pac– {peace}: pacific, pacifist, pacify, pact, requiescat in pace (abbr. R.I.P.) ●appease, peace ●same as pax– || 
L pacis, gen. of pax : peace
pachy(s)– {thick}: pachycephalosaur, pachyderm, pachymeninx, pachysandra, pachytene || Gr pakhus : thick
pack– {pack, package}: backpack, pack, package, packet, six-pack || ME pakke MDu pak 
similar term arising from the wool trade of the Low Countries and carried throughout Europe during medieval times †
pact– {to strike, to press together}: compact, impact, impacted ●unrelated: pact || L –pactus (comb. form), pp. of pangere : to fix, to fasten
pag–1 {page of a book, scene of a play}: page (leaf), pageant, pageantry, paginal, pagination || L pagina : page pangere : to fasten
pag–2 ●see propag–
pal–1 {pale}: appall, pale (white), pall (to become wearisome), pallid, pallor || L pallidus : pale & pallere : to be pale
pal–2 {stake, area staked out}: impale, pale (stake), paling, palisade, Palo Alto, paloverde || L palus : stake
palat– {palace}: palatinate, palatine, palatial ●paladin || L palatium : palace Palatium : Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, where Augustus Cæsar lived
pale(o)– {ancient, prehistoric}: paleoanthropic, paleobiology, Paleocene, paleography, Paleolithic, paleontology, Paleozoic || Gr palaios : ancient
palin– {again}: palindrome, palingenesis, palinode ●palimpsest || Gr palin : again
pall– {covering, cloak}: pall (covering), pallbearer, palliate, palliative, pallium || L pallium : a cover, akin to palla : cloak, mantle
palm– {palm of the hand; hence: palm tree (the palm leaf somewhat resembles the palm of the hand)}: palm (of the hand), palm (tree), palmar, palmate, palmatifid, palmer, palmetto, palmistry, palmitate, palmyra || L palma : palm of the hand
palp– {to feel, to touch}: palp, palpable, palpate, palpitate, palpus, pedipalp || L palpitare, freq. of palpare : to touch, to feel
palud– {swamp, marsh}: paludal, paludism || L paludis, gen. of palus : marsh
palyn– {dust, spores, pollen}: melissopalynology, palynology, palynomorph || Gr palynein : to strew, to sprinkle palē : fine meal, dust IE *pel– : dust, meal, flour
pan–1 {all}: pan (to move a camera), panacea, Pan-American, panchromatic, pancreas, pandect, pandemic, pandemonium, Pandora, panegyric, Pangaea, pangram, panoply, panoptic, panorama, Panthalassa, pantheism, pantheon, Pantone™ ●extended form: panto– || Gr pan, neut. of pas : all, every, universal
pan–2 {bread}: accompany, appanage, companion, company, impanation, panada, panatela, pannier, pantry ●Span. pan || L panis : bread
pan–3 {a flat piece of cloth}: pane, panel || L pannus : piece of cloth & VL pannellus, dim. of pannus
pand–, pans– {to spread out}: expand, expanse, expansion, spandex, spandrel ●same as pass–1 || L pandere (pp. pansum or passum) : to spread out, to extend
pans– ●see pand–
panto– {all}: pantograph, pantomime ●extension of pan–1 || Gr pantos, gen. of pan : all, every, universal
papill–1 {nipple, pimple, swelling}: papilla, papilloma, papillomavirus || L papilla : nipple, dim. of papula : swelling, pimple
papill–2 {butterfly}: papillon, papillote || L papilio : butterfly
papyr– {papyrus, paper}: papyraceous, papyrology, papyrus || L papyrus Gr papyros prob. Coptic prob. Egyptian
par–1 {through, by}: paramount, paramour, par avion, parboil, pardon, par excellence, parfait, parget, parterre, parvenu ●same as per–1 || Fr par– L per, per– : through, by, for, etc.
par–2 {equal}: comparable, compare, disparage, disparate, disparity, nonpareil, par, pari-mutuel, parity, parlay, primus inter pares ●pair ●same as peer– || L par : equal
par–3 {to give birth}: fissiparous, multiparous, nulliparous, oviparous, ovoviparous, parent, primipara, viviparous ●same as partu–, per–3 || L parere (pp. partum) : to bring forth, to bear
par–4 {to prepare, to set, to provide, to furnish}: apparatus, apparel, inseparable, irreparable, parade, parament, pare, parrel, parry, parure, prepare, rampart, reparations, semper paratus, separate ●repair ●more at para–2 ●see also sever–2 || L parare : to prepare, to set in order, to arrange
par–5 {to appear}: apparent, apparition, apparitor, transparent || L –pārere (comb. form) & pārere : to appear, to come forth, to be visible
par(a)–1 {generally has the sense of ‘beside or alongside;’ by extension: by, beyond, aside from, past, wrong, amiss}: parable, parabola, Paraclete, paradigm, paradox, paragon, paragraph, paralegal, parallax, parallel, paralyze, paramecium, paramedic, parameter, paramilitary, paranoia, paranormal, paraphernalia, paraphrase, paraplegia, parapsychology, parasite, paravane, paregoric, parenthesis, paresthesia, parish, parley (→parl–), parochial, parody, parole, paronomasia, paroxysm, parsec || Gr para– : at the side of, alongside
par(a)–2 {protection}: parachute, parados, parapet, parasol, paratrooper, parfleche, parry ●spar (to fight) ●specialized use of par–4 || L parare : to prepare, to set in order, to arrange
parc– {partition}: coparcener, parcel, parcenary ●see also part– || ME Anglo-Fr parc– OFr parç– L partitio ult. L pars (gen. partis) : part, portion
pard– {panther}: camelopard, leopard, pard || L pardus Gr pardos : panther Persian?
parl– {discourse}: parlance, parlando, parley, parliament, parlor ●parole ●unrelated: parlous, parlay ●from parable, comb. of para–1 + bol–2 || OFr parler : to speak OFr LL(Ec) parabolare : to speak parabola : a speech, a parable L parabola : comparison Gr parabolē : analogy para : beside, alongside + bolē : a stroke, a throwing ballein : to throw; “to throw [two things] alongside”, hence: a comparison
part– {to divide into parts}: apart, apartment, compartment, counterpart, depart, department, departure, impart, impartial, part, partake, partial, participate, participle, particle, parti–colored, particular, particulate, partisan, partition, partitive, partner, party, repartee, tripartite ●parse ●Afrik. apartheid ●see also parc–, portion– || L partis, gen. of pars : part, portion
parthen– {virgin}: parthenocarpy, parthenogenesis, Parthenon, Parthenope || Gr parthenos : maiden, virgin
partu– {to give birth}: parturifacient, parturition, postpartum ●same as par–3 || L partum, pp. of parere : to bring forth, to bear
parv– {small}: parvoline, parvovirus ●unrelated: parvenu, parvis ●comparative forms: minor–, minu– ●superlative form: minim– || L parvus : small (compar. minor, superl. mimimus)
pass–1 {to spread, to step, to go, to pass}: bandpass, bypass, compass (all senses), encompass, en passant, impassable, impasse, overpass, pass, passable, passade, passage, passageway, passant, passbook, passé, passenger, passer-by, passim, passkey, Passover, passport, password, surpass, trespass, underpass ●pace, past, pastime ●Fr. pas ●same as pand– ●see also pat– || L passus : step, stretch out the legs, pp. of pandere : to stretch out
pass–2 {to suffer}: compassion, dispassionate, impassioned, impassive, passion, passionate, passive ●same as pati– || L passio : suffering passus, pp. of pati : to endure, to suffer
past–1 {paste}: impasto, pasta, paste, pasteboard, pastel, pasticcio, pastiche, pasties, pastry ●Fr. pâté, patisserie || LL pasta : paste
past–2 {to feed}: antipasto, pastern, pastille, pastor, pastoral, pastorale, pastorate, pasturage, pasture, repast || L pastus, pp. of pascere : to feed
pat– {to spread out, to be open}: letters patent, patency, patent, patulous ●see also pass–1 || L patens (gen. patentis), prp. of patēre : to be open, to lie or stand open
path– {feelings, bad feelings, suffering, disease}: antipathy, apathy, empathy, encephalopathy, homeopath, naturopath, osteopathy, pathetic, pathogen, pathology, pathos, –pathy, psychopath, sociopath, sympathy, telepathy || Gr pathos : suffering, disease, feeling
pati– {to suffer}: compatible, impatient, patient (all senses) ●same as pass–2 || L pati : to suffer partic. patiens (gen. patientis) patientia : endurance
