed explanations provided. Enhance your medical vocabulary for exam success.

Multiple Choice

Which prefix means 'Down'?

Explanation:
Direction in medical terms is shown by prefixes. The one that signals downward movement is de-, coming from Latin, used to indicate a downward shift or reversal. For example, descend means to go down, and dehydrate means to remove water, reducing from a higher state. Among the options, the idea of Down best represents that downward direction. The other options point to unrelated ideas—short, around, and female—so they don’t convey downward movement. Therefore, Down is the best match for the meaning of the prefix.

Direction in medical terms is shown by prefixes. The one that signals downward movement is de-, coming from Latin, used to indicate a downward shift or reversal. For example, descend means to go down, and dehydrate means to remove water, reducing from a higher state. Among the options, the idea of Down best represents that downward direction. The other options point to unrelated ideas—short, around, and female—so they don’t convey downward movement. Therefore, Down is the best match for the meaning of the prefix.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy