Science Terms Made Easy

Science Terms Made Easy

A Lexicon of Scientific Words and Their Root Language Origins

Joseph S. Elias

GREENWOOD PRESS Westport, Connecticut • London Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Elias, Joseph S., 1948– Science terms made easy : a lexicon of scientific words and their root language origins / Joseph S. Elias. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0–313–33896–5 (alk. paper) 1. Science—Terminology. 2. Latin language—Technical Latin. 3. English language—Etymology. I. Title. Q179.E45 2007 501'.4—dc22 2006026197

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data is available. Copyright © 2007 by Joseph S. Elias All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, by any process or technique, without the express written consent of the publisher. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2006026197 ISBN: 0–313–33896–5 First published in 2007 Greenwood Press, 88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881 An imprint of Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. www.greenwood.com Printed in the United States of America

The paper used in this book complies with the Permanent Paper Standard issued by the National Information Standards Organization (Z39.48–1984). 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 For all you mean to me, this book is dedicated to my mother and father; to my brothers, Edward and Victor; and to my daughters, Elizabeth, Kate, and Samantha.

Contents

Preface ix Acknowledgments xi How to Use This Book xiii

Alphabetical Entries 1

Common Prefixes 205 Common Roots 209

Common Suffixes 217

Resources 219

Preface

The idea for writing this book came about as a result challenge students to think, analyze, and reason their of discussions with my pre-service science teacher way to a deeper understanding rather than resort to rote on effective ways to teach science vocabulary. Years memorization. ago, I came to realize that high school and middle This, of course, led me to more deeply examine school students viewed the complexities of scientific the terminology that I used on a regular basis in all vocabulary as a necessary burden that sometimes my science classes. I became more curious about the interfered with their pursuit of understanding impor- origins and the history of the words. If a student tant concepts. Students at these grade levels would wanted an explanation of a given word, I wanted to complain about words that were unfamiliar or unrec- be prepared to either point the student in a direction ognizable. Quite often science teachers new to the where he could find an answer or, sometimes, to sim- profession would address the vocabulary by develop- ply tell the tale myself. ing word lists and definitions or by coming up with What I discovered was that words have histories. simple word association games promoting the ability They move through cultures and times and mutate to recognize words and recall their meanings. along the way. So when you examine the list, you During my years as a teacher of human anatomy will find descriptions of many roots that will call and physiology, I developed a student assignment upon you to make the connections between the origi- called the “List of 50 Muscles.” Students were pro- nal meanings of the roots and their modern counter- vided with a list of the muscles, and their task was to parts. Sometimes making those connections is a examine the names and describe all they could about a stretch, and you’ll have to use your imagination. But given muscle simply by analyzing the name. Muscles through all of this, I found the literal meanings to be such as the pterygoideus internus, the external carpi simple, if not humble, compared with the rather radialis longus, or my favorite, the sternocleidomastoi- sophisticated uses of the root words today. deus, challenged students to go beyond the words I hope you will value the sidebars. You will proba- themselves and, in a sense, dissect the word as they bly notice that the ancient Greeks had much to do would if they were dissecting a preserved specimen. with science, mathematics, and philosophy. These Students discovered that the parts of these scientific great thinkers provided the world with its first really terms could be interchanged and still retain their grand period of scientific enlightenment. The philoso- meanings. phers of the time pondered the order of the universe. As you might imagine, for me as a young teacher, They speculated and hypothesized on all aspects of this was a breakthrough of sorts. I became as strong an order and chaos. They spoke of the things that were advocate for inquiry-type teaching approaches to sci- earthly and of things that were divine, and they used entific terminology as I was for the teaching of inquiry these models as the bases for their perception of the methods in science itself. I found a way to once again physical world. Many of the terms used in science, xPreface

especially the physical sciences, have their origins As a final note, this compilation of words is by in the Greek language. no means meant to be a complete text of scientific The study of living things—anatomy, taxonomy, terminology, but it does represent a very healthy and medicine—did not really move forward until collection of the more common words used in sci- the next period of scientific enlightenment, in the ence courses in middle and high school science seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. By that time, classes. I imagine that students in lower-division the great days of the Greek civilization were long college courses will also find this book to be a past and the age of exploration and investigation valuable reference. It is my sincere hope that moved more toward Western Europe. Thus, you will readers will have as much fun with this compila- notice that many of the root words associated with tion of science terminology as I had putting it all living things are of Latin rather than Greek origin. together. Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge the many University. Their support, expertise, guidance, and science education students at Kutztown University patience allowed me to focus on the task at hand. for their significant contributions to my list of I would also like to thank the regional science words. Without them, the task of gathering infor- teachers who, on occasion, would e-mail or pass mation and developing the final product would have along words that caught their interest. been far more daunting of an undertaking. I would also like to acknowledge the members of the Department of Secondary Education at Kutztown

How to Use This Book

I have never underestimated the creativity of teach- ries of the order of the universe based on reason ers. When they were given the right tools and the rather than experimentation. Many of these theories proper amount of time, the teachers that I have known went unchallenged for over a thousand years. developed some fascinating perspectives on how to I would encourage students to become very teach science. Virtually all experienced and talented familiar with the common prefixes and suffixes. science teachers pride themselves on being able to Suffixes such as -or and -ion appear repeatedly in challenge students to think, reason, predict, hypothe- words pertaining to actions or processes. Prefixes size, and interpret data collected from observation such as a- or an- and con- or com- are very common and experimentation. This book provides another in scientific language. If students are made aware of valuable component to assist them in their efforts. how these word fragments are used, they should be Teaching scientific terminology for understand- able to recognize their relevance in terms that are ing has always been a challenge for teachers. The new to them. Teachers may also want to point out words included in this text will provide the teacher that the o’s have been deliberately removed from with a source for integrating complex terminology many of the word fragments, the reason being that into their lessons. I recommend that instructors they are generally referred to as “combining vow- design activities that call for students to critically els.” The o is used to connect many commonly used examine the words they are learning in ways that prefixes and suffixes to the root words; such, for encourage them to look deeper into their meanings instance, is the case with stern-o-mastoid. and historic origins. The sidebars provide historical This inquiry approach to language not only perspectives and a quick study of interesting people strengthens the analytical skills of students, it also and events that led to the study of science and tech- fosters a sense of independence in the learner. nology in the modern era. The reader will gain an Students quickly learn that they have the power to appreciation of how scientists, mathematicians, and examine complex words and construct new mean- philosophers of past eras were able to develop theo- ings independently of a teacher or professor.

Abdomen Abiotic Latin Greek abdomen belly, venter a- without That portion of the body that lies between the -bios- life, living organisms or tissue lower thorax (chest) and the pelvis. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of The set of nonliving environmental factors or Abdominalgia conditions that are common within a given eco- Latin/Greek logical system. abdomen- belly, venter -algia pain, sense of pain; painful; hurting Abrasion Pain in the abdomen; a belly ache. Latin abradere- to scrape off Abductor -ion state, process, or quality of Latin The process of wearing down or scraping off by ab- off, away from means of rubbing one object against another object. -ducere- to draw or lead -or a condition or property of things or persons, Abscess person that does something Greek The name given to the function of a skeletal mus- ab- off, away from cle used to pull a body part (arm or leg) away -ce dere to go from the midline of the body. A localized collection of pus in part of the body, formed by tissue disintegration and surrounded Aberration by an inflamed area. Latin aberrare- deviation from the proper or expected Abscission course Latin -ion state, process, or quality of ab- off, away from The bluring or distortion of an image, typically -caedere- to cut caused by a defect in the lens. -ion state, process, or quality of The shedding of leaves, flowers, or fruits follow- Abiocoen ing the formation of the abscission zone. Greek a- without Absorbance -bios- life, living organisms or tissue Latin -coen common, shared ab- off, away from The sum total of the nonliving components of an -sorbere- to suck environment. -ance brilliance, appearance 2Abyssal

The relative ability of the surface of a substance Acclimation to retain radiant energy. Greek a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Abyssal -klime- slope Greek -ion state, process, or quality of a- without Physiological responses to environmental change. -bussos- bottom -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Accommodation or character of Latin Of or relating to the region of the ocean bottom ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near between the bathyal and hadal zones, from depths -commodus- to adjust, suitable of approximately 3,000 to 6,000 meters. -ion state, process, or quality of The state or process of adjusting one item to another. Acanthaceous Greek/Latin Accuracy akanthos- thorn plant Latin -aceous having the quality of accuratus- done with care Resembling or having the quality of the family of -cy state, condition, quality plants that bear prickles or spines. Precision, exactness. Acanthologist Acetabulum Greek Latin akanthos- thorn plant aceta- hip -logist one who speaks in a certain manner; one -bul- place for who deals with a certain topic -um (singular) structure A person who studies spines or spiny creatures. -a (plural) structure Cup-shaped cavity at the base of the hipbone. Acapnia Greek Acetylcholine a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Latin/Greek -kapnos smoke, carbon dioxide (CO2) acetum- vinegar A condition marked by the presence of less than -khole- bile the normal amount of CO2 in blood and tissue. -ine a chemical substance A neurotransmitter that mediates the synaptic Acardia activity of autonomic synapses and neuromuscular Greek junctions. a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not -kard- heart, pertaining to the heart Acheiria -ia names of diseases, place names, Latinizing Greek plurals a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not A congenital condition, usually occurring with -chir- hand; pertaining to the hand or hands twins, where one of the two siblings is born with- -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing out a heart, or a lone heart is shared by the two. plurals Congenital absence of the hands. Acaulescent Latin Acidaminuria a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Latin -caulis- stem acere- to be sour -escent being in a specific state, beginning to be -amino- relating to an amine or other compound A seemingly stemless plant, though the stem may containing an NH2 group be small and sometimes belowground. -urina urine A disorder involving the metabolism of protein Accipitrine where excessive amounts of amino acids are Latin found in the urine. accipiter- hawk -ine of or relating to Acidemia Raptorial, hawklike, belonging to the genus Latin Accipiter. acere- to be sour -haima blood Actophilous 3

A medical condition in which blood pH is below In biology, describing a species that lives or normal. thrives in treetop habitats. Acidic Acromegaly Latin Greek acere- to be sour acro- high, highest, highest point; top, tip end, -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of outermost; extreme Having the reactions or characteristics of an acid. -megas large, big, great A chronic disease in which the bones of the Acidiferous extremities, face, and jaw become enlarged. Latin acere- to be sour Acrosome -ferrous bear, carry; produce Greek Producing or yielding an acid. acro- high, highest, highest point; top, tip end, outermost; extreme Acidize -soma (somatiko) body Latin/Greek A caplike structure at the anterior end of a sper- acere- to be sour matozoon that produces enzymes aiding in egg -ize to make, to treat, to do something with penetration. To treat with acid. Actin Acidosis Latin New Latin actus- motion acere- to be sour -inus relating to -sis action, process, state, condition A protein found in muscle that, together with myo- The condition in which there is an excessive sin, functions in muscle contraction. amount of acid in the blood. Actinoid Acoelomate Greek Latin/Greek aktin- ray (as of light), radiance, radiating a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not -oid (oeide s) resembling; having the appearance of -coelom- (koilomat) cavity Having a radial form, as a starfish. -ate an organism having these characteristics An organism lacking a body cavity between the Actinotherapy gut and the outer musculature of the body wall. Greek aktin- ray (as of light), radiance, radiating Acology -therapeuein heal, cure; treatment Greek Treatment of disease by means of light rays. aco- remedy, cure -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Activation bodies of knowledge Latin The science of remedies; therapeutics. actus- to set in motion -ion state, process, or quality of Acroanesthesia Stimulation of activity in an organism or chemical. Greek acro- outermost; extreme; extremity of the body Activity -an- without, not Latin -aisthesis- feeling activus- to drive, do -ia names of diseases, place names, or -ity state of, quality of Latinizing plurals The state of being active; energetic action or Loss of sensation in the extremities; such as the movement; liveliness. hands, fingers, toes, and feet. Actophilous Acrodendrophile Greek Greek acto- seashore, beach acro- high, highest, highest point; top, tip end, -phile- one who loves or has a strong affinity or outermost; extreme preference for -dendron- tree, treelike structure -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to -phile one who loves or has a strong affinity or In biology, organisms thriving on rocky seashores preference for or growing on coasts. 4Acuminate

Natural Selection Over a century ago two men put forth a coherent imposition of a selective process on their numbers theory about the origin of new species. The expla- and leaving the survivors to breed among nation was really quite simple and was based themselves—that is, assuming they are sexual in mostly on observations of the natural world. Yet their habits today people in the Western world continue to con- Now multiply this process by the time allotted test the validity of the theory of evolution based on for each generation—which is considerably longer natural selection. for humans than for rats, for instance. The number Charles Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace of offspring produced by fertile females varies, as contended that the world is full of different species, does their reproductive viability (how often they and that any species, if allowed to do so, will grow reproduce). When we compare the number and fre- at a prolific rate, producing far more progeny than quency of births for rats with those of even more can be handled by its environment. The results are prolific species, such as fleas or bacteria, we natu- readily observable: the excess population of a given rally find that the more prolific a species is, the species tends to die off, leaving behind an accept- greater the likelihood of diversity in genotype and able number of organisms given the available phenotype. resources. Darwin believed that the organisms that It is all about adaptability. Through selection, manage to survive do so because they are best over time species tend to become more in tune with adapted to the particular set of environmental con- their environment. Because of successful adapta- ditions in which they exist. Since survivors tend to tion and continual breeding, any given species has live to reproduce, those managing to do so would the capacity to produce genetic mutations. These pass on to the next generation the same or similar continual, chance changes in genetic code over genetical traits that allowed them to be among the extreme periods of time have the potential of mod- “selected.” And because organisms tend do what ifying the individuals of a given species to the point comes natural—eat, drink, seek shelter, and to where they significantly differ from their ances- breed—the progeny or filial generation would tors. These genetically produced modifications are invariably be confronted with environmental “tested” against environmental conditions and are stresses influencing their ability to carry out the either selected for or selected against based on first three of these natural functions, leading to the whether the organism lives long enough to breed.

Acuminate makes it more fit for existence under the condi- Latin tions of its environment. acus- (acuere) to sharpen; needle, point Adduct -ate characterized by having Latin Describing the tip of some leaves tapering gradu- ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near ally at the end to a point. -ducere to lead, bring, take, or draw Acute To draw inward toward the median axis of the Latin body or toward an adjacent part or limb. acus sharp; needle Adductor Severe and sharp, as in pain. Latin Adactylia ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near Greek -ducere- to lead, bring, take, or draw a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not -or a condition or property of things or persons; -daktulos toe, finger, digit person who does something The absence of digits on the hand or foot. Any muscle used to draw a body part toward the midline of the body. Adaptation Latin Adelopod ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near Greek -aptare- fit, fitted, suited a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not -ion state, process, or quality of -delo- visible, clear, clearly seen, obvious Modification of an organism or its parts that -pod foot An animal whose feet are not apparent. Advection 5

Adenalgia ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near Greek -haerere- stick to, cling to aden- lymph gland(s) -ive performing an action -algia pain, sense of pain; painful, hurting Tending to cling; sticky. A painful swelling in a gland. Adiabatic Adendric Greek Greek a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not -diabatos- passable -dendr- tree, resembling a tree -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Of, relating to, or being a reversible thermody- Without dendrites. namic process that occurs without gain or loss of heat and without a change in entropy. Adenine Greek Adipocyte aden- lymph gland(s) Latin -ine of or relating to adip- of or pertaining to fat A white crystalline base found in various animal -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid and vegetable tissues as one of the purine base A mature fat cell found in animals. constituents. Adiponecrosis Adenitis Greek Greek adip- of or pertaining to fat aden- lymph gland(s) -necro- death -itis inflammation, burning -sis action, process, state, condition Inflammation of a lymph node or of a gland. Death of fatty tissue occurring in hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Adenocarcinoma Greek Adipose aden- lymph gland(s) Latin -karkinos- crab, cancer adip- of or pertaining to fat -oma tumor, neoplasm -ose sugar, carbohydrate A malignant tumor originating in glandular Of a fatty nature; the fat present in the cells of adi- epithelium. pose tissue. Adenofibrosis Adjuvant Greek/Latin Latin aden- lymph gland(s) ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near -fibre- an elongated threadlike structure -jungere- to join or unite -sis action, process, state, condition -an one that is of, relating to, or belonging to Fibroid change in a gland. A substance added to a vaccine to increase its effectiveness. Adenoid Greek Adrenal aden- lymph gland(s) Latin -oid (oeide s) resembling; having the appearance of ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near Glandlike lymphoid tissue, similar to the tonsils, -ren- the kidneys located high in the back of the pharynx. -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form or character of Adenovirus Glands located on top of the kidneys. Greek aden- lymph gland(s) Advection -vi rus poison Latin Any of a group of DNA-containing viruses that ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near cause conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract -vehere- to carry infections in humans. -ion state, process, or quality of The transfer of a property of the atmosphere, such Adhesive as heat, cold, or humidity, by the horizontal Latin movement of an air mass. 6Adventitious

Adventitious Refers to plants that are pollinated by wind or fer- Latin tilized by airborne pollen. ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near Aerotaxis -vent- come Greek -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to aer- air, atmosphere, mist, wind Describing buds of a plant developing in intern- -taxis order or arrangement odes or on roots. Movement of an organism in response to the pres- Adynamandrous ence of molecular oxygen. Greek Affect a- without Latin -dunamikos- powerful ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near -androus man, men, male, masculine -facere to do, carry, bear, bring Having nonfunctioning male reproductive organs. To act upon or have an influence upon some Aerenchyma behavior. Latin Affector aer- air, atmosphere, mist, wind Latin -enchyma tissue ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near Large air-filled cells that allow rapid diffusion of -facere- to do, carry, bear, bring oxygen within wetland plants. -or a condition or property of things or persons; Aerobacter person who does something Greek In biology, the term given to a nerve cell. aer- air, atmosphere, mist, wind Afferent -bacter rod-shaped microorganism Latin Any genus of bacteria normally found in the ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near intestine. -facere- to do, carry, bear, bring Aerobic -ent causing an action, being in a specific state, Greek within aer- air, atmosphere, mist, wind Leading toward a region of interest; carrying -bio- life, living organisms or tissue toward the center of an organ or section, such as -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of nerves that conduct impulses from the body to the Pertaining to organisms or processes that require brain or spinal cord. the presence of oxygen. Agantha Aerobiont Greek Greek a- without aer- air, atmosphere, mist, wind -gnatha jaw -bio- life, living organisms or tissue A superclass of fish that lack a jaw and a pelvic fin. -ont (einai) to be Agglutination Either an organism living in air as distinct from a- without water or soil or an organism requiring oxygen. -glutinare- to glue Aerolite -ion state, process, or quality of Greek The process by which red blood cells clump aer- air, atmosphere, mist, wind together. -lite- (lith) stone or rock Agonist A meteorite that is composed of a siliceous stony Greek material. agon- conflict, contest Aerophilous -ist one who is engaged in Greek A muscle that is contracting and has an opposing aer- air, atmosphere, mist, wind muscle (antagonist) applying force on a bone in -phile- one who loves or has a strong affinity or the opposite direction. preference for -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to Albinism 7

George Washington Carver “Our creator is the same and never changes despite Carver began a career that has impacted the lives of the names given Him by people here and in all parts millions. He helped revolutionize agricultural prac- of the world. Even if we gave Him no name at all, tices in the war-torn South. As a result of the con- He would still be there, within us, waiting to give us tinuous planting of either cotton or tobacco, good on this earth.” southern plantations had become virtually useless. —G.W. Carver Carver taught farmers about crop rotation for the How eloquent this humble man and inventor purpose of enriching the fields with nutrients. He was during his life. George Washington Carver was taught them how to grow peanuts, soybeans, sweet born in 1864, near the end of the American Civil potatoes, and other soil-enriching crops. This War, in Diamond Grove, Missouri. In these trou- brought the South back to life again. bled times, Carver was kidnapped along with his George Washington Carver was never interested mother by Confederate night raiders and wound up in wealth or profit from his work. He lived by his in Arkansas. Moses Carver, the owner of the farm words: “How far you go in life depends on your that was George’s birthplace, later found George being tender with the young, compassionate with and reclaimed him. He and his wife, Susan, raised the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and toler- George as their own. His natural mother was never ant of the weak and strong. Because someday in found, and the identity of his father was not known. your life you will have been all of these.” He held He left home at the tender age of 12 to begin his three patents, but he did not patent the numerous schooling. George suffered all the setbacks associ- discoveries he made while at Tuskegee. He created ated with racial segregation. He was the first black over 300 products from peanuts and more than 100 student ever to be admitted into Simpson College of products from sweet potatoes. Indianola, Iowa. There he studied piano and art, but Carver was a compassionate teacher. He taught George wanted to study science, so he transferred his students to love nature and to use the forces of to Iowa Agricultural College in 1891, when he was nature for the benefit of all. He believed that educa- 27 years old. George was a diligent student; he tion should be “made common” and that all mem- earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in bers of the community would profit by an educated bacterial botany and agriculture in 1897 and society. became the first black member of the Iowa college. George Washington Carver died in 1943. He Later that year, George Washington Carver was honored by President Franklin Roosevelt with moved to Tuskegee, Alabama, to become the Direc- a national monument, the first for an African tor of Agriculture at the Tuskegee Normal and American, near Diamond Grove, the place of his Industrial Institute for Negroes. It was here that childhood.

Agriculture A community of organisms that thrive in beach Latin habitats or among pebbles on the beach. agros- of or belonging to fields or soil Albedo -colere to till Latin The science, art, and business of cultivating soil, albus- the color white producing crops, and raising livestock; farming. -oid (oeide s) resembling; having the appearance of Agroforestry The ability of the surface of a planet or a moon to Greek/Latin reflect light. agros- of or belonging to fields or soil Albinism -foris- outside Latin -y place for an activity, condition, state albus- the color white Land management for simultaneous production -ism state or condition, quality of food crops and trees. The state or condition of being an albino; a group of Aigialophilous inherited disorders characterized by deficiency or Greek absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes due to aigial- beach, seashore, cliff an abnormality in the production of melanin. -phile- one who loves or has a strong affinity or preference for -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to 8Albumin

Albumin Alimentary Latin Latin albumo- the color white alimentum- nourishment, supplying food -in protein or derived from a protein -ary of, relating to, or connected with Blood plasma protein produced in the liver. Pertaining to food or nourishment and to the digestive system/alimentary canal. Alcohol Med. Latin from Arabic Alinasal al- the Latin/Greek -kuhl- essences obtained by distillation ala- wing -ol alcohol -nasus- nose Any of a series of hydroxyl compounds having -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form the general formula CnH2n+1OH. or character of Pertaining to the flaring of the nostrils. Aldehyde Latin Aliphatic al. dehyd- short for alcohol dehydrogenate Greek Any of a class of highly reactive organic chemical aleiphein- to anoint with oil compounds obtained by oxidation of primary -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of alcohols. Of or relating to a group of organic chemical compounds with carbon atoms linked in open Aldosterone chains. Greek/Latin al. dehyd- dehydrogenized alcohol Alkalimeter -stereos- solid Latin (from Arabic)/Greek -one chemical compound containing oxygen in a alkali- (Latin) basic (pH more than 7) carbonyl group alqili- (Arabic) ashes (originally from Arabic A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex word al-qali, which means “ashes,” and recalls that regulates the salt and water balance in the body. the elements Na [sodium] and K [potassium] left in the ashes of burning wood or plants) Algae (alga) -meter (metron) instrument or means of measur- Latin ing; to measure alga seaweed An apparatus for measuring concentrations of A very large, diverse group of plantlike organ- alkalinity in solutions. isms that are mostly aquatic or marine. They range from the unicellular forms to the extremely Alkaline large kelp forms. Latin (from Arabic)/Greek alkali- (Latin) basic (pH more than 7) Algaecide alqili- (Arabic) ashes (originally from Arabic Latin word al-qali, which means “ashes,” and recalls alga seaweed the elements Na [sodium] and K [potassium] left -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike in the ashes of burning wood or plants) Type of pesticide that controls algae in bodies of -ine of or relating to water. Relating to or containing the carbonate or hy- Algesimeter droxide of an alkali metal (the aqueous solution Greek of which is bitter, slippery, caustic, and basic). algeis- pain Alkalosis -meter (metron) instrument or means of measur- Latin (from Arabic)/Greek ing; to measure alkali- (Latin) basic (pH more than 7) An instrument used to measure the sensitivity to pain, alqili- (Arabic) ashes (originally from Arabic such as that produced by pricking with a sharp point. word al-qali, which means “ashes,” and recalls Algesiogenic the elements Na [sodium] and K [potassium] left Greek in the ashes of burning wood or plants) algeis- pain -sis action, process, state, condition -gen- to give birth, kind, produce The condition in which there is an excessive -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of amount of alkali in the blood. Producing pain. Altruism 9

Alkane Allotropy English/Arabic/French Greek alkyl- (English) alcohol allos- other, different al-kuhl- (Arabic) al- the + kuhl powder of antimony -trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to a -(meth)ane an odorless, colorless gas (CH4) stimulus Any member of the alkane series. -y place for an activity, condition, state The existence of two or more crystalline or Alkene molecular structural forms of an element (rotat- Latin (from Arabic)/Greek ing light in different directions). alkyl- (English) alcohol al-kuhl- (Arabic) al- the + kuhl powder of antimony Alloy -ene an unsaturated organic compound Latin Any of a series of unsaturated, open-chain hydrocar- alligare- to bind bons with one or more carbon-carbon double bonds. -y place for an activity, condition, state The state of mixing two or more metallic sub- Alkyne stances where the combination calls for each metal Latin (from Arabic)/Greek to occupy spaces within the molecules of the other. alkyl- (English) alcohol al-kuhl- (Arabic) al- the + kuhl powder of anti- Alluvion mony Latin (alluere) -ine a chemical compound ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near Any of a series of open-chain hydrocarbons with -luere- to wash a carbon-carbon triple bond. -ion state, process, or quality of The process by which the wash or flow of water Allele inundates a land mass; to wash against. Greek alleion mutually Altimeter One of two or more alternative forms of a gene, occu- Latin pying the same position on paired chromosomes altus- high, highest, tall, lofty and controlling the same inherited characteristic. -meter (metron) instrument or means of measur- ing, to measure Allergen A barometer-like device that is used in airplanes Greek to determine altitude. allos- other, different -gen to give birth, kind, produce Altitude A substance, such as pollen, that causes an allergy. Latin altus- high, highest, tall, lofty Alliaceous -ude state, quality, condition of Latin In astronomy, the angle between an object in the allium- onion, garlic bulb sky and the horizon. -aceous having the quality of Of or pertaining to the botanical genus Allium. Altricial Latin Allometry alere- to nourish Greek -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form allos- other, different or character of -metria (metron) the process of measuring Referring to various bird species in which The patterns of relationships among structure, hatchlings are typically weak, naked, and depen- function, and size. dent on their parents. Allosaur Altruism Greek Latin allos- other, different alter- other -sauros lizard -ism state or condition, quality Any one of a group of dinosaurs existing in the Instinctive cooperative behavior that is detrimen- late Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods. They tal to the individual but contributes to the survival had features similar to those of the tyrannosaur, of the species. but were small. 10 Alveolus

Alveolus Ammine Latin Latin alveus hollow, belly ammonia- a colorless, pungent gas, NH3 Microscopic air-containing sacs in the lungs where -ine a chemical compound gases are exchanged during external respiration. Any of a class of inorganic coordination com- pounds of ammonia and a magnetic salt. Amalgam Greek Ammophilous a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Greek -malgama soft mass ammo- sand, sandy beach A combination of different elements sometimes -phile- one who loves or has a strong affinity or mixed with mercury to create an alloy used in preference for dentistry. -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to In biology, vegetation that thrives in sandy beach Amalgamate habitats. Greek amalgama- mixture Amniocentesis -ate a derivative of a specific chemical compound Greek or element amnion- embryo, bowl, lamb To combine or mix a group of elements into an -kentein- to prick, puncture integrated whole; the substance remains a mix- -sis action, process, state, condition ture or alloy. A surgical procedure in which a small sample of amniotic fluid is drawn from the uterus through a Amblyopia needle inserted in the abdomen. New Latin ambly- dull, dim Amniotic -optic- eye, optic Greek -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing amnion- embryo, bowl, lamb plurals -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Reduced or dim vision; also called lazy eye. Of or relating to the amnion, the sac or fluid that protects the embryo (as in amniotic sac or amni- Ambulacrum otic fluid). Latin ambula- walk Amoeba -crum planted with trees Greek -um (singular) structure ameibein to change -a (plural) structure One-celled aquatic or parasitic organism belong- One of the five radial areas on the undersurface of ing to the genus Amoeba, appearing as a mass of the starfish, from which the tube feet are pro- protoplasm with no definite shape. truded and withdrawn. Amoeboid Amictic Greek Greek ameibein- to change a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not -oid (oeide s) resembling; having the appearance of -miktos- mixed or blended Amoeba-like in putting forth pseudopodia. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Amorphous Pertaining to female rotifers, which produce only Greek diploid eggs that cannot be fertilized, or to the a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not eggs produced by such females. -morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance Ammeter -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to French/Greek Substance with a disjointed, incomplete crystal am- (ampere) named for Andre Marie Ampere lattice or without shape. -meter (metron) instrument or means of measur- Amphibian ing, to measure Latin A device used to measure electrical current in amphi- on both or all sides, around amperes. -bios- life, living organisms or tissue -an one that is of or relating to or belonging to Analog 11

An animal capable of living both on land and in Ampulla water. Latin amphi- on both or all sides, around Amphibious -phoreus bearer Greek Any membranous bag shaped like a leathern bot- amphi- on both or all sides, around tle, as the dilated end of a vessel or duct; especially, -bios- life, living organisms or tissue the dilations of the semicircular canals of the ear. -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to Relating to organisms that are able to live both on Amygdala land and in water. Greek amygdale almond Amphiboles An almond-shaped region of the brain, located in Greek the medial temporal lobe, believed to play a key amphi- on both or all sides, around role in the emotions. -bol (ballein) to put or throw Any of a large group of structurally similar Amylopsin hydrated double-silicate minerals. Greek amulon- starch; not ground at a mill Amphigean -tripsis- a rubbing (so named by its first being Greek obtained by rubbing a pancreas with glycerin) amphi- on both or all sides, around -in protein or protein derivative -ge- earth, world The starch-digesting amylase produced in the -an one that is of, relating to, or belonging to pancreas. Extending all over the earth, from the equator to both poles. Amyotonia Greek Amphioxus a-, ano- no, absence of, lack of, without, not Greek -myo- muscle amphi- on both or all sides, around -tonia, -tone tension, pressure -oxus sharp Generalized absence of muscle tone, usually Small, flattened marine organism with a noto- associated with flabby musculature and an chord (but no true vertebrae), which gives it a increased range in passive movement at joints. pointed shape; the lancelet. Anabolism Amphipathic Greek Greek ana- anew, up amphi- on both or all sides, around -bol- (ballein) to put or throw -path- suffering, disease -ism state or condition, quality -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Building of complex molecules within a cell. Relating to protein molecules with one surface containing hydrophilic and the other hydrophobic Anaerobe amino acid residues. Greek an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Amphoteric -aerobe organism requiring oxygen to live Greek Organism that can live in the absence of atmo- ampho- (amphoteros) both, each of two spheric oxygen. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Capable of reacting chemically as either an acid Analgesic or a base. Greek an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Amplitude -algesi- pain, sense of pain; painful, hurting Latin -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of amplus- large, full Referring to compounds that reduce pain perception. -ude state, quality, or condition of The maximum displacement of wave from a rest Analog position; the measurement of a wave from the Greek normal to the height of the wave (crest) or to the analogos proportionate depth of the trough. In chemistry, a compound in which one or more elements are replaced by other elements. 12 Analysis

Claudius Galenus of Pergamum In the annals of medicine, the writings and teaching practice of medicine for over a thousand years. It of one Claudius Galenus, better known as Galen, wasn’t a pretty sight to behold. Galen often dis- overshadow those of any other individual. The sected live animals, and he would cut certain medical perspectives of this ancient Greek physi- nerve bundles to observe what happened as a cian occupied a position of prominence in the train- result. Galen was able to identify the causes of ing of physicians throughout Europe for over a paralysis by severing the spinal cords of pigs; he thousand years. Galen was born in 129 AD in the cut the nerve controlling vocalization in the larynx city of Pergamum, known today as Bergama, Tur- and, of course, discovered that the animal became key. Like many of the more learned people of his incapable of making sounds. He noted that blood time, he had a wide range of interests, including was carried through vessels, and he made accurate astronomy, philosophy, astrology, and agriculture. observations about the brain that were contrary to He chose to focus on medicine. After studying Aristotle’s notions of the roles of the brain and the medicine in Alexandria and Corinth, he practiced heart in the origination of conscious thought. He wound treatment in gladiatorial schools. had numerous scribes record his observations and He moved to Rome, where he began his career draw the organs and blood vessels of the dissected as a lecturer and very quickly established himself animals, and this resulted in one of the major as an expert in the field. Soon he was appointed works based on his research. This seventeen- physician to the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius volume classic was titled On the Usefulness of the and later to his son Commodus. Parts of the Human Body. Galen found himself in Rome at a time when Galen did not, however, do significant work the Roman Empire was at constant war with fac- with the human torso. Therefore, centuries later, tions on its northern border. As the empire slowly quite a few of Galen’s anatomical drawings proved crumbled around him, Galen spent his years in to be less than accurate, and it became necessary to Rome doing what he did best, dissecting animals. rob graves and to seek out the bodies of freshly exe- It was this work that laid the foundation for the cuted prisoners for dissection.