patr– {father, the fatherland}: allopatric, compatriot, expatriate, paterfamilias, paternal, paternity, Pater Noster, patriarch, Patricia, patrician, patricide, Patrick, patrilineal, patrilocal, patrimony, patriot, patristic, patron, patronize, patronymic, repatriate, sympatric ●compadre, Jupiter ●Span. padre ●It. padrone ●Ger. Vater ●same as petr–2 ●compare matr– || L pater : father patrōnus : protector, defender
pause– {to stop, to end}: heliopause, menopause, pause, tropopause ●pose || L pausa Gr pausis : a standing, a stopping pauein : to bring to an end, to stop
pax– {peace}: pax, Pax Americana, Pax Romana ●same as pac– || L pax (gen. pacis) : peace IE *pak– *pag– : to fasten (“to bind together in a pact”)
pe– {foot soldier}: peon ●pawn (chess piece), pioneer ●see also ped–1, pied– || Sp peón or Port peão or OFr peon ML pedo (gen. pedonis) : foot solder LL, one who has flat feet L pedis (gen. of pes) : foot IE *ped– : foot
peal– {to address, to entreat, to summon}: appeal, peal, repeal ●same as pell– || L –pellare (with prefixes) : to address, to entreat, to accost
pecc– {to err, to sin}: impeccable, peccadillo, peccant, peccavi || L peccare : to sin
pect–1 {to congeal}: pectase, pectate, pectin || Gr pēktos : congealed
pect–2 {comb}: pecten, pectinate || L pectere : to comb
pector– {breast}: angina pectoris, expectorant, expectorate, pectoral ●parapet || L pectoris, gen. of pectus : breast
pecu– {money, possessions, private property}: impecunious, peculate, peculiar, peculium, pecuniary || L peculium : private property & pecunia : money pecus : cattle
ped–1 {foot}: biped, centipede, expedient, expedite, expedition, impede, impediment, maxilliped, millipede, moped, pedal, pedestal, pedestrian, pedicab, pedicel, pedicure, pedigree, pedipalp, pedometer, peduncle, pinniped, quadruped, sesquipedalian, velocipede ●see also pe–, pied–, pod–, pus– || L pedis, gen. of pes : foot IE *ped– : foot
ped–2, paed– {child}: pederasty, pediatrician, pedodontics, pedogenesis, pedology, pedomorphism, pedophile ●more at ped–3 || Gr paid : child
ped–3, paed– {training, education, rearing of children}: encyclopedia, hypnopedia, orthopedic, pedagogue, pedant, pedantic, propaedutic ●ultimately same as ped–2 || Gr paideia : training of children & paideuein : to instruct paid : child
ped–4 {earth, ground, soil}: parallelepiped, pedocal, pedogenesis, pedology || Gr pedon : the ground
peer– {equal}: peer (equal), peer (nobleman), peerage, peerless ●same as par–1 || ME OFr L par : equal
pejor– {worse}: pejoration, pejorative ●impair ●comparative of mal– ●compare melior– ●See also Appendix C || L pejor : worse
pel–1 {to push}: compel, dispel, expel, impel, propel, propellor, repel, repellant ●same as puls– || L pellere (pp. pulsum) : to set in motion, to drive, to push
pel–2 {skin}: pelisse, pellagra, pellicle, pelt, peltry ●surplice || L pellus : skin
pelag– {ocean}: archipelago, bathypelagic, epipelagic, mesopelagic, pelagic ●unrelated: pelage || L pelagicus Gr pelagos : sea IE *plāk– : to be flat
pell– {to entreat, to address}: appellant, appellate, appellation, appellative, compellation, interpellate ●rappel ●same as peal– || L –pellare (with prefixes) : to address, to entreat, to accost
pelt– {shield}: peltast, peltate ●unrelated: pelt || L pelta Gr peltē : light shield
pemph– {bubble, blister}: pemphigus || ML Gr pemphigos, gen. of pemphix : bubble
pen–1 {almost, scarcely}: antepenult, peneplain, peninsula, penult, penultimate, penumbra, penury || L paene : almost, scarcely
pen–2 {pen [writing implement]; orginally, a quill}: pen, penknife, penlight, penman, penmanship ●unrelated: pencil ●same as penn– || ME OFr penne : pen, quill, feather L pinna, var. of penna : feather
pen–3 {pain, punishment}: penal, penalize, penalty, penology ●subpoena ●same as pine–, pun– || L poena : punishment Gr poinē : penalty, fine
pen–4 {repentance}: penance, penitent, penitentiary, repent || L paenitēre : to repent, to regret paenitentia : repentance, regret
pen–5 {inward, internal, to go into or within}: impenetrable, penetralia, penetrance, penetrate || L penetrare (pp. penetratus) : to put into, to pass into, to penetrate; & penitus : inward, internal
pen–6 {tail}: pencil, penicillin, penicillium, penile, penis || L penis : tail, penis (dim. penicillus)
pend– {to hang, to weigh [out]}: append, appendage, appendectomy, appendix, compendium, depend, expend, expendable, expenditure, impend, independent, pend, pendant, pendent, pending, pendulous, pendulum, perpend, perpendicular, spend, stipend, suspend, vilipend ●penthouse ●same as pens– ●see also ponder– || L pendere : to hang, to weigh out
penia– {lack, paucity}: leukopenia, neutropenia, panleukopenia || Gr penia : poverty, lack
penn– {feather}: empennage, pennant, pennate, penne (pasta), pennon ●same as pinn– ●see also pen–2 || OFr penne : feather L pinna, var. of penna : feather IE *petna– : feather IE base *pet– : to fly
pens– {to hang, to weigh [out]}: compensate, dispensary, dispensation, dispense, expense, expensive, indispensable, pensile, pension, pensive, propensity, recompense, suspense, suspension ●penchant, Spencer ●same as pend– || L pensum, pp. of pendere : to hang, to weigh out & pensare (freq. of pendere) : to weigh carefully, to ponder, to consider, to compensate
pent– {five}: pentacle, pentad, pentagon, pentagram, pentamerous, pentameter, pentastich, Pentateuch, pentathlon, Pentecost, pentode, Pentothal Sodium™ || Gr pente : five
peps–, pept– {digestion}: dyspepsia, eupeptic, Pepsi Cola™, pepsin, pepsinogen, peptic, peptide, Pepto-Bismol™, peptone || L pepticus Gr pepsis : digestion peptein : to digest
pept– ●see peps–
per–1 {through, in all the senses of through: through, throughout, completely, by means of, because of; also has the sense of ‘according to’ and ‘for each’}: ampersand, appertain, impervious, perambulator, per capita, perceive, percent, percolate, percussion, per diem, perdition, perennial, perfect, perfidy, perforate, perform, perfume, perish, perjure, permanent, permeate, permit, permutation, pernicious, perorate, peroxide, perpendicular, perpetrate, perpetual, perplex, per se, persecute, persevere, persiflage, persist, perspective, perspicacious, perspire, persuade, pertain, perturb, peruse, pervade, pervert, repercussion ●same as par–1 || L per : through
per–2 {to cover, to uncover}: aperient, apéritif, aperture, operculate, operculum, pert ●see also cover–, overt– || L aperire (pp. apertum) : to uncover, to expose, to open & opposite operire (pp. opertum) : to cover operculum : a cover; both possibly parere : to bring forth, to bear
per–3 {to give birth, to produce}: puerperal, puerperium, repertoire, repertory, viper ●same as par–3, partu– || L –perire (with prefixes) (pp. –pertum) parere : to produce, to bear, to bring forth
peri– {about, around, encircling, enclosing}: pericardium, pericarp, perigee, perihelion, perimeter, perinephrium, perineum, period, periodic, periodontal, peripatetic, periphery, periphrasis, periscope, peristalsis, peristome, peristyle, peritoneum, peritonitis ●paradise || Gr peri : around
perisso– {uneven (number), irregular}: perissodactyl ●compare artio– || Gr perissos : uneven, irregular
person– {person, traits or attributes of a person}: impersonate, person, persona, personable, personage, personal, personality, personalize, personally, persona non grata, personify, personnel ●parson || L persōna : a face mask worn by actors in Roman and Greek dramas; hence: a role, a person played by an actor, a character persōnātus : person wearing a mask, persōnālis : of a person (prob.) Etr. phersu : mask
pessim– {worst}: pessimism, pessimist ●Fr. tant pis ●superlative of mal– ●compare optim– ●See also Appendix C || L pessimus : worst
pest–1 {plague}: pest, pesticide, pestiferous, pestilence, rinderpest ●pesky ●unrelated: pester || L pestis : plague, pestilence pestifer : pestiferous, pestilens : pestilential
pest–2 ●see pist–
