Medical Terminology - Lesson 8

[Ardavan Shahrdar]

Medical Terminology
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*Semi-*

The root of the prefix 'Semi-' is that same as
'Hemi-'. As mentioned bofore, it comes from 'Sami-' in
Skt which means 'Half'.

An important point is that Semi-, unlike Hemi-, is
sometimes used as 'partial' and not necessarity in a
quantitative meaning (Like Semisolid).
Examples:
1. Semiconscious:

'Conscious' comes from the Latin word 'Conscius' which
means knowing. It is also the root of the word
'Science'. Conscious means perceiving, apprehending.

'Semiconscious' means 'imperfectly conscious'.
2. Semilunar:

'Lunar' comes from the latin 'Luna' which means moon.
(Lucere means to shine - the root for light)

'Semilunar' means 'shaped like a crescent' (A part of
moon!) As in 'Semilunar valves'.
3. Semipriapism:

The term 'Priapism' comes from Priapos the Greco-Roman
god of fertility portrayed in sculpture with an erect
male organ.

In medical terminology 'Priapism' means 'Abnormal
persistent painful erection of the penis'.

'Semipriapism' means partial priapism.
Regards,

Ardavan

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"Life is beautiful, if you look at it in a beautiful way."

Dr Ardavan Shahrdar, MD, DIHom
President of Iranian Homeopathic Association
Website: http://www.minutus.org
Email: ashahrdar@yahoo.com
Mailing list: http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/minutus
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