Prefixes Amspar Medical Terminology Memory Aid

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  • 1/48 Questions

    Give the correct prefix meaning after

    • Inter-
    • Pre-/pro-
    • Post-
    • Intra-
    • Contra-
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Prefixes Amspar Medical Terminology Memory Aid - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning rapid/fast

    • Anti-

    • Epi-

    • Tachy-

    • Quadri-

    Correct Answer
    A. Tachy-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning rapid/fast is "tachy-". This prefix is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a fast or rapid condition, such as tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) or tachypnea (rapid breathing). It is derived from the Greek word "tachys" meaning swift or quick.

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  • 3. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning small/one

    • Micro-

    • Quadri-

    • Iso-

    • Mega-/megalo-

    • Semi-

    Correct Answer
    A. Micro-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning small/one is "micro-". This prefix is commonly used to indicate something that is very small or on a microscopic scale. It is derived from the Greek word "mikros" which means small. Examples of words that use this prefix include microorganism, microscope, and microbiology.

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  • 4. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning above/high/in excess of normal

    • Hyper-

    • Ecto-

    • Hypo-

    • Dys-

    Correct Answer
    A. Hyper-
    Explanation
    The prefix "hyper-" means above, high, or in excess of normal. It is commonly used in medical terms to indicate an excessive or elevated state of a particular condition or function. For example, "hypertension" refers to high blood pressure, and "hyperactive" describes someone who is excessively active or energetic.

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  • 5. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning big/enlarged

    • Hyper-

    • Steno-

    • Hypo-

    • Mega-/megalo-

    • Pachy-

    Correct Answer
    A. Mega-/megalo-
    Explanation
    The prefix "mega-/megalo-" means big or enlarged. It is used to describe something that is larger or greater in size or quantity. For example, megaphone means a device that amplifies sound, and megalopolis refers to a very large and heavily populated urban area.

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  • 6. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning white

    • Polio-

    • Ery-/erythro-

    • Leuco/-leuko-

    • Cyano-

    Correct Answer
    A. Leuco/-leuko-
    Explanation
    The correct answer is leuco/-leuko-. This prefix is derived from the Greek word "leukos," which means white. It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate something related to the color white. For example, leukocyte refers to white blood cells, and leukoplakia refers to white patches on the mucous membranes.

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  • 7. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning blue

    • Polio-

    • Cyano-

    • En-/endo-

    • Retro-

    • Cryo-

    Correct Answer
    A. Cyano-
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "cyano-". This prefix is derived from the Greek word "kyanos" meaning blue. It is commonly used in scientific terms to indicate the presence of blue or blue-green color. For example, cyanobacteria are a group of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis and are often characterized by their blue-green color.

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  • 8. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning slow

    • Brady-

    • Iso-

    • Tachy-

    • Syn-

    • Mal-

    Correct Answer
    A. Brady-
    Explanation
    The prefix "brady-" means slow. This can be seen in words like "bradycardia" (slow heart rate) and "bradypnea" (slow breathing). It is used to indicate a decrease or slowness in a particular process or function.

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  • 9. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning black/dark/pigment

    • Cyno-

    • Leuco-/leuko-

    • Melano-

    • Ery-/erythro-

    Correct Answer
    A. Melano-
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "melano-". This prefix is derived from the Greek word "melas" meaning black or dark. It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a dark or black pigment, such as in melanoma (a type of skin cancer that affects the melanocytes, cells responsible for producing the dark pigment melanin).

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  • 10. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning backwards

    • Ante-

    • Inter-

    • Retro-

    • Dia-

    Correct Answer
    A. Retro-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning backwards is "retro-". This prefix is commonly used to indicate movement or position backward or behind something. For example, "retrospective" means looking back on or reviewing past events, and "retrograde" means moving or occurring in a backward direction.