Analysis The structure of an animal or plant and any of its Greek parts. ana- anew, up Anconitis -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve, dissolution, break Greek -sis action, process, state, condition ancon- elbow Resolving or separating a whole into its elements -itis inflammation, burning sensation or component parts. An inflammation of the elbow joint. Anaphase Androecium Greek Greek ana- anew, up andros- male -phase a stage -oikos house The third of four stages of nuclear division in mito- Part of a flower that produces male gametes, or sis and in each of the two divisions of meiosis. pollen grains. Anastomosis Androgen Greek Greek ana- anew, up andros- male -stoma- mouth -gen to give birth, kind, produce -sis action, process, state, condition Male hormone secreted mostly by the testes and The connection of separate parts of a branching to a lesser amount by the adrenal cortex. system to form a network, such as blood vessels. Andronosia Anatomy Greek Greek andros- male ana- anew, up -nosia disease -temnein to cut Diseases occurring most often in males. Angular 13

Anemia -itis inflammation, burning sensation Greek Inflammation of a blood or lymph vessel. an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Angina -haima blood Greek A pathological deficiency in the oxygen-carrying ankhone a strangling components of the blood. A squeezing chest discomfort; angina pectoris Anemometer occurs when blood oxygen is cut off from por- Greek tions of the heart. anemos- wind Angiocarditis -meter (metron) instrument or means of measur- Greek ing; to measure angeion- vessel, usually a blood vessel Instrument used to measure wind speed. -kard- heart, pertaining to the heart Anesthesia -itis inflammation, burning sensation Greek Inflammation of the heart and great blood vessel. an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Angiocarp -aesthe- feeling, sensation, perception Greek -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing angeion- vessel, usually a blood vessel plurals -karpos fruit Partial or total loss of the sense of pain, tempera- A tree bearing fruit enclosed in a shell, involu- ture, touch, etc., which may be produced by dis- crum, or husk. ease or an anesthetic. Angiolith Aneuploid Greek Greek angeion- vessel, usually a blood vessel a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not -lithe stone, rock -neur- nerve A calcareous deposit in the wall of a blood vessel. -nervus- sinew, tendon -ploid having a number of chromosomes that has Angiolysis a specified relationship to the basic number of Greek chromosomes angeion- vessel, usually a blood vessel Aberration in the chromosome number, in which -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve; dissolution, break one or more extra chromosomes are present. -sis action, process, state, condition The obliteration of blood vessels, such as occurs Aneurysm during embryonic development. Greek an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Angionecrosis -eurus- a widening; broad, wide Greek -ism state or condition, quality angeion- vessel, usually a blood vessel Abnormal dilation of a blood vessel due to a con- -nekros- death, corpse genital defect or weakness of the wall of the vessel. -osis action, process, state, condition Death of a blood vessel. Angialgia Greek Angiosperm angeion- vessel, usually a blood vessel Greek -algia pain, sense of pain; painful, hurting angeion- vessel, usually a blood vessel Pain in a blood vessel. -sperma seed Any of a class (Angiospermae) of vascular plants Angiectasis (such as orchids or roses) having the seeds in a New Latin closed ovary. angeion- vessel, usually a blood vessel -ectasis expansion, dilation Angular Abnormal dilation of a blood vessel. Latin angulus angle Angiitis Having, forming, or consisting of an angle or Greek angles. angeion- vessel, usually a blood vessel 14 Anhydride

Anhydride Anorexia Greek Greek an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not -hydr- water -orexis- appetite -ide binary compound -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing A chemical compound formed from another by plurals the removal of water. Loss of appetite, sometimes because of a disease; anorexia nervosa. Anhydrous Greek Anoxia an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Greek -hydr- water an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to -oxo- oxygen A compound in which all water has been -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing removed, usually through heating. plurals Deprivation of oxygen that rapidly leads to col- Anisotropic lapse or death if not reversed. Greek an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Antacid -isos- equal Greek -trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to a anti- opposing, opposite, against stimulus -acere to be sour -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Any substance that reduces stomach acid. Not isotropic; having different properties in dif- Antagonist ferent directions; thus, crystals of the isometric Greek system are optically isotropic, but all other crys- anti- opposing, opposite, against tals are anisotropic. -agon- conflict, contest Annelid -ist one who is engaged in Latin A muscle or muscles that move in opposition to annellus- little ring an agonist. -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, Antarctica tending to, inclined to Greek Any of a phylum (Annelida) of coelomate and ante- before or prior to usually segmented invertebrates (such as earth- -arc- bow arch or bent worms, various marine worms, and leeches). -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Anode A body of land found mostly south of the Artic Greek Circle. It covers an area of 5,500,000 square an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not miles. About 98% of the land mass is covered -hodós way or road with a thick continental ice sheet, and the remain- The negative terminal of a voltaic cell or battery. ing 2% is barren rock. Anomaly Anterior Greek Latin an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not ante- before or prior to -homolus- even -or a condition or property of things or persons -y place for an activity, condition, state Located near or toward the head in lower animals. The angular deviation, as observed from the sun, Anther of a planet from its perihelion. Greek Anopheliphobia anth- flower; that which buds or sprouts Greek -er one that performs an action an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Pollen-bearing part of a stamen. -ophelos- advantage, use Antheridia -phob- fear, lacking an affinity for Greek/Latin -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form anth- flower; that which buds or sprouts or character of -oidium fungus An abnormal fear or hatred of mosquitoes. Anticline 15

A sperm-producing organ occurring in seedless Anthropoid plants (fungi and algae). Greek anthropo- man; human being, mankind Anthodite -oid (oeide s) resembling; having the appearance of Greek A group of primates that resemble humans; apes anth- flower; that which buds or sprouts and monkeys. -ite minerals and fossils A period of the Paleozoic, spanning the time Anthropology between 440 and 410 million years ago. Greek anthropo- man; human being, mankind Anthophilous -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Greek bodies of knowledge anth- flower; that which buds or sprouts The scientific study of the history, culture, -phile- one who loves or has a strong affinity or genetic conditions, and lifestyles of a given popu- preference for lation of humans. -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to In biology, attracted to, or feeding on, flowers; Anthropozoonosis living on or frequenting flowers. Greek anthropo- man; human being, mankind Anthracite -zoon- animal Greek -nosis disease anthrankitis- name of a fiery gem An animal disease maintained in nature by ani- -ite minerals and fossils mals and transmissible to humans. Hard coal that burns with very little smoke or flame. Antibacterial Greek Anthropic anti- opposing, opposite, against Greek -bacter- small rod anthropo- man; human being, mankind -ial (variation of -ia) relating to or characterized -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of by Pertaining to humans or the period of their exist- Pertaining to a substance that kills bacteria. ence on earth. Antibiotic Anthropobiology Greek Greek anti- opposing, opposite, against anthropo- man; human being, mankind -bios- life, living organisms or tissue -bios- life, living organisms or tissue -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Any of a large class of substances produced by bodies of knowledge various microorganisms having the power to The study of the biological relationships of arrest the growth of other microorganisms or to humans as a species. destroy them. Anthropocentric Antibody Greek Greek/Old English anthropo- man; human being, mankind anti- opposing, opposite, against -kentron- center, sharp point -botah (body) the material frame of humans and -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of animals Regarding humans as the central element of the Protein produced by the immune system in universe. response to the presence of antigens in the body. Anthropogenic Anticline Greek Greek anthropo- man; human being, mankind anti- opposing, opposite, against -gen- to give birth, kind, produce -klinein sloping, to lean -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of A fold of the rock strata that slopes downward Referring to pollutants and other impacts on nat- from a center or common crest. ural environments that can be traced to human activities. 16 Anticoagulant

Anticoagulant magnitude of electric charge as the particle to which Latin it corresponds, but having the opposite sign of elec- anti- opposing, opposite, against tric charge and opposite direction of magnetic -coa gulum- coagulator moment. -ant performing, promoting, or causing a specific Antisense event Greek/Latin A non–habit-forming medication that prevents anti- opposing, opposite, against the formation of clots in the blood. -senti re to feel Anticodon Of or relating to a nucleotide sequence that is Greek complementary to a sequence of messenger anti- opposing, opposite, against RNA. When antisense DNA or RNA is added to a -caudex book cell, it binds to a specific messenger RNA mole- A sequence of three nucleotides found in t-RNA. cule and inactivates it. Anticyclone Antiseptic Greek Greek anti- opposing, opposite, against anti- opposing, opposite, against -kyklos- circle, wheel, cycle -sepsis- putrefaction or decay -ne of or relating to -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of A system of winds rotating about a center of high Preventing or counteracting putrefaction or decay. atmospheric pressure, clockwise in the Northern Antiserum Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the South- Greek/Latin ern, that usually advances at 20 to 30 miles (about anti- opposing, opposite, against 30 to 50 kilometers) per hour. -ser- the watery part of fluid Antigen -um (singular) structure Latin -a (plural) structure anti- opposing, opposite, against Animal or human serum containing antibodies -gen to give birth, kind, produce that are specific to a number of antigens. Substance to which the body responds by produc- Antitoxin ing antibodies. Greek Antimatter anti- opposing, opposite, against Greek -toxikos- poison anti- opposing, opposite, against -in protein or derived from protein -ma ter mother An antibody with the ability to neutralize a spe- A hypothetical form of matter that is identical to cific toxin. physical matter except that its atoms are com- Aortic posed of antielectrons, antiprotons, and Latin antineutrons. aort- lower extremity of the windpipe; by exten- Antioxidant sion, extremity of the heart, the great artery Latin -ic relating to or having some characteristics of anti- opposing, opposite, against Relating to the main trunk of the systemic arteries, -oxy- pungent, sharp carrying blood from the left side of the heart to the -ant performing, promoting, or causing a specific arteries of all limbs and organs except the lungs. event Apatite A substance or enzyme that inhibits oxidation Greek or inhibits the loss of an electron. apate - deceit Antiparticle -ite minerals and fossils Latin A natural, variously colored calcium fluoride anti- opposing, opposite, against phosphate, Ca5F(PO4)3. -particula a very small piece or part; a tiny por- Aphasia tion or speck Greek A subatomic particle, such as a positron, antiproton, a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not or antineutron, having the same mass, average life- -phanai- speech time, spin, magnitude of magnetic moment, and Appendectomy 17

-ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Apogeotropism plurals Greek A condition characterized by defective or absent apo- away from, off, separate language abilities, typically caused by brain injury. -geo- earth, world -trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to a Aphelion stimulus Greek -ism state or condition apo- away from The response by an organism of turning away -helios- sun from the earth (e.g., plant stems growing upward). -ion state, process, or quality of The point on the orbit of a celestial body that is Apomixis farthest from the sun. Greek apo- away from, off, separate Aphonia -mixis mingling, intercourse Greek Reproduction without meiosis, or the formation a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not or fusion of gametes. -phonos- voice -ia names of disease, place names, or Latinizing Aponeurosis plurals Greek A condition characterized by the loss of one’s aponeurousthai to become tendinous voice, caused by a disease, injury to the vocal Sheetlike fibrous membrane that binds muscle to cords, or various psychological factors. muscle or muscle to bone. Aplasia Apopyle Greek Greek a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not apo- away from, off, separate -plassein- to form -pyle gate -ia names of disease, place names, or Latinizing In sponges, opening of the radial canal into the plurals spongocoel. Developmental failure of an organ or tissue to Apparatus form, or the malformation of an organ or tissue. Latin Apnea ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near New Latin -parare to make ready a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not A device or system composed of different parts -pnea breathing or breath that act together to perform some special function. Temporary cessation of breathing. Appendage Apocrine Latin Greek ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near apo- away from, off, separate -pendere- to hang -krinein to separate -age (a ticum) (Latin) condition or state Applies to a type of mammalian sweat gland that A part or an organ that is attached to the axis of produces a viscous secretion by breaking off a the body (i.e., arm, leg); a structure arising from part of the cytoplasm of secreting cells. the surface or extending beyond the tip of another Apoenzyme structure. Greek Appendectomy apo- away from, off, separate Latin/Greek -en- in ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near -zuma leaven, yeast -pendere- to hang The protein part of an enzyme to which the coen- (ectomy) zyme attaches to form an active enzyme. -ekt- outside, external, beyond -tomos Apogee (temnein) to cut, incise, section Greek The surgical removal of the vermiform appendix. apo- away from, off, separate -gaia earth Point of a satellite’s orbit that is farthest from the sun. 18 Appendicitis

Appendicitis Of or pertaining to life in the trees or living things Latin in the trees. ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near Archaeocytes -pendere- to hang Greek -itis inflammation, burning sensation archae- original, beginning, origin, ancient An inflammation of the vermiform appendix. -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid Appendix Amoeboid cells of varied functions in sponges. Latin Archaeology ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near Greek -pendere to hang archae- original, beginning, origin, ancient A supplementary or accessory part of a bodily -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or organ or structure. bodies of knowledge Aquatic The study of past human life and culture by the Latin recovery and examination of remaining material aqua- water evidence. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Archaeopteryx Consisting of, relating to, or being in water; an Greek organism that lives in, on, or near water. archae- original, beginning, origin, ancient Aquation -pterux wing Latin A primitive group of birds existing in the Jurassic aqua- water period, winged, with reptilian skin, teeth, and a -ion state, process, or quality of long tail. The process of replacement of other ligands by water. Archean Aqueous Greek Latin archae- original, beginning, origin, ancient aqua- water -an one that is of, relating to, or belonging to -ous possessing, full of; characterized by The first formed rocks, characterized by cooling Relating to, similar to, containing, or dissolved in periods 3.8 to 2.5 billion years ago. water. Archegonium Aquifer Greek Latin archae- original, beginning, origin, ancient aqua- water -gonos- offspring -ferre to carry -ium quality or relationship Layer of rock or sediment that allows groundwa- A flasklike reproductive organ found in mosses, ter to pass freely. ferns, and some other gymnosperms where the eggs are produced. Arachnid Latin Archenteron arakhn- spider Greek -id state or condition; having, being, pertaining archae- original, beginning, origin, ancient to, tending to, or inclined to -enteron gut Arthropods characterized by four pairs of seg- The main cavity of an embryo in the gastrula stage. mented legs and a body divided into two regions. Archeognatha Arboraceous Greek French/Latin archae- original, beginning, origin, ancient erbe- herb -gnatha jaw -aceous having the quality of Bristletail; insect with cylindrical body, no wings, A reference to a tree or woodlike substance. and three terminal “tails” with a medial caudal fil- ament. Found in rocky areas, it is crepuscular or Arboreal nocturnal. Latin arbor- tree -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form or character of Arthroscopy 19

Archetype Small, terminal branch of an artery that leads into Greek a capillary bed. archae- original, beginning, origin, ancient Arteriomalacia -tupos type, model, stamp Greek An original model or pattern from which copies arteria- windpipe, artery are made or evolve. -malacia softening of tissue Area The softening of arteries, usually as a result of Latin some disorder. area open space Arteriosclerosis The extent of a planar region or of the surface of a Greek solid measured in square units. arteria- windpipe, artery Areola -sklero- (skle roun) to harden Latin -sis action, process, state, condition area- a courtyard, open space A chronic disease in which thickening, harden- -ola little ing, and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls A small ring of color around a center portion, as result in impaired blood circulation. about the nipple of the breast, or the part of the Artery iris surrounding the pupil of the eye. Greek Argillaceous arteria windpipe, artery Latin A vessel that carries blood from the heart to the argillos- clay cells, tissues, and organs of the body. -aceous having the quality of Arthralgia Of the nature of clay; largely composed of clay. Greek Argon arthr- joint Greek -algia pain, sense of pain; painful, hurting a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Pain resulting from inflammation in a joint. -ergon work Arthritis A colorless, inert gaseous element composing Greek approximately 1% of the earth’s atmosphere. arthr- joint Arillate -itis inflammation, burning sensation Latin An inflammation of a joint. arillus- grape seed Arthroplasty -ate characterized by having Greek A seed with an unusually brightly colored cover. arthr- joint Arithmetic -plastos- (plassein) something molded (to mold) Greek -y place for an activity; condition, state arithmos- number Surgical reconstruction or replacement of a mal- -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of formed or degenerated joint. The computation of numbers having to do with Arthropod addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Greek Aromatic arthr- joint Greek -poda foot aroma- smell (due to sweet smell of benzene and Any of numerous invertebrate animals of the phy- related organic groups) lum Arthropoda, including insects, crustaceans, -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of arachnids, and myriapods. Of, relating to, or containing one or more six-carbon Arthroscopy rings characteristic of benzene series and related Greek organic groups. arthr- joint Arteriole -skopion for viewing with the eye Greek Visual examination of the inside of a joint with arteria windpipe, artery the use of a specialized scope. -ole little 20 Articulation

Astrology The ancient Greeks bore witness to the orderly ation of the horoscope, which is a chart prepared nature of the daytime and nighttime skies. Based at the conception of a particular human being. By on this recognition, they gave the name cosmos, plotting stellar and planetary positions in the meaning “order,” to the celestial sphere. The zodiac, ancient astrologers believed that the serenity of the cosmos apparently gave the course of one’s life could be foretold. So skillful ancients a sense of security from the knowledge were these Greeks in the use of astrological charts that tomorrow’s nighttime sky would closely and prediction that over the course of human his- resemble tonight’s. tory few changes have been made to the methodol- The Mesopotamians are credited with the ogy of astrology as practiced by the Greeks. advent of Western astrology in the second millen- Astrology, of course, is a pseudoscience. How- nium BC. They believed that the arrangement of ever, among the early Arab astrologers and later in the stars and planets somehow influences human both Jewish and Christian sects, astrology devel- existence here on earth. The term zodiac was oped into a vital component of the relationship given to an imaginary band or belt spanning about between man and his deity. 8 degrees on either side of the path of the sun. Astrology is as popular among the public today Zodiac comes from the Greek word zoon, meaning as it was during the Middle Ages and before, espe- “animal” or “animal-like,” reflecting the fact that cially in the United States. Scientists discount any the major constellations in the band are named relationship between the positions of heavenly bod- after animals or animal-like creatures. The path- ies and prognosticative power. Most treat astrology way defined by the zodiac also includes the orbital as it should be treated, as a source of amusement paths of many planets in our solar system as well and fun. as our moon. The Greeks are credited with the cre-

Articulation Ascarid Latin Greek articulus- small joint askarizein- to jump, throb -ate- of or having to do with -id state or condition; having, being, pertaining -ion state, process, or quality of to, tending to, or inclined to The action of bending the joints; a movable or Any of a family of nematode worms, including fixed joint between two or more bones. the common roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), which is parasitic in the human intestine. Artificial Latin Ascocarp artificialis- not natural, man-made Greek -ial relating to or characterized by askos- bag Produced by humans rather than occurring natu- -karpos fruit rally; refers to something created or modified The mature, saclike fruiting body of an asco- through the effects of human or sociological forces. mycetes fungi. Artiodactyla Ascomycetes Greek Greek artios- even askos- bag -daktulos toe, finger, digit -muke s fungus Order including even-toed mammals (deer, cows, A class of fungi containing an ascus and spores. sheep). Ascus Asbestos Greek Greek askos- bag a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not A saclike spore capsule located at the tip of the -sbennunai to quench ascocarp in the phylum Ascomycota. Magnesium silicate; a fibrous, incombustible, Asepsis and chemical resistance substance used for fire- Latin proofing and insulation. Astigmatism 21

a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near -sepein- to decay, cause to rot -simulare- to make similar or alike -sis action, process, state, or condition -ion state, process, or quality of The absence of contamination by unwanted Process by which absorbed food molecules cir- organisms. culating in the blood pass into the cells and are used for growth, tissue repair, or other metabolic Aseptic activities. Greek a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Astatine -sepein- to decay, cause to rot Greek -ic (ikos) relating to or having some character- a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not istic of -statos- standing, stay, make firm, fixed, balanced Pertaining to the condition of being free from -ine in a chemical substance germs or other infection-causing microorganisms. A highly unstable, radioactive element. Asexual Asteroid Latin Greek a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not aster- star -sexus sex -oid (oeide s) resembling; having the appearance Refers to reproduction in which a single parent of produces offspring that are genetically identical Any of the small celestial bodies between the to the parent. orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Asphyxia Asteroidea Greek Greek a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not aster- star -sphyzein- to throb; pulse, heartbeat -oid (oeide s) resembling; having the appearance -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing of plurals Any of various marine echinoderms of the class A condition in which an extreme decrease in oxy- Asteroidea, characteristically having a thick, gen in the body accompanied by an increase in often spiny body with five arms extending from a the concentration of carbon dioxide leads to loss central disk. of consciousness or death. Asthenia Aspiration Greek Latin a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not -sthenos- strength -spir- breath of life, breath, breathing -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing -ion state, process, or quality of plurals The process of withdrawing fluid from a cavity or Loss or lack of bodily strength or energy; weak- sac by the use of a needle. ness, debility. Assay Asthenosphere Latin Greek assa- pure, whole a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not -y place for an activity; condition or state -sthenos- strength In chemistry, the determination of the quality of a -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere substance present in a sample. A layer of hot, weak material located in the man- tle at a depth between 100 and 350 kilometers; Assimilate the rock within the zone is easily deformed. Latin ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near Astigmatism -simulare- to make similar or alike Greek -ate characterized by having a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not To consume, digest, absorb, and assimilate nutri- -stigma- a point, mark, spot, puncture ents into a living being. -ism state or condition, quality A defect in an optical system (i.e., impaired eye- Assimilation sight) in which light rays fail to converge to a sin- Greek gle focal point. 22 Astrobiology

Galileo (1564–1642) Galileo Galilei was born on February 15, 1564, in Aristotelian thinkers. Looking back at his rather the Tuscan region of Italy. His accomplishments in radical departure from older approaches to sci- the sciences are far too extensive to be covered in a ence, we acknowledge Galileo as the father of sci- brief exposé. He spent most of his life studying ence. He is also credited as the father of modern mathematics, astronomy, and physics. He was a physics and of modern astronomy. Catholic and had many friends who held esteemed We can confirm that Galileo had more than a positions in the Catholic Church, but he found casual interest in technology. He developed a ther- himself on the defensive for his support of the mometer using an enclosed tube, water, and heliocentric configuration of the solar system as objects floating in the water. It operates on the described by Copernicus. For this position, in his principles of temperature, compressed air and later years, he was put on trial and confined to buoyancy, and displacement. He designed and house arrest for the remaining days of his life. developed the first compound microscope with Galileo is given credit for inventing the tele- concave and convex lenses. Galileo also created a scope; he actually did not invent it but rather vastly improved version of the military compass, refined and improved its design. With the advent of paving the way for improved weaponry. His mili- the lens, he created a telescope that enabled him to tary compass provided a much safer way of elevat- observe and study sunspots. This probably contrib- ing and supporting cannons, increasing their uted to his loss of sight. He made it possible to see, firepower and accuracy. for the first time, the moons orbiting Jupiter. His Galileo studied pendulums and noted that the observations of Venus and its phases, which were period of the swing is independent of the wave’s much like the phases of the moon, led Galileo to amplitude. The advent of the pendular clock later side with the Copernican, heliocentric model of the developed by Christian Huygens depended on the solar system rather than the widely accepted geo- development of the escapement mechanism for the centric model put forth by Ptolemy. Galileo sold pendulum created by Galileo. quite a few of his telescopes and made a handsome His work in physics is well known and contin- profit marketing them to seafarers. ues to be discussed in schools today. Recall his Galileo is hailed as the standard-bearer for sci- experiment with two balls of unequal mass entific methodology. Influenced by his strong dropped from the Tower of Pisa. He contended background in mathematics, he advocated and pio- that the time of descent of a ball was independent neered experimental designs that included quanti- of its mass. This was the exact opposite of what fication of data. This was a dramatic departure Aristotle had proposed centuries before. Even from earlier practices in science, where a more though Galileo was not the first person to make philosophical, qualitative approach was the norm. this argument, he was able to demonstrate using For this and other reasons, Galileo stood at odds inclined planes and rolling balls that the principle with the Church and with the more traditional, was indeed correct.

Astrobiology Astrology Greek Greek astros- star astros- star -bios- life, living organisms or tissue -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or bodies of knowledge bodies of knowledge The study of the positions of the stars and planets The branch of biology that deals with the search based on the belief that they can predict the future. for extraterrestrial life and the effects of extrater- Astronaut restrial surroundings on living organisms. Greek Astrocyte astros- star Greek -nautes sailor astros- star A traveler in space; a member of a U.S. space -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid crew trained to pilot, navigate, or conduct A star-shaped cell, especially a neuroglial cell of research in outer space. nervous tissue. Atrium 23

Astronomy Athermy Greek Greek astros- star a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not -nom (nemein) to dictate the laws of; knowledge, -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) usage, order -y place for an activity; condition or state Study of planets, stars, and other objects in space. A therapeutic treatment for certain diseases involving no heat. Astrophysics Greek Atherosclerosis astros- star Greek -phusis- nature athera- tumors full of pus, like a gruel -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -skleros- hardening The branch of astronomy that deals with the -sis action, process, state, condition physics of stellar phenomena. A stage of arteriosclerosis involving fatty depos- its (atheromas) inside the arterial walls. Asymmetric Greek Atmosphere a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Greek -summetros- of like measure atmos- vapor -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere Unequal in size or shape; having no balance. Mixture of gases that surrounds the earth. Asymptotic Atoll Greek Sanskrit a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not antara interior -sumptotos intersecting A nearly circular coral reef surrounding a shallow Refers to a line whose distance to a given curve lagoon. tends to zero; an asymptote may or may not inter- Atom sect its associated curve. Greek Asystole a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Greek -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not A unit of matter, the smallest of an element, hav- -sustellein to contract ing all the characteristics of that element and con- A life-threatening cardiac condition marked by sisting of a dense, positively charged nucleus failure of the heart to contract. surrounded by an electron cloud. Atactic Atonia Greek Greek a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not -taktos ordered -tonos- tone, stretching, firm The type of orientation of the methyl groups on a -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing polypropylene chain in plastics—in this case ran- plurals dom orientation. Decrease in or lack of normal muscle tone, some- times caused by prolonged paralysis. Ataxia Greek Atrioventricular a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not atri- open area, central court, hall, entrance, or -taxis order main room of an ancient roman house Loss of the ability to coordinate muscular movements. -ventricul- belly -ar relating to or resembling Athermancy Relating to, involving, or resembling the area of Greek the atrium or ventricle of the heart; the atrioven- a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not tricular valve. -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) -ancy condition or state of Atrium Impermeability to heat (i.e., no heat passing Latin through); the inability to transfer radiant energy. atri- open area, central court, hall, entrance, or main room of an ancient roman house 24 Atrophy

-ium quality or relationship Autecology Chamber associated with the heart; upper chamber. Greek auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within Atrophy -oikos- home, house Greek -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not bodies of knowledge -trophos- (trophein) to nourish, food, nutrition; The ecology of an individual organism or species. development -y place for an activity; condition, state Autism A wasting away, deterioration, diminution, or Greek decrease in the size of a body organ, tissue, or part auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within owing to disease, injury, or lack of use. -ism state or condition, quality A psychiatric disorder of childhood characterized Attenuate by marked deficits in communication and social Latin interaction, preoc-cupation with fantasy, language ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near impairment, and abnormal behavior, such as repeti- -tenuis- thin tive acts and excessive attachment to certain objects. -ate of or having to do with To make or become weaker; to reduce the size, Autoclave strength, or density of something; to become thin- French ner, weaker, less dense, or less virulent. auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within -clavis key (from the fact that it’s self-locking from Auditory the pressurization) Latin A strong, pressurized, steam heat vessel, as used for audit- hearing, listening, perception of sounds laboratory experiments, sterilization, or cooking. -ory tending to, serving for Of or relating to hearing, the organs of hearing, or Autogenous the sense of hearing. Greek auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within Auricle -gen- to give birth, kind, produce Latin -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of auricula ear Self-generated; produced independently. Coming An ear-shaped part of an organ. from the individual that it is growing in; a graft. Aurora Autoionization Latin Greek aurora dawn auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within Short for aurora australis or aurora borealis -ion- (ienai) to go; something that goes (luminous bands or streamers of light visible in -izein to cause or become night sky). -ion state, process, or quality of Aurous An ionization reaction between identical molecules. Latin Autolysis aurum- gold Greek -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within Of, relating to, or containing gold. -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve; dissolution, break Austral -sis action, process, state, condition Latin Self-acting disintegration of tissue by the release austr- south; south wind of enzymes within the cells. -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Autonomic or character of Greek Relating to or coming from the south. auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within Australopithecus -nom (nemein) to dictate the laws of; knowledge, Latin usage, order austral- southern; human race classification -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -pithecus ape, apelike creatures Functioning independently of the will; not under Extinct genus of African hominid family thought voluntary control (e.g., as with most functions of to have lived between 4 and 1 million years ago. the nervous system). Azimuth 25

Autopsy Average Greek Arabic auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within awariyah damaged merchandise -opsy examination A single value that summarizes or represents the Examination of the organs of a body to determine general significance of a set of unequal values. the cause of death. Avian Autosomal Latin Greek avis bird auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within Of, relating to, or characteristic of birds. -soma (somatiko) body Aviation -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form or Latin character of avis- bird Pertaining to or characteristic of an autosome. -ation state, process, or quality of Autosome The art or science of flying, especially airplanes. Greek Avicide auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within Latin -soma (somatiko) body avis- bird Any chromosome other than those that determine -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike the sex of an organism. Type of pesticide that controls populations of Autotherm birds considered to be pests. Greek Axiom auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within Greek -thermos combining form of “hot” (heat) axios worthy An organism that regulates its body heat indepen- A universally recognized truth; self-evident, estab- dently of ambient temperature changes. lished rule. Autotoxin Axis Greek Latin auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within axis central -toxikos poison Any of the anatomical structures that lie centrally Any harmful substance generated within the or along a midcentral line within a body. body; something that is self-poisonous. Axon Autotroph Greek Greek axo n axis auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within The usually long process of a nerve fiber that gen- -trophos (trophein) to nourish; food, nutrition; erally conducts impulses away from the body of development the nerve cell. An organism that makes organic nutrients from inorganic raw materials; any organism considered Azeotrope to be a producer, capable of making its own food. Greek a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not Autotrophic -zein- to boil Greek -trope bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to a auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within stimulus -trophos- (trophein) to nourish; food, nutrition; A mixture of two or more substances that has the development same composition in vapor state and liquid state. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Relating to the process of synthesizing food Azimuth either by photosynthesis or by chemosynthesis. Arabic al- the Auxin -samt way, path Greek In astronomy, the horizontal measurement of the auxein to grow position of an object from north to east (clock- Any of several plant hormones that regulate vari- wise) in degrees from a reference direction or a ous functions, including cell elongation. celestial body (polaris). Bacteremia Bacteriotherapy Greek Greek baktron- staff, rod baktron- staff, rod -haima- blood -therapeuein heal, cure; treatment -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Treatment of disease by introducing bacteria into plurals the system. Presence of bacteria in the blood. Bacteriotropic Bacteria Greek Greek baktron- staff, rod baktron- staff, rod -trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to a -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing stimulus plurals -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Single-celled or noncellular spherical or spiral- or Having an affinity for bacteria; moving toward rod-shaped organism without chlorophyll. bacteria. Bactericide Bacterium Latin Greek baktron- staff, rod baktron- staff, rod -cida cutter, killer, slayer. -ium quality or relationship Any chemical agent that kills bacteria A single-celled or non-cellular spherical or spi- ral- or rod-shaped organism lacking chlorophyll Bacteriophage that reproduces by fission; important as a patho- Greek gen and for its biochemical properties; taxon- baktron- staff, rod omy is difficult (often considered a plant). -phagein to eat An ultra-microscopic filter-passing agent that has Bacteroid the power to destroy bacteria and to induce bacte- Greek rial mutation. baktron- staff, rod -oid (oeid s) resembling, having the appearance of Bacteriostat e Resembling bacteria in appearance or action. Greek baktron- staff, rod Barometer -statos standing; stay; make firm, fixed, balanced Greek A class of antibiotics that prevents growth of bac- baro- weight, heavy; combining form meaning terial cells. “pressure” Behavior 27

-meter (metron) instrument or means of measur- ing; to measure The Greek Language An instrument for determining the weight or pressure of the atmosphere, and hence used for Examining the origins of the languages of judging probable changes in the weather. Western cultures, we see that most had their beginnings in the language of the Baroreceptor Greeks. Around the sixth century BC, the Greek ancient Greek culture flourished. Democ- baro- weight, heavy; combining form meaning racy, cherished only by the wealthy, pro- “pressure” vided a political and social environment -reciepere- to receive for philosophers to ponder the nature of -or a condition or property of things or persons; the universe. Some put down in words person that does something their interpretations of order and chaos. In living tissue, a receptor end organ that responds Plato (427–347 BC), one of the most to pressure. famous Greek philosophers, metaphori- Base cally linked science to politics by stating Latin that all things celestial were pure and basis fundamental ingredient, foundation godly while earthly things were somehow Any large class of compounds, including the tarnished and corrupted. He referred to hydroxides and oxides of metals, having the abil- planets as crystalline spheres and made an ity to react with acids to form salts. analogy between the good and the sun: “though the good itself is not essence but Basidiomycete still transcends essence in dignity and Latin/Greek surpassing power.” In Plato’s Allegory of basid- foundation or base the Cave he speaks of shadows and captiv- -idion- (Greek) diminutive suffix ity and the darkness. In many such ways -muke t fungus Plato and others advanced the sciences in Any of a large group of fungi, including puff- their time. Yet some would say they also balls, shelf fungi, rusts, smuts, and mush- suppressed science and philosophy rooms, that bear sexually produced spores on a through their belief that these endeavors basidium. befit only the elite in Greek society. Basidium Latin Bathyal basid- foundation or base Greek -ium quality or relationship bathy- deep, depth Club-shaped organ involved in sexual reproduc- -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form tion in basidiomycete fungi (mushrooms, toad- or character of stools etc.) and bearing four haploid basidiospores Of or relating to a region of the ocean between at its tip. depths of 200 and 4,000 meters (660 and 13,000 Basophile feet). Greek Bedrock basis- fundamental ingredient, foundation Old English/Latin -phile one who loves or has a strong affinity or bed- bed preference for -rocca rock, stone A granulocytic white blood cell characterized by The layer of solid rock beneath the gravel, soil, cytoplasmic granules that stain blue when and stone of the earth’s surface. exposed to a basic dye. Behavior Batholith Old English/French Greek be- to cause, make, affect bathy- deep, depth -havour to have -lith rock, stone In biology, all of the responses to stimuli that an A mass of igneous rock that has melted and organism is capable of displaying. intruded into surrounding strata. 28 Benthic

Benthic bilis- bile Greek -ruber- red benthos- bottom -in protein or derived from protein -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of A pigmented substance in the hemoglobin that Of the benthos, or bottom of the ocean or deep lake; appears in the urine, darkening it and indicative of organisms existing at the bottom zone of the sea. liver or gallbladder disease. Beta (rays) Bimetallic Greek Latin beta second letter of the Greek alphabet bi- two, twice, double, twofold Electrons or positrons that are emitted from a -metallon- mine, ore, quarry; any of a category of radioactive substance. electropositive elements from metallum -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Bias Relating to a substance composed of two differ- French ent metals that are bonded together. biais slant To apply a small voltage to. Binary Latin Bicephalous bini- two at a time, two by two Greek -ary of, relating to, or connected with bi- two, twice, double, twofold Consisting of or involving two, as in binary fission. -cephalo- (kephalikos) head -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to Binocular Having two heads. Latin bi- two, twice, double, twofold Bicuspid -ocul- of or relating to the eye Latin -ar relating to or resembling bi- two, twice, double, twofold Having two eyes arranged to produce stereo- -cuspis- sharp point, cusp scopic vision. -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, tending to, inclined to Binomial Having two points or cusps, such as a premolar Latin tooth. bi- two, twice, double, twofold -nom- (nemein) to dictate the laws of; knowl- Bidentate edge, usage, order Greek -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form bi- two, twice, double, twofold or character of -dentis- tooth A taxonomic name consisting of two terms; bino- -ate to cause to be affected or modified by mial nomenclature. To have two teeth or teethlike parts. Bioaccumulation Bifurcation Greek/Latin Latin bios- life, living organisms or tissue bi- two, twice, double, twofold -ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near -furca- fork -cumula re- to pile up -ation state, process, or quality of -ion state, process, or quality of The point at which a splitting into two pieces occurs. To accumulate in a biological system. Bilateral Bioaugmentation Latin Greek/Latin bi- two, twice, double, twofold bios- life, living organisms or tissue -latus- side -augere- to increase -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form -ion state, process, or quality of or character of Increasing the activity of bacteria that decompose Referring to two-sided symmetrical animals; pollutants, a technique used in bioremediation. having identical parts on each side of an axis. Biocentrism Bilirubin Greek Latin bios- life, living organisms or tissue Biomimetics 29

-kentron- center, sharp point bios- life, living organisms or tissue -ism state or condition, quality -geo- earth The belief that all life—or even the whole uni- -graphia (graphein) to write, record, draw, describe verse, living or otherwise—taken as a whole, is The study of the geographical distribution of equally valuable, and that humanity is not the organisms. center of existence. Biolith Biodegradable Greek Greek bios- life, living organisms or tissue bios- life, living organisms or tissue -lithos stone or rock -degrade- to impair physical structure A rock of organic origin. -able capable, inclined to, tending to, given to Biologics Capable of being decomposed by biological agents, Greek especially bacteria. bios- life, living organisms or tissue Biodiversity -logics talk, speak; speech; word Greek Agents, such as vaccines, that confer immunity to bios- life, living organisms or tissue diseases or harmful biotic stresses. -diverse- differing from another Biology -ity state, quality Greek The number and variety of organisms found within bios- life, living organisms or tissue a specified region. -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Bioecologist bodies of knowledge Greek The science of life and of living organisms, bios- life, living organisms or tissue including their structure, function, growth, ori- -eco- environment, habitat gin, evolution, and distribution. -logist a person who studies Biomass A specialist who studies the relation-ships of Greek organisms to their natural environments. bios- life, living organisms or tissue Bioenrichment -maza mass, large amount Greek/Latin/French The total amount or weight of living material in a bios- (Greek) life, living given area. en- (Latin) in Biome -riche- (French) rich Greek -ment state or condition resulting from a (speci- bios- life, living organisms or tissue fied) action -oma community Adding nutrients or oxygen to increase the micro- A major region, such as continental grassland, that bial breakdown of pollutants. has similar physical and climatological conditions. Biofuel Biomimesis Various Greek bios- life, living organisms or tissue bios- life, living organisms or tissue -focus (fuel) hearth, fireplace -minie- mimic, mime; imitate, act; simulation Any fuel derived from biomass, such as treated -sis action, process, state, condition municipal and industrial wastes and methane pro- In biology, the ability of an organism to mimic the duced from renewable resources, especially plants. physical characteristics of another species. Biogenesis Biomimetics Greek Greek bios- life, living organisms or tissue bios- life, living organisms or tissue -gen- to give birth, kind, produce -minie- mimic, mime; imitate, act; simulation -sis action, process, state, condition -ic (ikos) relating to or having some character- The biological principle that life originates or istic of arises from life, and not from nonliving things. A branch of biology that uses information from Biogeography biological systems to develop synthetic systems. Greek 30 Biopesticide

Biopesticide bi- two, twice, double, twofold Latin/Greek -pectin- comb bios- life, living organisms or tissue -ate characterized by having -pestis- (Latin) plague, pestilance Feathery, with comblike branches or projections -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike growing out from both sides of the main axis Naturally occurring substances with pesticidal (applied mainly to insect antennae). properties. Bipedal Biopsy Latin Greek bi- two, twice, double, twofold bios- life, living organisms or tissue -ped- foot -opsy examination -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Selection of tissue removed from a living specimen. or character of An organism having two feet or capable of walk- Bioremediation ing on two feet. Greek bios- life, living organisms or tissue Biramous -re- again Latin -medi- middle bi- two, twice, double, twofold -ion state, process, or quality of -ramus- branch The process of using bacteria or other organisms -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to to “clean up” toxins in the environment. Consisting of or having two branches, as the appendages of an arthropod. Biosphere Greek Bitumen bios- life, living organisms or tissue Latin -sphaire to surround bitu men a mineral pitch from the Near East The thin outer shell of the earth and the inner lay- Any of various flammable mixtures of hydrocar- ers of its atmosphere, the place where all living bons and other substances, occurring naturally or systems are found. obtained by distillation from coal or petroleum, that are components of asphalt and tar and are Biotechnology used for surfacing roads and for waterproofing. Greek bios- life, living organisms or tissue Bivalve -tekhne- skill, systematic treatment Latin -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or bi- two, twice, double, twofold bodies of knowledge -valve leaf of a door The scientific manipulation of living organisms, A mollusk that has a shell consisting of two especially at the molecular genetic level, to produce hinged valves. useful products. Gene splicing and the use of recom- Bladder binant DNA(rDNA) are major techniques used. Latin Biotic blaedre bladder Greek In biology, any sac or saclike organ that is capable bios- life, living organisms or tissue of distension as it fills with fluid. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Blastocoel Living materials in an ecosystem; having some Greek characteristics of living organisms. blastos- germ, bud Biotoxin -koilos hollow Greek Cavity of the blastula. bios- life, living organisms or tissue Blastocyst -toxikos poison Greek Any toxic substance formed in an animal body and blastos- germ, bud demonstrable in its tissues or body fluids, or both. -kustis (cyst) sac or bladder that contains fluid Bipectinate The modified blastula that is characteristic of pla- Latin cental mammals. Bradycardia 31