pet– {to go toward, to seek}: acropetal, appetite, centripetal, compete, competent, competition, competitive, impetuous, impetus, incompetent, perpetual, perpetuate, perpetuity, petition, petulant, repetend, repetition, repetitive ●repeat ●same as pit–1 || L petere : to rush at, to assail
petit–, petti–, petty– {small, smaller}: petite, petit jury, petit mal, petits fours, petticoat, pettifog, petty, petty officer ●compare grand– || ME pety OFr petit : small †
petr–1 {stone}: Peter, petrify, petrochemical, petroglyph, petrol, petrolatum, petroleum, petrology, saltpeter || L petra : rock Gr petra : rock & petros : stone
petr–2 {to father, hence: to accomplish, to achieve, to get}: impetrate, perpetrate ●same as patr– || L –petrare (with prefixes) patrare : to father pater : father
petti– ●see petit–
petty– ●see petit–
pex– {to fix in place}: calcipexis, colopexy, colpopexy, hysteropexy, mastopexy, retinopexy, viropexis || Gr pēxiā : fixing pēgnunai : to fix in place
phag– {to eat}: aerophagia, anthropophagous, aphagia, autophagy, bacteriophage, coprophagous, dysphagia, esophagus, euryphagous, hyperphagia, ichthyophagous, macrophage, microphage, necrophagous, odynophagia, phagocyte, phyllophagous, rhizophagous, sarcophagus, scatophagous, xylophagous || L –phagus (with prefixes) Gr –phagos phagein : to eat
phalang–, phalanx– {finger bone; also a line of battle used by the ancient Greeks: phalanx}: phalange, phalanger, phalangeal, phalanx ●phalanstery || L Gr phalanx (pl. phalanges) : line of battle, finger bone
phalanx– ●see phalang–
phall– {phallus}: aphallia, apophallation, ithyphallic, phallation, phallic, phallocentric, phalloplasty, phallus || L phallus Gr phallos : phallus IE *bhel– : to blow, to swell; hence: swollen or round object
phan– {to show, to appear}: aphanite, cellophane, diaphanous, epiphany, lithophany, theophany ●more at phaner–, phant– ●same as phas–1, phen– ●see also fan–2 || Gr phainein : to show, to appear
phaner– {visible}: phanerite, phanerogam, phanerophyte, Phanerozoic ●part of phan– || Gr phaneros : visible phainein : to show
phant– {to show, to appear, a person or thing that shows or appears}: hierophant, phantasm, phantasmagoria, phantom, sycophant ●part of phan– || L phantasma Gr –phantēs (comb. form) : one who shows phainein : to show, to appear
pharm(ac)– {drug, medicine}: alexipharmic, pharmaceutical, pharmacist, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, pharmacognosy, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, pharmacopoeia, pharmacotherapy, pharmacy || Gr pharmakon : poison, drug
pharyng–, pharynx– {pharynx}: pharyngeal, pharyngitis, pharyngology, pharyngoscope, pharynx || Gr pharynx, gen. pharyngos : throat
pharynx– ●see pharyng–
phas–1 {to show, to appear}: anaphase, emphasis, metaphase, phase, phasmid, prophase, telephase ●emphatic ●same as phan–, phen– || L phasis Gr phainein : to show, to appear
phas–2 {to speak, to say}: aphasia, apophasis, dysphasia ●see also fa–, phon– || Gr phasiā : speech phasis : utterance phanai : to say
phell– {cork}: phellem, phelloderm, phellogen || Gr phellos : cork
phem– {voice, to speak}: euphemism, Polyphemus ●see also phet–, phon– ●unrelated morpheme, grapheme || Gr phēmē : saying, report phanai : to speak
phen– {to appear}: phenetic, phenobarbital, phenocopy, phenol, phenology, phenomenon, phenomenal, phenotype, phenyl, phosphene ●same as phan–, phas–1 || Gr phainein : to show
pheng– {light, luster}: phengite, Phengodidae || Gr phengos : light, luster
pher– {to bear, to carry}: Christopher, peripheral, periphery, pheromone, telpher ●same as phor– ●see also fer–1 || Gr pherein : to carry, to bear IE *bher– : to carry, to bring
phet– {to speak}: prophet ●prophecy, prophesy ●unrelated: aphetic ●see also phem–, phon– || Gr phanai : to speak
phil– {love, fondness, attraction, affinity}: acidophilus, Anglophile, audiophile, bibliophile, halophile, hemophilia, homophile, necrophilia, oenophile, paraphilia, pedophile, Philadelphia, philander, philanthropist, philately, philharmonic, Philip, philodendron, philogyny, philology, philosophy, philter, photophilic, Russophile, Sinophile, spermophile, xerophilous, zoophilia || Gr philos : loving
phleb– {vein}: phlebitis, phlebography, phlebology, phlebosclerosis, phlebotomy, thrombophlebitis || Gr phlebos, gen of phleps : vein
phleg– ●see phlog–
phlog–, phleg– {to burn, flame, to be inflamed, hence: bodily humors resulting from inflammation}: antiphlogistic, Phlegethon, phlegm, phlegmatic, phlogistic, phlogiston, phlogopite ●phlox ●see also flagr– || Gr phlogozein : to heat, to inflame, to set on fire phlegethein : to blaze phlegein : to burn
phob– {fear}: acrophobia, agoraphobia, ailurophobia, algophobia, arachnophobia, claustrophobia, homophobia, hydrophobia, lyophobic, necrophobia, nyctophobia, –phobe, phobia, –phobia, photophobia, scotophobia, technophobe, triskaidekaphobia, xenophobia || L phobus Gr phobos : fear
phoc– {seal [marine animal]}: phocine, phocomelia || L phoca Gr phōkē : a seal
phon– {sound, speech}: allophone, antiphon, aphonia, cacophony, Dictaphone™, dysphonia, euphonious, Francophone, homophone, hydrophone, megaphone, microphone, phon, phoneme, phonetic, phonics, phonogram, phonograph, phonolite, phonon, phonotype, polyphonic, quadraphonic, saxophone, sousaphone, stereophonic, symphony, telephone, vibraphone, xylophone ●unrelated: colophon ●see also phem–, phas–2 || Gr phōnē : sound, voice
phor– {to bear, to carry}: adiaphorous, amphora, anaphora, chromatophore, diaphoresis, dysphoria, electrophoresis, euphoria, gametophore, gonophore, metaphor, oophorectomy, phoresis, phosphorescent, phosphorus, pneumatophore, pyrophoric, semaphore, siphonophore, spermatophore ●same as pher– ●see also fer–1 || ModL –phorus, –phorum (comb. forms) Gr –phoros, –phoron pherein : to bear IE *bher– : to carry, to bring
phos– {light}: phosgene, phosphate, phosphene, phosphorescent, phosphorous, phosphorus, phosphor ●same as phot– || Gr phōs (gen. phōtos) : a light
phot– {light}: aphotic, euphotic, phot, photobiology, photocell, photochemical, photocopy, photoelectric, photoengraving, photogenic, photograph, photokinesis, photometer, photon, photophobia, photopia, pototsensitive, photosphere, photosynthesis, phototropism, telephoto ●same as phos– || Gr phōtos, gen. of phōs : a light
phragm– {fence, enclosure}: diaphragm, epiphragm || Gr phragma : fence phrassein : to enclose
phras– {to speak}: antiphrasis, holophrastic, metaphrase, paraphrase, periphrasis, phrase, phraseology || L phrasis : diction Gr phrazein : to speak
phreat– {a well, groundwater, spring}: phreatic, phreatophyte || Gr phreatos, gen. of phrear ) : a well, a spring
phren–, fren–2 {the mind}: frenetic, frenzy, hebephrenia, phrenic, phrenitis, phrenology, schizophrenia ●frantic || Gr phrēn (gen. phrenos) : midriff, heart, mind, mental capacity
phthal– {clipped form of naphthalene}: phthalein, phthalic, phthalin, phthalocyanine ●see also naphth– || naphthalene
phther– {leather}: diphtheria, diphtheritic || Gr diphthera : leather dephein : to tan hides
phthis– {to waste away}: phthisis || L Gr phthisis : a decay phthiein : to waste away
phthong– {sound, voice}: diphthong, monophthong || Gr phthongos : voice, sound
phyc– {seaweed, alga}: –phyceae, –phyceous, phycobilin, phycocyanin, phycoerythrin, phycology, phycomycete, phycoxanthine || ML Gr phykos : seaweed, alga
phyl– {tribe, clan, race, class}: homophyly, monophyletic, phyle, phyletic, phylogeny, phylum || Gr phylon : tribe
phylact–, phylax– {to guard, to protect}: anaphylaxis, phylactery, phylaxis, prophylactic, prophylaxis || Gr phylaktēion : a safeguard phylassein : to defend phylax : watchman
phylax– ●see phylact–
phyll– {leaf}: aphyllous, cladophyll, chlorophyll, Phyllis, phyllode, phyllophagous, phyllopod, phyllotaxy, phylloxera, xanthophyll ●see also foil– || ModL Gr phyllon : leaf
phys– {to blow, to inflate, bellows}: antiphysical, emphysema, physostigmine, physostomous || Gr physa : bellows
