THE ROLE OF LATIN AFFIXES (PREFIXES AND SUFFIXES) IN MEANING FORMATION WITHIN ANATOMICAL AND CLINICAL TERMINOLOGY

Abstract

This article examines the semantic and functional roles of Latin affixes—prefixes and suffixes—in the formation of meaning in anatomical and clinical terminology. It argues that affixation enables concise and standardized encoding of direction, location, quantity, condition, and process characteristics within medical terms. In anatomical nomenclature, affixes are shown to primarily convey topographic features (orientation, proximity, position), whereas in clinical terminology they often specify pathological processes (inflammation, pain, tumors, insufficiency, etc.). Through illustrative examples, the study highlights how affixes contribute to the systematization of terminological units, reduce synonymy, and enhance precision in international medical communication.