Which prefix means 'Short'?

Which prefix means 'Short'?

• A. Short
• B. Thick
• C. Down
• D. Around

Answer: (A)

Prefixes in medical terms convey size or descriptor, and when something is described as short, the prefix used is brachy-, from the Greek brachys meaning short. This prefix appears in terms like brachycephalic (short-headed) or brachytherapy (treatment with sources placed close to the target). The option that simply uses the word “Short” isn’t the standard prefix form, even though it captures the idea. So brachy- is the appropriate prefix to express shortness in medical terminology.

Prefixes in medical terms convey size or descriptor, and when something is described as short, the prefix used is brachy-, from the Greek brachys meaning short. This prefix appears in terms like brachycephalic (short-headed) or brachytherapy (treatment with sources placed close to the target). The option that simply uses the word “Short” isn’t the standard prefix form, even though it captures the idea. So brachy- is the appropriate prefix to express shortness in medical terminology.