Blastomere Botulism Greek Latin blastos- germ, bud botulus- sausage -meros part -ism state or condition, quality Name given to the early group of cells that result A severe, sometimes fatal poisoning caused by from the fertilization and cleavage of an ovum. ingestion of food containing botulin and charac- terized by nausea, vomiting, disturbed vision, Blastopore muscular weakness, and fatigue. Greek blastos- germ, bud Boule -poros passage Latin The opening of the archenteron (the central open- bulla bubble ing of the gastrula, which ultimately becomes the A pear-shaped, aluminum-based synthetic mineral. digestive cavity). Bovine Blastula Latin Greek bov- cow blastos- germ, bud -ine of or relating to -ula diminutive Relating to, affecting, resembling, or derived Early embryological stage of many animals; con- from a cow or bull. sisting of a hollow mass of cells. Bowel Blennogenic Latin Greek botulus sausage blenno- mucus The intestines; sometimes refers to the large -gen- to give birth, kind, produce intestine. -ic relating to or having some characteristic of Brachial Producing or secreting mucus. Greek Blepharoplast brackhio n upper arm Greek -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form blepharon- eyelid or character of -plastos (plassein) something molded; to mold Of or relating to the arm, forelimb, or wing of a A very small mass of cytoplasm at the base of a fla- vertebrate. gellum, containing small amounts of chromatin. Brachiopod Blood Greek Old English brakhi n- upper arm blo d to thrive or bloom -pod foot The fluid consisting of plasma, cells, and plate- Any of various marine invertebrates of the phy- lets that is circulated by the heart through the ver- lum Brachiopoda, having bivalve dorsal and ven- tebrate vascular system. tral shells enclosing a pair of tentacled, armlike structures that are used to sweep minute food par- Bomb ticles into the mouth; also called lampshell. Greek bombos booming sound Brachiosaurus A container capable of withstanding high internal Greek pressure. brakhi n- upper arm -sauros lizard Boreal The group of very large, herbivorous dinosaurs exis- Latin ting in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods; nota- boreios coming from the north ble features include long forelegs and a long neck. Northern; of or relating to the north; the north wind. Bradycardia Botany Latin/Greek Greek bradus- slow botane - fodder, plants -kard- heart; pertaining to the heart -onuma name -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing The science or study of plants. plurals 32 Breeds

Slower-than-normal heart rate in humans, usually Bronchomalacia considered to be less than 60 beats per minute. Greek bronkhos- windpipe Breeds -malacia softening of tissue Old English The degeneration or softening of the trachea as a bredan to breed result of some disorder. Variations within the same species that are capa- ble of reproducing with one another; phenotypic Bronchus modifications within a group. Greek bronkhos- windpipe Brevis -us singular Latin Main branch of the windpipe. brevis brief An anatomical term meaning “short,” usually Bryophyte associated with skeletal muscle. Greek bruein- to swell or teem Brittle -phyte plant Old English Any of a division of nonvascular plants that lack brytel to shatter vascular tissue, including mosses and liverworts. Likely to break, snap, or crack. Bryozoan Bronchitis Greek Greek bruon- moss bronkhos- windpipe -zôion living being -itis inflammation, burning sensation Any of various small aquatic animals of the phy- Chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous lum Bryozoa that reproduce by budding and form membrane of the bronchial tubes. mosslike or branching colonies permanently Bronchogenic attached to stones or seaweed; also called moss Greek animal or polyzoan. bronkhos- windpipe Buoyancy -gen- to give birth, kind, produce Dutch/Latin -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of buoy- to float Originating in the bronchi or having its origin in -ancy condition or state of the bronchus. The tendency of a body to float or to rise when submerged in a fluid Cadaver Calomel Latin Greek cadere- to fall or die kalos- beautiful -er one that performs that action -melas black A corpse or dead body. A tasteless compound, Hg2Cl2, used as an insecticide. Caddisfly Old English Calorie cadace- cotton wool (refers to the tube in which Latin the larva lives) calor- heat -fle oge fly Any of several approximately equal units of heat, Any of various insects with four hairy wings, each measured as the quantity of heat required to chewing mouthparts, and long antennae; aquatic raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 larvae. degree Celsius from a standard initial temperature. Caldera Calorimeter Late Latin Latin/Greek caldaria cooking pot calor- heat Large crater formed when the sides of a volcanic -meter (metron) instrument or means of measuring; cone collapse. to measure An apparatus for measuring quantities of absorbed Calendar or evolved heat typically generated in a reaction. Latin kalendae- account book Calorimetry -ar relating to or resembling Latin Any of various systems of reckoning time in calor- heat which the beginning, length, and divisions of a -metria process of measuring year are defined. Measurement of the amount of heat released or absorbed during a chemical reaction. Calibrate Arabic Calving qalib- shoemaker’s last Middle English -ate characterized by having calve- calf To check, adjust, or determine by comparison -ing the act or action of with a standard. The process by which a block of a glacier breaks off and falls into the sea to form an iceberg. 34 Calyx

Calyx Greek The Heiki Warriors and Natural Selection kalyx cup The outer whorl of a flower, the sepals. Each year on April 24, fishermen who are descendants of the Heike warriors com- Cambium memorate the last battle of the war between Latin the Heike and Genji samurai clans. On this cambiare- to exchange day, the Heike clan succumbed to its final -ium quality or relationship defeat. The naval battle of Danno-ura was Plant tissue commonly present as a thin layer that the last stand for this noble clan. forms new cells on both sides; located either in The Heike fought gallantly against an vascular tissue (vascular cambium), forming opposing force that greatly outnumbered xylem on one side and phloem on the other, or in them. In the end, the survivors, rather than cork (cork cambium or phellogen). being taken alive, jumped from their ships Camouflage and committed mass suicide. Among them French/Latin was their emperor, a seven-year-old boy camoufler- to disguise named Antoku. -age (a ticum) (Latin) condition or state The story might have ended there, but Concealment by means of disguise or protective for a small group of handmaidens who coloring. remained on shore that day. After the war, they lived among the fishermen of the vil- Campodeiform lage and bore children. Greek Over the centuries, the celebration has campo- caterpillar, bend, curve grown into a legend. The story has it that -dei- god, deity, divine nature the Heiki samurai still wander at the bottom -form having the form of of the sea, as evidenced by the many crabs Applied to insect larvae, grublike, flattened, and there with markings of what appears to be elongated with well-developed legs and anten- the face of a samurai. nae; many beetle larvae are of this type, as are This is a wonderful example of natural those of the lacewings. selection. The fishermen of the Danno-ura Canaliculus cast their nets into the inland sea and bring Latin up thousands of crabs. Among them is one cana lis- conduit with markings vaguely resembling a face -us thing on its carapace. The fishermen believe this Very small channels or ducts in the body; nor- crab to be sacred and therefore throw it mally associated with the Haversian system of back. The process is repeated countless compact bone. times. The crabs breed and the likeness of a face is selected for because the crabs bear- Cancer ing it are not harvested. Thus, over time, Latin humans preferentially selected a pheno- cancer crab type, the face of a samurai, to predominate A pathological condition marked by the growth among the population. and proliferation of neoplastic cells. Candle Capacitor Latin Latin candela candle capacitas- spacious A unit of light intensity equal to the amount of -or person or thing that does something light emitted from a standard source such as a An electrical circuit element used to store charge candle or an incandescent light. temporarily. Canine Capelin Latin Latin cani- dog cappa- cap or cape -ine of or relating to -lin small or little An animal of the family Canidae; belonging to or A small food fish of the smelt family, found in characteristic of a dog. north Atlantic coastal waters. Cardiac 35

Capillary Latin Impregnating Water with Fixed Air capill- hairy Joseph Priestley was born in Birstall parish -ary pertaining to near Leeds, England, in 1733. He was a As fine or minute as a hair; having a very small man of many interests. He was persecuted bore, as a tube. for his interest in civil rights, government, Capsid religion, and philosophy, but it was his Latin sympathetic view of the French people dur- cap- catch, seize, take hold of, contain, take, ing the French Revolution that led to rumors hold and conspiracy against him. His home, labora- -sid state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, tory, and church in Birmingham were burned tending to, inclined to to the ground in 1791. He later fled to the The coating of a protein that encloses the nucleic United States and took up residence in acid core of a virus. Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, where he died in 1804. Capsule In 1772 Dr. Joseph Priestley published a Latin paper titled “Impregnating Water with Fixed capsa- box Air.” Here we have the beginnings of car- -ule little, small bonated beverages. Priestley experimented A sticky layer that surrounds certain bacteria. with the gas given off by fermenting beer Carapace and soon discovered some very interesting Spanish characteristics of his collected gas. For carapacho covering example, he learned that the unknown gas The fused chitonous exoskeleton of various inver- was heavier than air, for it remained in the tebrates such as crustaceans. opened containers and did not mix with the Carbohydrate ambient air. By performing a common sci- French ence experiment that is duplicated in most carbo- carbon secondary schools across the United States, -hydr- solid compound containing water molecules he came to discover that this gas would -ate characterized by having extinguish flaming wood chips. The gas that Any of a group of organic compounds produced by Priestley called “fixed air” was also referred photosynthetic plants, including sugars, starches, to as “mephitic air” by Joseph Black. celluloses, and gums, and that serves as a major Dr. Priestley’s work with “fixed air” led energy source in the animal diet. him to perform an experiment where he placed a vessel of water in the gas lingering Carbonation about the fermented beer. He found that Latin some of the gas dissolved in the standing carbonate- to charge with carbon dioxide gas water, producing a rather tasty beverage, -ion state, process, or quality of which we know as soda water. Saturation with carbon dioxide gas. Dr. Priestley’s work with gases further Carcinogen led him to the “discovery” of oxygen in Greek 1774. Although oxygen had been identified karkinos- crab, cancer earlier by Michal Sedziwoj in the sixteenth -gen to give birth, kind, produce century and later by Carl Wilhelm Scheele A substance that induces cancer. Carcinogens are in 1772, Joseph Priestley was the first to more likely to affect tissues where rapid cellular publish his results on the gas in 1775, two reproduction takes place. years before Scheele published his own work. Therefore, Dr. Priestley is commonly Carcinoma credited with the discovery of oxygen. Greek karkinos- crab, cancer Cardiac -oma tumor, neoplasm Greek A malignant growth or tumor. kard- heart; pertaining to the heart -ac pertaining to Referring to the heart. 36 Cardialgia

Cardialgia Carpal Greek Greek kard- heart; pertaining to the heart carpus- wrist; that which turns -algia pain, sense of pain; painful, hurting -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Localized pain in the region of the heart. or character of A bone of the wrist; of or relating to the wrist. Cardiology Greek Carpel kard- heart; pertaining to the heart Greek -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or karpos fruit bodies of knowledge One of the structural units of a pistil, representing The study of the heart and its actions and diseases. a modified, ovule-bearing leaf. Cardiomalacia Cartilage Greek Latin kard- heart; pertaining to the heart cartilago- cartilage -malacia softening of tissue -age (a ticum) (Latin) condition or state The softening and degeneration of the walls of the Various tissues containing cartilaginous cells and a heart, usually because of a disorder. matrix composed of water and fibers; it is com- monly found in movable joints, the external ear, and Cardiomyopathy the nose, and is the precursor of numerous bones in Greek the human body. kard- heart; pertaining to the heart -myo- muscle Cartography -patheia disease; feeling, sensation, perception Greek A disease or disorder of the heart muscle, espe- khartes- map, chart, paper cially one of unknown or obscure cause. -graphia (graphein) to write, record, draw, describe The science of map or chart making. Cardiovascular Greek Catabolism kard- heart; pertaining to the heart Greek -vascul- small vessel kata- down, downward; under, lower; against; -ar relating to or resembling entirely, completely Relating to the heart and the blood vessels of the -bol- (ballein) to put or throw circulatory system. -ism state, condition, or quality Decomposition of larger molecules within cells. Carnivore Latin Catadromous caro- meat Greek -vorare to devour kata- down, downward; under, lower; against; Any animal that kills and feeds on other animals. entirely, completely -dramein/dromos to run Carotenoid Refers to fish that migrate from freshwater to the Latin/Greek ocean to spawn. carota- carrot -oid (oeide s) resembling, having the appearance of Catalyst Any of a class of yellow to red pigments, includ- Greek ing the carotenes and the xanthophylls. kata- down, downward; under, lower; against; entirely, completely Carotid -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve; dissolution, break Greek -sis action, process, state, condition karoun- to put to sleep, plunge into sleep or stupor, A substance that enables a chemical reaction to stupefy proceed, usually at a faster rate or under different -id state or condition; having, being, pertaining to, conditions than are otherwise possible. tending to, inclined to Either of the two major arteries, one on each side of Cataract the neck, that carry blood to the head; their com- Greek pression was believed to cause unconsciousness. kata- down, downward; under, lower; against; entirely, completely Centripetal (force) 37

-arassein to strike Of or relating to the sky or the heavens; planets Opacity of the lens or capsule of the eye, causing are celestial bodies. impairment of vision or blindness. Cell Catenation Latin Latin cella chamber catena- connection of links or union of parts, as The smallest unit of a living thing that is capable in a chain; a regular or connected series of carrying out all life processes. -ion state, process, or quality of Cellulose Bonding of atoms of the same element into chains Latin or rings. cellula- little cell Cathode -ose sugar Greek Colorless, insoluble, indigestible polysaccharide kata- down, downward; under, lower; against; that makes up the cell wall. entirely, completely Celsius -hodo s way or road Celsius Swedish scientist (Anders Celsius) who A negatively charged electrode; an electrolytic introduced the scale also known as centigrade for cell or a storage battery. measuring temperature Cation Scale of temperature in which the range from the Greek freezing to the boiling of water is divided into 100 kata- down, downward; under, lower; against; degrees (freezing being 0 and boiling being 100 entirely, completely degrees). -ion (ienai) to go; something that goes Cenozoic An ion or group of ions having a positive charge and Greek moving toward the negative electrode in electrolysis. kainos- new Caudal -zoe- life Latin -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of caud- tail Division of geologic time that lasted 65 million -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form years after the Mesozoic. or character of Centipede Constituting, belonging to, or relating to a tail. Latin Cauterization centi- one hundred Latin -pede feet cauter- heat Wormlike arthropods in the class Chilopoda. -ization action, process, or result of doing or making Centrifuge The process of searing a damaged part of the body Greek/Latin by the use of heat or a chemical. kentron- center, sharp point Cecum -fugere to flee Latin A device for separating components of different den- caecus blind sities contained in liquid by spinning at high speed. A blind pouch that serves as the entrance to the large Centriole intestine. Greek Ceilometer kentron- center, sharp point Latin -ole little caelum- sky, heaven Organelle associated with spindle formation dur- -meter (metron) instrument or means of measuring; ing mitosis in animal cells. to measure Centripetal (force) A device that measures the height of cloud layers. Greek/Latin Celestial kentron- center, sharp point Latin -petal (petere) moving toward; to seek caelum- sky, heaven The force that opposes the inertia of a body and is -ial (variation of -ia) relating to or characterized by required to keep a body in a circular motion. 38 Centroid

Centroid Ceraceous Greek Latin kentron- center, sharp point cer- wax -oid (oeide s) resembling, having the appearance of -aceous having the quality of The point in a system of masses each of whose Waxen, like wax; covered with or resembling wax. coordinates is a weighted mean of coordinates of Cercaria the same dimension of points within the system. Greek Centromere kerkos- tail Greek -aria like or connected with kentron- center, sharp point Tadpole-like juveniles of trematodes (flukes). -mere part of Cerebellum The area of the chromosome, usually in the cen- Latin ter, where sister chromatids are attached. cerebr- of or relating to the brain or cerebrum Centrosome -bellum war Greek A region of brain that lies posterior to the pons kentron- center, sharp point and is responsible for voluntary muscular move- -soma (somatiko) body ment, posture, and balance. A small region of cytoplasm adjacent to the nucleus Cerebral that contains the centrioles and serves to organize. Latin Cephalic cerebr- of or relating to the brain or cerebrum Greek -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form cephalo- (kephalikos) head or character of -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of The largest part of the brain, consisting of two lobes, Of or relating to the head; anatomical term for the right and left cerebral hemispheres. The cere- “head.” brum controls thought and voluntary movement. Cephalization Cerebromalacia Greek Greek cephalo- (kephalikos) head cerebr- of or relating to the brain or cerebrum -ization action, process, or result of doing or making -malacia softening of tissue Concentration of sensory and nervous systems in The abnormal softening of the cerebral parenchyma. one area of the body, which is called a “head.” Cerebroside Cephalopod Latin Greek cerebr- of or relating to the brain or cerebrum cephalo- (kephalikos) head -ide group of related chemical compounds -poda foot A group of lipids that occur most abundantly in Group of mollusks having a large head, large the membranes of nerves and brain cells. eyes, prehensile tentacles, and, in most species, Cerussite an ink sac for protection. Latin Cephalothorax cre ussa- a white lead pigment, sometimes used in Greek/Latin cosmetics cephalo- (kephalikos) head -ite minerals and fossils -thorax breastplate, chest Native lead carbonate; a mineral occurring in The anterior section of arachnids and many crus- colorless, white, or yellowish transparent crys- taceans, consisting of the fused head and thorax. tals, with an adamantine, and that is massive and compact. Cepheid Greek Cervical cephalo- (kephalikos) head Latin -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, cervic- stem of cervix tending to, inclined to -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form A variable star that scientists can use to determine or character of how distant a galaxy, or star cluster, is because of Relating to the neck or any part of the body that its highly regular pulsation. resembles a neck. Chilopoda 39

Cetacean A pincerlike claw of a crustacean or arachnid, cetu- whale such as a lobster, crab, or scorpion. -an one that is of, relating to, or belonging to Chemical Order of marine mammals including whales, dol- Greek phins, and porpoises. khemeia- chemical; alchemy Chaetotaxy -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Greek or character of chaeto- spine, bristle; long, flowing hair A substance composed of chemical elements or -taxy arrangement, order; put in order one produced by or used in chemical processes. The arrangement of the bristles or chaetae on an Chemistry insect, especially important in the classification of Greek the Diptera, Collembla, and several other groups. khemeia- chemical; alchemy Chalcopyrite -metria (metron) the process of measuring Greek The science of the composition, structure, proper- khalkos- copper ties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic -pu r- fire and molecular systems. -ite minerals and fossils Chemoautotroph A yellow mineral, essentially CuFeS , that is an 2 Greek important ore of copper; also called copper pyrite. khemeia- chemical; alchemy Charge -auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within Latin -trophos (trophein) to nourish; food, nutrition; carrus Gallic type of wagon. development The intrinsic property of matter responsible for Organism that obtains its nourishment through all electric phenomena—in particular, for the oxidation or inorganic chemical compounds. force of the electromagnetic interaction— Chemoheterotroph occurring in two forms, arbitrarily designated Greek negative and positive. khemeia- chemical; alchemy Chatoyant -heteros- different Latin -trophos (trophein) to nourish; food, nutrition; cattus- cat development -ant performing, promoting, or causing a specified Any of a group of bacteria that, in addition to deriv- action ing energy from chemical reactions, synthesize all A gemstone (cat’s-eye) having the capacity of necessary organic compounds from carbon dioxide. changing its luster or color because of the way nar- Chemotherapy row bands or streaks of light reflect off its surface. Latin Cheilostomatoplasty khemeia- chemical; alchemy Greek -therapeuein heal, cure; treatment cheil- claw, lip, edge, or brim A treatment for cancers that involves administer- -stomat- mouth, opening ing chemicals that are toxic to malignant cells. -plastos- (plassein) something molded; to mold Chiasma -y place for an activity, condition, or state Greek Plastic surgery of the lips and mouth. khi azein to mark with an X Chelicera In anatomy, the crossing or intersecting of two Greek tracts; the optic chiasma. In genetics, the point of khele- claw contact between paired chromatids. -keras horn Chilopoda One of a pair of the most anterior head appendages Greek on members of the subphylum Chelicerata. kheilos- lip Cheliped -poda foot Greek A very large group of insects that includes centi- khele- claw pedes; they are characterized by having elongated -ped foot legs attached to each segment, with a pair of legs 40 Chimera

in the thorax that serve as fangs, and by having Green pigment found in photosynthetic organ- very powerful mouthparts. isms that is capable of absorbing light and con- verting it to energy from oxidation and reduction Chimera in the photosynthesis of carbohydrates. Greek chimaira she-goat Chloroplast An organism composed of two or more geneti- Greek cally distinct tissues, such as one that is partly chlor- the color green, yellow-green, or light green male and partly female, or an artificially produced -plastos (plassein) something molded; to mold individual having tissues of several species. Chlorophyll-containing plasmid found in algal and green plants. Chiropractic Greek Choanoblast chir- hand; pertaining to the hand or hands Greek -praktikos- practical choane- funnel -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -blastos bud, germ cell A system of therapy in which disease is consid- A cell that gives rise to one or more collar bodies, ered the result of abnormal function of the ner- especially in the sponge class Hexactinellida. vous system; treatment usually involves Choanocytes manipulation of the spinal column and other Greek body structures. choane- funnel Chiroptera -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid Greek One of the flagellate collar cells that line the cav- chir- hand; pertaining to the hand or hands ities and canals of sponges. -pteron wing Cholecystectomy Order of flying mammals (bats). New Latin Chloragogen khole- bile, gall Greek -kustis- (cyst) sac or bladder that contains fluid chlor- the color green, yellow-green, or light green -ekt- outside, external, beyond -agogos- a leading, a guide -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section -gen to give birth, kind, produce Surgical excision of the gallbladder. Modified greenish or brownish peritoneal cells Cholelith clustered around the digestive tract of certain Greek annelids; they apparently aid in the elimination of khole- bile, gall nitrogenous wastes and in food transport. -lith stone, rock Chlorofluorocarbon A small, hard pathological concretion composed Greek chiefly of cholesterol, calcium salts, and bile pigments, chlor- the color green, yellow-green, or light green formed in the gallbladder or in a bile duct; gallstone. -fluere- chemical element; to flow Cholesterol -carbo- coal, charcoal Greek -on a particle khole- bile, gall Any of several simple gaseous compounds that contain -steros- solid carbon, chlorine, fluorine, and sometimes hydrogen. -ol chemical derivative Chloroform A white crystalline substance found in animal tis- Greek/Latin sues and various foods that is normally synthesized chlor- the color green, yellow-green, or light green by the liver and is important as a constituent of cell -formyl [-form(ic) found in ants + yle wood, matter] membranes and a precursor to steroid hormones. A clear, colorless, sweet-smelling liquid used in Chondroblast refrigerants, propellants, and resins; as a solvent; Greek and sometimes as an anesthetic. khondros- granule, cartilage Chlorophyll -blastos bud, germ cell Greek An immature cartilage cell found in growing cartilage. chlor- the color green, yellow-green, or light green Chondroclast -phullon leaf Greek Chronometry 41

khondros- granule, cartilage khromat- color -klastos break, break in pieces -graphia (graphein) to write, record, draw, describe A cartilaginous cell involved with the reabsorb- Analysis of mixtures of chemical compounds by tion of the cartilaginous matrix. passing solutions of them through an absorbent. Chondrocyte Chromogen Greek Greek khondros- granule, cartilage khromat- color -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid -gen to give birth, kind, produce A mature cartilage cell that can be found in the A substance capable of conversion to a pigment lacunae of the cartilaginous matrix. or dye. Chondromalacia Chromophore Greek Greek khondros- granule, cartilage khromat- color -malacia softening of tissue -phore bearer, carrier Softening of any cartilage, usually because of a A chemical group capable of selective light physiological disorder. absorption resulting in the coloration of certain organic compounds. Chordate Greek Chromosome khorde- gut, string of a musical instrument Greek -ate characterized by having khromat- color Of, pertaining to, or belonging to the phylum -soma (somatiko) body Chordata or to a chordate subphylum; animals Any one of the threadlike nucleoprotein struc- having at least at some stage of development of a tures in the nucleus of the cell that function in the notochord, a dorsally situated central nervous transmission of genetic information. system, and gill clefts. Chromosphere Choroid Greek Greek khromat- color khorion- afterbirth -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere -oid (oeide s) resembling, having the appearance of An incandescent, transparent layer of gas lying The very dark brown vascular coat found between above and surrounding the photosphere of the sun. the sclerotic coat and the retina of the eye. Chronic Chromatics Greek Greek khronos- time khromat- color -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of of The scientific study of color. Lasting a long time, long-continuing, lingering, inveterate (as diseases). Chromatid Greek Chronobiology khromat- color Greek -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, khronos- time tending to, inclined to -bios- life, living organisms or tissue One of the two identical threadlike filaments of a -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or chromosome. bodies of knowledge The scientific study of the effect of time on living Chromatin systems. Greek khromat- color Chronogram -in protein or derived from protein Greek A complex of nucleic acids and proteins in the cell khronos- time nucleus that stains readily with basic dyes and con- -gram something written or drawn; a record denses to form chromosomes during cell division. The record produced by a chronograph. Chromatography Chronometry Greek Greek 42 Chrysalis

Eratosthenes’ Shadows “Let none enter here who are ignorant of geome- only a stick placed in the sand at Alexandria (a try.” This quote was inscribed above the entrance of considerable distance north of Syene), made the Plato’s school, illustrating the importance of math- observation that at noon of June 21, a rather ematics to the early philosopher-scientists of lengthy shadow was cast. Undoubtedly, Era- Greece and Egypt. Without knowledge of geome- tosthenes asked himself what possibly could try, we’d be left with many elegant theories, per- account for such a phenomenon. If the earth were haps, but no reasoned explanations. Plato, though flat, like the maps, then the shadows should be the not a mathematician, understood this. same length—provided, of course, that the sun was This brings us to Eratosthenes (276–194 BC), a considerable distance from the earth. Or could born in what is now Libya. A man of considerable the earth be a sphere, and not flat at all? Knowing influence, Eratosthenes was a mathematician, that the distance from Alexandria to Syene was astronomer, geographer, poet, historian, and phi- about 800 kilometers, and observing and calculat- losopher. He studied and worked, probably as a ing the difference between the shadow lengths at director, in the Great Library of Alexandria. It is the two locations, Eratosthenes calculated that the here he read that at noon every June 21, the sun degree of the angle where the sticks would inter- cast no shadow in the Egyptian village of Syene. sect deep within the earth was probably close to 7 And on that same day at the same hour, the full degrees. Having that bit of information, he was face of the sun was reflected in the waters of the able to determine the circumference of the earth. If village’s deep well. To even the uninformed the opposite side of a 7-degree angle is 800 kilo- observer, it was obvious that the sun was directly meters, and there are 360 degrees in a circle, the overhead. resulting circumference is around 40,000 kilome- Perhaps out of curiosity or an attempt to vali- ters. He was pretty accurate for someone using date the account of Syene, Eratosthenes, using only his intellect and no technology.

khronos- time Any of a group of animal-like protists that are -metria (metron) the process of measuring characterized by having cilia. The scientific measurement of time. Circadian Chrysalis Latin Greek circum- around khru sallid gold-colored pupa of a butterfly -diurnus- day The protective stage of development in moths and -an one that is of, relating to, or belonging to butterflies in which the pupa is contained in a Designating physiological activity that occurs tough case or cocoon. approximately every twenty-four hours, or the rhythm of such activity. Chyle Greek Circuit chylos juice Greek A milky fluid containing emulsified fat and other kirkos circle products of digestion formed from the chyme in A set of electronic components that perform a the small intestine and conveyed by the lacteals particular function in an electronic system. and the thoracic duct to the veins. Circular Cilia Latin Latin circulus- to make circular cili- a small hair -ar relating to or resembling -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Referring to a path that follows the shape of a plurals circle. Small hairlike projections that help ciliates move, Circulation sense their environment, and collect food. Latin Ciliate circulus- to make circular Latin -ion state, process, or quality of cili- a small hair Movement or flow through a circle or circuit. -ate characterized by having Clinic 43

Circumcision A branching diagram showing the pattern of shar- Latin ing evolutionarily derived characters among spe- circum- in a circle; around, about, surrounding cies or higher taxa. -caedere- to cut Clastic -ion state, process, or quality of Greek The act of cutting around; the cutting and removal klastos- broken of all of the prepuce in males or the prepuce, cli- -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of toris, or labia in females. Sedimentary rock formed by fragments of previ- Circumference ously existing rock. Greek Clavicle circum- in a circle; around, about, surrounding Latin -ferre to carry cla vis- key (from its shape) The boundary line of a circle, or the length of -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of such a boundary. One of two slender, key-shaped bones located Circumlunar be-tween the scapula and the manubrium of the Latin sternum. circum- in a circle; around, about, surrounding Cleavage -lunar moon, light, shine Middle English Revolving around or surrounding the moon. cleave- to split or separate Cirque -age (a ticum) (Latin) condition or state French (from Latin) Splitting or separation along a natural Zline of circus circle division. A steep, hollow, bowl-shaped basin occurring at Clepsydra the upper end of a mountain valley. Greek Cirrhosis kleps- to steal Greek -hudor water kirrhos- tawny yellow An ancient device used for measuring time by the -sis action, process, state, condition dripping of water from a graduated vessel. A chronic disease of the liver characterized by the Climate replacement of normal tissue with fibrous tissue, Greek the loss of functional liver cells, and an abnormal klime- slope yellowish appearance. -ate characterized by having Cirrus General conditions of temperature and precipita- Latin tion for an area over a period of time. cirro hair; wispy Clinarthrosis High clouds with a base of 6,000 meters. Greek Cistron klinein- to lean; sloping Latin -arthr- pertaining to the joints cist- to cut -osis process, condition, or state of -on a particle Abnormal deviation in the alignment of the bones Segment of DNA that is required in order to syn- at a joint. thesize a complete polypeptide chain. Cline Cladistics Greek Greek klinein to lean; sloping klados- branch or sprout A continuous series of differences in structure or -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of function exhibited by the members of a species A system of arranging taxa to reflect phylogenetic along a line extending from one part of their relationships. range to another. Cladogram Clinic Greek Greek klados- branch or sprout klinikos- pertaining to a bed or couch -gramma letter -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of 44 Clinician

A clinical lecture; examination of patients before a class of students; instruction at the bedside. How Do You Discover the Invisible? Clinician It has been said that Empedocles of Greek Agrigentum (ca. 490–430 BC), a mystic, klinikos- pertaining to a bed or couch poet, and physician, was so self-absorbed -an one that is of, relating to, or belonging to that he considered himself a god and was An experienced practitioner such as a nurse, phy- perhaps considered divine by others. sician, or psychologist as opposed to someone Empedocles postulated that all matter is involved in research. made up of four “roots”: water, earth, fire, Clinicopathologic and air. He declared that love (phila) was Greek the force that held these roots together and klinikos- pertaining to a bed or couch that discord (neikos) was the force at work -pathos- feeling, sensation, perception; suffering, to keep them apart. disease We know air to be an invisible medium, -logic talk, speak; speech; word but to the ancient Greeks, the wind was the Pertaining both to the symptoms of a disease and breath of the gods. It had no substance and to its pathology. no tangible qualities. How, then, could Empedocles prove the existence of air? Clinocephaly One of the rare Greek scientists who actu- Greek ally did experiments, Empedocles used a klinikos- pertaining to a bed or couch clepsydra, a common household ladle or -cephaly (kephalikos) head “water clock,” for his test. A clepsydra was Congenital flatness or concavity of the vertex of a vessel with markings and one or more the head. small holes at its base to allow water to drip Clinodactyly out. The top of the vessel had a strawlike Greek tube attached. When Empedocles filled the klinein- to lean; sloping clepsydra with water, it dripped out the bot- -dactylos finger, toe tom. But when he put his finger over the Permanent lateral or medial deviation or deflec- opening of the tube at the top of the vessel, tion of one or more fingers. the water stopped dripping. When he tried filling the vessel with his thumb over the Clinography opening of the tube, as he submerged the Greek clepsydra, no water could enter the vessel klinikos- pertaining to a bed or couch through the other end. What could be caus- -graphia (graphein) to write, record, draw, describe ing this? Empedocles argued that some- A system of graphical representations of the tem- thing invisible but with substance (matter) perature, symptoms, and pathological manifesta- filled the void in the vessel. If it could not tions exhibited by a patient. be moved out, then nothing could take its Clinoid place. Hence air, though invisible, exists Greek and has substance. klinikos- pertaining to a bed or couch -oid (oeide s) resembling, having the appearance o klisis- inclination Bed-shaped, as the clinoid processes of the sphe- -meter (metron) instrument or means of measuring; noid bone. to measure Clinostatism An instrument for measuring the angle that the Greek pelvic axis makes with the spinal column. klinikos- pertaining to a bed or couch Clitellum -statos- standing, stay, make firm, fixed, balanced Latin -ism state, condition, or quality clitellae- packsaddle The condition of lying down or being in the hori- -um (singular) structure zontal position. -a (plural) structure Cliseometer A thickened glandular section of the body wall of Greek some annelids that secretes a viscid sac in which the eggs are deposited. Coadunation 45

Clitoris -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Greek plurals kleitoris clitoris Phylum consisting of organisms with special An organ of very sensitive tissue located just stinging cells. anterior to the urinary meatus. Cnidoblast Cloaca Greek Latin kin’ dh- to sting; nettle cloa'cae drain -blastos bud, germ cell A common passage for fecal, urinary, and repro- The epidermal cells of coelenterates that contain the ductive discharge in monotremes, birds, and nematocysts, especially numerous on the tentacles. lower vertebrates. Cnidocil Clone Greek Greek kin’ dh- to sting; nettle klo n young shoot or twig -cilium hair A cell, group of cells, or organism that is Triggerlike spine on a nematocyst. descended from and genetically identical to a sin- Cnidocilium gle common ancestor, such as a bacterial colony Greek whose members arose from a single original cell. kin’ dh- to sting; nettle Clonogenic -cili- a small hair Greek -um (singular) structure klo n- young shoot or twig -a (plural) structure -gen- to give birth, kind, produce A bristle-like process at one end of a cnidoblast, -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of which, when stimulated, triggers the discharge of An organism arising from or consisting of a clone the nematocyst. of cells. Cnidocytes Clupeine Latin Latin kin’ dh- to sting; nettle clupea- herring, small fish -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid -ine in a chemical substance Stinging cell used by cnidarians to stun their prey. A protamine obtainable from the spermatozoa of Coacervate the herring. Greek Cnemitis co- together, with Greek -acerva re- to heap kne me - leg -ate of or having to do with -itis inflammation, burning sensation The viscous phase separating from a colloid- Inflammation of the tibia. containing system in the phenomenon of coacervation. Cnemoscoliosis Coacervation Greek Greek kne me - leg co- together, with -scoli- curvature; curved, twisted, crooked -acerva re- to heap -sis action, process, state, condition -ion state, process, or quality of A lateral bending of the lower limb. The separation of a mixture of two liquids, one or both of which are colloids, into two phases; one Cnicus (the coacervate) contains the colloidal particles, Greek and the other is an aqueous solution (e.g., as when kne kos- safflower gum arabic is added to gelatin). -us thing A genus of European herbs of the family Coadunation Compositae. Latin co- together, with Cnidaria -unus- one Greek -ion state, process, or quality of kin’ dh- to sting; nettle Union of dissimilar substances in one mass. 46 Coagulate

Coagulate -ent causing an action; being in a specific state; Latin within co- together, with Number that serves as a measure of some prop- -agulum- to condense; to drive erty or characteristic; numerical factor by which -ate of or having to do with the value of another is multiplied. To cause the transformation of a liquid into a soft, Coelenterata semisolid, or solid mass. Greek Coalescence koilos- hollow cavity Latin -enteron intestine co- together, with Former name for a phylum of marine inverte- -alescere- to come together or grow brates including sea anemones, hydras, jellyfish, The act of growing together; the act of uniting. and corals, which are now assigned to the phylum Cnidaria. Coccidium Greek Coelenteron co- together, with Greek -kokkos- berry, grain, seed koilos- hollow cavity -ium quality or relationship -enteron intestine In former systems of classification, a genus of Internal cavity of a cnidarian; gastrovascular cav- coccidians, the organisms of which have been ity; archenteron. assigned to other genera. Coelom Cochlea Greek Greek koilos hollow cavity kokhlias snail The epithelium-lined space between the body A spiral-shaped cavity of the inner ear that con- wall and the digestive tract of metazoans above tains nerve endings essential for hearing. lower worms. Codominance Coelomoduct Latin Greek co- together, with koilos- hollow cavity -domo- house, home -ductus leading -ance state, quality A duct that carries gametes or excretory products In genetics, the tendency of certain (dominant) (or both) from the coelom to the exterior. alleles to mask the expression of their corre- Coenocytic sponding (recessive) alleles. Greek Codominant coeno- shared Latin -kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid co- together -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -dominae to rule Multinucleate, with nuclei not separated by cross Referring to an equal degree of dominance of two walls. alleles or traits fully expressed in a phenotype. Cohesion Codon Latin Latin co- together, with cod- a code of laws; a writing tablet; an account book -haerere- to stick together -on subatomic particle -ion state, process, or quality of A group of three nucleotides that specifies the The binding together of like molecules. addition of one of the twenty amino acids during Cohesive translation of an mRNA into a polypeptide. Strings Latin of codons form genes, and strings of genes form co- together, with chromosomes. -haerere- to stick together Coefficient -ive performing an action Latin Holding the particles of a homogeneous body co- together, with together. -efficiens- efficient Comet 47

Coitus Tissues that provide mechanical support in many Latin young, growing plant structures (stems, petioles, co- together, with leaves) but are uncommon in roots. -re i to go, come Collencyte The sexual union of a male and female. Greek Colchicine kolla- glue Latin -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid kolkhikon- meadow saffron A type of cell in sponges that secretes fibrillar -ine of or relating to collagen. Poisonous, pale-yellow alkaloid that inhibits Colligative mitosis. Latin Cold com- together, with; joint; jointly Middle English -liga re- to tie, bind caeld cold -ive performing an action In weather, having a low atmospheric tempera- Depending on the quantity of molecules but not ture. In life science, a common name for infec- on their chemical nature. tions of the upper respiratory system. Colloblast Coleoptera Greek Greek kolla- glue koleos- sheath -blastos bud, germ cell -pteron wing A glue-secreting cell on the tentacles of ctenophores. Insect order having an anterior pair of hard and Colloid horny wings covering a softer pair of posterior Greek wings, and two pairs of jaws adapted for feeding; kolla- glue beetles, weevils. -oid (oeide s) resembling, having the appearance of Coleoptile A suspension of final divided particles in a con- Greek tinuous medium. koleos- sheath Collophore -ptilon plume Greek A protective sheath enclosing the shoot tip and kolla- glue embryonic leaves of grasses. -phore bearer, carrier Collagen A suckerlike organ at the base of the abdomen of Greek insects belonging to Collembola (springtails). kolla- glue Colon -gen to give birth, kind, produce Greek A tough, fibrous protein occurring in vertebrates kolon large intestine as the chief constituent of collagenous tissue, and The section of the large intestine extending from also occurring in invertebrates—for example, in the cecum to the rectum. the cuticle of nematodes. Combustion Collembola Latin Greek com- (con) together, with, jointly kolla- glue -bustus- to burn -mbolon wedge, peg -ion state, process, or quality of Springtail; minute insect that lacks wings and has A chemical process accompanied by the evolu- a ventral tube, or collophore, on the first abdomi- tion of light and heat. nal segment and an abdominal forked furcula, or spring used to propel the organism forward. Comet Greek Collenchyma kometes long-haired Greek A celestial body in an elliptical orbit around the col- with, together sun; a brightly illuminated mass composed of ice -khumos juice and rock and displaying a long, glowing tail when its orbit takes it near the sun. 48 Commensalism