physic– {nature, growth, life, hence: natural science}: astrophysics, geophysical, metaphysics, physic, physical, physician, physics ●physique ●same as physio–, phyt– || L physica : natural science Gr physikō physis : nature phyein : to produce, to become
physi(o)– {nature, growth, life}: apophysis, Monophysite, paraphysis, physiatrics, physiognomy, physiology, physiotherapy, symphysis ●same as physic–, phyt– ●see also diphy– || Gr physis : nature phyein : to produce, to become
phyt– {nature, growth, hence: plant life}: epiphyte, holophyte, neophyte, phytochemistry, phytoflagellate, phytogenesis, phytogenic, phytography, phytolith, phytology, phyton, phytopathology, phytophagous, phytoplankton, phytosociology, saprophyte, spermatophyte, sporophyte, xerophyte, zoophyte ●same as physic– ●compare zo– || Gr phyton : a plant & phytos : planted; akin to phyein : to grow
pi– {piety}: expiate, impious, Pia, piacular, Pietà, piety, pious, Pope Pius ●same as pit–2 || L pius : acting dutifully, dutiful pietās, pietātus : dutiful conduct, doing one’s duty to the gods & piare : to appease the gods by offering
pia– {soft, tender}: fortepiano, pia mater, pianissimo, pianist, piano (instrument), piano (softly), pianoforte ●compare dur–1, fort–2 || It. smooth L plānus : smooth, flat IE *pelə‒ : flat, level, to spread out
pic–, pitch– {pitch [tree sap]}: piceous, picoline, pitch, pitchblende || L pix (gen. picis) : pitch
picr– {bitter}: chloropicrin, picrate, picric acid, picrite, picrotoxin || Gr pikros : bitter
pict– {to paint, to draw, picture}: depict, pictograph, Pictor, pictorial, picture, picturesque ●pigment ●same as pint– || LL pictura : picture & pictor : painter pictus, pp. of pingere : to paint
pie(d)– {foot}: cap-à-pie, pied-à-terre, piedmont ●see also pe–, ped–1, pod–, pus– || Fr & It L pedis, gen. of pes : foot IE *ped– : foot
piez– {to press, pressure}: piezochemistry, piezoelectric, piezometer || Gr piezein : to press
pil–1 {hair}: caterpillar, depilate, depilatory, horripilation, pilar, pile (as on a carpet), pileous, piliferous, piliform, pilose, pilus ●pelage || L pilus : hair
pil–2 {pillar, heap}: compile, pilaster, pile (heap), pillar || L pila : pillar
pile– {cap}: pileate, pileum, pileus || L pileus or pileum : felt cap; akin to pilus : hair
pin–1 {pine tree, pine cone}: piña cloth, piña colada, pinaceous, pinaster, piñata, pine, pineal, pineapple, pinene, pinery, pinetum, pinitol, pinnace, piñon || L pinus : pine tree
pin–2 {to drink}: pinocytosis, pinosome || Gr pinein : to drink
pince– {to pinch}: pince-nez, pincers || Fr pincer OFr pincier NormFr pincher VL pinctiare ?punctiare : to prick
pine– {pain}: pine (to yearn), repine ●pain ●same as pen–3, pun– || ME pinen OE pinian : to torment pin : pain L poena : punishment Gr poinē : penalty, fine
pinn– {feather, wing}: pinna, pinnacle, pinnate, pinnatifid, pinnatisect, pinniped, pinnule ●same as pen–2 || L pinna : feather
pint– {to paint, painted}: pint, pinta, pintado, pinto ●paint ●Sp. pintura ●same as pict– || Fr, Sp, Port pint– : painted, to paint VL pinctare L picta, fem. pp. of pingere : to paint, to draw
pir– {trial, to attempt}: empirical, empiricism, pirate ●see also exper– || Gr peiratēs peirān : to attempt, to attack peira : a trial, experiment
pisc– {fish}: piscary, piscatorial, Pisces, pisciculture, pisciform, piscine, piscivorous ●porpoise ●Sp. pescado ●Fr. poisson || L piscis : fish
pist–, pest–2 {pestle, to pound}: pestle, pesto, pistil, piston, piste ●unrelated: pistol || LL pistare, freq. of pinsere : to stamp, to pound, to crush pistor : grinder, miller
pit–1 {to seek favor, favorable}: propitiate, propitious || L propitiare : to soothe, to propitiate, to appease propitius : favorable, propitious
pit–2 {piety, to have pious compassion}: pitiful, pittance, pity ●same as pi– || L pietas : piety
pitch– ●see pic–
pithec– {ape}: Australopithecus, Cercopithecidae, Cercopithecus, Dryopithecus, Gigantopithecus, Pithecanthropus, pithecoid || ModL Gr pithēkos : ape
plac–1 {calm, to soothe, to please, to be agreeable}: complacent, implacable, non placet, placate, placebo, Placentia, placid; complaisant ●same as plea– || L placere : to please; placidus : gentle, mild; placare : to calm, to soothe
plac–2 {flat cake, flat object}: placenta, placoid || Gr plakous– : flat cake plax : flat plate, tablet
place– {a place, to put in place}: displace, emplace, irreplaceable, misplace, place, placement, placer, replace ●plaza ●It. piazza ●see also plat–, platy– || OFr L platea : a broad street (in LL, an open place) Gr plateia : street platys : broad IE *pelə– : flat, to smooth out
plag(i)– {side, oblique, slanted}: plagal, plage, plagiocephaly, plagioclase, plagiotropic ●unrelated: plague, plagiarism || MGr plagios : plagal Gr plagos : side
plain–1 {lament}: complain, complaint, plaint, plaintiff, plaintive ●plangent || L planctus : lamentation, pp. of plangere : to beat the breast, to lament
plain–2 {level, flat}: explain, peneplain, plain ●same as plan–2 ●see also place–, plat–, platy– || L planus : flat, level & planare : to plane, to make level IE *pelə– : flat, level, to spread out
plait– {to fold, to plait, to weave}: plait ●pleat ●same as play–, ple–, plex–, pli–, plic–, ploy–, ply– || ME pleit OFr L plicta pp. of plicare : to fold IE *plek– : to plait, to fold
plan–1 {to wander, to drift}: planet, planetary, planetesimal, plankton || ME planete OFr LL planeta Gr planētēs : wanderer planan : to lead astray, wander
plan–2 {level, flat}: airplane, esplanade, explanation, hydroplane, plan, planarian, plane (all senses), Plano ●same as plain–2 ●see also place–, plat–, platy– || L planus : flat, level & planare : to plane, to make level IE *pelə– : flat, level, to spread out
plant–1 {sole of the foot}: plantar, plantigrade, supplant || L planta : sole of the foot
plant–2 {to plant}: implant, plant, plantation, planter, transplant || L planta, prob. back-formation plantare : to smooth the soil for planting
plasia– {to mold, to form}: achondroplasia, dysplasia, cataplasia, metaplasia ●same as plasm–, plast– || Gr plasis : a molding plassein : to mold IE *pelə– : flat, to smooth out
plasm– {molded, formed}: cytoplasm, ectoplasm, idioplasm, metaplasm, neoplasm, plasma, plasmodium, protoplasm ●same as plasia–, plast– || Gr plasma : something molded plassein : to mold IE *pelə– : flat, to smooth out
plast– {to mold, to form}: anaplastic, aplastic, arthroplasty, dermatoplasty, neoplastic, plaster, plastic, plasticize, plastid, plastique, plastomer, –plasty ●same as plasia–, plasm– || L plasticus Gr plastikos plassein : to form, to mold IE *pelə– : flat, to smooth out
plat– {broad, flat}: plate, plateau, platelet, platen, platform, platinum, platitude, Plattdeutsch, Platte River, platter ●same as plain–2, plan–2, platy– || VL plattus Gr platys : broad, flat IE *pelə– : flat, to smooth out
platy– {broad, flat}: platyhelminth, platypus, platyrrhine ●same as plain–2, plan–2, plat– ●see also place– || Gr platys : broad, flat IE *pelə– : flat, to smooth out
plaud–, plaus– {to applaud}: applaud, applause, plaudit, plausible ●same as plod–, plos– || L plausum, pp. of plaudere : to clap hands, to strike
plaus– ●see plaud–
play– {to fold, to plait, to weave}: display, splay ●unrelated: play ●same as plait–, ple–, plex–, pli–, plic–, ploy–, ply– || ME displayen Ang-Norm despleier ML displicare : to unfold plicare : to fold IE *plek– : to plait, to fold
ple–, plet–1 {–fold; e.g. threefold}: multiple, triple, triplet, quadruple, quadruplet, quintuple, sextuple, septuple, octuple ●double, doublet, treble ●same as plait–, play–, plex–, pli–, plic–, ploy–, ply– || Fr ML –plare (as duplare, triplare) –plus (as in duplus, triplus) : to fold IE *plek– : to plait, to fold
plea– {to please}: displease, plea, plead, pleasant, please, pleasure, unpleasant ●complaisant ●Fr. s’il vous plaît ●same as plac–1 || ME plaisen MFr plaisir L placere : to please; akin to placidus : gentle, mild; placare : to calm, to soothe
