In medical terminology, which part carries the core meaning?

• A. Root
• B. Prefix
• C. Suffix
• D. Affix

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is that the root carries the core meaning. In medical terms, the root names the body part or system (for example, gastr- refers to the stomach, neur- to nerves, cardi- to the heart). Prefixes and suffixes are added to modify that core concept—prefixes give information like location, time, or number, and suffixes describe a condition, disease, procedure, or characteristic. So while the full term can include several affixes, the essential, central idea comes from the root itself. A practical example is gastritis: the root gastr- provides the stomach concept, and the suffix -itis indicates inflammation.