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  • 11. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning narrow

    • Steno-

    • Hypo-

    • Retro-

    • Cryo-

    Correct Answer
    A. Steno-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning narrow is "steno-". This prefix is derived from the Greek word "stenos" which means narrow or tight. It is commonly used in medical terms to indicate a condition or process that involves constriction or narrowing of a body part or passage. For example, stenosis refers to the abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel or other anatomical structure.

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  • 12. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning hard

    • Homo-

    • Sclero-

    • Dia-

    • Dys-

    Correct Answer
    A. Sclero-
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "sclero-". The prefix "sclero-" is derived from the Greek word "skleros" which means hard. It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate hardness or thickening of a particular organ or tissue. For example, "sclerosis" refers to the hardening of tissues in conditions like multiple sclerosis. Therefore, "sclero-" is the correct prefix meaning hard.

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  • 13. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning double

    • Sclero-

    • Retro-

    • Polio-

    • Diplo-

    • Homo-

    Correct Answer
    A. Diplo-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning double is "diplo-". This prefix is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a double or twofold structure or condition. For example, diplopia refers to double vision, and diploid refers to a cell or organism with two sets of chromosomes.

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  • 14. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning red

    • Cyano-

    • Ery-/erythro-

    • Leuco-/leuko-

    • Melano-

    Correct Answer
    A. Ery-/erythro-
    Explanation
    The prefix "ery-/erythro-" means red. This can be seen in words such as erythrocyte (red blood cell) and erythromycin (a red-colored antibiotic). Therefore, it is the correct prefix meaning red.

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  • 15. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning difficult/abnormal/painful

    • De-

    • Syn-

    • Hypo-

    • Ecto-

    • Dys-

    Correct Answer
    A. Dys-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning difficult/abnormal/painful is "dys-". This prefix is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate abnormality or difficulty. For example, dyspnea refers to difficult or labored breathing, and dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing.

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  • 16. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning below

    • Iso-

    • Para-

    • Super-/supra-

    • Sub-

    • Dia-

    Correct Answer
    A. Sub-
    Explanation
    The prefix "sub-" means below or under. It is used to indicate a position or state that is lower or lesser than something else. For example, in the word "submarine," the prefix "sub-" indicates that the vessel operates under the water. Similarly, in the word "substandard," the prefix "sub-" suggests that the quality of something is below the expected or desired level.

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  • 17. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning one/single

    • Pan-

    • Epi-

    • Micro-

    • Mono-

    • Diplo-

    Correct Answer
    A. Mono-
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "mono-". The prefix "mono-" means one or single. It is commonly used in words such as "monotone" (one tone) and "monopoly" (single control).

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  • 18. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning low/below/under/less than normal

    • Homo-

    • Sclero-

    • Hetero-

    • Diplo-

    • Hypo-

    Correct Answer
    A. Hypo-
    Explanation
    The prefix "hypo-" means low, below, under, or less than normal. It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a deficiency or a decreased level of something. For example, hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels, and hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid gland.

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  • 19. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning cold

    • Sclero-

    • Cryo-

    • End-/endo-

    • Cyano-

    Correct Answer
    A. Cryo-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning cold is "cryo-". This prefix is derived from the Greek word "kryos" which means cold or frost. It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate something related to extreme cold, such as cryotherapy which is a treatment method that uses freezing temperatures.

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  • 20. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning upon/above/on

    • Epi-

    • Semi-

    • Peri-

    • Multi-

    Correct Answer
    A. Epi-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning "upon/above/on" is "epi-". This prefix is commonly used in words like "epidermis" (the outer layer of the skin), "epicenter" (the point on the Earth's surface directly above an earthquake), and "epilogue" (a concluding section at the end of a literary work). It indicates a location or position that is on, above, or upon something else.

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  • 21. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning two

    • Dia-

    • Diplo-

    • De-

    • Bi-

    • Epi-

    Correct Answer
    A. Bi-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix that means "two" is "bi-". This prefix is commonly used in words like "bicycle" (two wheels), "bilingual" (two languages), and "binoculars" (two lenses). It is derived from the Latin word "bis" meaning "twice" or "double".

