Building Medical WordsHESI A2 cheat sheet

Prefix, root, combining vowel, suffix

9 key facts 3 practice questions Reviewed Oct 2026

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The Parts

Prefix modifies the beginning
Root carries the core meaning
Combining vowel (usually o) joins parts
Suffix gives the condition or procedure

The Rule

Keep the combining vowel before a suffix starting with a consonant
Drop it before a suffix starting with a vowel
gastroscopy, but gastritis

Reading Order

Read the suffix first, then the prefix, then the root

Worked

Electrocardiogram = electro (electrical) + cardi (heart) + gram (record)

Key takeaway

Prefix, root, combining vowel, suffix

Before you read

Test yourself first: 3 questions

Question 1 of 3

'He gave a CONCISE report at the change of shift.' Concise means:

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