pleb– {the common people}: plebe, plebeian, plebiscite, plebs || L plebs : in Roman society, the lower classes, the common people, the masses
plegi– {stroke}: diplegia, hemiplegia, paraplegia, –plegia, quadraplegic ●apoplexy || Gr –plēgia plēgē : a stroke; akin to plēssein : to strike IE *plāk– : to strike
plei– ●see pleo–
pleisto– {most}: Pleistocene ●pleisto– is the superlative form of poly– (many) and pleo– or pleio– (more) ●see also plur– || Gr pleistos : most IE *plēisto–, superlative form of *pel(ə)– : to fill, abundance, multitude
plem– {to fill}: complement, implement, supplement ●compliment, comply ●same as plen–, plet–2 || L plere : to fill IE *pel– or *pelə– : to fill
plen– {to fill}: plenary, plenipotentiary, plenitude, plenteous, plentiful, plenty, plenum, replenish ●supply ●same as plem–, plet–2 ●compare vac– || L plenitas plenus : full & plere : to fill IE *pel– or *pelə– : to fill
pleo–, plei– {more}: Pleiocene, pleiotaxy, pleiotropism, pleochroism, pleomorphism, pleonasm ●Pliocene ●positive form: poly– (many, much), comparative form: pleo– (more), superlative form: pleisto– (most) ●see also plur– || Gr pleon : more IE *plēion–, extended form of *pel(ə)– : to fill, abundance, multitude
plet–1 ●see ple–
plet–2 {to fill}: complete, deplete, expletive, replete ●accomplish, compleat, compline ●same as plem–, plen– || L –pletus, pp. of plere : to fill IE *pel– or *pelə– : to fill
pleth– {full}: plethora, plethysmograph || Gr plēthein : to be full
pleur– {side, rib}: pleura, pleurisy, pleurodont, pleuron, pleuropneumonia, pleurotomy || Gr pleura side, rib
plex– {to fold, to plait, to weave}: amplexicaul, complex, complexion, duplex, fourplex, perplex, plexus, simplex ●unrelated: apoplexy ●same as plait–, play–, ple–, pli–, plic–, ploy–, ply– || L plexus & –plexus (with prefixes) (gen. –plicis) : braided, plaited IE *plek– : to plait, to fold
pli– {to fold, to plait, to weave}: appliance, compliance, pliable, pliant, pliers, plight (condition), plissé ●same as plait–, play–, ple–, plex–, plic–, ploy–, ply– || L plicare (pp. plicātum) : to fold together IE *plek– : to plait, to fold
plic– {to fold, to plait, to weave}: accomplice, applicable, application, complicate, complice, complicity, duplicate, duplicity, explicate, explicit, implicate, implicit, inexplicable, multiplicand, multiplication, multiplicity, plica, plicate, plication, replica, replicate, supplicate, triplicate ●appliqué, supple ●same as plait–, play–, ple–, plex–, pli–, ploy–, ply– || L plicare (pp. plicātum) : to fold together & –plexus (with prefixes) (gen. –plicis) : braided, plaited IE *plek– : to plait, to fold
plod– {to clap}: displode, explode, implode ●same as plaud–, plos– || L –plōsum, pp. of –plōdere (with prefixes) plaudere : to applaud, to clap, to beat
ploid– {having the specified number}: diploid, haploid, hyperploid, ploidy, polyploid || –ploid, as in diploid Gr diploos : double + –oid : having the form of
plor– {to cry out, to wail}: deplore, explore, implore || L plōrare : to lament, to wail, to cry aloud
plos– {to clap}: explosion, explosive, implosion, plosive ●same as plaud–, plod– || L –plōdere (pp. –plōsum) (with prefixes) plaudere : to applaud, to clap, to beat
ploy– {to fold, to plait, to weave}: deploy, employ, ploy ●exploit ●same as plait–, play–, ple–, plex–, pli–, plic–, ply– || OFr L plicare (pp. plicātum) : to fold together & –plexus (with prefixes) (gen. –plicis) : braided, plaited IE *plek– : to plait, to fold
plum– {feather}: deplume, nom de plume, plumage, plumate, plume, plumose, plumule || L pluma : downy part of a feather, small soft feather
plumb– {the metal lead}: plumb (all senses), plumbago, plumbeous, plumber, plumbic, plumbiferous, plumbing, plumbism, plumbous ●aplomb, plummet, plunge, plunger || L plumbum : lead, the metal
plur–, plus– {more}: e pluribus unum, ne plus ultra, nonplus, plural, pluralism, pluriaxial, plus, plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose, plus fours, surplus ●pluperfect ●comparative of multi– ●see also pleo–, poly– ●see also Appendix C || L plūs (gen. plūris) : more; (compar. of multus) IE *pleu–, extended form of *pel(ə)– : to fill, abundance, multitude
plus– ●see plur–
pluto–1 {Pluto, god of the underworld, hence: the hot regions under the earth}: Pluto (god), Pluto (planet), Plutonian, plutonic, plutonium ●see also pluto–2 ●The Roman and Greek god Pluto and the Greek god Plutus are not the same, although their names derive from the same source. Plutus was the blind god of wealth. Pluto was the god of the underworld, but came to be associated with wealth, because of the notion that wealth came from beneath the earth (i.e., gold and silver). The planet Pluto is named after Pluto. || L Pluto Gr Ploutos ploutos : wealth
pluto–2 {wealth}: plutocracy, plutocrat ●Plutus (god of wealth) ●see also pluto–1 || Gr ploutos : wealth
pluv– {rain}: pluvial, pluviometer, pluviose || L pluvia : rain pluere (pp. plūvit or pluit) : to rain
ply– {to fold, to plait, to weave}: apply, four-ply, imply, multiply, ply (all senses), plywood, reply, two-ply ●same as plait–, play–, ple–, plex–, pli–, plic–, ploy– || OFr L plicare (pp. plicātum) : to fold together & –plexus (with prefixes) (gen. –plicis) : braided, plaited IE *plek– : to plait, to fold
pnea– {to breathe}: apnea, dyspnea, eupnea, hyperpnea, hypopnea, polypnea, tachypnea ●see also pneum– || Gr pnoiē : breathing pnein : to breath
pneum– {lungs, breath, air, spirit}: pneuma, pneumatic, pneumatology, pneumatolysis, pneumatometer, pneumatophore, pneumobacillus, pneumococcus, pneumonia, pneumonic, pneumothorax ●see also pnea–, pulmon– || Gr pneuma (gen. pneumatos) : air, spirit, breath pnein : to breathe
pod– {foot}: apodal, antipodes, arthropod, cephalopod, chiropodist, gastropod, podagra, podiatry, podium, sympodium, tripod ●same as pus– ●see also pe–, ped–1, pied– || Gr podos, gen. of pous : foot IE *pōd– *ped– : foot
poe– {to make}: chrysopoeia, onomatopoeia, pharmacopoeia, poem, poesy, poet, poetry, prosopopoeia || Gr poiein : to make
pogon– {beard}: pogonia, Pogonatum, Pogonomyrmex, pogonophoran || Gr pōgōn : beard
point– {point, to prick}: appoint, appointment, counterpoint, disappoint, point, point-blank, point-device, pointer, pointillism, standpoint ●poignant ●same as punct–, pung–, punt– || OFr point : point, prick L punctum, pp. of pungere : to prick, to puncture, to stab
pol–1 {to polish, to adorn}: extrapolate, interpolate, polish, polite, politesse || L polire (pp. polītus) : to polish interpolare (pp. interpolātus) : to refurbish, to touch up extrapolate
pol–2 {Poland, the Polish people}: polka, polka dot, polonaise, polonium || Poland Polans (original Polish tribes)
pol–3 {to sell, seller}: bibliopole, duopoly, monopolize, monopoly, oligopoly ●compare opson– || L Gr pōlein : to sell
polic– {city}: police, policlinic, policy (plans, principles) ●unrelated: policy (insurance) ●same as polis–, polit– || Fr LL polītia : administration of the state Gr politeia : the state, citizenship politēs : citizen polis : city
polis– {city}: Acropolis, Annapolis, Heliopolis, Indianapolis, megalopolis, metropolis, Minneapolis, necropolis ●Constantinople ●same as polic–, polit– || Gr polis : city
polit– {city}: cosmopolitan, metropolitan, Neapolitan, politic, politics, polity ●same as polic–, polis– || LL polītia : administration of the state Gr politeia : the state, citizenship politēs : citizen polis : city
poll– {head}: poll, polled, pollard, polliwog ●poleaxe || ME pol MDu or MlowG
poly– {more than one, more, many}: polyclinic, polyester, polygamy, polyglot, polygon, polygraph, polyhedron, polymer, Polynesia, polynomial, polyp, polysyllabic, polytechnic, polytheism ●positive form: poly (many, much), comparative form: pleo– (more), superlative form: pleisto– (most) ●see also plur–, polyp– || Gr poly– polys : much, more IE *polu–, extended form of *pel(ə)– : to fill, abundance, multitude
polyp– {polyp}: polyp, polypary, polypide, polypoid ●comb. of poly– + pus– || L polypus Gr polypous : polyp poly– : more, many + pous : foot
pom– {fruit, apple}: pomace, pomaceous, pomade, pomander, pome, pomegranate, pomelo, pomiferous, pommel, pomiculture, pomiferous, pomology, Pomona ●Fr. pomme || L pomum : fruit (VL : apple). Also L Pomona, goddess of fruit trees
pon–1 {to put}: component, depone, deponent, exponent, exponential, opponent, postpone, proponent ●same as pos–1, post–1, pot–1, pound–1 || L pōnere : to put; (pp. positum and postum) IE *apo– : off, away; root of a variety of adverbs and prepositions indicating placement or position away (from)
pon–2 {to toil}: geoponic, lithopone || Gr ponein : to toil ponos : work, toil
ponder– {to weigh, weight, heavy}: imponderable, ponder, ponderosa pine, ponderous, preponderance ●pound (unit of weight or currency) ●see also pend– || L ponderare : to weigh, to ponder pondus (gen. ponderis) : weight
pont– {bridge}: pontifex, pontiff, pontificate, pontonier, pontoon, transpontine ●punt (boat), pons ●Fr. pont ●Sp. puente || L pontis, gen. of pons : bridge IE *pont– *pent– : to step, to tread, to go
popul– {people}: depopulate, populace, popular, populate, population, populist, populous, vox populi ●pueblo ●same as publ– || L populus : a people, a nation populāris : of the people, belonging to the same people or country, native •pueblo AmSp Sp pueblo : village, people, nation L populus
por–1 {passage, way}: aporia, emporium, gonopore, pore, poriferan, poromeric, porous || LL porus Gr poros : passage
por–2 {forward, ahead}: portend, portent, portrait, portray ●same as pro–, pur–2 || L pro : before, in front
porc– {swine}: porcelain, porcine, porcupine ●pork, porpoise || L porca : sow (dim. porcella, porcellus) porcīnus : of swine
porphyr– {purple}: porphyria, porphyrin, porphyritic, porphyroid, porphyropsin, porphyry ●see also purpur– || Gr porphyra : a shellfish providing a purple dye
port–1 {to carry, to bear}: colporteur, comport, deport, deportment, disport, export, import, important, portable, portage, portamento, porter (bearer), portfolio, portly, portmanteau, purport, rapport, report, sport, support, teleportation, transport, transportation || L portare : to carry, to convey
port–2 {gate}: passport, port (gateway, opening), portal, portcullis, porter (gatekeeper), porterhouse, porthole, portico, portière ●porch || L porta : gate
port–3 {harbor, port, haven}: importune, opportune, opportunity, passport, port (harbor), Portland, Portsmouth, Portugal || L portus : harbor, port, haven
portion– {part}: apportion, portion, proportion ●see also part– || L portio (gen. portionis) : part, section, division pars : part
pos–1 {to put}: apposite, apposition, apropos, compose, composite, composition, decompose, depose, deposit, deposition, disposal, dispose, disposition, expose, exposé, exposition, expository, exposure, impose, interpose, juxtaposition, malapropos, non compos mentis, oppose, opposite, ovipositor, position, positive, positron, predispose, preposition, propose, proposition, purpose, repose, repository, superimpose, suppose, supposition, suppository, transpose ●same as pon–1, post–1, pot–1, pound–1 || L –posui, prp. of –pōnere (with prefixes) : to put & pp. –positum, –positus IE *apo– : off, away; root of a variety of adverbs and prepositions indicating placement or position away (from)
pos–2 {to drink}: symposiarch, symposium ●see also pot–2 || Gr posis : drinking
poss– {to be able, to have power}: posse, possess, possible ●same as potent– || L posse : to be able, to have power, power prp. potens : able, powerful
post–1 {to put}: compost, impostor, post (base, station), post (mail), poster, posthaste, postilion, posture ●unrelated: post (stake), post (to place a notice) ●same as pon–1, pos–1, pot–1, pound–1 || L postum & positum, pp. of pōnere : to put IE *apo– : off, away; root of a variety of adverbs and prepositions indicating placement or position away (from)
post–2 {after, behind}: ex post facto, postdate, posterior, posterity, postern, postgraduate, posthumous, postlude, post meridiem, post-mortem, postnasal, postoperative, postpartum, postpone, postprandial, postscript, postwar, preposterous ●compare pre–, ante– ●see also Appendix B || L post : behind, after
postul– {to request, to require, to demand, to claim, to assume}: expostulate, postulant, postulate || L postulare : to claim, to demand, to request; akin to posco : to request, to ask earnestly
pot–1 {to put}: compote, depot, entrepôt ●same as post–1 || Fr L postum & positum, pp. of pōnere : to put IE *apo– : off, away; root of a variety of adverbs and prepositions indicating placement or position away (from)
pot–2 {to drink}: potable, potation, potatory, potion ●poison ●see also pos–2 || L pōtare : to drink pōtio : a drinking & pōtator : drinker
pot–3 {pot}: pot, potash, potassium, potbelly, poteen, potherb, pothole, potiche, potluck, potpourri, potsherd, pottage, potter, pottery, pottle, potty || ME pott OE ML pottus ? VL potus L pōtare : to drink
potam– {river}: hippopotamus, Mesopotamia, potamology || Gr potamos : rushing waters, river
potent– {ability, power}: impotent, omnipotent, plenipotentiary, potent, potentate, potential, potentilla, potentiometer, prepotent, totipotent ●despot ●same as poss– || L potentia : power, might, ability potens (prp. of posse : to be able, to have power)
poul– {chicken}: poulard, poule, poult, poultry ●poltroon ●same as pull– || Fr poule : hen L pullus : chicken
pound–1 {to put}: compound (something put together), expound, propound ●unrelated: compound (enclosed area), pound (to beat), pound (weight) ●same as pon–1, pos–1, pot–1, post–1 || ME –pounden (with prefixes) OFr –pondre L pōnere : to put IE *apo– : off, away; root of a variety of adverbs and prepositions indicating placement or position away (from)
pound–2 {to shut in, to confine}: impound, pound (place of impound) ●unrelated: compound (enclosed area), pound (to beat), pound (weight) || ME poonde OE pund– (in combinations); akin to pyndan : to shut up
pover– {poor}: impoverish, poverty ●pauper ●Fr. pauvre ●Sp. pobre || ME OFr povrir povre L pauper : poor
pract– {to make, to do}: chiropractor, malpractice, practicable, practical, practice, practicum, practitioner ●pragmatic ●same as prax– || LL practicus Gr praktikos concerning action, practical prassein : to do pragma : business, thing done pragmatikos L pragmaticus : skilled in business or law
prae– {before, preceding}: praefect, praemunire, praenomen, praetor, praetorian ●same as pre– || L prae– : before, in front, preceding
praise– {worth, value}: appraise, praise ●same as preci– || ME praisen OFr preisier LL pretier L pretium : worth, price
prandi– {to eat a meal}: postprandial, prandial, preprandial || L prandium : late breakfast, lunch
pras– {leek-green}: prase, praseodymium || L prasius Gr prasios : leek-green
prat– {prairie, meadow}: pratincole ●prairie || L pratum : meadow •prairie OFr L pratum
prax– {to make, to do}: apraxia, praxiology, praxis ●same as pract– || ML Gr prassein : to do
pre– {before, preceding}: dementia praecox, omnipresent, preamble, precaution, precede, precedent, precept, precinct, precipice, precipitate, precise, preclude, precocious, preconceive, precursor, predecessor, predestine, predicament, predicate, predict, predilection, predominant, preeminent, preempt, prefabricate, preface, prefecture, prefer, prefix, prefrontal, pregnant, preignition, prejudice, prelate, preliminary, prelude, premarital, premature, premise, premium, premonition, prenatal, prenuptial, preoccupy, preordain, prepaid, prepare, prepense, preponderance, preposition, preprandial, prerequisite, presage, preschool, prescient, prescribe, prescription, present, preserve, preset, president, presidium, prestige, presume, pretend, pretrial, prevail, prevaricate, prevent, preview, previous ●this list is not exhaustive ●comparative form: preter– ●same as prae– ●compare post–2 || L prae– : before, in front, preceding IE *prai– : before, in front, first *per– : base of many prepositions and prefixes with the sense of “before, in front, early, first”