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  • 22. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning before

    • Anti-

    • Meta-

    • Pre-/pro-

    • Epi-

    • Para-

    Correct Answer
    A. Pre-/pro-
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "pre-/pro-". These prefixes have similar meanings but are used in different contexts. "Pre-" means before or in front of, while "pro-" means in favor of or supporting. Both prefixes indicate a sense of prior or ahead of something. For example, "preheat" means to heat before, and "proactive" means taking action in advance. These prefixes are commonly used in English to indicate a sense of anticipation or preparation.

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  • 23. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning before

    • Epi-

    • Anti-

    • Ante-

    • Hemi-

    • Peri-

    Correct Answer
    A. Ante-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning before is "ante-". This prefix is commonly used in words to indicate something that comes before or precedes another thing. For example, "antecedent" means something that comes before or precedes another event or object. Similarly, "antebellum" refers to the period before a war, and "ante meridiem" is used to indicate the time before noon.

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  • 24. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning unlike/dissimilar

    • Hypo-

    • Hetero-

    • Homo-

    • Hyper-

    Correct Answer
    A. Hetero-
    Explanation
    The prefix "hetero-" means unlike or dissimilar. It is used to indicate a difference or contrast between two or more things. This is the correct answer because the other prefixes listed do not have the same meaning. "Hypo-" means below or less than normal, "homo-" means same or similar, and "hyper-" means excessive or beyond normal. Therefore, "hetero-" is the only prefix that fits the meaning of unlike or dissimilar.

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  • 25. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning poor/abnormal

    • De-

    • Mal-

    • Hyper-

    • Sub-

    • Oligo-

    Correct Answer
    A. Mal-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning poor/abnormal is "mal-". This prefix is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate something that is abnormal or unhealthy. For example, malnutrition refers to a poor or inadequate diet, while malformation refers to an abnormal or malformed structure.

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  • 26. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning same

    • Homo-

    • Hypo-

    • Hetero-

    • Endo-

    • Polio-

    Correct Answer
    A. Homo-
    Explanation
    The prefix "homo-" means "same" or "similar." In this context, it refers to something that is of the same or similar nature. The other prefixes listed have different meanings. "Hypo-" means "under" or "below," "hetero-" means "different" or "other," "endo-" means "within" or "inside," and "polio-" means "gray" or "gray matter." Therefore, the correct prefix meaning "same" is "homo-."

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  • 27. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning alongside

    • Pan-

    • Para-

    • Peri-

    • Post-

    • Dia-

    Correct Answer
    A. Para-
    Explanation
    The prefix "para-" means beside, alongside, or beyond. It is commonly used to indicate something that is parallel to or similar to another thing. For example, in medical terms, "parathyroid" refers to glands that are located next to the thyroid gland. Similarly, in the word "paralegal," the prefix "para-" suggests that the person works alongside or assists a lawyer.

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  • 28. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning straight

    • Diplo-

    • Ortho-

    • Homo-

    • Retro-

    • Polio-

    Correct Answer
    A. Ortho-
    Explanation
    The prefix "ortho-" means straight or correct. It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe something that is in its proper position or alignment. For example, orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with correcting misaligned teeth. Therefore, "ortho-" is the correct prefix meaning straight in this context.

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  • 29. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning grey

    • Leuco-/leuko-

    • Homo-

    • Ery-/erythro-

    • Polio-

    • Diplo-

    Correct Answer
    A. Polio-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning grey is "polio-". This prefix is derived from the Greek word "polios" which means grey. It is commonly used in medical terms to describe conditions or substances that are grey in color or have a greyish appearance. For example, poliomyelitis is a viral infection that affects the grey matter of the spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and paralysis.