Commensalism An increase in the density of something as a result Latin of compacting. com- (con) together, with, jointly Concave -mensa- table Latin -ism state, condition, or quality com- (con) together, with, jointly A relationship between organisms where one ben- -cavare to make hollow efits while the other is unaffected; sharing a meal. Curved like the interior of an arched circle. Commissure Concentric Latin Latin com- (con) together, with, jointly com- (con) together, with, jointly -mittere to put -centrum center A point or line of union or junction, especially Describing circles within circles, with the system between two anatomical parts, such as the tract of having a common center. nerve fibers passing from one side to the other of the spine or brain. Conchoidal Greek Community conch- shell Latin -id- state, condition; having, being, pertaining to communis- commons -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form -ity state or quality of or character of All of the populations of all species existing Of, relating to, or being a surface characterized by together within an ecological system. smooth, shell-like convexities and concavities, as Competition on fractured obsidian. Latin Concurrent com- (con) together, with, jointly Latin -peter- to strive com- (con) together, with, jointly -ion state, process, or quality of -currere to coincide The struggle for existence among organisms. Happening at the same time or operating in con- Complex junction with one another. Latin Condensation com- (con) together, with, jointly Latin -plexus an embrace com- (con) together, with, jointly A group of items, such as chemical molecules, -dens- to press close together that are related in structure or function. -ion state, process, or quality of Component The process by which a gas changes to a liquid. Latin Conduction com- (con) together, with, jointly Latin -ponere- to put together com- (con) together, with, jointly -ent causing an action; being in a specific state; within -ducere- to bring together Unit resulting from the subdivision of a vector -ion state, process, or quality of into axial parts. The flow of electron through a material to pro- Compound duce electric current. Latin Conductive com- (con) together, with, jointly Latin -ponere to put com- (con) together, with, jointly A pure substance that is composed of two or more -ducere- to bring together elements in fixed proportions and that can be -ive performing an action chemically decomposed into these elements. Exhibiting the power or ability to conduct or Compression transmit heat, electricity, or sound. Latin com- (con) together, with, jointly -premere- to press -ion state, process, or quality of Constipation 49

Conductor The joining of unicellular organisms to exchange Latin hereditary material. com- (con) together, with, jointly Conjunctiva -ducere- to bring together Latin -or person or thing that does something com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, A substance or medium that conducts heat, light, converge sound, or especially an electrical charge. -jungere- to join Congenital -iva of the quality of; tending to, inclined to Latin The mucous membrane that lines the inner surface com- (con) together, with, jointly of the eyelid and the exposed surface of the eyeball. -genitus- born; to bear Conodont -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Greek or character of konos- cone Of or relating to a condition that is present at birth. -odontos tooth Conidiophore Toothlike element from a Paleozoic animal now Greek believed to have been an early marine vertebrate. konis- dust Conscious -phore bearer, carrier com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, A specialized fungal form that asexually pro- converge duces conidial spores. -scire- to know Conidium -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to Greek Being aware and having perception of one’s own konis dust existence, sensations, and thoughts and of the sur- An asexually produced fungal spore, formed on a rounding environment. conidiophore. Conservation Conifer Latin Greek com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, konos- cone converge -ferre to bear -servare- to preserve Any of an order of mostly evergreen trees and -ion state, process, or quality of shrubs with true cones and others (such as yews) The process of protecting, preserving, and using with an arillate fruit. wisely the natural resources. Coniferous Constant Latin Latin konos- cone com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, -ferre- to bear converge -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to -stare to stand firm Relating to the groups of plants that bear cones A numerical value that does not change. (pines and cypress). Constellation Coniine Latin Greek com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, koneion- poison hemlock converge -ine a chemical substance; of or relating to -stella- star A poisonous, colorless liquid alkaloid found in -ion state, process, or quality of poison hemlock. A group of stars that form a pattern. Conjugation Constipation Latin Latin com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, converge converge -jugare- to join together -stipare- to press together -ion state, process, or quality of -ion state, process, or quality of Infrequent and difficult movement of bowels. 50 Constrictor

Constrictor com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, Latin converge com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, -vehere- to carry converge -ion state, process, or quality of -stingere- to pull Transfer of energy by the flow of a heated substance. -or condition or property of things or persons; Conversion person who does something Latin A muscle that contracts a cavity or orifice or com- com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, presses an organ. converge Consumer -vertere- to turn around Latin -ion state, process, or quality of com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, The process in which something is changed from converge one use, function, or purpose to another. -sumere- to take Convex -er one that performs an action Latin Any organism that is incapable of producing its com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, own food by photosynthesis or chemosynthesis; converge it derives its nutrients through the consumption of -vextus to be vaulted producers or other consumers. Having a surface that curves outward. Contagious Copepod Latin Greek com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, kope- oar converge -pod foot -teg- touch, reach, handle Any of numerous minute marine and freshwater -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to crustaceans of the subclass Copepoda, having an Transmissible by direct or indirect contact; capa- elongated body and a forked tail. ble of transmitting disease; spreading or tending to spread from one to another; infectious. Coprophagy Greek Continent kopros- dung Latin -phagei- to eat com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, -y place for an activity; condition, state converge Feeding on dung or excrement as a normal behav- -tenere- to hold together ior among animals; reingestion of feces. -ent causing an action; being in a specific state; within One of the principal land masses of the earth. Cornea Latin Contour corneus horny Latin The outer transparent, convex part of the front of the com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, eyeball; it covers the iris and the pupil of the eye. converge -torna re to round off Corniculate Feathers that make up general outline of a bird. Latin corniculum horn, hornlike structure Contusion -ate of or having to do with Latin Bearing or furnished with one or more small horns. com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, converge Corolla -tundere- to beat Latin -ion state, process, or quality of corolla small garland An injury in which the skin is not broken, often Whorl of a flower that consists of the petals. characterized by ruptured blood vessels and dis- Corona coloration; a bruise. Latin Convection corona crown Latin The luminous, irregular envelope of highly ionized gas outside the chromosphere of the sun. Couple 51

Coronary Costocervical Latin Latin corona- crown costo- rib -ary of, relating to, or connected with -cervic- stem of cervix Of, relating to, or being the coronary arteries or -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form coronary veins; of or relating to the heart. or character of Concerning the ribs and the neck. Corrugator (supercilii) Latin Costoinferior com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, Latin converge costo- rib -rigare- to wrinkle -inferus below, low -or a condition or property of things or persons Relating to the lower rib. A muscle of the eyelid, located under the eye- Costophrenic brow, functioning to draw the eyebrow downward Latin and inward, wrinkling the adjacent skin. costo- rib Cortex -phren- diaphragm, midriff, heart Latin -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of cortic bark, rind, that which is stripped off Referring to the ribs and diaphragm. The outer layer of an internal organ or body struc- Costopneumopexy ture, as of the kidney or adrenal gland; the outer Latin layer of gray matter that covers the surface of the costo- rib cerebral hemisphere. -pneumon- wind, breath Cosmic -pexy attaching; surgical fixation of an organ Greek The surgical anchoring of a lung to a rib. kosmos universe Costosuperior Of or relating to the universe, especially as dis- Latin tinct from earth. costo- rib Cosmochemistry -superus higher, upper Greek Relating to the upper rib. kosmos- universe, order Costotome -khemeia- chemical; alchemy Latin -y place for an activity, condition, or state costo- rib The science of the chemical composition of the -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section universe. An instrument designed to cut through ribs. Cosmogony Cotyledon Greek Greek kosmos- universe, order kotuledon a kind of plant; a seed leaf; a hollow or -gonos offspring cup-shaped object The astrophysical study of the origin and evolu- The one or two seed leaves of an angiosperm tion of the universe. embryo. Cosmology Coumarin Greek Portuguese kosmos- universe, order cumaru- tonka bean tree -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or -in neutral chemical; protein derivative bodies of knowledge A fragrant crystalline compound extracted from The study of the physical universe considered as a several plants and widely used in perfumes. totality of phenomena in time and space. Couple Costalgia Latin Latin copula bond or pair costo- rib A pair of forces of equal magnitude acting in par- -algia pain, sense of pain; painful, hurting allel but opposite directions. Plueritic pain in the chest. 52 Covalence

Covalence Crepuscular Latin Latin co- to the same extent or degree; together, jointly creper- dark -valere to be strong -ar relating to or resembling The number of electron pairs an atom can share In biology, relating to organisms that become with other atoms. active after twilight (e.g., bats). Covariant Cretaceous Latin Latin co- to the same extent or degree; together, jointly creta- chalk -variare to vary -eous full of, having the quality or nature of, relating to Expressing or relating to the principle that physi- The final period of the Mesozoic era, spanning cal laws have the same form regardless of the the time between 145 and 65 million years ago. coordinate system in which they are expressed. Crevasse Coxopodite French Latin crevace crevice coxa- hip A deep fissure; a chasm. -podos- foot Crocodile -ite component of a part of the body Greek The proximal joint of an insect or arachnid leg; in kroke- pebble crustaceans, the proximal joint of the protopod. -drilos circumcised man; worm Cracking The name given to various large aquatic reptiles Middle English found in the tropics and subtropics with thick, cracian- to break apart bumpy skin and long, tapered jaws. -ing the act of Crop Thermal decomposition of a complex substance. Old English Craniomalacia cropp craw Greek A pouched enlargement of the gullet that serves kranion- skull as a receptacle for food and for its preliminary -malacia softening of tissue maceration. Softening of the bones of the skull. Crust Cranium Latin Greek crusta shell, hard surface of a body kranion skull The outermost layer of the earth’s surface, extend- The part of the skull that encloses the brain. ing downward about 20 miles on the land masses and 3 to 10 miles down beneath the ocean floor. Crater Greek Crustacean krater bowl for mixing wine and water Latin Funnel-shaped pit or depression at the top of a crusta- shell, hard surface of a body volcanic cone. -acean belonging to a taxonomical group One of the classes of the phylum Arthropoda pos- Creatinine sessing shells. Greek kreat- flesh Cryptobiotic -ine a chemical substance Greek A waste product of protein usage in cells; nitrog- kryptos- hidden enous wastes excreted in urine. -bios- life, living organisms or tissue -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Cremaster Living in concealment; refers to insects and other Latin animals that live in secluded situations, such as crem- to hang; hung, hung up underground or in wood, and also to tardigrades -ster one that is associated with, participates in, and some nematodes, rotifers, and others that sur- makes, or does vive harsh environmental conditions by assuming The hooklike process on the end of a chrysalis that for a time a state of very low metabolism. attaches the pupa to the stem or twig, for example. Cycloalkane 53

Crystal cutten- to separate into parts with or as if with a Latin sharp-edged instrument krustallos- ice, crystal; freeze; icelike -of no longer taking place; canceled -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form A new channel cut by a river across the neck of an or character of oxbow. Very clear glass; a homogeneous solid formed by Cyanobacteria a repeating three-dimensional pattern. Greek Crystalline cyano- (kyanos) blue, dark blue Greek -baktron- staff, rod krustallos- ice, crystal; freeze; icelike -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing -ine of or relating to plurals Resembling crystal, as in transparency or dis- Microscopic, photosynthetic prokaryotes that tinctness of structure or outline. formed stromatilites and changed the earth’s atmosphere by producing oxygen. Crystallization Greek Cyanoderma krustallos- ice, crystal; freeze; icelike Greek -ion state, process, or quality of cyano- (kyanos) blue, dark blue The process of forming solid crystals in solution due -derma skin to the solute solubility exceeding that of the solvent. Bluish discoloration of the skin. Culture Cyanosis Latin New Latin cult- to care for; to dwell, to inhabit cyano- (kyanos) blue, dark blue -ura act, process, condition -sis action, process, state, condition The growing of microorganisms, tissue cells, or Bluish discoloration of the skin due to deficient other living matter in a specially prepared nutrient oxygenation of the blood. medium. Cycads Cumulonimbus Greek Latin cyc- (koïx) a kind of palm tree, perhaps of Egyptian cumul- pile or heap origin -nimbus cloud -ad member of a botanical group An extremely dense, vertically developed cumu- Any of an order (Cycadales) of dioecious cycado- lus with a glaciated top extending to great heights. phytes that are represented by a single surviving family (Cycadaceae) of palmlike tropical plants Cumulus that reproduce by means of spermatozoids. Latin cumul- pile or heap Cyclase -us thing Greek Heap, Pile, or mass. kyklos- circle, wheel, cycle; rotate -ase indicating an enzyme Cuspid Enzyme that forms a cyclic compound. Latin cuspis- sharp point, cusp Cycle -id state or condition; having, being, pertaining Greek to, tending to, inclined to kyklos circle, wheel, cycle, rotate Pointed or conical teeth, usually referring to the An interval of time during which a sequence of a canine teeth. recurring events or phenomena is completed. Cuticle Cycloalkane Latin Greek cutis skin kyklos- circle, wheel, cycle; rotate A waxy layer that coats the surface of stems, -alkyl- alcohol; a monovalent radical, such as leaves, and other plant parts exposed to air. ethyl or propyl -ane a saturated hydrocarbon Cutoff An alicyclic hydrocarbon with a saturated ring; Old English also called cycloparaffin. 54 Cyclonic

Cyclonic kustis- (cyst) sac or bladder that contains fluid Greek -kele hernia, tumor kyklos- circle, wheel, cycle; rotate A herniation of the urinary bladder through the -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of wall of the vagina. An atmospheric system characterized by the rapid Cystoscopy inward circulation of air masses about a low- Greek pressure center, usually accompanied by stormy, kustis- (cyst) sac or bladder that contains fluid often destructive weather. Cyclones circulate -skopion for viewing with the eye counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere The process of examining the urinary bladder by and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. looking into it with a scope instrument. Cyclotron Cytoglucopenia Greek Greek kyklos- circle, wheel, cycle; rotate kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid -tron device for manipulating subatomic particles -gluc- glucose A circular particle accelerator in which charged -penia reduction, poverty, lack, deficiency subatomic particles are accelerated outward in a An intercellular deficiency of glucose. plane perpendicular to a fixed magnetic field by an alternating electric field. Cytokine Greek Cygnus kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid Latin -kinein to move cygnus swan Any of several regulatory proteins, such as the A constellation in the Northern Hemisphere near interleukins and lymphokines, that are released by Lacerta and Lyra, containing the star Deneb; also cells of the immune system and act as intercellular called the Northern Cross or the Swan. mediators in the generation of an immune response. Cystic Cytokinesis Greek Greek kustis- (cyst) sac or bladder that contains fluid kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -kine- movement, motion Of or related to a fluid-filled sac; a cyst or cystlike -sis action, process, state, condition object. In anatomy, relating to the gallbladder or The division of the cytoplasm of a cell following urinary bladder. the division of the nucleus. Cysticercus Cytokinin Greek Greek kustis- (cyst) sac or bladder that contains fluid kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid -kerkos tail -ki nein to move A type of juvenile tapeworm in which an invagi- Any of a class of plant hormones that promote nated and introverted scolex is contained in a cell division and growth and delay the senescence fluid-filled bladder. of leaves. Cystidolaparotomy Cytolysis Greek Greek kustis- (cyst) sac or bladder that contains fluid kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid -lapar- soft part of the body between the ribs, hip, -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve; dissolution, break and flank; the loin -sis action, process, state, condition -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section The dissolution or destruction of a cell. Incision of the bladder through the abdominal wall. Cytopharynx Cystitis Greek Latin kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid kustis- (cyst) sac or bladder that contains fluid -pharynx throat -itis inflammation Short tubular gullet in ciliate protozoa. Inflammation of the urinary bladder. Cystocele Greek Cytotoxicity 55

Cytoplasm A network of interconnected filaments and Greek tubules that extends from the nucleus to the kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid plasma membrane in eukaryotic cells. -plasm (plassein) to mold or form cells or tissues Cytosol Substance of the body of a cell excluding the Greek/Latin nucleus. kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid Cytoproct -solvere to loosen Greek The fluid component of cytoplasm, excluding kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid organelles and the insoluble, usually suspended -proktos anus cytoplasmic components. Site on a protozoan where indigestible matter is Cytostome expelled. Greek Cytopyge kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid Greek -stoma mouth kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid The mouth of a unicellular organism, sometimes con- -pyge rump, buttocks sisting of a hollow tube and a groovelike opening. In some protozoa, localized site for expulsion of Cytotoxicity waste. Greek Cytoskeleton kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid Greek -toxikos- poison kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid -ity state or quality of -skeletos dried body The state or quality of being toxic to cells. Dactylozooid Deciduous Greek Latin dactylo- finger, toe decidu- to fall off -zoon- animal, animal-like -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to -oid (oeide s) resembling, having the appearance of Falling off at a specific season or stage of growth. A hydroid modified for catching prey; it is long, Decipher with tentacles or short knobs, and with or without Latin/Arabic a mouth. de- do or make the opposite of, reverse the action Data of, undo; from, apart, away Latin -safira- to be empty datum something given -er one that performs an action Factual information, especially information organized To read, interpret, or convert complex, sometimes for analysis or used to reason or make decisions. ambiguous data into a simplified form. Decantation Declination Latin Greek de- do or make the opposite of, reverse the action de- do or make the opposite of, reverse the action of, undo; from, apart, away of, undo; from, apart, away -canthus- rim of a wheel or vessel -klinein- to lean; sloping -ion state, process, or quality of -ation action, process, state, or condition The process of separating a mixture of two or more A measure of how far north or south an object is layers by pouring layers into separate containers. from the celestial equator. Decapoda Decomposer Greek Latin deca- ten de- do or make the opposite of, reverse the action -pod foot of, undo; from, apart, away The order of crustaceans, which includes the -compose- to form, create shrimps, lobsters, crabs, etc. -er one that performs an action Organism that feeds on and breaks down dead matter. Decay Latin Defect de- do or make the opposite of, reverse the action Latin of, undo; from, apart, away de- do or make the opposite of, reverse the action -cadere to fall of, undo; from, apart, away To break down into component parts. -fecere make, do, cause, produce, build Dental 57

An imperfection that causes inadequacy or fail- a nerve cell that detects nerve impulses transmit- ure; a shortcoming. ted from the axons of other neurons. Deglutination Dendrochore Latin Greek de- do or make the opposite of, reverse the action dendro- tree, resembling a tree of, undo; from, apart, away -chore a central and often foundational part, usu- -glutinare- to glue ally distinct from the enveloping part by a differ- -ion state, process, or quality of ence in nature The act of ungluing; the process of removing the That part of the earth’s surface covered by trees. gluten from flour. Dendrochronology Deglutition Greek Latin dendro- tree, resembling a tree de- do or make the opposite of, reverse the action -khronos- time of, undo; from, apart, away -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or -glu ti re- to gulp bodies of knowledge -ion state, process, or quality of A method of dating using annual tree rings; tree The act or process of swallowing. ring chronology. Degradation Dendroclastic Latin Greek de- do or make the opposite of, reverse the action dendro- tree, resembling a tree of, undo; from, apart, away -klastos break, break in pieces -gradus- walk, step, take steps, move around; Breaking or destroying trees; a destroyer of trees. walking or stepping Dendroclimatology -ion state, process, or quality of Greek To reduce the complexity of. In geology, the pro- dendro- tree, resembling a tree cess of wearing away at the earth’s surface through -klinein- to lean; sloping erosion. -ate- characterized by having Dehiscent -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Latin bodies of knowledge de- do or make the opposite of, reverse the action The determination of past climatic conditions of, undo; from, apart, away from the study of the annual growth rings of trees. -hiare- to gape Dendrohydrology -ent causing an action, being in a specific state; Greek within dendro- tree, resembling a tree The opening of a fruit to liberate the seeds. -hydr- water Deletion -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Latin bodies of knowledge deletus- to erase, destroy The study of tree ring configuration to determine -ion state, process, or quality of hydrologic occurrences. The loss of a piece of chromosome that has bro- Density ken away from the genetic material. Latin Deliquescent densi- thick, thickly set, crowded, compact Latin -ity state of, quality of deliquiscere melt by absorption of moisture The state or quality of being dense; compactness; -ent causing an action, being in a specific state; within closely set or crowded condition. Density is a A substance that absorbs enough water from the air measure of mass per unit of volume. that it dissolves completely to a liquid solution. Dental Dendrite Latin Greek denti- teeth or tooth dendro- tree, resembling a tree -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form -ite a part of or product of or character of A branching, treelike extension from the body of Of or relating to the teeth or to dentistry. 58 Dentalgia

Dentalgia Dermatozoon Greek/Latin Greek denti- teeth or tooth dermat- skin -algia pain, sense of pain; painful, hurting -zoon animal An aching pain in or near a tooth; toothache. Reference to animal skin or a branch of medicine dealing with animals. Dentifrice Latin Desiccator denti- teeth or tooth Latin -frice to rub; a rubbing desiccare make quite dry A powder or other preparation for cleansing or A device used for drying substances; a closed rubbing the teeth; a tooth powder or paste. glass vessel containing a deliquescent substance. Dentition Desmoplastic Latin Greek denti- teeth or tooth desmo- bond, adhesion -ion state, process, or quality of -plastos- (plassein) something molded; to mold The number, type, and arrangement of an ani- -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of mal’s teeth. Pertaining to the production or formation of adhesions or fibrosis in the vascular connective Deposit tissue framework of an organ. Latin de- do or make the opposite of, reverse the action Detergent of, undo; from, apart, away Latin -ponere to put de- out, off, apart, away To lay down or leave behind by a natural process; -terre re- to frighten to settle down in layers, as in mineral deposits. -agere to do A cleansing substance that acts similarly to soap Depressor but is made from chemical compounds rather Latin than fats and lye. de- do or make the opposite of, reverse the action of, undo; from, apart, away Detritivore -premere- to press Latin -or a condition or property of things or persons; deterere- to wear away, rub, grind; worn down person who does something -vore eat, consume, ingest, devour A muscle that draws down a part of the body; a An organism that lives on dead and discarded substance that slows a physiological activity. organic matter; includes large scavengers, smaller animals such as earthworms and some insects, as Dermal well as decomposers (fungi and bacteria). Greek derm- skin Detritus -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Latin or character of deterere to lessen, wear away Of or relating to the skin or dermis. Loose material (stone fragments, silt, etc.) that is worn away from rocks. Dermatologist Greek Deuterium dermat- skin Greek -logist one who deals with a specific topic deuteros- second, two in number A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and -ium chemical element treatment of skin disorders. An isotope of hydrogen with one proton and one neutron in the nucleus. Dermatophyte Greek Deuterostome dermat- skin Greek -phyte plant deuteros- second, two in number Any one of a number of fungi that infect the skin -stoma mouth and nails. An animal whose mouth forms from an opening other than the blastopore. Dichroism 59

Dextrorotatory -apsis arch Latin Amniotes in which the skull bears two pairs of dextra- right or clockwise temporal openings; includes reptiles (except tur- -rota- wheel tles) and birds. -ory of or pertaining to Diarrhea Rotating to the right in a plane of polarized light. Greek Diagnose dia- through, across, apart Greek -rhein to flow or run dia- through, across, apart Frequent and possibly excessive elimination of -gnose to know or learn watery feces. To arrive at a conclusion or determine the cause of a Diastereomer disorder or disease, usually by deductive reasoning. Greek Diagnosis di- two Greek -a- without, not dia- through, across, apart stereos- being of three dimensions -gno- to come to know -mer one that has -sis action, process, state, condition Two compounds that are optical isomers that are The act or process of identifying or determining not mirror images of each other, with different the nature and cause of a disease. physical properties and reactivity. Diaheliotropism Diastole Greek Greek dia- through, across, apart diast- dilation, spreading -helio- sun -ole little -trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to a Relaxation period of a heart during the cardiac cycle. stimulus Diatom -ism state or condition, quality Greek A tendency of leaves to have their dorsal surface dia- through, across, apart toward the rays of the sun. -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section Dialysis Any of a class of minute planktonic unicellular or Greek colonial algae with silicified skeletons that form dia- through, across, apart diatomite. -ly- luein) ( to loosen, dissolve; dissolution, break Diatomic -sis action, process, state, condition Latin The separation of smaller molecules from larger di- two, twice, double molecules or of dissolved substances from colloi- -a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not dal particles in a solution by selective diffusion -tomos- (temnein) to cut, incise, section through a semipermeable membrane. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Diamagnetic Consisting of or relating to a molecule that is Greek composed of two atoms. dia- through, across, apart Dichotomy -magne s- stone from Magnesia (city in Asia Minor) Greek -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of dicho- akin to A substance that is weakly repelled by a magnet. -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section Diaphragm A dividing or branching into two equal parts. Greek Dichroism dia- through, across, apart Greek -phragma fence di- two, twice, double Muscular partition between the chest and abdom- -khro ma- color inal cavities. -ism state or condition, quality Diapsids The property of showing two different colors at Greek different concentrations or when viewed at differ- di- two ent angles. 60 Dicotyledon

Dicotyledon -ion state, process, or quality of Greek The ability to change into absorbable form. di- two, twice, double Digitigrade -kotuledon a kind of plant; a seed leaf; a hollow Latin or cup-shaped object digitus- finger or toe Flowering plant group whose members have two -gradus step or degree embryonic leaves. Walking on the digits with the posterior part of Dictyostele the foot raised. Greek Dihybrid dictyo- net, netlike Greek -stele pillar di- two, twice, double In some ferns, a stele that is interrupted by leaf -hybrida- mongrel offspring gaps so as to resemble a network of strands. -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, Diencephalon tending to, inclined to Greek The offspring of parents differing in two specific dia- through gene pairs. -enkephalos in the head Dilation The posterior portion of the forebrain; includes Latin areas of the midbrain such as the thalamus and di- apart, away, from hypothalamus. -la tus wide Differentiation The process of becoming wider or larger, as of a Latin blood vessel. differre- to differ; delay Dilute -atus- in Latin -ion state, process, or quality of di- apart, away, from The process by which cells or tissues undergo a -luere wash, clean change toward a more specialized form or func- To make thinner or less concentrated by adding a tion, especially during embryonic development. liquid such as water. Diffraction Dimension Latin Latin dis- undo; apart, in all directions dis- undo; apart, in all directions -frangere- to break -metiri- to measure out -ion state, process, or quality of -ion state, process, or quality of Change in the directions and intensities of a A measurement of spatial extent; specifically, one of group of waves after passing by an obstacle or three coordinates determining a position in space. through an aperture whose size is approximately the same as the wavelength of the waves. Dimorphism Greek Diffusion di- two, twice, double Latin -morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance diffundere- to spread out -ism state or condition -ion state, process, or quality of The existence within a species of two distinct The process in which particles in a fluid move forms according to color, sex, organ structure, or from an area of higher concentration to an area of other characteristic. lower concentration. Dinoflagellate Digest Greek Latin dinos- whirling digerere to break down -flagrum- whip To break into smaller parts and simpler compounds. -ate characterized by having Digestion A marine protozoan of the order Dinoflagellata, Latin having two flagella and a cellulose covering and di- apart, away, from forming one of the chief constituents of plankton. -gerere- to bear Displacement 61

They include bioluminescent forms and forms Condition in which two images of a single object that produce red tide. are seen due to unequal action of the eye muscles; also called double vision. Dinosaur Greek Dipole deinos- terrible, monstrous Middle English from Old French (from Latin) -sauros lizard di- two, twice, double A variety of extinct reptiles that existed during -pole either of two oppositely charged terminals the Mesozoic era. A pair of equal and opposite electrical charges or magnetic poles, separated by a small distance. Dioecious Greek Disaccharide di- two, twice, double Greek -oec- environment, habitat di- two, twice, double -ious full of, having the quality of, relating to -saccharon- sugar Having the male and female reproductive organs -ide group of related chemical compounds in separate individuals. Any class of sugars, including lactose and sucrose, that are composed of two monosaccha- Diphycercal rides; a double sugar. Greek diphues- twofold Disease -kerkos- tail Middle French -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form dis- apart, away from; utterly, completely, in all or character of directions Having a tail that tapers to a point, as in lung- -aise ease, freedom from pain fishes; the vertebral column extends to tip with- A condition of the living animal or plant body or out upturning. of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning. Diphyodont Dispersion Greek Latin di- two, twice, double dis- apart, away from; utterly, completely, in all -phuein- to grow directions -odont having teeth -spargere- to scatter or strew; sprinkle Having deciduous and permanent sets of teeth -ion state, process, or quality of successively. The passing out or spreading about of something. Diploblastic Dispersoid Greek Latin diploos- double dis- apart, away from; utterly, completely, in all -blastos bud, germ cell directions -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -spargere- to scatter or strew; sprinkle Referring to an organism with two germ layers, -oid (oeide s) resembling, having the appearance endoderm and ectoderm. of A substance consisting of finely divided particles Diploid dispersed in a medium. Greek diploos- double Displacement -oid (oeide s) resembling, having the appearance of Greek Having the somatic (double, or 2n) number of dis- apart, away fro;, utterly, completely, in all chromosomes, or twice the number characteristic directions of a gamete of a given species. -place- to put in or as if in a particular place or position Diplopia -ment state or condition resulting from a (speci- New Latin fied) action diploos- double A vector or the magnitude of a vector from an ini- -optic- eye, optic tial position to a subsequent position assumed by -ia names of diseases, place names, or a body. Latinizing plurals 62 Dissection

Dissection Disseminate Latin Latin dis- apart, away from; utterly, completely, in all dis- apart, away from; utterly, completely, in all directions directions -sectus- to cut -seminare- to plant or propagate (from semen, -ion state, process, or quality of seminis, meaning “seed”) The separation of a whole into its parts for study. -ate characterized by having To scatter for growth and propagation; to spread, to diffuse.

The Black Death The black plague struck continental Europe in the and saliva (and no one who spit blood survived year 1347. Without a doubt, it was one of the most it). It was such a frightful thing that when it got devastating natural disasters ever to befall human- into a house, as was said, no one remained. kind. In many ways it altered the course of human Frightened people abandoned the house and history. The epidemiology of plague was a mystery fled to another. Those in town fled to villages. to all. Even while it was happening, no one really Physicians could not be found because they had knew its cause, let alone its cure. Thousands of peo- died like the others. And those who could be ple died, and others fled. Those who treated the found wanted vast sums in hand before they very ill died. Those who buried the dead died. entered the house. And when they did enter, Today, historians and scientists believe that the they checked the pulse with face turned away. Black Death stemmed from a microorganism called They inspected the urine from a distance and Yersinia pestis, a bacterium that was carried and with something odoriferous under their nose. spread by fleas living on black rats. During that era, Child abandoned the father, husband the wife, the black rat population vastly exceeded that of the wife the husband, one brother the other, one larger and fiercer Norwegian gray rat. Interestingly, sister the other. In all the city there was nothing the Norwegian gray rat was a poor vector for the to do but to carry the dead to a burial. And those fleas carrying the bacteria. who died had neither confessor nor other sacra- In the late 1370s and early 1380s, Marchione di ments. And many died with no one looking Coppo Stefani wrote the descriptive narrative The after them. And many died of hunger because Florentine Chronicle on Medieval Plague. Excerpts when someone took to bed sick, another in the from that essay describe the horror of the plague: house, terrified, said to him: In the year of the Lord 1348 there was a very “I’m going for the doctor.” Calmly walking great pestilence in the city and district of Flo- out the door, the other left and did not return rence. It was of such a fury and so tempestuous again. Abandoned by people, without food, but that in houses in which it took hold previously accompanied by fever, they weakened. There healthy servants who took care of the ill died of were many who pleaded with their relatives not the same illness. Almost none of the ill sur- to abandon them when night fell. But [the rela- vived past the fourth day. Neither physicians tives] said to the sick person, “So that during nor medicines were effective. Whether because the night you did not have to awaken those who these illnesses were previously unknown or serve you and who work hard day and night, because physicians had not previously studied take some sweetmeats, wine or water. They are them, there seemed to be no cure. There was here on the bedstead by your head; here are such a fear that no one seemed to know what to some blankets.” And when the sick person had do. When it took hold in a house it often hap- fallen asleep, they left and did not return. If it pened that no one remained who had not died. happened that he was strengthened by the food And it was not just that men and women died, during the night he might be alive and strong but even sentient animals died. Dogs, cats, enough to get to the window. If the street was chickens, oxen, donkeys, sheep showed the not a major one, he might stand there a half same symptoms and died of the same disease. hour before anyone came by. And if someone And almost none, or very few, who showed did pass by, and if he was strong enough that he these symptoms, were cured. The symptoms could be heard when he called out to them, were the following: a bubo in the groin, where sometimes there might be a response and the thigh meets the trunk; or a small swelling sometimes not, but there was no help. No one, under the armpit; sudden fever; spitting blood or few, wished to enter a house where anyone

(Continued) Disseminate 63 was sick, nor did they even want to deal with long cloak, with mantle and veil that used to those healthy people who came out of a sick cost women three florins climbed in price to person’s house. And they said to them: “He is thirty florins and would have climbed to 100 stupefied, do not speak to him!” saying fur- florins had the custom of dressing in expensive ther: “He has it because there is a bubo in his cloth not been changed. The rich dressed in house.” They call the swelling a bubo. Many modest woolens, those not rich sewed died unseen. So they remained in their beds [clothes] in linen. Benches on which the dead until they stank. And the neighbors, if there were placed cost like the heavens and still the were any, having smelled the stench, placed benches were only a hundredth of those them in a shroud and sent them for burial. The needed. Priests were not able to ring bells as house remained open and yet there was no one they would have liked. Concerning that [the daring enough to touch anything because it government] issued ordinances discouraging seemed that things remained poisoned and that the sounding of bells, sale of burial benches, whoever used them picked up the illness. At and limiting expenses. They could not sound every church, or at most of them, they dug bells, sell benches, nor cry out announcements deep trenches, down to the waterline, wide because the sick hated to hear of this and it dis- and deep, depending on how large the parish couraged the healthy as well. Priests and friars was. And those who were responsible for the went [to serve] the rich in great multitudes and dead carried them on their backs in the night they were paid such high prices that they all in which they died and threw them into the got rich. And therefore [the authorities] ditch, or else they paid a high price to those ordered that one could not have more than a who would do it for them. The next morning, prescribed number [of clerics] of the local par- if there were many [bodies] in the trench, they ish church. And the prescribed number of fri- covered them over with dirt. And then more ars was six. All fruits with a nut at the center, bodies were put on top of them, with a little like unripe plums and unhusked almonds, more dirt over those; they put layer on layer fresh broadbeans, figs and every useless and just like one puts layers of cheese in a lasagna. unhealthy fruit, were forbidden entrance into The beccamorti [literally, vultures] who the city. Many processions, including those provided their service, were paid such a high with relics and the painted tablet of Santa price that many were enriched by it. Many Maria Inpruneta, went through the city crying died from [carrying away the dead], some our “Mercy” and praying and then they came rich, some after earning just a little, but high to a stop in the piazza of the Priors. There they prices continued. Servants, or those who took made peace concerning important controver- care of the ill, charged from one to three flor- sies, injuries and deaths. This [pestilence] was ins per day and the cost of things grew. The a matter of such great discouragement and fear things that the sick ate, sweetmeats and sugar, that men gathered together in order to take seemed priceless. Sugar cost from three to some comfort in dining together. And each eight florins per pound. And other confections evening one of them provided dinner to ten cost similarly. Capons and other poultry were companions and the next evening they planned very expensive and eggs cost between twelve to eat with one of the others. And sometimes if and twenty-four pence each; and he was they planned to eat with a certain one he had no blessed who could find three per day even if meal prepared because he was sick. Or if the he searched the entire city. Finding wax was host had made dinner for the ten, two or three miraculous. A pound of wax would have gone were missing. Some fled to villas, others to up more than a florin if there had not been a villages in order to get a change of air. Where stop put [by the communal government] to the there had been no [pestilence], there they car- vain ostentation that the Florentines always ried it; if it was already there, they caused it to make [over funerals]. Thus it was ordered that increase. None of the guilds in Florence was no more than two large candles could be car- working. All the shops were shut, taverns ried [in any funeral]. Churches had no more closed; only the apothecaries and the churches than a single bier which usually was not suffi- remained open. If you went outside, you found cient. Spice dealers and beccamorti sold biers, almost no one. And many good and rich men burial palls, and cushions at very high prices. were carried from home to church on a pall by Dressing in expensive woolen cloth as is cus- four beccamorti and one tonsured clerk who tomary in [mourning] the dead, that is in a carried the cross. Each of them wanted a florin.

(Continued) 64 Dissociation

This mortality enriched apothecaries, doc- processed by workers] found it to be moth- tors, poultry vendors, beccamorti, and eaten, ruined or lost by the weavers. Large greengrocers who sold of poultices of mal- quantities of raw and processed wool were low, nettles, mercury and other herbs neces- lost throughout the city and countryside. sary to draw off the infirmity. And it was This pestilence began in March, as was those who made these poultices who made a said, and ended in September 1348. And peo- lot of money. Woolworkers and vendors of ple began to return to look after their houses remnants of cloth who found themselves in and possessions. And there were so many possession of cloths [after the death of the houses full of goods without a master that it entrepreneur for whom they were working] was stupefying. Then those who would inherit sold it to whoever asked for it. When the these goods began to appear. And such it was mortality ended, those who found them- that those who had nothing found themselves selves with cloth of any kind or with raw rich with what did not seem to be theirs and materials for making cloth was enriched. they were unseemly because of it. Women and But many [who actually owned cloths being men began to dress ostentatiously.

Dissociation To go or extend in different directions from a Latin common point. dis- apart, away from; utterly, completely, in all Diverticulum directions Latin -sociar- to join de- reverse the action of, undo; from, apart, away -ion state, process, or quality of -vertere- to turn The process by which a chemical combination -um (singular) structure breaks up into simpler constituents. -a (plural) structure Distillation A pouchlike structure extending out or away from Latin an organ such as the intestines. dis- apart, away from; utterly, completely, in all DNA ligase directions Latin -stillare- to drip or trickle ligo- bind, tie -ion state, process, or quality of -ase enzyme A process used to separate a liquid mixture based Enzyme that links DNA fragments; used during on the boiling points of the substances within the the production of recombinant DNA to join for- solution. eign DNA to the vector DNA. Distribution Dodecahedron Latin Greek dis- apart, away from; utterly, completely, in all dodeca- twelve directions -hedron face -tribuere- to give A Platonic solid with twelve faces; the fifth -ion state, process, or quality of essence. In mathematics, sample values presented in order from the lowest to the highest. Doldrums Middle English Diurnal dold to dull Latin -um (singular) structure diurnus- day -a (plural) structure -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form A region of the ocean near the equator, character- or character of ized by calms, light winds, and squalls. Related to or occurring within a twenty-four-hour period; occurring in the daytime hours rather than Domain the nighttime hours. Latin dominus lord Diverge Any of numerous contiguous regions in a ferro- Latin magnetic material in which the direction of spon- di- two, twice, double taneous magnetization is uniform and different -verge to tend to move in a particular direction from that in neighboring regions. Ductile 65

Dominant (traits) Latin Pythagoras of Samos dominan dominant The hereditary traits that exhibit a stronger influence During the reign of the tyrant Polycrates on the phenotype than their more recessive alleles. (535–515 BC), the Greek island of Samos in the eastern Aegean Sea was home to Doping Pythagoras. He was one of the most influ- Dutch ential mathematicians and philosophers doopen- to dip of his time. All those who truly appreciate -ing the act of or action mathematics hold a special place in their The act of introducing impurities into a crystal hearts for the Pythagoreans, who believed structure in order to acquire useful properties. that numbers constitute the true nature Dormant and harmony of the world—indeed, the Latin universe. That is, the synchronization of dormire- to sleep the universe relies on mathematical har- -ant a person who, the thing which mony. The Pythagoreans did not believe Describes an inactive state of a seed. in experimentation. They relied on the faculties of thought, reason, and deduc- Dorsal tion. Pythagoras’ followers (who called Latin themselves the mathematikoi) reasoned dorsalis- back that the relationships among all things -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form were mathematical. Even the workings of or character of the mind (logic and reason) were, to the Of, toward, on, in, or near the back or upper sur- Pythagoreans, the result of mathematical face of an organ, part, or organism. expressions. Downburst Pythagoras is given credit for develop- Swedish ing a mathematical correlation between dun- down whole numbers and musical scales. He -bresta to break asunder and his followers are recognized for Violent downdrafts that are concentrated in a developing the Pythagorean theorem, local area. which is well known among all who study geometry. Beauty was to be found in the Drag shapes of solids. The four regular solids, Old Norse the tetrahedron, hexahedron (cube), octa- draga to draw, drag hedron, and icosahedron, represented the The retarding force exerted on a moving body by four elements (earth, fire, air, and water), a fluid medium such as air or water. the “roots” of the earth. There was a Drosophila mystical, almost fearful forbiddance Greek directed toward the fifth of the regular sol- drosos– dew ids, the dodecahedron. The Pythagoreans -philos beloved believed that the twelve pentagons that Any of various small fruit flies of the genus form the sides of this solid were somehow Drosophila. celestial and not of this earth. This fifth element, which could only come from the Drought heavens, signified by the dodecahedron Anglo-Saxon gave rise to the term quintessence: the dygre dry purest, most highly concentrated essence, Dryness; lack of rain or water. the “fifth essence. Drumlin Scottish Gaelic Ductile drum- ridge, back; long, narrow hill Latin -lin small or little ductus- to be hammered out into a tube or pipe; An elongated hill or ridge of glacial drift; elon- leading or drawing gated landform that results when a glacier moves -ile changing; ability; suitable; tending to over an older moraine. Property of a metal that enables it to be easily drawn into a wire. 66 Dunite

Dunite -fungi- performance, execution English -ion state, process, or quality of dun- referring to Mount Dun in New Zealand Abnormal, inadequate, or impaired function of an -ite minerals and fossils organ or body part. A dense igneous rock that consists mainly of oli- Dyslexia vine and is a source of magnesium. Greek Duodenostomy dys- painful, difficult, disordered, impaired, Latin/Greek defective, ill duodecum- twelve -legein- word, speech -stoma- opening -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form -y place for an activity; condition, state or character of The surgical establishment of an opening into the A disorder affecting the comprehension and use duodenum. of words. Duodenum Dyspepsia Latin Greek duodeni- twelve each dys- painful, difficult, disordered, impaired, -um (singular) structure defective, ill -a (plural) structure -peps- digestion The beginning portion of the small intestine, -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing approximately 12 inches in length, starting at the plurals lower end of the stomach and extending to the Commonly referred to as indigestion, a painful jejunum. disorder of the stomach. Duramen Dysphagia Latin/Middle English Greek durare- to harden; hard growth dys- painful, difficult, disordered, impaired, -enen to cause or become defective, ill The older, nonliving central wood of a tree or -phage- to eat woody plant, usually darker and harder than the -ia names of diseases, place names, or younger sapwood. Latinizing plurals Difficulty in swallowing, but not to be con- Dynamic fused with painful swallowing. Dysphagia is a Greek symptom of numerous paralytic diseases, includ- dunamikos- powerful ing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of disease). Marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change; of or relating to energy or to Dyspnea objects in motion. Greek dys- painful, difficult, disordered, impaired, Dysentery (amoebic) defective, ill Greek -pnoia breathing or breath dys- painful, difficult, disordered, impaired, Sensation of difficult or labored breathing. defective, ill -enteron- intestines Dystrophy -y place for an activity, condition, state Greek Extreme diarrhea with blood in the feces, caused dys- painful, difficult, disordered, impaired, by either the ingestion of certain bacteria (shi- defective, ill gella) or protozoa (Entamoeba hystolitica). -trophos- (trophein) to nourish; food, nutrition; development Dysfunction -y place for an activity; condition, state Greek/Latin Any of several disorders involving atrophy of dys- painful, difficult, disordered, impaired, muscular tissue. defective, ill Eccentric Ecdysone Greek Greek ek- out of ekdusis- to shed or molt -kentron- center -one a chemical compound containing oxygen in -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of a carbonyl group Deviating from a circular form or path, as an A steroid hormone, produced by the prothoracic elliptical orbit. gland of insects, that promotes growth and con- trols molting. Eccentricity Greek Echinoderma ek- out of Greek -kentron- center echino- spiny, hedgehog -itas variant -derma skin The measure of the degree of elongation of an Radially symmetrical marine invertebrates, ellipse. For example, a circle has an eccentricity including starfish and sea urchins. of 0, and a parabola (an open figure) has an eccen- Echocardiograph tricity of 1. Greek Eccrine ekho - repeat of sound Greek -kard- heart, pertaining to the heart ek- out of -graphia (graphein) to write, record, draw, describe -krinein to separate A technological instrument designed to noninva- Applies to a type of mammalian sweat gland that sively transmit ultrasonic impulses into the chest produces a watery secretion. that are reflected back so that the heart can be imaged and studied. Ecdysiotropin Greek Echolocation ekdysis- to strip off; escape Greek -trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to a ekho - repeat of sound stimulus -locare to place -in protein or derived from a protein A sensory adaptation used by certain animals Hormone secreted in the brain of insects that such as dolphins and bats. Pulses of sound waves stimulates the prothoracic gland to secrete molt- are emitted by the animal and reflected back from ing hormone. an object; the organism can then determine the distance of the object by the elapsed time. 68 Eclipse

Eclipse Greek The Eclipse That Stopped a War ektos- outer, external, out of, out, outside; away from -leipein to leave Thales of Miletus (ca. 635–543 BC) is The partial or complete obscuring, relative to a des- regarded by many as the father of sci- ignated observer, of one celestial body by another. ence. He was a philosopher and an astronomer living in a time before Ecliptic Socrates. Unlike most philosophers of Greek this time, he put his intellect to use in ektos- outer, external, out of, out, outside; away from matters other than pure philosophy. -lipo- abandon, to leave [behind] Although his motive probably was not -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of to become wealthy, he proved that by The apparent path of the sun traced along the sky applying what he had learned about the in the course of the year. natural world, he could succeed in Ecocentrism business and politics. And he did. He Greek was numbered among the Seven Sages oikos- home, house of Greece, those statesmen who were -centr- center known for their practical wisdom. -ism state or condition Thales studied the natural world and The view or belief that environmental concerns its events. He believed that the world should take precedence over the needs and rights was not created by supernatural forces, of human beings. but rather by naturally occurring events. It was recorded by the historian Ecocide Herodotus of Halicarnassus (ca. 484– Greek 425 BC) that Thales predicted the oikos- home, house occurrence of a total solar eclipse on -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike May 28, 585 BC. As it happened, that Destruction or damage to the environment, espe- eclipse ended a long and bloody war. cially intentionally (e.g., by herbicides in war). The warring factions, the Lydians and Ecogenetics the Medes, were in the sixth year of a Greek/Latin struggle with no end in sight. Right in oikos- home, house the middle of the battle of Halys, “the -gen- to give birth, kind, produce day was turned into night,” and the bat- -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of tle was stopped and the war ended. The study of the relationship between genetic fac- tors and the nature of response to an environmental An ecological community together with its envi- agent. ronment, functioning as a unit. Ecohazard Ecotaxis Greek/Arabic Greek oikos- home, house oikos- home, house -az zahr the gaming die, dice game -taxi arrangement, order; to put in order Any activity or substance that may constitute a The “homing” of recirculating lymphocytes to threat to a habitat or environment. specific compartments of peripheral lymphoid Ecology tissues, with B cells going to B-dependent areas Greek and T cells to T-dependent areas. oikos- house Ecotone -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Latin bodies of knowledge oikos- home, house The science of the relationships between organ- -tonos tension, pressure isms and their environments A transition region where adjacent biomes blend, Ecosystem containing some organisms from each of the adja- Greek/Latin cent biomes plus some that are characteristic of, oikos- home, house and perhaps restricted to, the ecotone; this region -systema the universe. tends to have more species and to be more densely populated than either adjacent biome. Effector 69

Ecotoxicologist Yolk for nutrition of the embryo contributed by Greek cells that are separate from the egg cell and are oikos- home, house combined with the zygote by envelopment within -toxikos- poison the eggshell. -ologist one who deals with a specific topic Ectomorphic A specialist in the harmful effects of chemicals on Greek the natural environment. ektos- outside, external, beyond Ectobiology -morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance Greek -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of ektos- outside, external, beyond Referring to an individual characterized by having a -bios- life, living organisms or tissue lean, slightly muscular build in which tissues -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or derived from the embryonic ectoderm predominate. bodies of knowledge Ectoplasm The study of the properties and biochemical con- Greek stitution of the cell surface and the specific ektos- outside, external, beyond enzymes at the surface. -plasm (plassein) to mold or form cells or tissues Ectocardia The cortex of a cell or that part of cytoplasm just Greek under the cell surface. ektos- outside, external, beyond Ectoscopy -kard- heart, pertaining to the heart Greek -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing ektos- outside, external, beyond plurals -skopein- see, view, sight, look at, examine The congenital displacement of the heart, either -y place for an activity; condition, state inside or outside the thorax. A diagnostic method based on observation of Ectoderm chest and abdominal movements and said to be Greek capable of determining the outlines of the lungs ektos- outside, external, beyond and of localized internal conditions. -derm skin Ectothermic Embryonic tissue layer that leads to the differen- Greek tiation of epidermal, nervous, and sensory organs ektos- outside, external, beyond and tissues. -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) Ectognatous -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Greek Having a body temperature derived by heat ektos- outside, external, beyond acquired from the environment. -gnathos jaw Edema Derived characteristic of most insects, in which Greek mandibles and maxillae are not in pouches. oide ma a swelling Ectohormone The accumulation of excessive amounts of serous Greek fluids in the tissues or cavities within the body. ektos- outside, external, beyond Effect -hormo- to rouse or to set in motion Latin -one chemical compound containing oxygen in a ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from carbonyl group -facere- to do; carry, bear, bring A parahormonal chemical mediator of ecological The result or consequence of an action. significance that is secreted, largely by an organism (usually an invertebrate) into its immediate envi- Effector ronment (air or water); it can alter the behavior or Latin functional activity of a second organism, often of ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from the same species as that secreting the ectohormone. -facere- to do; carry, bear, bring -or a condition or property of things or persons, Ectolecithal person who does something Greek An organ or structure that responds as a result of ektos- outside, external, beyond nervous stimulation. -lekithos egg yolk 70 Efferent

Efferent -kard- heart, pertaining to the heart Latin -graphia (graphein) to write, record, draw, describe ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from An instrument for recording the potential of the -facere- to do; carry, bear, bring electrical currents that traverse the heart and ini- -ent causing an action; being in a specific state; tiate its contraction. within Electrodialysis Leading or conveying away from some organ— Greek for example, nerve impulses conducted away elektron- charge, electricity; dealing with positive from the brain, or blood conveyed away from an and negative charges organ; contrasts with afferent. -dia- through, across, point to point Efficiency -ly- loosening, dissolving, dissolution, breaking Latin -sis action, process, state, condition efficere- to effect A form of dialysis in which the application of cur- -cy state, condition, quality rent to electrodes is used to separate substances or The ratio of useful work accomplished by a compounds. Salt is removed from seawater in machine compared to the total work put into it; large quantities in this manner. usually expressed as a percentage. Electrolysis Effloresce Greek Latin elektron- charge, electricity; dealing with positive ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from and negative charges -florere flower; to blossom -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve; dissolution, break To become covered by a crusty deposit when -sis action, process, state, condition water evaporates. A process in which electrolytes are created by splitting compounds using electric current. Ejecta Latin Electrolyte eicere- to throw out Latin/Greek Ejected matter, such as that from an erupting elektron- charge, electricity; dealing with positive volcano. and negative charges -lyte substance capable of undergoing decomposition Ejection A substance that when dissolved in a suitable sol- Latin vent becomes an ionic conductor. eicere- to throw out -ion state, process, or quality of Electromagnetic The act of ejecting or the condition of being ejected. Greek lektron- charge, electricity; dealing with positive Elastic e and negative charges Greek -magnes- something that attracts (figurative sense) elaunein- to beat out -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Variation in electric and magnetic fields taking Returning to or capable of returning to an initial place in regular, repeating fashion. form or state after deformation. Electron Electricity Greek Greek elektron- charge, electricity; dealing with positive elektron- charge, electricity; dealing with positive and negative charges and negative charges -on a particle -ity state or quality An elementary particle consisting of a charge of The flow of electrons in a circuit. The speed of negative electricity equal to about 1.602 × 10–19 electricity is the speed of light (approximately coulomb and having a mass when at rest of about 186,000 miles per second). In a wire, it is slowed 9.109534 × 10–28 gram, or about 1/1836 that of a due to the resistance in the material. proton. Electrocardiograph Electronegativity Greek Greek elektron- charge, electricity; dealing with positive elektron- charge, electricity; dealing with positive and negative charges and negative charges Emphysema 71

-negare- say no, deny Elongation -ity state or quality Latin Property of an element that indicates how strongly elongate- to make or grow longer its atom attracts electrons in a chemical bond. -ion state, process, or quality of The act of making something longer or the condi- Electrophile tion of being made longer. English elektron- charge, electricity; dealing with positive Elytra and negative charges Greek -phile one who loves or has a strong affinity or elutron sheath preference for The thickened or leathery forewings of insects A chemical compound or group attracted to elec- such as beetles. trons and tending to accept them. Embolism Electrophoresis Greek Greek em- in elektron- charge, electricity; dealing with positive -bol- (ballein) to put or throw and negative charges -ism state or condition -phoros- being carried, bearing Obstruction or occlusion of a blood vessel block- -sis action, process, state, condition ing the flow of blood. The movement of suspended particles in a fluid Embryo under the influence of an electric field. Greek Electroweak em- in Greek/Middle English -bruein to be full, bursting elektron- charge, electricity; dealing with posi- An organism in its early stage of development, tive and negative charges especially before it has reached a distinctively -weike pliant recognizable form. Of or relating to the combination of the electromag- Embryogenesis netic and weak nuclear forces in a unified theory. Greek Element em- in Latin -bruein- to be full, bursting elementum rudiment, first principle -gen- to give birth, kind, produce A substance that cannot be separated into simpler -sis action, process, state, condition substances by chemical means. The origin and development of the embryo; embryogeny. Elimination Latin Emigration eliminat- to banish Latin -ion state, process, or quality of e- out A process by which wastes are removed from the -migrare- to move body. -ion state, process, or quality of The act or process of leaving an area or country to Ellipse live in another country. Latin/Greek en- in, at, onto Emission -leipein to leave Latin A plane curve, especially a conic section whose emittere- to send out plane is not parallel to the axis, base, or generatrix -ion state, process or quality of of the intersected cone. A substance discharged into the air, especially by an internal combustion engine. Elliptical Greek Emphysema elleiptikos- of a leaf shape; in the form of an ellipse Greek -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form em- in, into, inward; within or character of -phusan to blow Of, relating to, or having the shape of an ellipse; A pathological condition of the lungs marked by containing or characterized by ellipsis. an abnormal increase in the size of the air spaces, 72 Empirical

resulting in labored breathing and an increased -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of susceptibility to infection. A condition, such as a disease, that is prevalent in a specific area. Empirical Greek Endergonic empeirikos- doctor relying on experience alone Greek -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form endo- inside, within or character of -ergon- work Referring to a formula that gives the simplest whole -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of number ratio of atoms of elements in a compound. A chemical reaction requiring energy to obtain the end products. Emulsification Greek Endoabdominal -mulge re- to milk out Greek -ation action, process, state, or condition endo- inside, within Process of mixing two liquids that do not dissolve -abdomen- belly, venter, abdomen in each other. -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form or character of Emulsify Relating to tissues and other materials found Latin within the abdominal walls. -mulge re- to milk out -fy cause; to become, make Endobenthos To make into an emulsion. Greek endo- inside, within Emulsion -benthos deep; the fauna and flora of the bottom Latin of the sea ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from Organisms living within the sediment on the sea- -mulge re- to milk out bed or lake floor. -ion state, process, or quality of A suspension of small globules of one liquid in a Endocrine second liquid with which the first will not mix. Greek endo- within Enantiomer -krinein to separate Greek Glands that secrete hormones into the blood. en- to cause to be -anti- opposite Endocytosis -mere considered apart from anything else; pure Greek Either of a pair of crystals, molecules, or com- endo- inside, within pounds that are mirror images but not identical. -kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid -sis action, process, state, condition Encephalitis The process of moving things to the inside of a cell. Greek en- in, into, inward; within Endoderm -cephalo- (kephalikos) head Latin -itis inflammation, burning sensation endo- inside, within Inflammation of the brain, usually caused by a -derma skin viral infection. In animals, the inner layer of embryonic tissue from which the digestive organs develop. Encephalomalacia Greek Endoergic en- in, into, inward; within Greek -cephalo- (kephalikos) head endo- inside, within -malacia softening of tissue -ergon- work Softening of brain tissue, usually caused by vas- -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of cular insufficiency or degenerative changes. Occurring with absorption of energy. In biology, the process by which heat is generated to main- Endemic tain a constant body temperature. Greek en- in, into, inward; within -demo- population Enterocoel 73

Endognathous A supporting framework within the living tissues Greek of an organism. endo- inside, within Endosperm -gnathos jaw Greek Ancestral character of insects, found in the orders endo- inside, within Diplura, Collembola, and Protura, in which the -sperma seed mandibles and maxillae are located in pouches. In flowering plants, storage tissue. Endolecithal Endospore Greek Greek endo- inside, within endo- inside, within -ekithos yolk -spora seed Yolk for nutrition of the embryo incorporated into A small asexual spore that develops inside the the egg cell itself. cell of some bacteria and algae. Endometrium Endostyle Greek Greek endo- inside, within endo- inside, within -metra- womb -sylos a pillar -y place for an activity; condition, state Ciliated groove(s) in the floor of the pharynx of Mucous membrane lining the interior surface of tunicates, cephalochordates, and larval cyclos- the uterus. tomes, used for accumulating and moving food Endomorphic particles to the stomach. Greek Endothermal endo- inside, within Latin/Greek -morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance endo- inside, within -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) An individual characterized by a significant -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form amount of soft tissue around the area of the abdo- or character of men; this fatty tissue develops from the embry- Pertaining to chemical reactions in warm- onic endodermal layer. blooded animals that generate heat for the main- Endoplasm tenance of a constant internal environment. Greek Endothermic endo- inside, within Greek -plasm (plassein) to mold or form cells or tissues endo- inside, within A central, less viscous portion of the cytoplasm -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) that is distinguishable in certain cells, especially -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of motile cells. Characterized by or causing the absorption of Endopod heat. Greek Energy endo- inside, within Greek -podos foot en- in, at, onto Medial branch of a biramous crustacean appendage. -ergon work Endorphin The capacity to do work; source of usable power; Greek vigorous exertion of effort. endo- inside, within Enneagynous -morpheus- god of dreams Greek -in protein or derived from a protein. ennea- nine A morphine-like substance secreted in the pitu- -gynous in relation to the female organ of a plant itary gland to control pain and pleasure. In botany, having nine pistils or styles in a flower. Endoskeleton Enterocoel Greek Greek endo- inside, within enteron- gut -skeletos hard -koiloma cavity 74 Enterocoelomate

A type of coelom formed by the outpouching of a aion indefinitely long period of time mesodermal sac from the endoderm of the primi- Longest period of geologic time. tive gut. Eosinophil Enterocoelomate Greek Greek eos- dawn (color of), rose, red enteron- gut -in- protein or derived from a protein -koiloma- cavity -phile one who loves or has a strong affinity or -ate of or having to do with preference for An animal having an enterocoel, such as an echi- A granular bilobed leukocyte with coarse cyto- noderm or a vertebrate. plasmic granules that attract the red acid dye eosin, a biological stain for studying cell structures. Enthalpy Greek Ephemeroptera en- in, at, onto Greek -thalpien- to heat ephemeros- for a day -y place for an activity; condition, state -pteron wing The sum of the internal energy of a body and the Mayflies; fragile winged insects that develop product of its volume multiplied by its pressure. from aquatic nymphs and live as adults for only a few days. Entomology Greek Epibenthos entomos- cut from two, segmented Greek -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or epi- above, over, on, upon bodies of knowledge -benthos deep; the fauna and flora of the bottom The scientific study of insects. of the sea The community of organisms living at the surface Entropy of the seabed or lake floor. Greek en- in, at, onto Epiblast -trope transformation Greek The tendency for all matter and energy in the uni- epi- above, over, on, upon verse to evolve toward a state of inert uniformity. -blastos bud, germ cell The outer layer of the blastula giving rise to the Environmentalist ectoderm. French environ- round about; encircle Epicardium -ment- state or condition resulting from a (speci- Greek fied) action epi- above, over, on, upon -al- of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form -kard- heart, pertaining to the heart or character of -ium quality of the relationship -ist agent, specialist The inner layer of the pericardium, a conical sac A person who seeks to protect the natural environment. of fibrous tissue that surrounds the heart. Enzyme Epicenter Greek Greek en- in, at, onto epi- above, over, on, upon -zume ferment, leaven -kentron center, sharp point Produced by living cells that catalyze chemical The point of the earth’s surface directly above the reactions in organic matter. focus of an earthquake. Eocene Epicycle Greek Greek eos- dawn epi- above, over, on, upon -kainos recent -kyklos circle, wheel, cycle An epoch of the lower Tertiary period, spanning A circle whose circumference rolls along the cir- the time between 55.5 and 33.7 million years ago. cumference of a fixed circle. Eon Greek Epistome 75

Epidemic Epiphyseal (line) Greek Greek epi- upon, above epi- above, over, on, upon -demos- people -phyein- to grow -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form A disease found among many people in an area; a or character of situation where an infectious disease develops Pertaining to or resembling the epiphysis; in long and spreads quickly through a population. bone development; the line that results when the ossification process of the shaft meets with the Epidendrous bony development at the end of a bone. Greek epi- above, over, on, upon Epiphyte -dendr- tree, treelike structure Greek -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to epi- above, over, on, upon Relating to organisms that grow or exist on trees. -phuton plant having a (specified) characteristic or habitat Epidermis A plant, such as a tropical orchid or a staghorn Greek fern, that grows on another plant upon which it epi- above, over, on, upon depends for mechanical support but not for nutri- -dermis skin ents; also called aerophyte, air plant. The outer epithelial layer of the external integu- ment of the animal body that is derived from Epipod embryonic epiblast. Greek epi- above, over, on, upon Epididymis -pous podos, foot Greek A lateral process on the protopod of a crustacean epi- above, over, on, upon appendage often modified as a gill. -didumos twins, testicles Long, narrow, convoluted tube on the top, poste- Episode rior aspect of either of the two testes; it is part of Greek the sperm duct system. epi- above, over, on, upon -eisodios coming in besides, entering Epigastrium An incident or event that stands out from the con- Greek tinuity of everyday life. epi- above, over, on, upon -gastr- stomach, belly Episome -ium quality of the relationship Greek The part of the abdominal wall lying on or over epi- above, over, on, upon the stomach. -soma (somatiko) body A genetic unit or gene that has the capacity to Epiglottis exist outside of or independently of its host cell. Greek epi- above, over, on, upon Epistasis -glotta tongue Greek The thin elastic cartilaginous structure located at epi- above, over, on, upon the root of the tongue that folds over the glottis to -histanai- to place; to stop prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea -sis action, process, state, condition during the act of swallowing. The suppression of a bodily discharge such as urine. In genetics, the suppression of the expres- Epinephrine sion of a gene by another gene. Greek epi- above, over, on, upon Epistome -nephros- kidneys Greek -ine a chemical substance epi- above, over, on, upon An endogenous adrenal hormone that increases -stoma mouth cardiac activity, dilates bronchial tubes, and stim- Flap over the mouth in some lophophorates that ulates the production of glucose from glycogen. bears the protocoel. 76 Epithethia

Epithethia Equilibrium Greek Latin epi- above, over, on, upon aequi- equal, same, similar, even -thele- nipple -libr- balanced, level; make even; weight -ia names of diseases, place names, or -ium quality or relationship Latinizing plurals A state of balance between opposing forces or Papillary projections of the epithelium that pene- actions. trate the underlying stroma of connecting tissue. Equine Epitope Latin Greek equus- horse epi- above, over, on, upon -ine of or relating to -topos place, spot Of or belonging to the family Equidae, which A portion of a protein molecule that is the specific includes the horses, asses, and zebras. target of an immune response. Equinox Epizootic Latin Greek aequi- equal, same, similar, even epi- above, over, on, upon -noct night -zoon- animal, animal-like Either of the two times during a year when the sun -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of crosses the celestial equator and when the day Affecting a large number of animals at the same and night are approximately equal in length. time within a particular region or geographic Equipollent area; used in reference to a disease. Latin Epoch aequi- equal, same, similar, even Greek -pollere- to be powerful ep- time -ent causing an action; being in a specific state -och fixed Equal in force, power, effectiveness, or significance. Subdivision of a period on the geologic time scale. Equipotential Equation Latin Latin aequi- equal, same, similar, even aequi- equal, same, similar, even -potent- power; to be able -ion state, quality, or process of -ial (variation of -ia) relating to or characterized by A representation of a chemical reaction, usually The work required to move a unit of positive charge, written as a linear array in which the symbols and a magnetic pole, or an amount of mass from a refer- quantities of the reactants are separated from ence point to a designated point in a static electric, those of the products by an equal sign, an arrow, magnetic, or gravitational field; potential energy. or a set of opposing arrows. Era Equator Latin Latin aera counters aequi- equal, same, similar, even The longest of the geological time periods, usually -or from marked by some catastrophic geological event. The imaginary great circle around the earth’s sur- Eremic face, equidistant from the poles and perpendicu- Greek lar to the earth’s axis of rotation; it divides the erem- lonely, solitary; hermit; desert earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Southern Hemisphere. Pertaining to deserts or sandy regions. Equilibrate Eremobiology Latin Greek aequi- equal, same, similar, even erem- lonely, solitary; hermit; desert -libr- balanced, level; make even; weight -bios- life, living organisms or tissue -ate characterized by having -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Having to maintain in or bring into equilibrium. bodies of knowledge The science of biology in arid ecological systems. Esophagus 77

Eremophile Erythroblast Greek Greek erem- lonely, solitary; hermit; desert eruthros- red -phile one who loves or has a strong affinity or -blastos bud, germ cell preference for Immature red blood cells found within the red bone Organisms that survive and thrive in desert or marrow of mammals; they are typically nucleated. desertlike conditions. Erythroblastosis Eremophyte Greek Greek eruthros- red erem- lonely, solitary; hermit; desert -blastos bud, germ cell -phuton plant having a (specified) characteristic -osis increase, formation or habitat An abnormal presence of immature red blood A plant species that has developed the adapta- cells in the bloodstream. tions to live in arid, desertlike conditions. Erythrocyte Erg Greek Greek eruthros- red ergon work -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid A small unit of work equal to the force of one Red blood cell that contains hemoglobin and car- dyne acting over a distance of one centimeter. ries oxygen from the lungs or gills to the tissues in vertebrates. Ergonomics Greek Erythropoiesis ergon- work Greek -nom- (nemein) to dictate the laws of; knowledge; eruthros- red usage; order -poiein- production, formation; to make -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -sis action, process, state, condition The applied science of equipment design, as for The process of the production of red blood cells the workplace, intended to maximize productiv- in the red bone marrow. ity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. Erythropoietin Erogenous Greek Latin eruthros- red eros- sexual love or sexual passion -poiein- production, formation; to make -gen- to give birth, kind, produce -in protein or derived from protein -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to A chemical secreted by the kidney to regulate the Producing erotic feelings; often a reference to parts production of red blood cells. of the body that are sensitive to sexual arousal. Esophagoduodenostomy Erosion Greek/Latin Latin ois- (pherein) to carry erosio- an eating away -phagos- (phagein) to eat, eating -ion state, process, or quality of -duodeni- twelve each The group of natural processes, including weath- -stoma- opening ering, dissolution, abrasion, corrosion, and trans- -y place for an activity; condition, state portation, by which material is worn away from Surgical removal of the stomach, followed by the earth’s surface. connection of the esophagus to the duodenum. Eruciform Esophagus Latin Greek eruci- caterpillar ois- (future tense of pherein) to carry -forma having the form of -phagos- (phagein) to eat; eating Applied to insect larvae, caterpillar-like; more or -us thing less cylindrical with a well-developed head and A muscular, membranous tube extending from stumpy legs at the rear, in addition to the true tho- the pharynx to the stomach. racic legs. The caterpillars of butterflies and moths are typical examples. 78 Ester

Ester The scientific study of the causes and origins of German (from Latin) diseases. essig vinegar Etymology Any of a class of organic compounds correspond- Greek/Latin ing to the inorganic salts and formed from an etymon- true sense; earlier form of a word organic acid and an alcohol. -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Esterification bodies of knowledge Greek The study of the sources and development of words. äther- etherlike acid Eubacteria -fication action, process, or quality of Greek A reaction involving a group of organic compounds eu- good, well; true that causes the reagents (usually a carboxylic acid -bacter- microscopic organism and alcohol) to become an ester. -baktron- staff, rod Estivation -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Latin plurals estiv- dormancy in the summer Large group of bacteria having rigid cell walls. -ion state, process, or quality of Euglena The process of spending the summer in a resting state. Greek Estrogen eu- good, well; true Greek -glene eyeball oistros- frenzy; gadfly Any organism of the genus Euglena, found in -gen to give birth, kind, produce freshwater and characterized by chlorophyll, a Female sex hormones secreted by both the ova- single flagellum, and a reddish “eyespot.” ries and the adrenal cortex. Euhaline Estuary Greek Latin eu- good, well; true aestus- tide, surge -hal- salt -ary of, relating to, or connected with -ine in a chemical substance An arm of the sea that extends to meet the mouth Term used with reference to normal sea water, of a river. containing 30 to 40 parts per thousand salt; applies to organisms thriving in this environment. Ethane Greek Eukaryote eth- organic functional group with two carbons Greek -ane organic compound containing no multiple bonds eu- good, well; true An odorless alkane gas, C2H6. -kairon nut; cell nucleus An organism whose cells contain a distinct, Ether membrane-bound “true” nucleus. Greek aither upper air Eumetazoans Any of a class of organic compounds in which two Latin hydrocarbon groups are linked by an oxygen atom. eu- good, well; true -meta- later in time Ethnobotany -zoan animal Greek Animals with both tissues and symmetry. ethnos- people or races -botane - fodder, plants Euphotic (zone) -onuma name Greek The study of the relationship between humans eu- good, well; true and plants. -photos- light, radiant energy -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Etiology Of, relating to, or being the uppermost layer of a Greek body of water that receives sufficient light for aitia- cause photosynthesis and the growth of green plants. -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or bodies of knowledge Evapotranspiration 79

Eupnea eury- wide New Latin -topos place eu- normal -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -pnion breathing or breath Refers to an organism or species capable of living Normal, rhythmic, unlabored breathing rates. within a wide environmental range. Eurybaric Eutrophic Greek Greek eury- wide, broad eu- good, well, true -bar- weight, pressure -trophos- (trophein) to nourish; food, nutrition; -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of development Applicable to animals adaptable to great differ- -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of ences in altitude. Having waters rich in mineral and organic nutri- ents, causing plant life to proliferate, thereby Euryhalic reducing the dissolved oxygen content and often Greek killing off other organisms. eury- wide, broad -hal- salt Eutrophication -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Greek Able to tolerate a wide range of salinity; said of eu- good, well; true organisms capable of withstanding widely vary- -trophos- (trophein) to nourish; food, nutrition; ing concentrations of salt in the environment. development -ation action, process , or quality of Euryhaline The process by which a body of water becomes Greek enriched in dissolved nutrients (such as phos- eury- wide phates) that stimulate the growth of aquatic plant -hal- salt life, usually resulting in the depletion of dis- -ine in a chemical substance solved oxygen. Able to tolerate wide ranges of saltwater concentrations. Evacuate Latin Euryphagous -vacare- empty Greek -ate of or having to do with eury- wide To empty or send away; to eliminate or excrete -phagos- (phagein) to eat, eating wastes from a living body. -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to An ecological term referring to an organism that Evagination eats a large variety of foods. Latin -vagina- sheath Euryphotic -ion state, process, or quality of Greek An outpocketing from a hollow structure; to turn eury- wide, broad a body part inside out. -phot- light -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Evaporation Tolerant of a wide range of light intensity, typi- Latin cally measured between a forest and a field. vaporatus- steam, vapor -ion state, process, or quality of Eurypterid Vaporization of a liquid below its boiling point. Greek eury- wide Evapotranspiration -pteron- wing Latin -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from tending to, inclined to -vaporatus- steam, vapor Large, extinct scorpion-like arthropod considered -trans- across or through to be related to horseshoe crabs. -spi ra re-to breath -ion state, process, or quality of Eurytopic The sum total of water loss due to evaporation Greek and plant transpiration. 80 Evolution

Evolution ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from Latin -podos foot evolut- unrolling Lateral branch of a biramous crustacean appendage. -ion state, process, or quality of Exoskeleton The theory that the various types of animals and Greek plants have their origin in other, preexisting types ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from and that the distinguishable differences are due to -skeletos dried up (body) modifications in successive generations. A hard outer structure, such as the shell of an Excision insect or crustacean, that provides protection or Greek support for an organism. ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from Exosphere -cis- to cut Greek -ion state, process of ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from The process of cutting off something small by -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere surgery. The outer layer of the thermosphere, extending Excited into space. Latin Exothermal ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from Greek -ciere to set in motion ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from Being at an energy level higher than the ground state. -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) Excretion -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Latin or character of ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from Characterized by or formed with the evolution of -cernere- to separate heat. -ion state, process of Exothermic To separate and eliminate or discharge (waste) from Greek the blood or tissues or from active protoplasm. ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from Exfoliate -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) Latin -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from Referring to a chemical reaction where heat is -folium- leaf released from the source. -ate of or having to deal with Exotic To come off or separate into flakes, scales, or lay- Greek ers; mechanical weathering process in which ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from outer rock layers are stripped away, often result- -otic state or condition of; condition of being ing in dome-shaped formations. Strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or Exobiology unusual; from another part of the world. Greek Expedition ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from Greek -bios- life, living organisms or tissue ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or -pedi- foot bodies of knowledge -ion state, process, or quality of Study of life forms that possibly exist elsewhere A journey or excursion undertaken for a specific in the universe. purpose. Exocytosis Experiment Greek Latin ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from experiri- to try -cyte- (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid -ent causing an action or being in a specific state -sis action, process, state, condition A test under controlled conditions that is made to The process of moving things to the outside of a cell. demonstrate a known truth, examine the validity Exopod of a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy of Greek something previously untried. Eye 81

Holland in the Seventeenth Century Able to form a republic in the seventeenth century by Holland became home to many migrating scientists declaring its independence from Spain, Holland was and others who sought freedom to express their left to its own resources to either flourish or decline. ideas. In Amsterdam Anton Van Leeuwenhoek, Thus, the economy of Holland was dependent on the known as the father of microbiology, invented the free-thinking, creative society of its day. Beginning microscope during this period. It is said that his in that century, but associated more with the eigh- microscopes, equipped with lenses that he himself teenth century, was the Age of Enlightenment, a ground, were able to magnify well over 500 times period characterized by reason rather than the tradi- normal vision. Only a handful of the hundreds of tions of the Dark Ages. This movement led to an microscopes he crafted still exist today. unparalleled optimism and to bold expressions of Christian Huygens crafted lenses for telescopes philosophy, law, art, science, and government. The and created a telescope that was over 5 meters long. Dutch embraced the Age of Enlightenment, which He speculated that the atmosphere of Venus caused eventually spread throughout Europe. the planet to be covered by clouds. He observed the The formation of the Dutch East India Company patterns of rotation of planets, and he estimated required the recruitment of skilled craftsmen to quite accurately the length of a Martian day. Huy- build a fleet of ships capable of traveling great dis- gens was the first to recognize the rings of Saturn, tances. The Dutch sailor-merchants sailed all over and he also discovered Titan, the planet’s largest the world and brought back the rarest of goods for moon. These are only a few of the incredible dis- sale. Exploration became a part of the social fiber coveries and inventions this scientist is responsible of the Dutch people. Science, mathematics, and for. philosophy flourished in Holland, where all free Countless people have been inspired over the thinkers were welcome to explore their passions. ages by this colony’s many explorers, adventurers, There was little to fear from the Church, which still craftsmen, statesmen, artists, mathematicians, and held a grip over much of Europe. Men feared for philosophers. Even Albert Einstein was influenced their lives when scientific reason clashed with the by a Portuguese-Jewish philosopher who lived in accepted Church dogma. Thus seventeenth-century Holland, Benedict (Baruch) Spinoza.