prec– {to plead, to pray}: deprecate, imprecate, precarious, precatory || L precari : to pray prex (gen. precis) : a request
preci– {value}: appreciable, appreciate, depreciate, preciosity, precious ●price, prize (reward, winnings, to value) ●same as praise– || OFr L pretium : price, worth pretiōsus : costly, precious, of great value
pred– {prey, to seize}: depredate, predacious, predator ●same as prey– ●see also prehend–, pren–, pris– || L praeda : prey, plunder, booty praedari : to plunder, to carry off; praedātor : plunderer, greedy person
prehend–, prehens– {to seize, to grasp}: apprehend, apprehensive, comprehend, comprehensive, prehensile, reprehend, reprehensible ●same as pren–, pris– ●see also pred–, prey– || L prehendere (pp. prehensum) : to seize, to grasp prehenso, prenso, freq. of prehendere
prehens– ●see prehend–
prem– ●see prim–2
pren– {to seize, to grasp}: apprentice, entrepreneur ●impregnable ●same as prehend–, pris– ●see also pred–, prey– || OFr –prendre (in comb. apprendre, entreprendre) L prehendere : to seize, to grasp
presby– {old man, elder}: presbycusis, presbyopia, presbyter, presbyterian ●priest, Prester John || Gr presbys : old
press– {to strike, to push, to press}: appressed, compress, decompress, depress, espresso, express, impress, oppress, press, pressure, repress, suppress ●same as prim–1 || L premere (pp. pressum, freq. pressare, adj. pressus) : to press, to squeeze
prest– {quick}: prestidigitation, prestissimo, presto || Fr. preste : quick & It. presto : quick, nimble L praesto : present, at hand, ready
preter– {beyond}: preterit, preterition, pretermit, preternatural ●comparative of pre– ●see also Appendix C || L praeter : beyond, past; comparative of prae– : before IE *prai– : before, in front, first *per– : base of many prepositions and prefixes with the sense of “before, in front, early, first”
prey– {prey, plunder}: osprey, prey ●same as pred– ●see also prehend–, pren–, pris– || ME preye OFr preie L praeda : prey, plunder, booty
pri– {early, ancient, preceding}: Priscilla, pristine ●comparative form: prior– ●superlative forms: prim–2 ●see also pro– ●See also Appendix C || OL pri : early, preceding prior (comparative form) : earlier & primus (superlative form) : earliest, first, foremost IE *prai– : before, in front, first *per– : base of many prepositions and prefixes with the sense of “before, in front, early, first”
priap– {Priapus, the Greek and Roman god of fertility and procreation; hence: phallus}: priapic, priapism, priapus || L Priapus Gr priapos : Priapus, god of fertility and procreation
prim–1, print– {to strike, to push, to press}: imprimatur, imprint, print, reprimand ●same as press– || •print ME prente OFr preint, pp. of preindre L premere : to press. •imprimatur & reprimand L –primere (in comb.) premere
prim–2, prem– {first, foremost}: comprimario, imprimis, premier, première, prima ballerina, primacy, prima donna, prima facie, primal, primary, primate, prime, primer, primeval, primipara, primitive, primo, primogenitor, primogeniture, primordial, primrose, primus inter pares ●superlative of pri– ●see also princip– ●See also Appendix C || OL pri : early; comparative prior : earlier; superlative primus : earliest, first adj. prīmārius & prīmitus. •prem– Fr L primus IE *prai– : before, in front, first *per– : base of many prepositions and prefixes with the sense of “before, in front, early, first”
princip– {first}: principal, principality, principle ●prince, princess ●see also prim–2 ●See also Appendix C || OFr L princeps : first, foremost primus : first + capere : to take. primus IE *prai– : before, in front, first *per– : base of many prepositions and prefixes with the sense of “before, in front, early, first”
print– ●see prim–1
prior– {earlier, before, preceding}: a priori, prior, prioress, priority, priory ●comparative of pri– ●See also Appendix C ●comparative of pri– ●See also Appendix C || OL pri : early; comparative prior : earlier; superlative primus : earliest, first IE *prai– : before, in front, first *per– : base of many prepositions and prefixes with the sense of “before, in front, early, first”
pris– {to seize, to grasp}: apprise, comprise, enterprise, misprision, prise, prison, reprisal, reprise, surprise ●impresario, prize (captured ship), pry ●same as prehend–, pren– ●see also pred–, prey– || OFr –pris (in comb.), pp. of –prendre L prehendere : to seize •prison OFr L prensio prehensio : a taking prehendere
priv– {to separate, to deprive}: deprive, private, privateer, privative, privation, privilege, privity, privy || L prīvātus : one’s own, not state property prīvare : to separate, to deprive prīvus : separate, peculiar
pro– {for, before, forth, ahead}: apropos, compromise, improvise, pro, proboscis, proceed, process, proclaim, procrastinate, procreate, procure, prodigal, prodigy, produce, profane, profess, proffer, proficient, profile, profit, profound, profuse, progenitor, prognosis, program, progress, prohibit, project, prol–, prologue, prolong, promenade, prominent, promiscuous, promise, promontory, promote, prompt, prone, pronoun, pronounce, propaganda, propagate, propel, prophet, prophylactic, proponent, proportion, propose, proscribe, prose, prosecute, prosoma, prospect, prosper, prostate, prostitute, prostrate, protagonist, protect, protest, protract, protrude, proud, proverb, provide, province, provoke, reciprocal ●extended form: proto– ●same as por–2, pur–2 ●see also pri– ●compare anti–2, opistho– || L pro : before, forward Gr pro : before IE *prō– : forward *per– : base of many prepositions and prefixes with the sense of “before, in front, early, first”
proach– {nearer, to draw nearer}: approach, reproach ●rapprochement ●comparative of prop– ●See also Appendix C || ME –prochen (in comb.) OFr –prochier VL –propiare : to draw nearer L propius : nearer (compar. of prope : near)
prob– {to prove, to prove good, good}: approbation, improbable, probability, probable, probate, probation, probe, probity, reprobate ●same as prov– || L probare : to test, to prove probus : good, proper probātio : a proving, a trial & probābilis : that can be proved, hence: probable
proct– {rectum}: ectoproct, proctodæum, proctology, proctoscope ●unrelated: proctor || Gr prōktos : anus
prodig– {unnatural, wonderful}: prodigious, prodigy ●unrelated: prodigal || L prōdigium : prodigy, portent, ominous sign prōdigiōsus : unnatural, strange, wonderful
prol– {offspring}: proletarian, proliferate, prolific ●comb. of pro– + al–3 || L prōlētārius : citizen of the lowest class who served the state only by having children prōles : offspring pro : for + alere : to rear, to feed
prompt– {brought forth, ready}: impromptu, prompt ●comb. of pro– + empt || L promptus : ready, at hand, pp. of prōmere : to bring forth, to produce pro : forward, forth + emere (pp. emptum) : take, to buy
prop– {near}: propinquity ●comparative form: proach– ●superlative form: proxim– ●See also Appendix C || L propinquus prope : near
propag– {to spread, to reproduce}: propaganda, propagate || L prōpagare : to spread, to propagate (plants) propāgātio : a spreading, propagation; pro– : forward + pangere : to fix in place, to drive in
propr– {one’s own, particular}: amour-propre, appropriate, appropriation, expropriate, improper, impropriate, impropriety, proper, property, proprietary, proprietor, proprioceptor || L proprius : one’s own, special, particular, peculiar proprietās : a property, peculiarity
pros– {to, toward, near}: proselyte, prosencephalon, prosenchyma, prosody, prosthesis, prosthetic, prosthodontics ●more at prosop– || Gr pros : to, toward, near
prosop– {person, face}: prosopagnosia, prosopography, prosopopoeia ●comb. of pros– + op–2 || Gr pros : near + ōps : eye
