What does the prefix CIRCUM- mean?

Explore the AMCI Introduction to Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with comprehensive questions and breakdowns, enhancing your foundational medical knowledge. Achieve success with our engaging study tools!

Multiple Choice

What does the prefix CIRCUM- mean?

Explanation:
CIRCUM- means around. It’s used in medical terms to indicate something that surrounds or encircles another structure. For example, circumference is the distance around a circle, circumscribed describes something drawn around a boundary, and circumcision refers to cutting around the foreskin. By comparison, terms for inside use intra- or endo-, for outside use ecto- or extra-, and for between use inter-. So the prefix signals around rather than inside, outside, or between.

CIRCUM- means around. It’s used in medical terms to indicate something that surrounds or encircles another structure. For example, circumference is the distance around a circle, circumscribed describes something drawn around a boundary, and circumcision refers to cutting around the foreskin. By comparison, terms for inside use intra- or endo-, for outside use ecto- or extra-, and for between use inter-. So the prefix signals around rather than inside, outside, or between.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy