It's Greek To Me!

Greek and Latin Prefixes, Roots and Suffixes used in English
This page © 1999 by Nicholas E. Miller


Basic term

Meaning

Greek
Latin
Prefix
Suffix

dent, denti

tooth

.
Yes
Yes
.

Examples

Definition

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dental (2)

(adj.) - from the Latin word = relating to teeth or dentistry; voiced with the tip of the tongue against the upper front teeth. Dentally is the adverb form.

dental floss (2)

(noun) - from the Latin word + floss = a piece of string or thread used to clean between the teeth.

dental hygienist (3)

(noun) - from the Latin word + hygienist = a licensed dental professional who cleans and examines teeth.

dental technician (3)

(noun) - from the Latin word + technician = one who makes dental devices.

interdental (4)

(adj.) - among + tooth = between the teeth; voiced with the tip of the tongue between the upper and lower front teeth. Interdentally is the adverb form.

labiodental (4)

(adj.) - lip + tooth = voiced by the lip and teeth. Labiodental is the noun form.

denticle (5)

(noun) - tooth + icle = a cone shaped projection, like a small tooth.

denticulate (5)

(adj.) - tooth + -culate = finely saw-toothed. Denticulation is the noun form.

dentiform (4)

(adj.) - tooth + shape = shaped like a tooth.

dentifrice (2)

(noun) - tooth + to rub = a powder or paste for cleaning the teeth.

dentin or dentine (4)

(noun) - from the word = a calcium containing material harder than bone that makes up the predominate mass of a tooth. Dentinal is the adjective form..

dentist (1)

(noun) - tooth + ist = one who prevents and treats diseases, injuries, and deformities of the teeth and mouth .

dentistry (2)

(noun) - tooth + istry = the profession of a dentist.

dentition (4)

(noun) - tooth + cut = teeth; the growth and cutting of teeth.