protero– {forward, earlier, former}: hysteron proteron, proteroglyphous, Proterozoic ●comparative of pro– ●compare hyster–2 || Gr prōteros : former, anterior, prōto : forward Gr pro : before IE *prō– : forward *per– : base of many prepositions and prefixes with the sense of “before, in front, early, first”
prot(o)– {first, earliest}: protactinium, protagonist, protanopia, protein, protist, protocol, Proto-Indo-European, proton, protoplasm, prototype, protozoan ●extension of pro– || Gr prōto prōtos : first
prov– {to prove, to prove good, good}: approve, disapprove, disprove, improve, prove, reprove ●same as prob– || ME proven OFr prover L probare : to test, to prove probus : good, proper
proxim– {nearest, next}: approximate, Proxima Centauri, proximal, proximity, proximo ●superlative of prop– ●compare ultim– ●See also Appendix C || L proxime : nearest proximitās nearness; superlative of prope : near
prudence– ●see prudent–
prudent–, prudence– {to foresee, to have knowledge}: jurisprudence, prudence, prudent, prudential ●from provident, comb. of pro– + vid– || L prūdentia : foreseeing, knowledge prūdens (gen. prūdentis) : foreseeing; contr. of prōvidens : provident, prudent prōvidēre : to look ahead pro : forward + vidēre : to see
pruri– {to itch, to long for, to be lecherous}: antipruritic, prurient, prurigo, pruritus || L prūrire : to itch
psamm– {sand}: psammite, psammon, psammophilous, psammophore || Gr psammos : sand
pseudo– {false}: pseudocarp, pseudomorph, pseudonym, pseudoscientific || Gr pseudo– pseudēs : false pseudein : to deceive
psilo– {bare}: psilocin, psilocybin, psilomelane, psilophyte || Gr psilos : bare
psych– {spirit, soul, mind}: metempsychosis, psyche, psychedelic, psychiatry, psychic, psychoanalysis, psychology, psychopath, psychosis, psychosomatic, psychotherapy, psychotic || Gr psychē : breath, spirit, soul; akin to psychein : to blow, cool
psychro– {cold}: psychrometer, psychrophilic || Gr psychros : cold; akin to psychein : to cool
pter– {feather, wing}: apterous, apteryx, brachypterous, Chiroptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, helicopter, Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera, Mecoptera, ornithopter, pterodactyl, pterosaur, Siphonoptera, Trichoptera ●accipiter || Gr pteron : wing, feather IE *pet– : to rush, to fly
ptom–, ptos–, ptot– {to fall}: apoptosis, asymptote, proptosis, ptomaine, ptosis, symptom || Gr ptōma : corpse; ptōsis : a fall, falling; –ptōtos (in comb.); all piptein : to fall
ptos– ●see ptom–
ptot– ●see ptom–
pty– {to spit}: hemoptysis, ptyalin, ptyalism || Gr ptyein : to spit
ptych– {fold}: diptych, polyptych, triptych || Gr –ptychos (in comb.) : folded ptychē : a fold ptyssein : to fold
pub– {adult, adult hair, pubic hair}: puberty, puberulent, pubes, pubescent, pubic, pubis || L pūbēs : the signs of puberty, the growth of hair pūbertās : puberty, the age of maturity
publ– {people}: public, publican, publication, publicity, publicize, publish, republic ●same as popul– || L publicus : belonging to the people, public populus : a people, a nation
pud– {shame}: impudent, impudicity, pudency, pudendum, repudiate || L pudēre : to be ashamed ger. pudendus & prp. pudens : modest, shamefaced
puer– {child}: puerile, puerperal, puerperium || L puer : child
pugn– {fist, to fight}: impugn, oppugn, pugnacious, repugn, repugnant || L pugnare : to fight
pull– {chicken}: pullet, pullorum disease ●same as poul– || L pullus : chicken
pulmo(n)– {lung}: pulmonary, pulmonate, pulmonic, pulmotor ●see also pneum– || L pulmo (gen. pulmonis) : lung
puls– {to beat, to push}: compulsion, compulsive, compulsory, expulsion, impulse, impulsive, propulsion, pulsar, pulsate, pulse, pulsimeter, repulse, repulsive ●same as pel–1 || L pulsum, pp of pellere : to set in motion, to drive, to push
pulv– {cushion, pillow}: pulvillus, pulvinate, pulvinus || L pulvinus (dim. pulvillus) : cushion
pulver– {power, dust}: pulverable, pulverize, pulverulent ●Sp. polvo || L pulveris, gen. of pulvis : powder, dust
pun– {to punish}: impunity, punish, punitive ●same as pen–3, pine– || L pūnire, poenire : to punish poena : punishment Gr poinē : penalty, fine
punct– {point, to prick}: acupuncture, compunction, expunction, punctilio, punctilious, punctual, punctuate, puncture ●Ger. Punkt ●same as point–, pung–, punt– || L punctum pp. of pungere : to prick, to puncture, to stab
pung– {to prick}: expunge, pungent ●same as point–, punct–, punt– || L pungere (pp. punctum) : to prick, to puncture, to stab
punt– {point}: contrapuntal, punt (to bet), trapunto ●pun ●unrelated: punt (boat) ●same as point–, punct–, pung– || Fr punter, It. punto, Sp punto : point L punctum, pp of pungere : to prick, to puncture, to stab
pup– {boy, girl, child}: pup, pupa, pupate, pupil (all senses), pupillary, pupiparous, puppet, puppy || L pūpa : little girl dim. pūpillus, pūpilla : orphan, ward, minor; pūpus : boy child, dim. pūpūlus; dim. pūpūla : pupil of the eye; pūpillāris : of an orphan or ward. •puppet & puppy of uncertain origin but probably from pūpa
pur–1 {clean, pure}: impure, pure, purblind, purebred, purée, purge (→purg–), purify, purist, Puritan, puritanical, purity || L pūrus : clean, pure, simple pūritās : purity
pur–2 {for, forth, forward}: purchase, purfle, purlieu, purloin, purport, purpose, pursue, purvey, purview ●same as por–2, pro– || OFr. pour– L pro : forward, ahead IE *prai– : before, in front, first *per– : base of many prepositions and prefixes with the sense of “before, in front, early, first”
pur–3 {pus}: purulent, seropurulent, suppurate ●pus ●see also py– || L pūris, gen. of pūs : corrupt matter pūrulentis IE *pu– : to rot, to decay
purg– {to cleanse, to purify}: compurgation, expurgate, purgative, purgatory, purge ●comb. of pur–1 + ag– || L purgare : to cleanse purgātio : a cleansing, a purification pūrus : pure + agere : to set in motion, to drive
purpl– ●see purpur–
purp(ur)– {purple}: purple, purplish, purpura, purpure, purpurin ●see also porphyr– || ModL L purpura : purple Gr porphyra : a shellfish providing a purple dye
pus– {foot}: octopus, polypus (polyp), platypus ●same as pod– ●see also ped–1, pied–, polyp– || Gr pous (gen. podos) : foot IE *pōd– *ped– : foot
put– {to cleanse, to clear up, to lop, to prune, to settle [accounts], to reckon, to think over, to consider}: amputate, compute, computer, computation, deputation, deputy, dispute, disreputable, impute, putative, reputation, repute ●more at count–1 || L putare : to prune, to clear up, to settle, to consider, to reckon, to value, to believe, to think
putr– {to rot}: putrefaction, putrefy, putrescent, putrescine, putrid || L puter, putris : rotten, putrid putridus : rotten, decayed; putrescere : to become rotten, to decay IE *pu– : to rot, to decay
py– {pus}: empyema, pyemia, pyogenesis, pyorrhea, pyosis, pyuria ●see also pur–3 || Gr pyon : pus IE *pu– : to rot, to decay
pycn–, pykn– {thick, dense}: pycnidium, pycnogonid, pycnometer, pyknic, pyknosis || ModL Gr pyknos : thick, tight
pyel– {basin}: pyelitis, pyelography, pyelonephritis || Gr pyelos : basin
pyg– {body posterior, buttocks}: callipygian, pygidium, steatopygia ●unrelated: pygmy || Gr pygē : rump dim. pygidion
pykn– ●see pycn–
pyl– {gate}: propylaeum, propylite, pylon, pylorectomy, pylorus || Gr. pylōn : gateway pylōrus : gatekeeper; akin to pylē : gate
pyr– {fire, heat, hence: fever}: antipyretic, chalcopyrite, empyrean, pyracantha, pyre, pyretic, Pyrex™, pyrite, pyroclastic, pyrolysis, pyromania, pyrometer, pyrotechnics ●unrelated: pyramid ●see also pyrrh– || Gr pyr (gen. pyros) : fire
pyrrh– {red, the color of fire}: pyrrhotite, Pyrrhuloxia ●pyrrole ●unrelated: Pyrrhic ●see also pyr– || Gr pyrrhotēs : redness pyrrhos : flame-colored pyr (gen. pyros) : fire
pyx– {box}: pyx, pyxidium, pyxie, pyxis || L pyxis Gr pyxos : box tree dim. pyxidion
* Unattested, hypothesized
† Unknown origin
351 entries found.
Copyright © 2004–07 Daniel M. Short. All Rights Reserved.