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  • 30. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning towards

    • Dia-

    • Retro-

    • Meta-

    • Ad-

    • Para-

    Correct Answer
    A. Ad-
    Explanation
    The prefix "ad-" in this context means "towards." It is commonly used to indicate movement or direction towards a particular thing or place. For example, in words like "advance" or "adhere," the prefix "ad-" signifies moving or sticking towards something.

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  • 31. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning thick

    • Pachy-

    • Poly-

    • Steno-

    • Ortho-

    Correct Answer
    A. Pachy-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning thick is "pachy-". This prefix is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate thickness or density. For example, the term "pachyderm" refers to animals with thick skin, such as elephants and rhinoceroses. Therefore, "pachy-" is the appropriate prefix in this context to convey the meaning of thick.

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  • 32. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning scanty/deficiency

    • Diplo-

    • Polio-

    • Mono-

    • Oligo-

    Correct Answer
    A. Oligo-
    Explanation
    The prefix "oligo-" means scanty or deficiency. This can be seen in words like "oligopoly" (a market situation where there are few sellers) or "oliguria" (a medical condition characterized by a low urine output). Therefore, "oligo-" is the correct prefix meaning scanty/deficiency.

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  • 33. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning between

    • Poly-

    • Sub-

    • Pan-

    • Inter-

    • Intra-

    Correct Answer
    A. Inter-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning is "inter-". This prefix is commonly used to indicate "between" or "among", and it is often used to describe interactions or relationships between different things or groups. For example, "international" means between or among nations, and "interpersonal" means between or among people.

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  • 34. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning above

    • Hypo-

    • Syn-

    • Sub-

    • Super-/supra-

    • Intra-

    Correct Answer
    A. Super-/supra-
    Explanation
    The prefix "super-/supra-" means above or beyond. It is used to indicate something that is higher in rank, quality, or degree. In this context, "super-/supra-" is the correct prefix meaning above, as it suggests something that is exceeding or surpassing a certain level or expectation.

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  • 35. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning together/joined

    • Cryo-

    • Co-/con-

    • Contra-

    • Cyano-

    • Syn-

    Correct Answer
    A. Co-/con-
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "co-/con-". This prefix means "together" or "joined". It is commonly used in words like "cooperate" (to work together) and "conjunction" (the act of joining together).

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  • 36. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning away from/removing

    • Diplo-

    • Dia-

    • De-

    • Dys-

    Correct Answer
    A. De-
    Explanation
    The prefix "de-" means "away from" or "removing." It is used to indicate the reversal or negation of a word's meaning. For example, "decode" means to remove or decipher a code, "devalue" means to reduce or take away value, and "defrost" means to remove or thaw frozenness.

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  • 37. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning equal

    • Hetero-

    • Iso-

    • Super-/supra-

    • Pan-

    Correct Answer
    A. Iso-
    Explanation
    The prefix "iso-" means equal. It is derived from the Greek word "isos" which means equal or identical. This prefix is commonly used in scientific and technical terms to indicate equality or similarity. For example, isothermal means having equal temperature, isometric means having equal dimensions, and isotope means having equal number of protons but different number of neutrons.

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  • 38. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning with/together/union

    • Para-

    • Syn-

    • Inter-

    • Meta-

    Correct Answer
    A. Syn-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning "syn-" refers to "with/together/union." This prefix is commonly used in words such as "synthesis," which means the combination of different elements to form a whole. It indicates a sense of unity or collaboration, suggesting that things are brought together or joined in some way.

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  • 39. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning all

    • Peri-

    • Pan-

    • Poly-

    • Pre-/pro-

    • Para-

    Correct Answer
    A. Pan-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning "all" is "pan-". This prefix is commonly used in words like "panorama" (all view), "pantheon" (all gods), and "pandemic" (affecting all people). It implies inclusiveness or entirety.