Exsiccated Extinction Latin Latin ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from -sicca- drying -stinguere- to quench -ate characterized by having -ion state, process, or quality of Dried, especially in reference to soils that have lost Ceasing of existence of a species. their moisture. Extraction Extensor Greek Greek ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from -trahere- to draw -ten- to move in a certain direction; to stretch, -ion state, process, or quality of hold out To obtain from a substance by chemical or mechani- -or a condition or property of things or persons; cal action, as by pressure, distillation, or evaporation. person who does something Extrusive Any of various muscles that extend or straighten Latin some part of the body, especially a flexed arm or leg. ex- outside, outward, out of, out; away from External -trudere thrust Latin Igneous rock that forms when molten rock solidi- externus- outward fies above the surface. -al pertaining to, having the form or character of Eye Relating to, existing on, or connected with the Modern English outside or an outer part; exterior. eghe resembling an eye shape The development of a calm center of a storm. Famine Any of various alloys of iron and one or more Latin other elements. fames- hunger Ferrotherapy -ine of or relating to Latin A drastic, wide-reaching food shortage threaten- ferrum- iron; pertaining to, or containing iron ing the lives of an entire population. -therapeuein to heal, cure; treatment Fault The treatment of disease with iron. Latin Fertilization fallere to deceive, fail Latin To shift so as to produce a fault. fertilis- to bear Fecundity -ion state, process, or quality of Latin The act or process of initiating the reproductive fecund- fruitful, fertile process in sexual creatures by the union of an egg -ity state of, quality of and a sperm cell. Refers to female animals: the faculty of reproduc- Fibrin tion; the capacity for bringing forth young; pro- Latin ductiveness. In botany, the faculty or power of fibro-, fibr-, fibra- fiber; an elongated threadlike germinating. structure Fermentation -in protein or derived from protein Latin Large insoluble strands of protein that aid in the fermentum- splits complex organic compounds clotting of blood. into simpler ones Fibrinogen -ion state, process or quality of Latin/Greek A type of anaerobic pathway of ATP formation: it fibro-, fibr-, fibra- fiber; an elongated threadlike starts with glycolysis, ends when electrons are structure transferred back to one of the breakdown prod- -gen to give birth, kind, produce ucts or intermediates, and regenerates the NAD+ A blood plasma protein that turns into fibrin when required for the reaction. Its net yield is two ATP converted by thrombin during the blood-clotting per glucose molecule degraded. process. Ferroalloy Fibronectin Latin Latin/ Greek ferrum- iron; pertaining to, or containing iron fibro-, fibr-, fibra- fiber; an elongated threadlike -alligare to bind structure Flood 83

-nhkto- (Greek) swimming In chemistry, refers to having a stated amount of -in protein or derived from protein gold or silver in it. A gold or silver alloy that is A fibrous linking protein that functions as a retic- 925/1000 fine is 92.5% gold or silver. uloendothelial mediated host defense mechanism Fission and is impaired by surgery, burns, infection, neo- Latin plasia, and disorders of the immune system. fissus- splitting Fibrosis -ion state, process, or quality of Latin Act or process of splitting or breaking up into parts. fibro-, fibr-, fibra- fiber; an elongated threadlike Fistula structure Latin -sis action, process, state, condition fistula pipe The formation of excess fibrous tissue, usually as An abnormal duct or canal resulting from injury, an attempt to repair damaged tissue or as a reac- disease, or congenital disorder that extends from tion to a trauma. the hollow of a body organ to the surface or to Field another organ. Old English Fixation feld field Latin A region of space characterized by a physical fixus- to fasten property, such as gravitational or electromagnetic -ation action, process, or quality of force or fluid pressure, having a determinable The process of conversion into a more reactive, value at every point in the region. usable form. Filial Fjord Latin Old Norse fili- son, daughter, offspring fjordhr inlet -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form A long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between or character of steep slopes. Of or relating to a generation or the sequence of generations following the parental generation. Flagellum Latin Filipodium flagrum whip Latin A long, threadlike appendage; a whiplike extension. filum- thread -podos- foot Flammable -ium quality or relationship Greek A type of pseudopodium that is very slender and philogiston flammable may branch, but does not rejoin to form a mesh. Describes a substance that is easily ignited and capable of burning. Filtration Latin Flexor filtrum- to put or go through a filter Latin -ion state, process, or quality of flectere- to bend A process in which mixtures are separated based -or a condition or property of things or persons; upon the size of particles that can fit through a filter. person who does something Any muscle that bends a limb. Fimbriae Latin Flocculate fimbriae thread, fringe Latin A thread or fringelike anatomical part of an flocculus- tuft organ, such as the aperture to the Fallopian tubes. -ate of or having to do with To form into woolly, soft, or cloudlike masses; to Fine form compound masses, as a cloud or a chemical Latin precipitate. finis utmost limit, end Flood Middle English flud flowing water 84 Fluctuate

The overflowing of water on land that is usually Foliaceous dry; a deluge. Latin folium- leaf Fluctuate -aceous of or relating to a plant family Latin Belonging to, or having the texture or nature of fluere- to flow, wave foliage or leaves; leaflike in form or made of -ate of or having to do with growth; composed of thin laminated layers, as To vary irregularly; to rise and fall in waves. certain rocks. Fluid Foraminiferan Latin/Greek Latin fluere- to flow, wave forare- to bore; hole, an opening, -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, -ferre to bear tending to, inclined to A member of the class Granuloreticulosea bear- A continuous, amorphous substance whose mole- ing a shell with many openings. cules move freely past one another and that has the tendency to assume the shape of its container; Forbicolous a liquid or gas. Greek pherbein- to graze Fluke -cola tiller, inhabitant Greek Living on broad-leaved plants; herbicolous. plax flat surface A flattened, digenetic trematode worm. Forbivorous Greek/Latin Fluorescence pherbein- to graze Latin -vorare- swallow, devour fluere- to flow, wave -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to -escentia state or process of Feeding on broad-leaved plants. The process in which an atom releases energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Force Latin Fluoroscope fortis strong Latin/Greek A vector quantity that tends to produce an acceler- fluere- to flow, wave ation of a body in the direction of its application. -skopion for viewing with the eye An imaging device using x-rays to project a fluo- Forensic rescent image on a screen. Latin forensis- public Fluvial -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Latin Relating to or dealing with the application of sci- fluvi- river, stream entific knowledge to legal problems. -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form or character of Forest Pertaining to rivers and river activities; found or Latin living in a river; produced by a river or stream. foris outside A dense growth of trees, plants, and underbrush Fluvioterrestrial covering a large area. Latin fluvi- river, stream Formation -terra- of or relating to the earth or its inhabitants Latin -ial of or relating to format- shape, figure, appearance Refers to inhabiting streams and the surrounding land. -ion state, process, or quality of The act or process of arranging something or of Flux taking form. Latin fluxus (past participle of fluere) to flow Formicary The rate of flow of fluid, particles, or energy Latin through a given surface. formic- ant -ary of, relating to, or connected with A nest of ants or anthill. Fundamental 85

Fossil Fruit Latin Latin fossilis dug up fructus fruit Having the characteristics of a fossil: preserved in The ripened ovary or ovaries, together with acces- a mineralized or petrified form from a past geo- sory parts, containing the seeds of a seed-bearing logic age. plant and occurring in a wide variety of forms. Fractal Fucivorous Latin Greek/Latin frangere- to break phukos- rock lichen, seaweed -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form -vorare- to swallow, devour or character of -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to A geometric pattern that is repeated at ever smaller Feeding or subsisting on seaweed and related sea scales to produce irregular shapes and surfaces that and ocean foods. cannot be represented by classical geometry. Fulcrum Fractionate Latin Latin fulcire to support frangere- to break The point or support on which a level pivots. -ate of or having to do with Fumaroles To separate a mixture by distillation, crystalliza- Latin tion, or other method into its ingredients or into fumus- smoke, vapor portions that have different properties. -ole little Fractoluminescence A crack or fissure that releases gases from a volcano. Latin Fumatorium frangere- to break Latin -lumen- light fumus- smoke, vapor -ence the condition of -ate- to do, to make, to cause The emission of light from the fracture of a crystal. -orium a place or a thing used for something Frequency An airtight compartment in which vapor may be Latin generated to destroy germs or insects. frequens- a crowd, throng Fume -cy state, condition, quality Latin The number of wave peaks occurring in a unit of time. fumus smoke, vapor Friction Vapor, gas, or smoke, especially if harmful, Latin strong, or odorous. fricare- to rub Function -ion state, process, or quality of Latin The force generated opposite to the motion of an fungi- to do, perform, execute, discharge object resulting from an interaction of surfaces. -ion state, process, or quality of Frigid The special, normal, or proper physiological activ- Latin ity performed by an organ or part. frigus- cold, frost Fundamental -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, Latin tending to, inclined to fundus- bottom Refers to extreme cold, with a very cold temperature. -ment- state or condition resulting from a (speci- Fructose fied) action Latin -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form fructus- fruit or character of -ose sugar, carbohydrate Of or relating to the foundation or base. A very sweet sugar occurring in many fruits and honey and used as a preservative for foodstuffs and as a intravenous nutrient. 86 Fungal

Fungal Fungus Latin Greek spongos- spongelike spongos- spongelike -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form -us singular or character of Eukaryotic organisms lacking chlorophyll and Caused by a fungus, or relating to or having the vascular tissue. They range from unicellular to characteristics of a fungus. multicellular. Many produce fruiting bodies. Fungicide Fusion Greek/Latin Latin spongos- spongelike fundere- to melt -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike -ion state, process, or quality of The destruction of fungi or something used to kill The joining into a single entity. fungi (spores). Galactose gamet- husband or wife; to marry Greek -angeion- vessel galakt- milk -ium quality or relationship -ose sugar, carbohydrate The reproductive organ of bryophytes, consisting C6H12O6; one of the hextose sugars, it is found in of the male antheridium and the female archego- pectins and gums. nium; a multichambered jacket of sterile cells in which gametes are formed. Galaxy Greek Gamete galakt- milk Greek -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing gamein to marry plurals Either a male or female reproductive cell possess- Any of numerous large-scale aggregates of stars, ing the haploid number of chromosomes. gas, and dust that constitute the universe, contain- Gametocyte ing an average of 100 billion (1011) solar masses Greek and ranging in diameter from 1,500 to 300,000 gamet- husband or wife; to marry light-years. Also called nebula. -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid Gallbladder The mother cell of a gamete; that is, an immature Old English gamete. galla- nutgall Gametogenesis -blae dre bladder Greek A small, hollow, saclike, muscular organ located gamet- husband or wife; to marry below the liver. It contains bile that is produced -gen- to give birth, kind, produce by the liver and secretes the bile into the small -sis action, process, state, condition intestine to aid in the digestion of fats. The process in which production of gametes, Gallimimus eggs or sperm, occurs. Latin Gametophyte gallus- rooster Greek -mimus mimic gamet- husband or wife; to marry A dinosaur whose fossil remains resemble a very -phyte a plant large rooster and that existed during the Late Cre- A stage in a plant’s life cycle during which eggs taceous period in Mongolia. and sperm are produced. Gametangium Greek/Latin 88 Ganglia

Ganglia Gastroplexy Greek Greek gangl- nerve bundle gastr- stomach, belly -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing -plexy fixation plurals Fixation of the stomach. Masses of nerve tissue containing nerve cells Gastropod external to the brain or spinal cord. Greek Gangue gastr- stomach, belly French (from German) -podos foot gang lode Any of a group of mollusks that have a broad disk- Worthless rock or other material in which valu- like organ of locomotion on the ventral surface of able minerals are found. the body. Gas Gastroptosis Greek Greek/Latin chaos empty, space gastr- stomach, belly Matter that has no fixed volume or shape; it con- -ptosis downward, displacement, drooping, saggy forms to the volume and shape of its container. Downward displacement of the stomach. Gastrectomy Gastrovascular Greek Greek/Latin gastr- stomach, belly gastr- stomach, belly -ekt- outside, external, beyond -vas- vessel, duct -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section -cul- small, tiny Cutting out or removing the stomach. -ar relating to or resembling Describes the primary organ of coelenterates that Gastric functions both in digestion and in the transporta- Greek tion of nutrients to all parts of an animal’s body. gastr- stomach -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Gastrula Pertaining to or having some characteristic of the Greek stomach. gastr- stomach, belly -ula diminutive Gastrodermis An embryo at the stage following the blastula, Greek consisting of a hollow, two-layered sac of ecto- gastr- stomach, belly derm and endoderm surrounding an archenteron -derma skin that communicates with the exterior through the Lining of the digestive cavity of cnidarians. blastopore. Gastroenteritis Gemmules Greek Latin gastr- stomach, belly gemma- bud -enteron- small intestine -ule little, small -itis inflammation, burning sensation Asexual, cystlike reproductive unit in freshwater Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sponges; formed in summer or autumn and capa- stomach and intestines. ble of overwintering. Gastromalacia Genetic Greek Greek gastr- stomach, belly gen- origin, birth -malacia softening of tissue -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Softening of the walls of the stomach, usually The branch of biology that deals with heredity, occurring after death. especially the mechanisms of hereditary transmis- Gastromegaly sions and the variation of inherited characteristics Greek among similar or related organisms; the genetic gastr- stomach, belly makeup of an individual, a group, or a class. -megaly large Enlargement of the abdomen or the stomach. Gestation 89

Genome Of or relating to the study of the earth, including soils, Greek mineralogy, and the dynamics of the earth’s crust. gen- origin, birth Geonyctitropism -ome group Greek Total number of genes in an individual. ge- earth, world Genotype -nycto- night; a relationship to darkness, dark Greek -trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to gen- origin, birth stimulus -typos mark -ium quality or relationship The complete genetic constitution of an organism Orientation movements in plants during darkness or group as determined by the specific combina- in response to gravity. tion and location of the genes on the chromosome. Geophysiology Genus Greek Latin ge- earth, world genus race -phusio- form, origin, nature A group of related species with taxonomic rank -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or between family and species. bodies of knowledge The study of the interaction among all organisms Geobios living on the earth. Greek ge- earth, world Geosynchronous -bios life, living organisms, or tissue Greek The total life of the land; that part of the earth’s sur- ge- earth, world face occupied by terrestrial organisms; terrestrial life. -synchron- at the same time -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to Geocentric Refers to a geocentric orbit that has the same orbital Greek period as the sidereal rotation period of the earth. ge- earth, world -kentron- a point or place that is equally distant Geothermal from the sides or outer boundaries of something; Greek the middle ge- earth, world -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -therm- heat, hot, warm Refers to early accepted position by scientists/ -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form philosophers that the earth was the center of the or character of solar system and that all objects in the sky Of, relating to, or using the heat of the earth’s inte- revolved around the earth. rior; also, to be produced or permeated by such heat. Geodesic Germination Greek Latin ge- earth, world germinare- to sprout -daiesthai to divide -ion state, process, or quality of Describes the path an object will follow through To begin or cause to sprout or grow. space and time in the absence of external forces. Germovitellarium Geography Latin Greek germen- a bud, offshoot ge- earth, world -vitellus- yolk -graphia (graphein) to write, record, draw, describe -ium quality or relationship The study of the earth and its features and of the Closely associated ovary and yolk-producing distribution of life on the earth, including human structures in rotifers. life and the effects of human activity. Gestation Geology Latin Greek gestare- to bear ge- earth, world -ion state, process, or quality of -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Time during which a placental mammal develops bodies of knowledge in a uterus. 90 Getter

Getter Globular Middle English Latin geta- to obtain globus- globular mass -er one that performs an action -ar relating to or resembling A chemically active substance such as magne- In biology, globe-shaped, having the form of a sium that is ignited in vacuum tubes to remove ball or sphere (e.g., globular proteins) traces of gas, or any substance that is added to Globular cluster another to remove traces of impurities. Latin/Old English Geyser globus- globular mass Icelandic -ar relating to or resembling geysa to gush clyster bunches A natural hot spring that intermittently ejects a In astronomy, a system of stars, generally smaller column of water and steam into the air. in size than a galaxy, that is more or less globular in conformation. Gibbous Latin Glochidium gibbus bulging, hunch-backed, humped Greek Pertaining to swelling by a regular curve or sur- glokhis- point, barb of an arrow face; protuberant; convex, as “the moon is gib- -idion quality of relationship bous between the half moon and the full moon.” Bivalved larval stage of freshwater mussels. Gizzard Glomerulus Latin Latin gigeria giblet, cooked entrails of poultry glomer- ball The thickened part of the alimentary canal in -ulus of, relating to, or resembling some animals (such as an insect or earthworm) Capillary network within glomerular capsule. that is similar to the crop of a bird. Glossus Glabrate Greek Latin glw^ssa the tongue glab- smooth or hairless The muscular organ found in the mouths of verte- -ate of or having to do with brates. It is involved with the manipulation of Becoming smooth or glabrous from age. food during chewing, tasting, and swallowing, and with speech. Glacial Latin Glottis glacialis ice Greek Having an icelike form in its pure state at or just glotta/glossa tongue below room temperature. The opening between the vocal cords in the larynx. Gland Glucagon Latin Greek glans acorn glukus- sweet, sweetness A term applied to a group of organs that secrete -agein lead, drive chemicals used in other parts of the body. A peptide hormone secreted by pancreatic endo- crine cells that raises blood glucose levels; an Glaucoma antagonistic hormone to insulin. Greek glaukos- gray Glucolytic -oma swelling Greek A disease of the eye caused by increased pres- glukus- sweet, sweetness sure, which can damage the optic nerve and result -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve, dissolution, break in blindness. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Pertaining to the metabolic breaking down of glu- Glitch cose for the production of ATP occurring in the Yiddish/German cytoplasm of cells. glitschn lapse, slip A sudden change in the period of rotation of a neutron star. Gravitropism 91

Gluon A small reproductive organ found in some Latin sponges. gluton- glue Gonopore -on subatomic particle Greek A hypothetical, massless, neutral elementary par- gonos- seed, procreation ticle believed to mediate the strong interaction -poros an opening that binds quarks together. A genital pore found in many invertebrates. Glycogen Gradation Greek Latin glukus- sweet, sweetness gradus- walk, step, take steps, move around -gen to give birth, kind, produce -ion state, process, or quality of A polysaccharide that is the main form of carbo- The leveling of a planet’s surface through weath- hydrate storage in animals and occurs primarily ering, erosion, transpiration, and deposition of in the liver and muscle tissue. It is readily con- rock debris by water, wind, and gravity. verted to glucose as needed by the body to satisfy its energy needs. Also called animal starch. Gradient French (from Latin) Glycolysis grade- a position in a scale of size, quality, or Greek intensity glykys- sweet -ient performing, promoting, or causing a spe- -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve, dissolution, break cific action -sis action, process, state, condition The rate at which a physical quantity changes Initial reactions of both aerobic and anaerobic with respect to a given variable. pathways by which glucose is partially broken down to pyruvate, with a net yield of two ATP. Gradualism Glycolysis proceeds in the cytoplasm of all cells, Latin and oxygen has no role in it. gradus- walk, step, take steps, move around -ism state or condition, quality Gnathostomes The evolution of new species by the slow, steady Greek accumulation of small genetic changes occurring gnathos- jaw over long periods of time. -stoma mouth The group of vertebrates with distinct jaws. Granuloma Latin Gonad granum- grain, seed Greek -oma community gonos procreation, genitals A mass of inflamed granulation tissue, usually A reproductive organ that produces sperm or eggs. associated with ulcerated infections. Gonadotropin Granum gonos- procreation, genitals Latin -trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to granum grain, seed stimulus A stacked, membranous structure within a chloro- -in protein or derived from a protein plast that contains the chlorophyll and is the site of Any one of three hormones released by either the the light reactions involved in photosynthesis. pituitary gland or the placenta. These hormones stim- ulate the gonads and control reproductive activity. Gravitropism Latin Gonangium gravis- heavy, weighty Latin -trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to gonos- seed, procreation stimulus -angeion diminutive of vessel -ism state or condition, quality Reproductive zooid of hydroid colony (Cnidaria). A turning or growth movement by a plant in Gonophore response to gravity. Latin gonos- seed, procreation -pherein to carry 92 Gravity

Gravity Gymnosperm Latin Greek gravis- heavy, weighty gumnos- naked -ity state of, quality of -sperma seed An acceleration value related to the force attract- A plant whose seeds are not enclosed within an ing two bodies. ovary. Guanine Gynecophoric Spanish Greek huanu- the dung of sea birds or bats gyne- woman, female -ine of or relating to -pherein to carry A purine base, C5H5ON5, that is an essential con- Pertains to the groove in male schistosomes (cer- stituent of both RNA and DNA. tain trematodes) that carries the female. Gully Gynenosia French Greek goulet the throat gyne- woman, female Erosional features; deep channels found in sedi- -nosia disease mentary layers, acted on by weathering. A disease occurring most often in females. Gustation Gynoecium Latin Greek gustare- to taste gyne- woman, female -ion state, process, or quality of -oikos- house The sense of taste; the ability or the act of tasting. -ium quality or relationship Part of a flower that houses the female gameto- Guttation phytes, the pistils. Latin gutta- to drop Gyroscope -ion state, process, or quality of Greek The exudation of water from leaves resulting gyros- ring, compass from root pressure. -skopion for viewing with the eye Rotating mechanism in the form of a universally mounted spinning wheel that offers resistance to turns in any direction. Habitat Halite Latin Greek habitare to dwell hal- salt Area or environment where an organism or eco- -ite minerals and fossils logical community normally lives. A colorless, crystalline rock salt found in salt marshes, dried desert floors, and mines. Hadean Greek Halobiotic haides mythological subterranean world of the Greek departed spirits hal- salt Relates to the beginning of the earth’s formation, -bios- life, living organisms, or tissue when the surface was molten and forming, 4.5– -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of 3.8 billion years ago (bya). Refers to life in the sea, to organisms capable of living in a marine environment. Hadron English (from Greek) Halogen hadros- thick Greek -on a particle halos- disk of sun Any of a class of subatomic particles that are -gen to give birth, kind, produce composed of quarks and take part in the strong Reactive, nonmetallic element in group 7A of the interaction. periodic table. Halic Halolimnetic Greek Greek hal- salt hal- salt -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -limn- lake Pertaining to saline or saltlike conditions. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Pertaining to salt lakes; marine organism designed Halimetry to live in freshwater. Greek hal- salt Halopexia -metria (metron) the process of measuring Greek The measurement of the amount of saline matter hal- salt in solution. -pexia attaching to or fixation The physiological retention of salt by the body. 94 Halophile

Halophile Greek Isaac Newton hal- salt Beginning in 1665 and continuing into -phile one who loves or has a strong affinity or 1666, the Great Plague of London dev- preference for astated the English population. This A microorganism requiring a high concentration catastrophic disease, most likely of salt for optimal growth. bubonic plague, killed over 75,000 in Halophobe that country. Because of these condi- Greek tions, a relatively young undergraduate hal- salt student at Cambridge University in -phobos fear London was sent home. At Woolthorpe, Any creature that is intolerant of saline life. the town where he was born, Isaac New- ton would live as a recluse during that Harmonics year, far from the death and dying in Greek London. harmonikos- harmony With the exception of Einstein’s -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of miracle year of 1905, few other single Tones whose frequencies are whole-number mul- years in history have had such a dra- tiples of the fundamental; also referred to as fun- matic impact on science, discovery, and damental frequencies. the progression of thought. In the 18 Haustoria months during his time off from school, Latin Isaac Newton laid some of the ground- haurire- to drink work for the study of optics and the -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing nature of light, he invented calculus, plurals and he put forth some of the essential The hyphae that invade the cells of a host to elements for his theory of universal absorb nutrients. gravitation. Isaac Newton was another major fig- Heat ure of the scientific revolution. Like Old English most other great thinkers of his day, he hete hot was, for a time, fascinated by mysti- A form of energy associated with the motion of cism, astrology, and mathematics. He atoms or molecules. sought harmony in the universe through Helictite mathematics. Greek Among Newton’s theories was the helix- spiral idea that gravity is universal. He postu- -ite a part of or product of lated that if the earth’s gravitational Thin crystal strains that resemble flowers and are attraction held the moon in its orbit, found in clusters on cave ceilings. then this same force was responsible for keeping other planets in their orbits as Heliocentric well. The orbital paths of planets were Greek affected, in part, by the gravitational helio- sun attraction of the sun. Newton, unlike -kentron- a point or place that is equally distant from Kepler, was able to mathematically the sides or outer boundaries of something; the middle prove Kepler’s laws of planetary -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of motion. Describes the nature of the solar system, with the Isaac Newton is known for his three sun located in the center and the planets orbiting laws of motion. around it. •Newton’s first law, the law of Hematemesis inertia, states that an object at rest New Latin tends to stay at rest and that an haimat- blood -emesis vomit object in motion tends to stay in The presence of blood or blood cells in vomit. motion unless acted upon by a net external force. Hemophilia 95

hemi- half •Newton’s second law states that -pteron wing force = mass × acceleration. That Insect order for true bugs; wingless or four- is, the acceleration produced by a winged bugs that include such insects as bedbugs net force on an object is directly and chinch bugs. proportional to the magnitude of the net force and is inversely pro- Hemisphere portional to the mass. Greek hemi- •Newton’s third law states that for half -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere every action there is an equal and A half of a sphere. opposite reaction. Hemocoel On July 5, 1687, Isaac Newton pub- Greek lished his seminal three-volume work, haima- blood Philosophiae Naturalis Principia -koilos cavity Mathematica, which is Latin for Mathe- A cavity or series of spaces between the organs of matical Principles of Natural Philoso- most arthropods and mollusks through which phy. His text is sometimes referred to as blood circulates. Principia or Principia Mathematica. It contains his groundbreaking principles Hemodialysis for the mechanics of the universe, his Greek three laws of motion, and his law of uni- haimo- relating to blood or blood vessels versal gravitation. -dia- through, across, apart Sir Isaac Newton died on March 20, -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve; dissolution, break 1727, in London. -sis action, process, state, condition A medical procedure for removing metabolic Hematocrit waste products from the blood. Greek Hemoglobin haimat- blood Latin/Greek -krites judge haimo- relating to blood or blood vessels The instrument used to determine the ratio of the -globulus- globule volume occupied by blood cells to the total vol- -in protein or derived from protein ume of blood. An iron-containing respiratory pigment occur- Hematolysis (hemolysis) ring in vertebrate red blood cells and in blood Greek plasma of many invertebrates; a compound of an haimat- blood iron porphyrin heme and a protein globin. -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve; dissolution, break Hemolymph -sis action, process, state, condition Latin/Greek The lysing or breakdown of erythrocytes (red blood haimo- relating to blood or blood vessels cells) with the subsequent release of hemoglobin. -numphe clear fluid; water nymph, young bride Hematuria Fluid in the coelom or hemocoel of some invertebrates New Latin that represents the blood and lymph of vertebrates. haimat- blood Hemolysis (hematolysis) -uria urine Greek The presence of blood or blood cells in urine haimo- relating to blood or blood vessels -ly- (luein) Hemimetabolous to loosen, dissolve; dissolution, break -sis action, process, state, condition Greek The destruction of red blood cells, leading to the hemi- half release of hemoglobin from the cells into the -metabole- change blood plasma. -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to Refers to gradual metamorphosis during the Hemophilia development of insects, without a pupal stage. Greek haimo- relating to blood or blood vessels Hemiptera -phile- one who loves or has a strong affinity or Greek preference for 96 Hemorrhage

-ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing herba- grass, green crops plurals -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike A group of hereditary bleeding disorders charac- Any chemical agent that is toxic to some or all terized by a deficiency of one of the factors neces- plants and is used to destroy unwanted vegetation. sary for coagulation of the blood. Herbivore Hemorrhage Latin Greek herba- grass, green crops haimo- relating to blood or blood vessels -vorare to devour -rhegnynai to break, burst Any organism subsisting on plants. Excessive discharge of blood from the blood ves- Heredity sels; profuse bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel. Latin Hemorrhoid hered- heir Greek -ity state of, quality of haimo- relating to blood or blood vessels The transmission of qualities from ancestor to -rhein- to flow descendant through the genes. -oid (oeides) resembling, having the appearance of Hermaphrodite A mass of dilated blood vessels located in the Greek anus; the dilated vessels cause pain and itching. hermes- Hermes, Greek god of boundaries Hepatitis -aphrodite Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and Latin beauty hepat- liver An animal or plant species that normally exhibits -itis inflammation, burning sensation both male and female sex organs. A disease or condition marked by inflammation Hernia of the liver. Latin Hepatomalacia herni- protruded viscus; rupture Greek -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing hepat- liver plurals -malacia softening of tissue The protrusion of a bodily organ through a nor- A disease or condition of the liver marked by dis- mally intact supporting wall-like structure. tinct softening of the fleshy tissue of the liver. Heterocercal Hepatonecrosis Greek Greek heteros- different hepta- liver -kerkos- tail -necr- death -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form -sis action, process, state, condition or character of Death of liver cells, usually caused by either a In some fish, having or referring to a tail with the pathogenic organism or a toxic substance. upper lobe larger than the lower, and the end of the vertebral column somewhat upturned in the Hepatorrhexis upper lobe, as in sharks. Greek hepta- liver Heterochrony -orrhexis, -rrhexis rupture of an organ or vessel; Greek a breaking forth, bursting heteros- different The rupturing of the liver occurring as a result of -khronos- time injury or disease. -y place for an activity; condition, state Evolutionary change in the relative time of Heptad appearance or rate of development of characteris- Greek tics from ancestor to descendant. heptados group of seven An element, atom, or radical that has a valence of 7. Heterocyst Greek Herbicide heteros- different Latin -cyst (kustis) sac or bladder containing fluid Holeuryhaline 97

A large, thick-walled, transparent cell that occurs hexa- six at intervals along the filaments of certain cyano- -meros part bacteria. Having six parts; specifically, symmetry based on six or multiples thereof. Heterodont Greek Hibernation heteros- different Latin -odous tooth hibern- winter Having teeth differentiated into incisors, canines, -ation state, process, or quality of and molars for different purposes. The process of spending the winter in a resting state. Heterotroph Hilum Greek Latin heteros- different hilum trifle -trophos (trophein) to nourish, food; nutrition; A notch on the medial surface of the kidney development where blood vessels enter and leave the kidney. An organism that obtains both organic and inor- Hippocampus ganic raw material from its environment in order Latin to survive. hippos- riverine Heterozygote -kampos sea monster Greek Composed of gray matter, this ridge on the floor heteros- different of the lateral ventricles of the brain is responsible -zygoun to yoke for memory. An organism that has different alleles at a partic- Hippopotamus ular gene locus on homologous chromosomes. Greek Hexabasic hippos- riverine Latin -potamios horse hexa- six Chiefly aquatic mammal with an extremely large -bas- low head and mouth, bare and very thick grayish skin, -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of and short legs. Relates to having six hydrogen atoms that can be Histochemistry replaced by basic atoms or radicals. Greek Hexactinellida histos- web, tissue Greek -chemo- (khemeia) chemical; alchemy hexa- six -metria (metron) the process of measuring -aktin- ray The science dealing with the chemical composi- -ella little tion of the tissues of the body. A siliceous sponge characterized by glassy spicules. Histology Hexagonal Greek Greek histos- web, tissue hexa- six -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or -agon- a violent, intense struggle bodies of knowledge -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form The study of the microscopic structures of tissues. or character of Histone Having three equal axes intersecting at angles of Greek 60 degrees in one plane, and one axis of variable histos- web, tissue length that is perpendicular to the others. -one chemical compound containing oxygen in a Hexahedron carbonyl group Greek Any of a group of strongly basic low-molecular- hexa- six weight proteins that combine with nucleic acid to -hedron face form nucleoproteins. A Platonic six-sided solid; a cube. Holeuryhaline Hexamerous Greek Greek holos- complete, whole, entire, all, full 98 Holistic

-eury- wide Homeopathy -hal- salt Greek -ine in a chemical substance homeo- same, like, resembling, sharing, similar, Refers to organisms that freely inhabit freshwa- equal ter, sea water, and brackish water. -pathos- feeling, sensation, perception -y place for an activity, condition, state Holistic A method of disease treatment that involves the Greek administration of small doses of chemicals that, if holos- complete, whole, entire, all, full given in large amounts, would produce symptoms -ist- one who performs an action in healthy people that are similar to those found in -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of people with the disease. Describes an approach to medical care that emphasizes the study of all aspects of a person’s Homeostasis health, including physical, psychological, social, Greek economic, and cultural factors. homeo- same, like, resembling, sharing, similar, equal Holocene -statos- standing, stay, make firm, fixed, balanced Greek -sis action, process, state, condition holos- complete, whole, entire, all, full Tendency of an organism to maintain internal -kainos recent equilibrium of temperature and fluid content, for An epoch of the Quaternary period, spanning the example, by regulation of its bodily processes. time from the end of the Pleistocene to the present. Homeothermic Holoenzyme Greek Latin homeo- same, like, resembling, sharing, similar, holos- complete, whole, entire, all, full equal -en- in, at, onto -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) -zume ferment, leaven -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of A fully active, complex enzyme, composed of a Having a nearly uniform body temperature. protein and a coenzyme. Hominid Holometabolous Latin Greek homo/homonis- man holos- complete, whole, entire, all, full -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, -meta- between, after, beyond, later tending to, inclined to -bol- (ballein) to put or throw A member of the family Hominidae; human -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to beings are the only surviving species. Pertains to complete metamorphosis during development. Homocercal Greek Holophytic (h)omos- (combining form) one and the same, Greek common holos- complete, whole, entire, all, full -kerkos tail -phyt- plant Having or referring to a tail with the upper and -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of lower lobes symmetrical and the vertebral col- Relates to the process that occurs in green plants umn ending near the middle of the base, as in and certain protozoa involving synthesis of carbo- most teleost fish. hydrates from carbon dioxide and water in the pres- ence of light, chlorophyll, and certain enzymes. Homogeneous Greek Holozoic (h)omos- (combining form) one and the same, Greek common holos- complete, whole, entire, all, full -genus offspring, kind -zoikos- of animals Of the same or similar nature or kind. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Describes a type of nutrition involving ingestion of liquid or solid organic food particles. Hydra 99

Homologous Common name given to species of the genus Equus. Greek These mammals are characterized by having long (h)omos- (combining form) one and the same, legs, short-haired coats, long tails, and hooved feet. common Humerus -logos word, proportion Latin Having the same or similar proportions or character- humer- shoulder, upper arm istics. In genetics, having the same gene sequence -us thing on two different chromosomes. The long bone of the arm or forelimb, extending Homoplasy from the shoulder to the elbow. Greek Humidity (h)omos- (combining form) one and the same, Latin common humidus- moist, wet -plasy growth or development of -ity state of, quality of Independent evolution of similar or identical The amount of water vapor or moisture in the air. characteristics through convergence or parallel evolution. Humoral Middle English Homozygote humor- fluid Greek -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form (h)omos- (combining form) one and the same, or character of common Of or pertaining to the fluid of a body. -zugoun to yoke Organism having the two genes at corresponding Humus loci on homologous chromosomes identical for Latin one or more loci. humus soil Partially decomposed organic matter consisting of Horizontal both plant and animal remains, rich in nutrients and Greek capable of holding significant amounts of water. horos- (horizein) to limit; boundary -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Hyaline or character of Greek Refers to the axis parallel to the horizon (side by hualos- glass side); of or near the horizon; relating to the horizon. -in protein or derived from a protein A clear, homogeneous, glassy substance nor- Hormone mally found in cartilage, vitreous humor, mucin, Greek and glycogen, and pathologically found in the horman that which sets in motion; to urge on degeneration of tissues and cells. Substances produced by a gland or tissue, then transported by the blood to effect physiological Hybrid activity and regulate development. Latin hybrida mongrel Horology An offspring of two animals or plants of different Greek races, breeds, varieties, species, or genera. horo- hour, period of time, season, time -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Hybridization bodies of knowledge Latin The science of measuring time. hybrida- mongrel -ation action, process, state, or condition Horoscope The act of cross-breeding various species or sub- Greek species of organisms. horo- hour, period of time, season, time -skopos observer Hydra An astrological prediction based on observations Greek of the positions of celestial objects. hydra of or having to do with water In astronomy, the largest constellation, winding Horse across more than a quarter of the sky. Old English hors horse 100 Hydranth

Hydranth Hydrozoa that secrete calcium carbonate and Greek resemble true corals. hydr- of or having to do with water Hydroformylation -anthos flower Greek/Middle English Nutritive zooid of hydroid colony. hydr- of or having to do with water Hydrate -formyl- the negative univalent radical HCO Greek -ion state, process, or quality of hydr- of or having to do with water The process by which an –H and a –CHO are -ate of or having to do with added across a carbon-carbon double bond. An A compound that contains a specific ratio of water aldehyde synthesis process. to ionic compound. Hydrogenation Hydration Greek Greek hydr- of or having to do with water hydr- of or having to do with water -gen- to give birth, kind, produce -ion state, process, or quality of -ation state, process, or quality of In chemistry, the combination of water and another The process of combining a substance with hydrogen. substance to obtain a single product. In earth sci- Hydrogeology ence, a form of chemical weathering caused by the Greek expansion of certain minerals as they absorb water. hydr- of or having to do with water Hydraulic -ge- earth Greek -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or hydr- of or having to do with water bodies of knowledge -aulos characterized by having a hollow way; The branch of geology that deals with the occur- tube, pipe rence, distribution, and effects of groundwater. Of or relating to water or other liquid in motion. Hydrology Hydrocarbon Greek Greek hydr- of or having to do with water hydr- of or having to do with water -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or -carbon coal, charcoal bodies of knowledge Organic compounds containing hydrogen and The study of the properties, distribution, and carbon only. effects of water on the surface of the earth, the atmosphere, and the earth’s substrate. Hydrocephalus Greek Hydrolysis hydr- of or having to do with water Greek -cephalo- (kephalikos) head hydr- of or having to do with water -us thing -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve; dissolution, break A usually congenital condition in which an -sis action, process, state, condition abnormal accumulation of fluid in the cerebral Decomposition of a chemical compound by reaction ventricles causes enlargement of the skull and with water, such as the dissociation of a dissolved compression of the brain. salt or the catalytic conversion of starch to glucose. Hydrocoel Hydrometer Greek Greek hydr- of or having to do with water hydr- of or having to do with water -koilos hollow -meter (metron) instrument or means of measuring; Second or middle coelomic compartment in echi- to measure noderms; the left hydrocoel gives rise to the An instrument used to determine specific gravity. water-vascular system. Hydropenia Hydrocoral Greek Greek hydr- of or having to do with water hydr- of or having to do with water -penia reduction, poverty, lack, deficiency -korallion coral A condition or disorder that results in a reduction Any of certain members of the cnidarian class of water. Hypertension 101

Hydrophobic Any of a group of freshwater coelenterates Greek/Latin including hydras, hydroids, hydrocorals, and hydr- of or having to do with water siphonophores. -phob- fear, lacking an affinity for Hygrometer -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Greek Describes something that is repelled by water or hygr- wet or moist tends not to combine with or dissolve in water. -meter (metron) instrument or means of measuring; Hydrophyte to measure Greek An instrument that measures humidity. hydr- of or having to do with water Hygroscopic -phyte plant Greek A plant adapted to grow in water; a water lily. hygr- wet, moist Hydroplane -scopion- to look at, examine Greek -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of hydr- of or having to do with water Refers to a substance that easily absorbs water -plane surface from the air to become a hydrate. To skim along the surface of water. Hymen Hydroponic Greek Greek humen thin skin, membrane hydr- of or having to do with water A membranous tissue fold that either partially or -pono- work completely covers the vaginal orafice. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Hymenoptera Pertains to growing plants without soil in nutrient- Greek enriched water. humen- thin skin, membrane Hydropower -pteron wing Greek/Latin Order of insects characterized by thin, membra- hydr- of or having to do with water nous wings. Most have two pairs of wings, with -potis able, powerful the first being considerably larger than the sec- Electrical energy produced by falling or flowing ond. Includes wasps, bees, and ants. water. Hyoid Hydrosphere Greek Greek hu- upsilon, Greek letter U hydr- of or having to do with water -oid (oeides) resembling, having the appearance of -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere Relating to the hyoid bone. The water on the earth’s surface. Hyperglycemia Hydrostatic Greek Greek hyper- above, high hydr- of or having to do with water -glyco- sugar -statos- standing, stay, make firm, fixed, balanced -emia the condition of having (a specific thing) in -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of the blood Relating to fluids at rest or to the pressures they Abnormally high blood sugar. exert or transmit. Hyperpnea Hydrothermal Greek Greek hyper- over, beyond hydr- of or having to do with water -pnein breathing or breath -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) Abnormally deep or rapid breathing. Relating to hot water; magmatic releases are rich Hypertension in water. Greek Hydrozoan hyper- over, beyond Greek -tens- stretching; physiological imbalance hydr- of or having to do with water -ion state, process, or quality of -zoon animal, animal-like Abnormally high blood pressure. 102 Hyperthermic

Hyperthermic Hypoglossal Greek Greek hyper- over, beyond hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) deficient -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -gloss- tongue Having the characteristics of or relating to a con- -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form dition of unusually high body temperature. or character of Of or relating to the area under the tongue. Hypertonic Greek Hypognathous hyper- over, beyond Greek -ton- tension hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of deficient Having the higher osmotic pressure of two solutions. -gnathos jaw Pertains to having the head directed vertically and Hyperventilation the mouthparts directed ventrally. Greek hyper- over, beyond Hypokalemia -ventilare- to fan Greek -ion state, process, or quality of hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, A pulmonary ventilation rate that is higher than what deficient is necessary for normal pulmonary gas exchange. -kali- potassium -emia the condition of having (a specific thing) in Hyphae the blood Greek A deficiency of potassium in the blood. huphe web Threadlike filaments found in the mycelium of a Hypostome fungus. Greek hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, Hypocalcemia deficient Greek/Latin -stoma mouth hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, Name applied to the structure in various inverte- deficient brates, such as mites and ticks, that is located at -calc- calcium the posterior or ventral area of the mouth; eleva- -emia the condition of having a (specific thing) in tion supporting the mouth of a hydrozoan. the blood A deficiency of calcium in the blood. Hypotenuse Greek Hypochondria hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, Greek deficient hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, -teinein to stretch deficient The line segment stretched under the right angle; -khondr- grain, any small rounded mass; carti- the line opposite the right angle in a right triangle. lage, gristle, granule, or a relationship to cartilage -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Hypothalamus plurals Greek A disorder characterized by a misinterpretation of hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, physical signs that leads to the belief that one has a deficient serious disease even though repeated evaluations -thalamos inner chamber, bedroom show no indications of any physical disorder. The region of the brain situated below the thala- mus and above the pituitary gland, which acts as a Hypodermis control center for the autonomic nervous system Greek/Latin and for hormonal activity. hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, deficient Hypothermia -derma skin Greek The cellular layer lying beneath and secreting the hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, cuticle of annelids, arthropods, and certain other deficient invertebrates. -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) Hystolytic 103

-ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Hypoxia plurals Greek A condition in homeothermal organisms marked hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, by a drop to a temperature below normal. deficient -ox- acid, acidic Hypothesis -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Greek plurals hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, A disorder that causes a reduction in the oxygen deficient supply to tissues. -tithenai- to put or place -sis action, process, state, condition Hysterectomy An assertion made as a possible explanation for a Greek problem. hustera- uterus, womb -ekt- outside, external, beyond Hypothetical -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section Greek Partial or complete surgical removal of the uterus. hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, deficient Hysteroptosis -tithenai- to put or place Greek -alis of, related to hyster- the womb or uterus; hysteria Refers to a situation or setting based on or relat- -pto- fall, a falling down of an organ; drooping, ing to a hypothesis. sagging; corpse -sis action, process, state, condition Hypotonic The sagging or prolapsing of the female uterus. Latin/Greek hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, Hystolytic deficient Greek -ton- tension histos- web, tissue -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve; dissolution, break In chemistry, refers to a situation where one solu- -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of tion’s osmotic pressure is lower than that of Pertaining to the degeneration of tissues. another solution. Ichthyologist The terminal end of the small intestine; it extends Greek from the jejunum to the ileocecal sphincter. ichthus- fish Iliocostal -ologist one who deals with a specific topic Latin A scientist who studies the biology of fish. ilia- groin, flank Ichthyology -costo- rib Greek -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form ichthus- fish or character of -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Relating to the ilium and ribs. bodies of knowledge Image Branch of zoology that deals with the study of fish. Latin Icosahedron imago image Greek In optics, the likeness of an object produced by icosa- twenty the use of a lens or group of lenses. -hedron face Imbibition A Platonic solid with twenty faces. Latin Ideal in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon Latin -bib- drink idea- a plan, scheme, notion, or method -ion state, process, or quality of -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Adsorption of water to internal surfaces of an or character of organism, leading to swelling. Conforming to an ultimate form or standard of Immigrate perfection or excellence. Latin Igneous in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon Latin -migrare- to go into, to depart ignis- fire -ion state, process, or quality of -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to To enter and settle in a country or region to which Refers to molten rock that cools and solidifies. one is not native. Ileum Immiscible Latin Latin ileum groin, flank Inertia 105

in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon Incline -miscere- to mix Latin -ible capable in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon Refers to that which cannot undergo mixing or -klinein to lean, sloping blending. A slant; deviation from the horizontal or vertical. Immunotherapy Incubation Latin/Greek Latin immunis- not affected by a given influence; unre- in- in, into, toward, against, on , upon sponsive -cubare- to lie down on -therapeuein to treat medically -ion state, process, or quality of Treatment of disease by inducing, enhancing, or Maintenance of optimal conditions for growth suppressing an immune response. and development. Impedance Indigenous Latin Latin impedire to hinder motion on foot in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon A measure of the total opposition to current flow -genus- birth, origin, kind in an alternating current circuit, made up of two -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to components: ohmic resistance and reactance. Pertaining to a group of organisms native and original to a region. Impenetrability Latin Induction im- not Latin -penitus- deeply, permeate in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon -ity state of, quality of -ducere- to lead A property of matter where no two objects can -tion action, process or quality of occupy the same space at the same time. The production of magnetism or electromotive force, or the separation of charge from a body by Impulse a neighboring body not in contact with it. Latin impellere to impel Inductor The product obtained by multiplying the average Latin value of a force by the time during which it acts. in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon The impulse equals the change in momentum -ducere- to lead produced by the force during this time interval. -or a condition or property of things or persons A coil of wire that generates a magnetic field Inactive when a current is passed through it. Latin in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon Inelastic -agere to drive or do Greek Not active; in biology, refers to a condition during in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon which metabolism is marked by a reduction of -elaunein- to beat out activity, possibly because of an infection. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Refers to a type of collision in which two objects Incandesce remain attached after the collision. Latin in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon Inert -candescere become white hot Latin To glow or cause to glow with heat. in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon -aras skill Incisor Unable to move or act; not readily reactive with Latin other elements. in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon -caedere- to cut Inertia -or a condition or property of things or persons; Latin person who does something iners- idleness A tooth for cutting or gnawing, located at the -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing front of the mouth in both jaws. plurals 106 Infectious

The tendency of a body to resist acceleration; the -ure act, process, condition tendency of a body at rest to remain at rest, or of a The organelles just below the cilia in ciliate body in straight-line motion to stay in motion in a protozoa. straight line unless acted on by an outside force. Infracostal Infectious Latin Latin infra- inferior to, below, or beneath in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon -costo- rib -facere- to make, do, build, cause, produce; form- -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form ing, shaping or character of -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to Pertaining to or referring to a region below the Pertaining to a contagious disease capable of ribs. spreading rapidly to others. Infrasonic Inference Latin Latin infra- inferior to, below, or beneath in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon -sonus- sound -ferre- to bear -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -ence the condition of Generating or using waves or vibrations in fre- The act of passing from one proposition, statement, quencies below that of audible sound. or judgment considered true to another, whose truth Inherit is believed to follow from that of the former. Latin Inferno in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon Latin -hereditare to inherit infernus hell, lower, underground To acquire or express traits or conditions through In astrophysics, a unit for describing the tempera- transmission of genetic material from parents to ture inside a star. One inferno is approximately offspring. one billion degrees celsius. Initiator Inflammation Latin Latin initium- beginning in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon -or a condition or property of things or persons -flamma- flame A substance or chemical that begins a reaction -ation action, process, or quality of but is consumed or chemically changed in the A localized defensive reaction of body tissue to irri- reaction. tation, damage, or infection; characterized by pain, Inorganic redness, swelling, and sometimes loss of function. Latin Inflation in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon Latin -organon- instrument in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -flare- to blow Composed of nonliving matter. -ion state, process, or quality of Insect In astronomy, an extremely brief phase of ultra- Greek rapid expansion of the very early universe. in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon Influenza -secare- to cut up Latin Any member of the class Insecta. All organisms in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon in this class are segmented into three body parts, -fluere- to flow, wave have an exoskeleton, and have three pairs of -za quality or state legs. A human respiratory infection of undetermined Insecticide cause. Greek Infraciliature in- in, into, toward, against, on , upon Latin -secare- to cut up infra- inferior to, below, or beneath -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike -cilia- eyelashes Intermolecular 107

Type of pesticide that controls or eliminates insects Low-density regions of the interstellar medium that adversely affect plants, animals, or people. that fill the space between interstellar clouds. Insectivore Intercostal Greek/Latin Latin in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon inter- between, among -secare- to cut up -costo- rib -vorare to eat, devour -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Animal or plant that feeds on insects. or character of Situated between the ribs. Instinct Latin Intercrystalline instinctus impulse Latin/Greek A complex pattern of innate behavior. inter- between, among -krystallinos- rock crystal Insulator -ine of or relating to Latin Between the crystals of a solid substance. insula- island -or a conition or property of things or persons Interdependent A material that insulates or retards the transfer of Latin energy, especially a nonconductor of sound, heat, inter- between, among or electricity. -depend- relying on -ent causing an action, being in a specific state, Insulin within Latin Mutually dependent; having a direct relationship insula- island with one another. -in protein or derived from protein A hormone secreted by the islets of Langerhans in Interferometer the pancreas. Insulin is essential for the proper Latin uptake and metabolism of sugar. inter- between, among -ferir- to strike Integument -meter (metron) instrument or means of measur- Latin ing, to measure in- in, into, toward, against, on, upon An instrument for measuring very small lengths, -tegere to cover distances, and changes in the dimensions, den- A natural outer covering or coat, such as the skin sity, and other properties of a substance by means of an animal or the membrane enclosing an organ. of the interferences of two rays of light. Interaction Interlunar Latin Latin inter- between, among inter- among, mutually, together, between -agere- to do -luna- the moon -ion state, process, or quality of -ar relating to or resembling Any of four fundamental ways in which elemen- Pertaining to the period between the old and new tary particles and bodies can influence each other, moon, during which the moon is not visible from classified as strong, weak, electromagnetic, and the earth. gravitational. Intermolecular Intercellular Latin Latin inter- among, mutually, together, between inter- between, among -moles- mass -cella- chamber -ule- small, tiny -ar relating to or resembling -ar relating to or resembling Located between cells. Describes forces that are exerted by molecules on Intercloud gas each other and that, in general, affect the macro- Greek/Middle English scopic properties of the material of which the inter- between, among molecules are a part. -clud rock, hill khaos (Greek) gas, empty space 108 Internal

Internal Interval Latin Latin internus- within inter- among, mutually, together, between -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form -vallum ramparts or character of Space between objects. Of, relating to, or located within the limits or sur- Intestine face; inner. Latin Internode intestinus within, internal Greek The tubular portion of the alimentary canal extend- inter- among, mutually, together, between ing from the stomach to the anus; in humans and -node the point on a plant where a leaf stalk or other mammals, the intestine consists of two seg- petiole attaches to the stem ments, the small intestine and the large intestine. Distance along the stem of a plant between two Intracellular successive nodes. Latin Internuclear intra- within, inside Latin -cellula- chamber inter- among, mutually, together, between -ar relating to or resembling -nucula- kernel, little nut Occurring within a body cell or cells. -ar relating to or resembling Intramolecular Located between nuclei. Latin Interphase intra- within, inside Greek -moles- mass inter- among, mutually, together, between -ule- small, tiny -phasis appearance -ar relating to or resembling The stage of cell division during which the chro- Pertains to the characteristics and properties of mosomes are uncondensed and are copied. any given molecule. Interspecific Intraspecific Greek Latin inter- among, mutually, together, between intra- within, inside -specif- appearance/kind -specif- appearance/kind -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Refers to a relationship occurring between species. Referring to a relationship occurring within a species. Interstellar Latin Intrinsic inter- among, mutually, together, between Latin -stella star intrinsicus- inward Between or among the stars (“interstellar gases”). -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Relating to the central or core nature of a thing. Interstitial Latin Intron inter- among, mutually, together, between Latin -sistere to stand intron occurring within a gene Situated in the interstices or spaces between A segment of gene situated between exons that is structures such as cells, organs, or grains of sand. removed before the translation of messenger RNA. Intertidal zone Introvert Latin/Old English/Greek Latin inter- (Latin) among, mutually, together, between intr- inwardly, within -tid- (Old English) division of time -vertere to turn -alis (Latin) of, relating to, characterized by The anterior narrow portion that can be withdrawn zone (Greek) girdle, celestial zone (introverted) into the trunk of a sipunculid worm. The marine zone located in the area of shoreline Intrusive between high and low tides. Latin Isopod 109

in- into, on, among To supply dry land with water by means of -trudere thrust ditches, pipes, or streams; to water artificially. Referring to igneous rocks that form at depths Isobar below the earth’s surface Greek Invertebrate isos- equal, uniform, same, similar, alike Latin -baros weight, heavy; atmospheric pressure in- without Any of the lines on a map joining places that have -vertebratus backbone the same air pressure. Having no vertebrae (backbone). Isobaric Inverted Greek Latin isos- equal, uniform, same, similar, alike in- to cause to be -baros- weight, heavy; atmospheric pressure -vertere to turn -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Reversed in terms of the position, order, or condi- Of a thermodynamic process in which a sub- tion of. stance experiences no change in pressure. Ionic Isochoric Greek Greek ion- (ienai) to go, something that goes isos- equal, uniform, same, similar, alike -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -choros- of or having to do with volume Containing an atom or group of items that have -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of acquired a net electric charge. Refers to a thermodynamic process in which a substance experiences no change in volume. Ionization Greek Isoelectric ion- (ienai) to go, something that goes Greek -zation action, process, or quality of isos- equal, uniform, same, similar, alike Energy required to remove most loosely held -elektron- charge, electricity, dealing with posi- electrons from an atom. tive and negative charges -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Ionosphere Having an equal number of electrons outside the Greek nucleus. ion- (ienai) to go, something that goes -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere Isomer The lower part of the thermosphere, where elec- Greek trically charged particles called ions are found. isos- equal, uniform, same, similar, alike -meros part, share Ipsilateral Any of two or more nuclei with the same mass Latin number and atomic number that have different ipse- self, same radioactive properties and can exist in any of sev- -latus- side eral energy states for a measurable period of time. -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form or character of Isometric Located on or affecting the same side of the body. Greek isos- equal, uniform, same, similar, alike Iris -metr- measurement Latin -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of irid rainbow Equal in dimension or measurement; in biology, In biology, the colored part of the eye that regulates relating to the contraction of muscles against an the amount of light allowed into the interior of the immovable resistant force, where the length of eyeball; in botany, the name given to a group of the muscle fibers remains the same. tropical flowering plants; in physics, a diaphragm. Isopod Irrigate Greek Latin isos- equal, uniform, same, similar, alike in- to cause to be -pod foot -rigare to water 110 Isotactic

Any of numerous crustaceans of the order Iso- isos- equal, uniform, same, similar, alike poda, characterized by a flattened body bearing -ton- tension seven pairs of legs, and including the sow bugs -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of and gribbles. Of equal tension; having the same concentration of solute on both sides of a membrane. Isotactic Greek Isotope isos- equal, uniform, same, similar, alike Greek -taktos ordered isos- equal, uniform, same, similar, alike Describes the orientation of the methyl groups on -topos place a polypropylene chain in plastics, which in this One of two or more atoms having the same case is all on the same side. atomic number but different mass numbers. Isotherm Isthmus Greek Greek isos- equal, uniform, same, similar, alike isthmos narrow neck -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) In biology, a narrow strip of tissue connecting two In meteorology, a line drawn on a weather map parts or lobes of a gland or organ; in earth science, indicating points of equal temperature. a narrow strip of land connecting two larger sec- tions of land. Isotonic Greek Jaundice Jurassic Latin French galbinus yellowish jurassique/jura- mountains Yellow discoloration of the eyes, mucous mem- -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of branes, and skin caused by deposits of bile, usu- Of or belonging to the geologic time, rock series, ally as a result of a disease, such as hepatitis. or sedimentary deposits of the second period of the Mesozoic era, in which dinosaurs continued Jejunum to be the dominant land fauna and the earliest Latin birds appeared. ieiunus fasting (referring to its always being found empty when dissected) Juvenile The very large section of small intestine begin- Latin ning at the end of the duodenum and ending at the iuvenis- young beginning of the ileum. -ile changing Not fully grown or developed; young. Joule Old English Joule English physicist (James Prescott Joule) who developed the first law of thermodynamics A unit of electrical energy equal to 10 million ergs or one newton-meter. Kalemia kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus Latin -gam- husband or wife; to marry kalium- potassium -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -haima- blood Describes a process pertaining to or characterized -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing by the union of two nuclei. plurals Karyogamy The presence of excessive amounts of potassium Greek in the blood. kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus Kame -gam- husband or wife; to marry Middle English -y place for an activity, condition, state camb comb The fusion of two cell nuclei following plasmog- A short ridge or mound of sand and gravel depos- amy during fertilization. ited during the melting of glacial ice. Karyogenesis Karyapsis Greek Greek kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus -gen- to give birth, kind, produce -haptien to fasten, join -sis action, process, state, condition The process of the fussion or union of nuclei in The growth and development of the nucleus of a conjugating cells. cell. Karyochrome Karyokinesis Greek Greek kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus -chrome pigment -kinetikos- to move; set in motion A nerve cell whose nucleus is deeply stainable -sis action, process, state, condition although its body is not. A phenomenon involved in the division of the nucleus, usually an early stage in the process of Karyocyte cell division, or mitosis. Greek kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus Karyoklasis -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid Greek The term for any cell possessing a nucleus. kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus -klastos- break, break in pieces Karyogamic -sis action, process, state, condition Greek Ketone 113

The breaking down of the cell nucleus or nuclear The fibrillar part of the karyoplasm as distin- membrane. guished from the fluid part of karyolymph. Karyolymph Karyorrhexis Greek Greek kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus -lympha clear water, water nymph -rhxis action or process of bursting The liquid part of a cell nucleus, as contrasted Rupture of the cell nucleus in which the chroma- with the chromatin and linin. tin disintegrates into formless granules that are extruded from the cell. Karyolysis Greek Karyotype kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus Greek -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve, dissolution, break kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus -sis action, process, state, condition -typos impression, figure Form of necrobiosis in which the nucleus of a cell Representation of individual chromosomes cut swells and gradually loses its chromatin. out from a photograph and grouped together. Karyomegaly Karyozoic Greek Greek kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus -megas- large, great, big, powerful -zoon- animal, animal like -ly like, likeness, resemblance -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Abnormal enlargement of the nucleus of a cell, Existing in or inhabiting the nuclei of cells, as not caused by polyploidy. certain protozoa. Karyometry Katolysis Greek Greek kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus kato- below -metria (metron) the process of measuring -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve; dissolution, break The measurement of a cell nucleus. -sis action, process, state, condition The incomplete or intermediate conversion of Karyomorphism complex chemical bodies into simpler com- Greek pounds; applied especially to digestive processes. kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus -morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance Keel -ism state or condition, quality Old Norse The shape of a cell nucleus. kjolr ship Anything with a shape or purpose similar to that Karyophage of a ship’s keel in supporting the whole frame, as Greek in the breastbone of birds. kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus -phagos (phagein) to eat, eating Keratin A protozoan that is capable of phagocytic action Greek on the nucleus of the cell it infects. keras- horn -in protein or derived from protein Karyoplasm A scleroprotein found in epidermal tissues and Greek modified into hard structures such as horns, hair, kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus and nails. -plasm (plassein) to mold or form cells or tissues The nucleoplasm or protoplasm of the nucleus of Ketone a cell. German (from Latin) keton short for aketon or acetone (acetone is Karyoreticulum derived from Latin acetum [vinegar]) Greek Any of a class or organic compounds having a kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus carbonyl group linked to a carbon atom in each of -reticul- net or networklike two hydrocarbon radicals. -um (singular) structure -a (plural) structure 114 Kilogram

Kilogram Kinetic Greek Greek khilioi- thousand kinetikos- to move; set in motion -gramma small weight -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of A metric unit for the measurement of mass. The kind of energy relating to or produced by motion. Kiloliter Greek Kinetochore khilioi- thousand Greek -litra unit of weight or capacity kinetos- moving A metric unit for the measurement of weight or -khoros place capacity; usually associated with liquids. Structure that forms on the centromere during mitosis for binding microtubules. Kilometer Greek Kinetosome khilioi- thousand Greek -meter (metron) instrument or means of measur- kinetikos- to move; set in motion ing; to measure -soma (somatiko) body A metric unit for the measurement of distance. The self-duplicating granule at the base of the fla- gellum or cilium; similar to the centriole; also Kindling called basal body or blepharoplast. Old Norse kynda- cause or to give birth to Kingdom -ing the act of or action Old English Substances such as wook chips, dried sticks, or cyning- principal, chief charcoal that are relatively easy to ignite. -dom property, jurisdiction In biology, the highest level in the hierarchy of the Kinematics taxonomical classification of living organisms. Greek kinemat- mechanics of movement Kyphosis -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Latin The branch of mechanics that studies the motion kuphos- humpbacked, bent over of a body, or a system of bodies, with no consid- -sis action, process, state, condition eration given to the body’s mass or the forces act- Exaggerated thoracic curvature. ing on it. Label A mass of igneous rock intruded between layers Middle English of sedimentary rock, resulting in uplift. lap- to wrap, to fold Lactescence -elle diminutive Latin To infuse or treat a substance with a radioactive lac- milk or lactic acid isotope or a fluorescent dye so that its course of -escence giving off light of the kind or type specified activity can be traced through a series of reac- A milky appearance; milkiness tions; usually done in a living organism. Lactic Labrum Latin Latin lac- milk or lactic acid labr- lip -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -um (singular) structure Of or pertaining to milk; procured from sour milk -a (plural) structure or whey, as in lactic acid; lactic fermentation. A structure forming the roof of the mouth in insects. Lactose Labyrinthodont Latin/Greek Greek lac- milk or lactic acid labyrinthos- labyrinth, inner ear, double-headed -ose sugar, carbohydrate axe, of Lydian origin A disaccharide found in the milk of all mammals; -odontos tooth a sugar found in milk that breaks down into glu- A group of Paleozoic amphibians containing the cose and galactose, and creates lactic acid temnospondyls and the anthracosaurs. through fermentation. Labyrinthus Lacuna Greek Latin labyrinthos- labyrinth, inner ear, double-headed lacuna lagoon axe, of Lydian origin A space or cavity in bone that is occupied by a -us thing bone cell or a cartilage cell. The portion of the inner ear characterized by the semicircular canals and involved with hearing Lagomorph and balance. Greek lagos- hare Laccolith -morph shape, form, figure, or appearance Greek Gnawing, herbivorous mammals, including rab- lakkos- cistern bits, hares, and pikas. -lith rock, stone 116 Lake

Lake Inflammation of the larynx, often with a tempo- Latin rary loss of voice. lacus lake Lateral A large inland body of freshwater or salt water. Latin Lamella lateralis side Latin Of, relating to, or being situated at or on the side. lamin- thin plate or layer, neurophysis of a vertebra Latitude -ella dimunitive Latin A thin layer of bony matrix material. latus- wide Laminectomy -tudo condition, state, quality Latin/Greek The angular distance north or south of the earth’s lamin- thin plate or layer, neurophysis of a vertebra equator, measured in degrees along a meridian, as -ekt- outside, external, beyond on a map or globe. -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section Lattice Surgical removal of the posterior arch of a vertebra. Germanic Laparonephrectomy latte lathe Greek A regular, periodic configuration of points, parti- lapar- the soft part of the body between the ribs, cles, or objects throughout an area or a space, hip, and flank; the loin especially the arrangement of ions or molecules -nephr- kidney in a crystalline solid. -ekt- outside, external, beyond Lava -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section Latin Removal of the kidney by an incision in the loin. labi to fall Laparosalpingo-oophorectomy Molten rock that reaches the surface of the earth Greek through a fissure of a volcano. lapar- the soft part of the body between the ribs, Leach hip, and flank; the loin Late Middle English -salping- tube, trumpet leche to wet or to infuse -oophor- ovary To dissolve out soluble parts from, by running -ekt- outside, external, beyond water or other liquid through slowly. -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section Removal of the Fallopian tube and ovary through Leaf an abdominal incision. Old English leaf leaf Laparotomy Typically green, flattened structure of a plant that Greek is attached to a stem. It serves as the primary struc- lapar- the soft part of the body between the ribs, ture for energy production via photosynthesis. hip, and flank; the loin -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section League The act of cutting through the abdominal wall Latin into the cavity of the abdomen. leuga a measure of distance A unit of distance equal to 3.0 statute miles (4.8 Larvae kilometers). Latin larva mask, specter Lepidoptera The intermediary stage of development in insects Greek and many other animals between the egg and lepidos- scale, flake adult stages. Referred to as a larva because the -ptera feather, wing adult stage is hidden or masked. The order of insects that includes butterflies and moths. Laryngitis Greek Lepidosaurs larunx- part of the respiratory system in the neck, Latin cartilage, muscular tube lepidos- scale, flake -itis inflammation, burning sensation -sauros lizard Lever 117

A lineage of diapsid reptiles that appeared in the Leukoblast Permian period and includes the modern snakes, Greek lizards, amphisbaenids, and tuataras, as well as leukos- white, clear, or colorless the extinct ichthyosaurs. -blastos bud, germ cell An immature white blood cell; also called a pro- Leprosy leukocyte. Latin lepra- flake, scale, scaly, scabby Leukocyte -y place for an activity, condition, state Greek A slowly progressive, chronic infectious disease leukos- white, clear, or colorless characterized by granulomatous or neurotrophic -kutos (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid lesions in the skin, mucous membranes, nerves, White blood cell, of which there are several types, bones, and viscera, with a broad spectrum of clin- each having a specific function in protecting the ical symptoms. body from invasion by foreign substances and organisms. Leptocephalus Greek Leukocytopenia leptos- thin Greek -kephale- head leukos- white, clear, or colorless -us thing -kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid Transparent, ribbonlike migratory larva of the -penia reduction, poverty, lack, deficiency European or American eel. A condition in which there is a decrease in or an insuf- ficiency of white blood cells circulating in the body. Lepton Greek Leukocytosis leptos- small or fine Greek -on a particle leukos- white, clear, or colorless Any of a family of elementary particles that par- -kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid ticipate in a weak interaction, including the elec- -osis action, process, state, condition tron, the muon, and their associated neutrinos. An increase in the number of white blood cells in the circulating blood. Lethal Latin Leukopenia letum death Greek Relating to or capable of causing death. leukos- white, clear, or colorless -penia reduction, poverty, lack, deficiency Leuco A condition in which the number of white blood Greek cells circulating in the blood is abnormally low. leukos white, clear, or colorless Of or designating a reduced, colorless form of a Leukosarcoma dye that is fixed on a fiber and then reconstituted Greek into the dye by means of oxidizing agents. leukos- white, clear, or colorless -sarko- flesh, meat Leucoplast -oma tumor, neoplasm Greek A type of lymphoma characterized by large numbers leukos- white, clear, or colorless of abnormal lymphocyte precursors in the blood. -plastos (plassein) something molded; to mold A colorless plastid in the cytoplasm of plant cells Levator around which starch collects. Latin levare- to lift, raise Leukemia -or a condition or property of things or persons; Greek person who does something leukos- white, clear, or colorless Any muscle that elevates a part of the body. -haima- blood -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Lever plurals Latin A form of cancer characterized by uncontrolled levis light production of abnormal white blood cells. A simple machine consisting of a rigid bar pivot- ing on a fixed point and used to transmit force, as 118 Levorotatory

in raising or moving a weight at one end of a Limivorous beam by pushing down on the other end. Latin limus- mud, slime Levorotatory -vorare eat, swallow Latin Feeding on mud for the organic matter it contains; laevus- left or counterclockwise characteristic of certain amnelids, -rota- wheel -ory of or pertaining to Limnetic Rotating to the left in a plane of polarized light. Greek limne- lake Libration -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Latin Relating to of having the characteristic of living libra- balance in the deep waters of a lake or pond. -ion state, process, or quality of A very slow oscillation, real or apparent, of a sat- Lingual ellite as viewed from the larger celestial body Latin around which it rotates. lingua- tongue, language -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Lichen or character of Greek Of or pertaining to the tongue or tonguelike organ. leikhein to lick A plantlike organism consisting of a symbiotic Lipid relationship between algae and fungi; usually Greek/French found on rocks and other regions with minimal lipos- fat sources of food or water. -ide group of related chemical compounds Any group of organic compounds, including fats, Life oils, waxes, sterols, and glycerides, that are insol- Old English uble in water but soluble in organic solvents. lif life The term designating any physiologically active Liposome organism; the capacity to carry on all life processes. Greek lipos- fat Ligament -soma (somatiko) body Latin Droplet of phospholipid molecules formed in a ligare- to bind, tie liquid environment. -ment causing an action, or being in a specific state A strong, elastic connective tissue that crosses a Liquefy joint and prevents excessive movement that could Latin dislocate the joint. liquere- flow, fluid, wave; to be liquid -fy (ficare) make, do, build, produce Ligant To cause to become liquid, especially to melt (a Latin solid) by heating or to condense (a gas) by cooling. ligare to bind, tie A charged or uncharged molecule that can bind to a Liquid metal molecule or ion and form a large, complex ion. Latin liquere- flow, fluid, wave; to be liquid Ligroin -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, German tending to, inclined to ligroin ligroin Matter that has a distinct volume but no specific shape. Petroleum ether; a volatile, flammable liquid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained by the frac- Lithium tional distillation of petroleum; used as a solvent. Greek lithos- stone, rock Limicole -ium quality or relationship Latin A silvery-colored soft metal with the atomic limus- mud, slime number 3. It is used as a therapeutic for bipolar, -cole inhabit depressive disorders. It is also used as a heat Living in mud; a group of shore bird such as the transfer medium and is found in various alloys, sandpipers or plovers. ceramics, and glass. Lordosis 119

Lithosphere The ability of an organism to move from one place Greek to another place. lithos- stone or rock Lodestone -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere Old English The solid outer layer of the earth, consisting of lad- way the crust and upper mantle. -stan stone, rock Lithotomy Magnetite, a common ore that is a natural mag- Greek net. At one time it was used by sailors to navigate. lithos- stone or rock Loess -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section German The surgical removal of a stone from the urinary losch loose tract. A buff to gray windblown deposit of fine-grained Lithotripsy calcareous silt or clay. Greek Longitude lithos- stone or rock Latin -tripsy (tribein) to crush; massage, rub, rubbing, longus- long friction, grind -tude state or quality Surgical crushing of stones, as in the bladder or Angular distance on the earth’s surface, measured ureters. east or west from the prime meridian at Green- Litmus wich, England, to the meridian passing through a Middle Dutch particular position; expressed in degrees (or leken- to drip hours), minutes, and seconds. -mosi moss Lophophile A blue coloring matter obtained from lichens, Greek used as an acid/base indicator. It turns red in an lophos- crest acidic pH of 4.5 and turns blue in bases at pH 8.3. -phile one who loves or has a strong affinity or Littoral preference for Latin Thriving on hilltops; hilltop plants, plant commu- litoralis pertaining to the seashore nities existing on hilltops. On the shore, coastal; a zone between high and Lophophore low tides. Greek Lobopodium lophos- crest Greek -phoros bearing lobos- rounded projection, especially a rounded Tentacle-bearing ridge or arm within which is an projecting anatomical part extension of the coelomic cavity in lophophorate -podos- foot animals (ectoprocts, brachiopods, and phoronids). -ium quality or relationship Lophophyte Blunt, lobelike pseudopodium. Greek Lobotomy lophos- crest French/Greek -phyte plant lobos- rounded projection, especially a rounded Plants that thrive on hilltop or crest environments. projecting anatomical part Lophotrichous -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section Greek Surgical incision into the frontal lobe of the brain lopho- ridge, crest to sever one or more nerve tracts. This technique -tricho- hair was formerly used to treat certain mental disor- -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to ders but now is rarely performed. Refers to having two or more flagella at one end Locomotion of a cell. Latin Lordosis locus- a place or location Latin movere- to move lordos- to bend backward -ion state, process, or quality of -sis action, process, state, condition 120 Lumbar

