Define a combining form and give an example.

• A. A root plus a combining vowel used to join with another root or suffix; example: cardi/o
• B. A prefix that modifies root meaning
• C. A suffix that denotes a procedure
• D. A standalone word root used without vowels

Answer: (A)

A combining form is created when a word root is paired with a combining vowel so it can connect to another root or to a suffix. The root carries the core meaning, and the linking vowel (usually o) lets you join it with more morphemes to form a longer medical term. For example, cardi/o means heart. The combining form cardi/o can attach to other parts, such as -logy to make cardiology (the study of the heart) or to another root like enter/o to discuss relations between the heart and intestines. This linking capability is what sets a combining form apart from a simple root or a prefix/suffix.