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  • 40. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning through

    • Diplo-

    • Dia-

    • Peri-

    • Sub-

    • Pan-

    Correct Answer
    A. Dia-
    Explanation
    The prefix "dia-" means through or across. It is derived from the Greek word "diá" which means "through" or "across". This prefix is commonly used in words such as "diagonal" (going through or across a figure), "diagnosis" (the process of identifying a disease by going through the symptoms), and "dialogue" (a conversation that goes back and forth between two or more people).

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  • 41. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning away from

    • Ad-

    • An-

    • Pan-

    • A-

    • Ab-

    Correct Answer
    A. Ab-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning "away from" is "ab-". This prefix is commonly used to indicate a separation or movement away from something. For example, "abnormal" means deviating from the normal or usual, "abduct" means to take someone away by force, and "abandon" means to leave or desert something or someone.

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  • 42. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning after/beyond

    • Semi-

    • Super-/supra-

    • Meta-

    • Mega-/megalo-

    • Iso-

    Correct Answer
    A. Meta-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning after/beyond is "meta-". This prefix is commonly used in words to denote something that is beyond or transcends its original form or meaning. For example, in the word "metamorphosis," the prefix "meta-" indicates a transformation or change that goes beyond the normal or expected. Similarly, in the word "metaphysics," the prefix "meta-" suggests a study or exploration of concepts that are beyond the physical world.

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  • 43. 

    Give the correct prefixes meaning half

    • Multi-

    • Epi-

    • Semi-

    • Hemi-

    • Peri--

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Semi-
    A. Hemi-
    Explanation
    The correct prefixes that mean "half" are "semi-" and "hemi-". "Semi-" is derived from the Latin word "semis" meaning "half" and is commonly used to indicate something that is halfway or partially. "Hemi-" is also derived from the Greek word "hēmi-" meaning "half" and is used to indicate something that is divided into two equal parts. Both prefixes convey the idea of something being only partially or halfway.

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  • 44. 

    Give the correct prefixes meaning many

    • Poly-

    • Quadri-

    • Multi-

    • Mono-

    • Pan-

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Poly-
    A. Multi-
    Explanation
    The correct prefixes that mean many are "poly-" and "multi-". These prefixes are used to indicate a large quantity or number of something. For example, "polygamy" refers to having multiple spouses, and "multicolored" means having many different colors. These prefixes are commonly used in various words to convey the idea of abundance or multiple instances of something.

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  • 45. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning large

    • Leuco/-leuko-

    • Macro-

    • Diplo-

    • Hetero-

    • Mega-/megalo-

    Correct Answer
    A. Macro-
    Explanation
    The correct prefix meaning large is "macro-". This prefix is commonly used in words such as macroscopic, macroeconomics, and macrophage, where it indicates something large or on a large scale.

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  • 46. 

    Give the correct prefixes meaning against

    • Poly-

    • Contra-

    • Peri-

    • Brady-

    • Anti-

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Contra-
    A. Anti-
    Explanation
    The prefixes "contra-" and "anti-" both have a meaning of opposition or against. "Contra-" is often used to indicate opposition or contrast, while "anti-" is used to indicate opposition or hostility towards something.

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  • 47. 

    Give the correct prefix meaning within/in/into

    • Supra-

    • Inter-

    • En-/endo-

    • Intra-

    • Epi-

    Correct Answer
    A. En-/endo-
    Explanation
    The prefix "en-/endo-" means within or into. It is used to indicate something happening or being located within or inside of something else. For example, "endoskeleton" refers to the internal skeleton of an organism, while "endocrine" refers to the glands within the body that secrete hormones.

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  • 48. 

    Give the correct prefixes meaning absence of

    • Ab-

    • A-

    • An-

    • Ad-

    • Ante-

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. A-
    A. An-
    Explanation
    The prefixes "a-" and "an-" both mean absence of or without. They are used to form negative words or opposites of the base word. For example, "amoral" means without moral principles and "anarchy" means absence of government or order. These prefixes are commonly used in English to indicate negation or lack of something.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 16, 2023 +

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 16, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 08, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Annienicholls
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