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

hyster, hystero

womb

Yes, originally
Yes, later
Yes
.

Examples

Definition

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conversion hysteria (5)

(noun) - turn around + womb = a neurosis with physical symptoms with no physical basis, such as paralysis of the limbs; also called conversion reaction.

hysterectomy (3)

(noun) - womb + cut, cutting = surgical removal of the uterus. The plural is hysterectomies.

hysteria (2)

(noun) - from the Greek word, based on the idea that hysteria was a women's problem caused by the uterus = a neurosis marked by emotional excitability and other mental and physical problems; overwhelming or unmanageable fear or emotional displays. Hysterical and hysteric are the adjective forms, hysterically is the adverb and hysteric is a noun.

hysteroid (5)

(adj.) - womb + shape = resembling or prone to hysteria.

hysterotomy (5)

(noun) - womb + cut, cutting = cesarean section, delivering a baby by means of a surgical incision in the walls of the abdomen and uterus. Usually called 'c-section' or 'cesarean'. The plural is hysterotomies.