An abnormal, exaggerated curvature of the verte- Lymph bral column in the lumbar region. Latin lympha clear water, water nymph Lumbar Fluid, derived from tissue fluid, that is carried in Latin lymphatic vessels. lumbus loin Relating to the lower back or small of the back. Lymphatic Greek Lumen lympha- clear water, water nymph Latin -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of lumen an opening, light Of or relating to lymph, a lymph vessel, or a In biology, the space or cavity within an organ or lymph node. organ system, such as within blood vessels or the alimentary canal. In physics, the amount of light Lymphocyte given out through a solid angle by a source of one Greek/Latin candela intensity, radiating equally in all directions. lympha- clear water, water nymph -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid Luminous Specialized white blood cell that occurs in two Latin forms: T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte. lumen- an opening, light -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to Lymphoma Describes an object or living thing that has the Greek capacity to emit light, or glow. lympha- clear water, water nymph -oma tumor Lunar Any of various usually malignant tumors that arise Latin in the lymph nodes or in other lymphoid tissue. luna- the moon -ar relating to or resembling Lysogenic Of, involving, caused by, or affecting the moon. Greek ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve, dissolution, break Lunarscape -gen- to give birth, kind, produce Latin -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of luna- the moon Capable of causing or undergoing lysis. -scapus scene, view Landscape of rock similar to the surface of the Lysosome moon. Greek ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve, dissolution, break Lunation -soma (somatiko) body Latin A cytoplasmic, membrane-bound particle con- luna- the moon taining hydrolytic enzymes that function in intra- -ation act or process cellular digestive processes. The period between new moons: 29 days, 12 hours, and 44 minutes. Lysozyme Greek Luster ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve, dissolution, break Latin -zume fermenting, leaven lustrare light, illuminate An enzyme occurring naturally in egg white, Shining or being reflected by light. human tears, saliva, and other body fluids and capable of destroying the cell walls of certain bacteria and thereby acting as a mild antiseptic. Macradenous Macroglobulin Greek Greek makros- long, large, great makros- long, large, great -aden- lymph gland(s) -globu- globe -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to -in of or derived from a protein Having large glands. An immunoglobulin of very high molecular weight, usually above 900,000. Macrencephaly Greek Macronucleus makros- long, large, great Greek -enkephalos- in the head makros- long, large, great -ly like, likeness, resemblance -nucula- kernel, little nut Overgrowth of the brain. -us thing Large nucleus that controls the functions of the cell. Macrocardius Greek Macrophage makros- long, large, great Greek -kard- heart, pertaining to the heart makros- long, large, great -us thing -phagos (phagein) to eat, eating A fetus with an extremely large heart. A large white blood cell that can engulf hundreds of bacteria. Macroevolution Latin Macrovolt makros- long, large, great Greek -evolvere to unfold makros- long, large, great Evolutionary change on a grand scale, encom- -volt electric potential passing the origin of novel designs, evolutionary Large electric potential (one million volts). trends, adaptive radiation, and mass extinction. Madreporite Macrogamete Latin Greek madre- mother makros- long, large, great -pora- passageway -gamos marriage -ite component of a part of a body The larger of the two gamete types in a heteroga- A perforated. platelike structure in most echino- metic organism, considered the female gamete. derms that forms the intake for their water- vascular systems. 122 Mafic

Mafic Order of fishes where the fins are soft and closely Latin jointed; carp is an example. ma- the element magnesium Malacosarcosis -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Greek Containing or relating to a group of dark-colored malacia- softening of tissue minerals that are composed chiefly of magnesium -sarko- flesh, meat and iron in igneous rock. -sis action, process, state, condition Magma Softness of muscular tissue. Greek Malacostracan mag- to knead Greek -ma form or character of malako- soft The name given to molten rock under the surface -ostracon shell of the earth. Magma becomes lava if it escapes Any member of the crustacean subclass Malacos- from a volcano to the earth’s surface. traca, which includes both aquatic and terrestrial Magnet forms of crabs, lobsters, shrimps, pillbugs, sand Greek fleas, and others. magnes stone from Magnesia (city in Asia Malaria Minor) Italian An object that is surrounded by a magnetic field mala- bad and that has the property, either natural or -aria air induced, of attracting iron or steel. Air infected with a noxious substance capable of Magnetosphere causing disease. Greek Malignant magnes- stone from Magnesia (city in Asia Latin Minor) malignus bad, attach, malign -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere Relates to a disease that is threatening to life; vir- Region around an object where the influence of ulent; cancerous. the object’s magnetic field can be felt. Malleable Magnification Latin Latin/Greek malleus- hammer magn- great -able capable, be inclined to, tending to, given to -fic- to make A property of metal enabling it to be pounded or -ion state, process, or quality of rolled into thin sheets. The process of making things look larger. Mallophaga Magnitude Greek Latin mallos- wool magnu- large -phagos (phagein) to eat, eating -tude state, quality, condition of Chewing lice; extensive group of small insects The overall size of a quantity. that are parasitic in nature on birds and mammals Malacoderm and feed on feathers and hair. Greek Malnutrition malacia- softening of tissue Latin -derm skin mala- bad Having soft skin or soft flexible bodies, as is char- -nutrire- to suckle, nourish acteristic of fireflies. -ent causing an action, being in a specific state, within Malacopterygia Poor nutrition related to or caused by an insuffi- Greek cient or poorly balanced diet, faulty digestion, or malacia- softening of tissue faulty use of foods. -pterug- wing Maltase -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Greek plurals malt- seed or grain -ase indicating an enzyme Meatus 123

Enzyme in plants and animals that breaks down amount of material the body contains and that disaccharide maltose into glucose. causes it to have weight in a gravitational field. Maltose Mastication Greek Greek malt- seed or grain mastikhan- to grind the teeth -ose sugar, carbohydrate -ion state, process, or quality of Disaccharide sugar in which both monosaccha- The process of using one’s teeth to chew and ride parts are glucose. grind food. Mammal Mastoid (process) Latin Greek mamma- breast mastos- breast -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form -oid (oeides) resembling; having the appearance of or character of A small process resembling a nipple that is found An animal with hair that feeds its young with on the temporal bone. milk from mammary glands. Matter Mammary Latin Greek materia substance from which something is mamma- breast made -ary of, relating to, or connected with Something that occupies space and can be per- Of or relating to the breasts (e.g., mammary ceived by the senses; a physical substance or the glands). physical universe as a whole. Mandible Maxilla Latin Latin mandere to chew maxilla jawbone The lower jaw of vertebrates. The fusion of two bones in mammals forming the upper jaw. Mantle Latin Maxilliped mantellum layer Latin In geology, the layer of earth between the central maxilla- jawbone molten core and the surface crust. -ped foot One of the pairs of head appendages located just Manubrium posterior to the maxilla in crustaceans; a thoracic Latin appendage that has become incorporated into the manus- hand feeding mouthparts. -ium quality or relationship A bony segment of the sternum shaped like a Maxima handle. Latin maximus greatest Marine The greatest values assumed by a function over a Latin given interval. mare sea Of or relating to the sea. Mean Old English Marsupial maenan to tell of Greek The average of a group of sample numbers as cal- marsuppos- pouch or purse culated by dividing the sum of the numbers by the -ial (variation of -ia) relating to or characterized by number of samples. Mammal that bears its immature young in a mar- supium, or pouch. Meatus Latin Mass meare to pass Greek An opening or a canal—for example, the external maza mass, large, amount auditory meatus. The property of a body that is a measure of its inertia; commonly taken as a measure of the 124 Mechanical

Mechanical chromosomes passes to each daughter cell, and a Greek mitotic division. mekhane- machine, device Melanin -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Greek or character of melas- the color black, dark Relating to a machine or the functionality of a -in protein or derived from protein machine. Mechanical advantage refers to the Dark brown pigment of many animals, giving measurement of the output force of the machine brown and yellow coloration to skin and/or hair. (lever) versus the input force. Melanocyte Meconium Greek Greek melas- the color black, dark mekonion poppy juice -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid The first feces of the newborn; the coloration is An epidermal cell capable of synthesizing melanin. usually greenish black to light brown. Melanoderma Median Greek Latin melas- the color black, dark medius middle -derma skin The average that gives the midpoint of a range or Black or dark skin coloring (pigmentation); liter- distribution. ally, black skin. Medium Melanoma Latin Greek medius middle melas- the color black, dark An intervening substance through which some- -oma community thing else is transmitted or carried. A dark-pigmented, usually malignant tumor aris- Medulla ing from a melanocyte and occurring most com- Latin monly in the skin. merulla middle Membrane The inner core of certain structures or organs. Latin Medusa membrana thin skin Latin Thin layer of tissue composed of epithelial cells medein to protect and connective tissue that covers a surface. Tentacled, bell-shaped, free-swimming body Meningitis plan of cnidarians. Greek Megalocephaly mening- meninx Greek -itis inflammation, burning sensation megal- large, great Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and -kephalikos head the spinal cord, most often caused by a bacterial A birth defect that causes an abnormally large head. or viral infection. Megaspore Meniscus Greek Greek megas- large, great, big, powerful mensikos moon, month -spora seed The concave or convex upper surface of a nontur- In plants, a haploid (n) spore that develops into a bulent liquid in a container. female gametophyte. Meridian Meiosis Latin Greek medius- middle meion- smaller, less -die day -sis action, process, state, condition In astronomy, a great circle passing through the The cellular process that results in the number of two poles of the celestial sphere and the zenith of chromosomes in gamete-producing cells being a given observer. reduced to one-half, and that involves a reduction division, in which one of each pair of homologous Metalloid 125

Meristem A plant that has adapted to grow in areas having Greek moderate moisture conditions. meristos- divided Mesosphere -en to make or cause Greek The undifferentiated plant tissue from which new mesos- middle cells are formed, as that at the tip of a stem or root. -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere Mesentery The zone of the earth’s interior that extends from Greek the lithosphere to the core. mesos- middle Mesozoic -enteron gut Greek A membrane that suspends many of the organs of mesos- middle vertebrates inside fluid-filled body cavities. -zoikos- of animals Mesoderm -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Greek An era of geologic time between the Paleozoic mesos- middle and the Cenozoic, occurring between 248 and 65 -derma skin million years ago. The germ layer formed between the ectoderm and Metabolism the endoderm of an embryo. Greek Mesoglea meta- between, after, beyond, later Greek -bol- (ballein) to put or throw mesos- middle -ism state or condition, quality -gloia glue The complex of physical and chemical processes The clear, inert, jellylike substance that makes up involved in the maintenance of life. the majority of the bodies of jellyfish, comb jel- Metacarpus lies, and certain other primitive sea creatures. Greek Mesomorphic meta- between, after, beyond, later Greek -karpos- wrist mesos- middle -us thing -morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance The part of the human hand that includes the five -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of bones between the fingers and the wrist. Existing in a state of matter intermediate between Metagalaxy liquid and crystal; describes any individual having Greek the characteristics of a stout, healthy physique meta- between, after, beyond, later developed from the embyronic mesomorphic layer. -galakt milk Meson The assemblage of all the galaxies. Greek Metal mesos- middle Greek -on a particle metallon- mine, ore, quarry, any of a category of The class of elementary particles with masses electropositive elements from metallum between baryons and leptons. Any member of the class of substances repre- Mesophyll sented by gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin. Greek Metallic mesos- middle Latin/Greek -phullon leaf metallon- mine, ore, quarry, any of a category of The ground tissue of a leaf, sandwiched between electropositive elements from metallum the upper and lower epidermis and specialized for -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of photosynthesis. Having characteristics of metals. Mesophyte Metalloid Greek Latin/Greek mesos- middle metallon- mine, ore, quarry, any of a category of -phyte plant electropositive elements from metallum -oid (oeides) resembling; having the appearance of 126 Metallurgy

A nonmetallic element, such as arsenic, that has Metatheria some of the chemical properties of a metal. Greek meta- between, after, beyond, later Metallurgy -ther- wild animal Latin/Greek -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing metallon- mine, ore, quarry, any of a category of plurals electropositive elements from metallum Infraclass of marsupial mammals. -ourgos worker The science and technology involving the study Metathesis of metals. Greek meta- between, after, beyond, later Metamere -tithenai to transpose, to place Greek A chemical reaction in which a double decompo- meta- between, after, beyond, later sition occurs, causing parts of two reacting struc- -meros part tures to swap places. Condition of being made up of serially repeated parts; serial segmentation. Meteor Greek Metamorphic meteoron things in air Latin/Greek The luminous phenomenon observed when a meta- between, after, beyond, later meteor enters the atmosphere. -morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Meteorite Refers to a change of physical form, structure, or Greek substance, especially rock that has changed from meteoron- things in air its original form through the application of heat -ite minerals and fossils and pressure. A metallic or mineral mass that has fallen to earth from space. Metamorphosis Greek Meteorologist meta- between, after, beyond, later Latin/Greek -morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance meteoron- things in air -osis action, process, state, condition -ologist one who deals with a specific topic A change in the form of an animal during normal A person who is a specialist in the study of the development after the embryonic stage. weather, the atmosphere, and forecasting. Metaphase Meteorology Greek Latin/Greek meta- between, after, beyond, later meteoron- things in air -phaseis appearance -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or The stage of mitosis and meiosis where chromo- bodies of knowledge somes align along the metaphase plate. The study of earth’s atmosphere, weather, and climate. Metapopulation Greek/Latin Meter meta- between, after, beyond, later Greek -populus- the people meter (metron) instrument or means of measur- -ion state, process, or quality of ing; to measure A population subdivided into several small and iso- A metric unit used in the measurement of length lated populations as a result of habitat fragmentation. equivalent to 39.37 inches. Metatarsus Methanogens Greek Greek meta- between, after, beyond, later methano- methane -tarsos- instep -gen to give birth, kind, produce -us thing Organisms that require anaerobic conditions and The middle part of the human foot that forms the that produce methane gas. instep and includes the five bones between the toes and the ankle. Microtubules 127

Methionine Micrometer Greek Greek meth- containing a methyl group micro- denotes one-millionth of a part -thio- compound containing sulfur -meter (metron) instrument or means of measuring; -ine in a chemical substance to measure A sulfur-containing amino acid. One-millionth of a meter, symbol µm; used in many types of microscopic science, such as cellu- Micaceous lar biology. Latin mica- grain Microneme -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to Greek Pertaining to or containing mica; a laminar rock mikros- small structure much like mica. -nema thread One of the types of structures composing the apical Micelle complex in the phylum Apicomplexa; these struc- Latin ture are slender and elongate, leading to the ante- mica- grain, crumb rior, and thought to function in host cell penetration. -elle diminutive A unit in colloids composed of complex mole- Microorganism cules that can alter size without chemical change. Greek mikros- small Microbiologist -organ- complex structure; tool Greek -ism state or condition, quality mikros- small A very small living thing. -bios- life, living organisms, or tissue -ologist one who deals with a specific topic Microprocessor One who specializes in the science of microbiology. Greek/Latin mikros- small Microbiophagy -processus- setting out, series of steps Greek -or a condition or property of things or persons mikros- small An integrated circuit that contains the entire cen- -bios- life, living organisms, or tissue tral processing unit of a computer on a single chip. -phagia eat, eating; consume, ingest Destruction or lysis of microorganisms by a phage. Micropyle Greek Microcephalic mikros- small Greek -pyle gate mikros- small Small opening at one end of an embryo sac. -cephalo- (kephalikos) head -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Microscope Having a small head or a small cranial cavity. Greek mikros- small Microfilaments -skopein to view, examine Greek/Latin An optical instrument that uses a lens or a combina- mikros- small tion of lenses to produce magnified images of small -filum- thread objects. -ent causing an action, being in a specific state, within Any of the minute fibers throughout the cyto- Microspheres plasm of a cell that function primarily in main- Greek taining its structural integrity. mikros- small -sphaera ball Microfilaria Structures composed only of protein that have Greek many properties of a cell. mikros- small -filum- thread Microtubules -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Greek/Latin plurals mikros- small The minute larval form of the slender, threadlike -tubus- pipe filarial worm. -ule little, small 128 Microvilli

Small hollow cylinders about 25 nm in diameter and 0.2–25 m in length. Mimicry in Nature Microvilli The process of natural selection has cre- Latin/Greek ated some incredible relationships in mikros- small nature. Members of all species seek the -villus shaggy hair survival of their kind. Both prey and pred- Tiny hairlike folds in the plasma membrane that ator are subjected to environmental extend from the surface of many absorptive or stresses on their numbers that can limit secretory cells. their growth and ultimately threaten their Microvolt survival. This is a constant. Their abilities Greek to adapt to changes, to modify their mikros- small behaviors, and to compete with others for -volt electric potential common resources such as food and water Small electric potential (one millionth of a volt). are continuously challenged in nature. Microwave But the amazing story is the process and Greek/English randomness of natural selection. This mikros- small selective process is not a willful or prede- -waven undulating, wavy termined direction of genetic change, but Electromagnetic radiation of frequency 1010– rather the result of chance mutations over 1012 Hz. extended periods of time. It is the forces of nature that choose certain sets of phe- Micturation notypes and eliminate others. Latin Consider the use of mimicry as a mictum- to make water selective process. There are several vari- -ion state, process, or quality of eties of mimicry, and all of them capital- The act or process of urinating. ize on characteristics that have sustained Migration a population’s growth in a given area. Latin Batesian mimicry is the best known. This migrans- to roam, wander, change places strategy is defined by a model species -ion state, process, or quality of that possesses some sort of protective The process of moving from one place to feature, such as a stinger, spines, or a another. toxin, and a species mimicking the model that does not. Batesian mimicry is exem- Mimicry plified by the American coral snake and Greek the common milk or king snake. The mimikos- imitator or mimic coral snake is a venomous species with a -y place for an activity; condition, state very powerful poison, whereas the milk A method of camouflage used in nature by an snake or king snake is not at all venom- organism that involves the blending and conceal- ous. Yet the physical resemblance—the ment of one’s identity by the effective use of color phenotype—is so striking that predators, or shading. including most humans, avoid the harm- Mineral less snake. These snakes are marked with French alternating yellow, red, and black bands. miniere- mine It is the arrangement of the bands that is -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form the giveaway. The saying “Red against or character of yellow: kill a fellow. Red against black: A naturally occurring, homogeneous inorganic friend to Jack” is well known among Boy solid substance having a definite chemical com- Scouts and outdoorsmen. There is little position and characteristic crystalline structure, doubt that Batesian mimicry has allowed color, and hardness. king snakes to flourish in the United States. Monoamine 129

Miocene A simplified version of a physical system that Greek would be too complicated to analyze in full detail. meion- less Molarity -kainos recent German An epoch of the Upper Tertiary period, spanning mole- the amount of a substance containing the time between 23.8 and 5.3 million years ago. Avogadro’s number of units Miscible -ar- relating to or resembling Latin -ity state of, quality of miscere- to mix The molar concentration of a solution. -ible capable Mole Capable of undergoing mixing or blending. German Miticide molekulargewient molecular weight Latin Quantity of a substance that has a mass in grams miti- mite numerically equal to its formula mass. -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike Molecule A type of pesticide that kills mites that live on Latin plants, livestock, and people. moles- mass Mitochondrion -ule little, small Greek The smallest particle of a substance that retains mitos- warp thread all the properties of the substance and is com- -khondro- granule, cartilage posed of one or more atoms. -ion state, process, or quality of Molluscicide Membranous organelle in which aerobic respira- Latin tion continues and produces ATP molecules. mollusca- soft-bodied and prominent shell Mitogen -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike Greek A type of pesticide that kills snails and slugs. mit(os)- a thread Mollusk -gen- to give birth, kind, produce Latin Any substance or agent that stimulates mitotic mollis- soft cell division. molluscus thin-shelled Mitosis Phylum of animals having a soft, unsegmented Greek/Latin body. mitos- warp thread Moment -osis action, process, state, condition Latin The process in cell division by which the nucleus movere to move divides. The product of a quantity and its perpendicular Mixture distance from a reference point. Latin Momentum miscere- to mix Latin -ure act, process, condition movimentum to move The act of combining; any combination of materials A measure of the motion of a body equal to the that can be separated by ordinary physical means. product of its mass and velocity. Mode Monoacid Latin Latin modus manner mono- one, single, alone In statistics, the average representing the sample -acere to be sour value that occurs the most times; that which An acid having one replaceable hydrogen atom. occurs most frequently in a series of observations. Monoamine Model Middle English Latin mono- one, single, alone modulus small measure -amine any of a group of organic compounds 130 Monobasic

derived from ammonia by the replacement of one Monolayer or more hydrogen atoms by a hydrocarbon radical Middle English An amine compound containing one amino group. mono- one, single, alone -lay- to place in or bring to a particular state or Monobasic position Latin -er one that performs an action mono- one, single, alone A film or layer of a compound one molecule thick. -base- basis -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Monomer Having only one hydrogen ion to donate to a base Greek in an acid-base reaction. mono- one, single, alone -meros a part, division Monocotyledon Small, individual molecule that forms a polymer. Greek mono- one, alone, single Mononucleosis -kotuledon a kind of plant, a seed leaf, a hollow or Latin cup-shaped object mono- one, single, alone Any of a class or subclass (Liliopsida or Mono- -nucula- little nut, nucleus cotyledoneae) of chiefly herbaceous seed plants -osis abnormal condition having an embryo with a single cotyledon, usu- A disease marked by extreme fatigue, high fever, ally parallel-veined leaves, and floral organs and swollen lymph nodes, caused by an abnor- arranged in cycles of three. mally large number of white blood cells with sin- gle nuclei in the bloodstream. Monocular Greek/Latin Monothermia mono- one, single, alone Greek -oculus eye mono- one, single, alone Of or pertaining to a single eye. -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Monoecious plurals Greek A condition in which the temperature of the body mono- one, single, alone remains the same throughout the day. -oikos house Having male and female sex organs on the same Monothetic organism. Greek mono- one, single, alone Monogamy -thetikos- fit for placing Greek -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of mono- one, single, alone Denotes a taxonomic group classified on the basis -gamos marriage of a single character, as opposed to polythetic. The condition of having a single mate at any one time. Monotocous Greek Monohybrid mono- one, single, alone Greek -toco- childbirth, delivery, labor mono- one, single, alone -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to -hybrida mixed offspring Giving birth to but one offspring at a time. Pertaining to or describing an individual, organ- ism, or strain that is heterozygous for the single Monotreme trait or gene locus under consideration. Greek mono- one, single, alone Monohydrate -trema hole, perforation Middle English The order of egg-laying (oviparous) mammals, mono- one, single, alone including the duck-billed platypus and spiny -hydr- water anteater. -ate characterized by having A crystalline compound that contains one mole- cule of water. Monotropic 131

The Great Library of Alexandria It can be said the Great Library of Alexandria the compositions of philosophers Aristotle and (Egypt) was the best-known and one of the fore- Plato; the ancient Greek playwrights Sophocles and most libraries of the ancient world. Build by King Euripides; the father of medicine, Hippocrates; the Ptolemy II (309–246 BC) near where the temple of father of geometry, Euclid; and many other brilliant Muses (i.e., museum, from the word musaeum) men, such as the legendary astronomer Aristarchus once stood, this structure is now little more than a of Samos, who, in a missing manuscript, hypothe- ruinous sublevel. But imagine an edifice so large sized a heliocentric solar system—that is, with the that it contained an ornate main hall and ten great sun at the center and the planets, including earth, halls, each with armaria (i.e., wooden chests) con- revolving around it. The manuscripts of one of the taining thousands of handwritten papyrus scrolls greatest mathematicians in history, Archimedes— from all points of the known world. Every one of “On the Equilibrium of Planes,” explaining the the great halls was dedicated to a specific academic laws of levers, and “On Floating Bodies,” explain- discipline. Scholars met, taught, and studied in an ing the law of equilibrium of fluids—were also enlightened environment where knowledge and stored in the great library. learning flourished. Men were sent to distant shores to copy manu- Following the conquest of Egypt by Alexander scripts for the library. Ships were stopped at the the Great, the Greeks along with the Egyptians built port of Alexandria and searched for written works this library as a seat where quite possibly all knowl- that could be borrowed and copied. The originals edge from the beginning of the world to the current were kept in the library and copies were returned time was archived and used by many of the most to the owners. We can only guess at how much sci- influential scientists, mathematicians, philoso- entific and mathematical knowledge had to be phers and artists. This massive repository housed rediscovered because of the destruction of the library. Historians dispute the who and when of the destruction of the Library of Alexandria. Julius Caesar had the port of Alexandria burned ca. 48 BC when he occupied the city. Scholars contend that that was a significant, but not a fatal, blow to the library. It is estimated that over 70,000 scrolls were destroyed by Caesar that day. However, many thou- sands of scrolls had been moved in anticipation of Caesar’s conquest. Some argue that Christian zealots in the fourth century destroyed the manuscripts, but not the library, because of the pagan teaching and learning that took place within its walls. Others say that the complete destruction of the library occurred at the hands of Muslims under the command of the Caliph Omar ca. AD 683, but this theory is discounted by most. An inscription dedicated to Tiberius Claudius Babillus of Rome (d. AD 56) found at the Library of Alexandria supports the existence of the library after the time of Julius Caesar.

Monotrichous Monotropic Greek Greek mono- one, single, alone mono- one, single, alone -trich- hair -trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to stimulus Having a single polar flagellum; said of a bacte- -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of rial cell. 132 Monsoon

Affecting only one particular kind of bacterium, An act, process, or instance of changing position. virus, or tissue; a narrowing of attention where an Mucus individual focuses on one entity. Latin Monsoon mucus mucus Dutch (from Portugese)/Arabic A protective lubricant consisting of mucin, water, mawsim season salts, and cells. This viscous fluid is secreted to pro- A wind system that influences large climatic tect cells, membranes, and various internal linings. regions and reverses direction seasonally. Multicellular Morainic Latin French multus- much, many morena- mound of earth -cella- chamber -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -ar relating to or resembling Of or relating to an accumulation of boulders, stones, Consisting of many cells. or other debris carried and deposited by a glacier. Muscle Morphine Latin Latin mus mouse morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance Contractile tissue used to propel, move, and pro- -ine a chemical substance tect the body. An opiate extract used in medicine to alleviate Museum severe pain. Greek Morphogen mouseion shrine of muses Greek An edifice or institution where cultural, scientific, morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance historical, and contemporary artifacts, documents, -gen to give birth, kind, produce and exhibits are retained for study and enjoyment. A class of substances that is said to be present in Mutation the embryo and that controls growth patterns. Latin Morphogenesis mut- change, changeable Greek -ion state, process, or quality of morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance A relatively permanent change in hereditary -gen- to give birth, kind, produce material, involving either a physical change in -sis action, process, state, condition chromosome relations or a biochemical change in Formation of the structure of an organism or part; the codons that make up genes. differentiation and growth of tissues and organs Mutualism during development. Latin Morphology mutuus- borrowed or exchanged Greek -ism state or condition, quality morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance Association between organisms of two different -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or species in which each member benefits. bodies of knowledge Myalgia The study of the physical structures of organisms, Greek in particular the soft tissues. myo- muscle Mosaic -algia pain, sense of pain; painful; hurting Greek Muscle pain. mouseion- shrine of the muses Mycelium An organism or part that is composed of two or Latin/Greek more genetically distinct tissues, owing to exper- myco- fungus imental manipulation or to a faulty distribution of -helos- wart, nail, stud, corn genetic material during mitosis. -ium quality or relationship Motion A mass of interwoven filamentous “threads” that Latin make up the vegetative part of a fungus. movere- to move -ion state, process, or quality of Myotome 133

Mycology Myoglobin Greek Greek myco- fungus myo- muscle -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or -globus- globular mass bodies of knowledge -in protein or derived from a protein The branch of botany that deals with fungi. Globular protein closely related to hemoglobin and located in the vertebrate muscle. Mycorrhiza Greek Myomere myco- (mukes) fungi Greek -rhiza root myo- muscle Mutualistic relationship between fungi and plants. -meros part A muscle segment of successive segmental trunk Myelin musculature. Greek myel- (muelos) bone marrow Myometrium -in protein or derived from a protein Greek A white fatty (lipid and lipoprotein) substance myo- muscle that is found in the medulla of long bones and also -metra- uterus forms the insular layer of axons. -ium quality or relationship The smooth muscular layer lining the female uterus. Myelodysplasia Greek Myonecrosis myel- (muelos) bone marrow Greek -dys- painful, difficult, disordered, impaired, myo- muscle defective, ill -necro- death -plasia (plassein) something molded; to mold -sis action, process, state, condition Abnormal or defective (poor or bad) formation of Death of muscle tissue. the spinal cord. Myopia Myocardium Greek Greek muein- close to the eyes myo- muscle -ops eye, optic -kard- heart, pertaining to the heart The condition of nearsightedness, where distant -ium quality or relationship objects appear blurred. Specialized muscular tissue of the heart. Myosin Myocyte Greek Greek myo- muscle myo- muscle -in protein or derived from a protein -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid Protein made up of a chain of polypeptides that Contractile cell (pinacocyte) in sponges. forms filaments in smooth muscle fibrils. Myofibril Myotome Greek Greek myo- muscle myo- muscle -fibrilla small fiber -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section Small part of a muscle fiber. A voluntary muscle segment in cephalochordates and vertebrates; that part of a somite destined to form muscles; the muscle group innervated by a single spinal nerve. Nadir Natural Arabic Latin nazara to watch or see natura- nature The point of the celestial sphere directly under -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form the observer; the opposite of zenith. or character of Of or pertaining to nature; that which occurs by Naphtha chance or within the framework of natural design. Greek naphtha a flammable liquid issuing from the Nausea earth Greek A class of several volatile and flammable liquid nausie seasickness mixtures of hydrocarbons that are distilled from A feeling of sickness in the stomach character- petroleum, coal tar, and/or natural gases. ized by an urge to vomit. Nasal Navel Latin Old English nas- nose nafela central point -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form The notch on the surface of the abdomen where or character of the umbilical cord is attached during gestation. Of, in, or relating to the nose. Nebula Nascent Latin Latin nebula cloud or mist nasc- born A diffuse mass of interstellar dust or gas or both, -escent becoming visible as luminous patches or areas of darkness In the act of being formed, coming into existence, depending on the way the mass absorbs or forming. reflects incident radiation. Nasopharynx Necrobiosis Latin Greek nasus- nose necro- death -pharunx throat -bios- life, living organisms, or tissue The part of the pharynx above the soft palate that -sis action, process, state, condition is continuous with the nasal passages. The degeneration and death of the body’s cells from natural processes. Nephric 135

Necrocoenosis A rare element that is a colorless, odorless, inert Greek gas and that forms a very small part of the air. necro- death Neoplasia -koinos- shared Greek -sis action, process, state, condition neos- new, recent An assemblage of dead organisms -plas- something made, molded, or formed Necrophagia -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Greek plurals necro- death The transformation of a cell into a cancer cell. -phagos (phagein) to eat, eating Neoplasm Feeding on the flesh of dead animals. Greek Nectobenthos neos- new, recent Greek -plastos (plassein) something molded; to mold necto- swim An abnormal growth of new tissue in plants or -benthos deep; the fauna and flora of the bottom animals; a tumor. of the sea Neopterygian Swimming off the seabed. Greek Nektonic neos- new, recent Greek -pteryx- fin nekto- swimming -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of plurals Describes numerous groups of marine and freshwa- Any of a large group of bony fishes that includes ter organisms capable of swimming against strong most modern species. currents; these groups range from plankton to whales. Neoteny Nematic Greek Greek neos- new, recent nemat- thread, that which is spun -teinein to extend -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of An evolutionary process by which an organism Refers to liquid crystals that have molecules produces a descendant that reaches sexual matu- arranged in loosely parallel lines. rity while retaining a morphology characteristic of the pre-adult or larval stage of an ancestor. Nematicide Greek Neotropical nemat- thread, that which is spun Greek -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike neos- new, recent A type of pesticide that kills nematodes (micro- -tropikos the tropics scopic wormlike organisms that live in soil and Of, pertaining to, or designating a zoogeographi- cause damage to food crops). cal realm that includes Central and South Amer- ica and the adjacent islands. Nematocyst Greek Nephelometer nemat- thread, that which is spun Greek -cyst (kustis) sac or bladder that contains fluid nephele- cloud Barbed harpoon within a cnidocyte of a cnidarian -meter (metron) instrument or means of measuring; that is used to spear prey. to measure An instrument that determines the concentration Nematoda of suspended matter in a liquid dispersion by Greek measuring the amount of light that is scattered by nemat- thread, that which is spun the dispersion. -oeid shape, form, resembling An order of worms having long, round, and gen- Nephric erally smooth bodies. Greek nephros- kidney Neon -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Greek Relating to or connected with a kidney. neon new 136 Nephridium

Nephridium Neurilemma Greek Greek nephros- kidney neur- nerve, cord -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to nervus- sinew, tendon -ium quality or relationship -eilema veil, sheath A tubular, glandular excretory organ characteris- A very delicate sheathlike covering of a nerve fiber. tic of various coelomate invertebrates. Neurilemmitis Nephritis Greek Greek neur- nerve, cord nephros- kidney nervus- sinew, tendon -itis inflammation, burning sensation -eilema- veil, sheath A variety of diseases causing chronic or acute -itis inflammation, burning sensation inflammation of the kidneys. Inflammation of the neurilemma. Nephrolithotomy Neurilemmoma Greek Greek nephros- kidney neur- nerve, cord -lithso- stone, rock nervus- sinew, tendon -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section -eilema- veil, sheath Incision made into the kidney for removal of stones. -oma tumor Tumor of the peripheral nerve. Nephrology Greek Neurilemmosarcoma nephros- kidney Greek -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or neur- nerve, cord bodies of knowledge nervus- sinew, tendon The science that deals with the kidneys, espe- -eilema- veil, sheath cially their functions or diseases. -sarko- flesh, meat -oma tumor Nephropexy A malignant neurilemma. Greek nephros- kidney Neuroglia -pexy fixing of a specified part; attaching to, a Greek fastening neur- nerve, cord Surgical fixation of a floating or mobile kidney. nervus- sinew, tendon -glia glue Nephrosis Tissue supporting and filling the spaces between Greek the nerve cells of the central nervous system. nephros- kidney -sis action, process, state, condition Neurology A noninflammatory disease of the kidneys that Greek chiefly affects the function of the nephrons. neur- nerve, cord nervus- sinew, tendon Nephrostome -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Greek bodies of knowledge nephros- kidney Branch of science that deals with the study of the -stoma mouth nervous system. Ciliated, funnel-shaped opening of a nephridium. Neuromast Neuralgia Greek Greek neur- nerve, cord neur- nerve, cord nervus- sinew, tendon nervus- sinew, tendon -mastos knoll, breast -algia pain, sense of pain; painful, hurting Cluster of sense cells on or near the surface of a Acute pain radiating along the course of one or fish or amphibian that is sensitive to vibratory more nerves. stimuli and to water current. Nodule 137

Neuron Relating to the nutrition and metabolism of tis- Greek/Latin sues under the influence of nerves. neur- nerve, cord Neutral nervus- sinew, tendon Greek -on a particle neutr- neither one nor the other A cell in the nervous system that is specialized to -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form conduct nerve impulses, allowing different parts or character of of the body to communicate. In chemistry, a solution that is neither acidic nor Neuropeptide basic, having a pH of 7.0. Greek Neutralization neur- nerve, cord Greek nervus- sinew, tendon neutr- neither one nor the other -peptos- digestion, able to digest -ation state, process, or quality of -ide group of related chemical compounds In chemistry, the process of combining an acid Any of various short-chain peptides found in and a base, thus canceling the properties of both brain tissue, such as endorphins. and producing a salt and water. Neuropodium Neutron Greek Greek neur- nerve, cord neutr- neither one nor the other nervus- sinew, tendon -on a particle -podos foot An uncharged elementary particle that has a mass Lobe of the parapodium nearer the ventral side in nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all polychaete annelids. known atomic nuclei except for the hydrogen nucleus. Neuroptera Neutrophil Greek Greek neur- nerve, cord neutr- neither one nor the other nervus- sinew, tendon -phile one who loves or has a strong affinity or -ptera feather, wing preference for Insect order for dobsonflies, ant lions, and lace- An abundant type of granular white blood cell wings, having four net-veined wings. that is highly destructive of microorganisms; it Neurotoxin can be stained readily by neutral dyes. Greek Niche neur- nerve, cord Middle French nervus- sinew, tendon nicher to nest -tox- poison The ecological role of an organism in a commu- -in protein or derived from a protein nity, especially in regard to food consumption. A toxin that can damage nerve tissue. Nimbus Neurotransmitter Latin Greek/Latin nimbus cloud neur- nerve, cord Low, gray rain clouds. nervus- sinew, tendon -trans- across Nocturnal -mittere to send Latin Chemical substance released from the end of a neu- nocturnes- night ron during the propagation of a nerve impulse, in -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form order to transmit or pass a signal to another nerve cell. or character of Relating to, pertaining to, or occurring at night. Neurotrophic Greek Nodule neur- nerve, cord Latin nervus- sinew, tendon nodus knot -trophos- (trophein) to nourish, food, nutrition; -ulus small one development A small, knoblike outgrowth, such as those found -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of on the roots of many leguminous plants. 138 Nomenclature

Nomenclature or character of Latin -ine a chemical substance nom- (nemein) to dictate the laws of; knowledge; A hormone that acts directly on specific receptors usage; order to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. -calator servant, crier Norepinephrine A system of names used in an art or science; the Greek procedure of assigning names to kinds and groups nor- anti or not of organisms in a taxonomic classification. epi- above, over, on, upon Nondisjunction -nephros- kidneys Latin -ine a chemical substance non- not, lack of An endogenous adrenal hormone and synthetic -jungere to join adrenergic vasoconstrictor; this hormone con- The failure of paired chromosomes to separate stricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. during cell mitosis. Normal Nonideal Latin Greek norma- carpenter’s square non- not, lack of -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form idea- a plan, scheme, notion, or method or character of -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form A perpendicular, especially a perpendicular to a or character of line tangent, to a plane curve, to a plane tangent, Pertains to a gas described by an equation of state or to a space curve. pV ϭ znRT z of the form , where is the gas devia- Notochord tion factor, which depends on pressure, tempera- Greek ture, and gas composition. noton- back Nonpolar -khorde gut, string of a musical instrument Greek A flexible rodlike structure that forms the main non- not, lack of support of the body in the lowest chordates, such -polos- either of two oppositely charged termi- as the lancelet; a primitive backbone. nals, axis, sky Notopodium -ar relating to or resembling Greek Refers to a substance that does not ionize when noton- back combined with water. -podos- foot Nonvascular -ium quality or relationship Latin Lobe of a parapodium nearest the dorsal side in non- not, lack of polychaete annelids. -vasculum- vessel Nucleic (acids) -ar relating to or resembling Latin Lacking a vascular system for the transport of nucula- kernel, little nut nutrients throughout a plant. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Nonvolatile A group of very large organic compounds impor- Latin tant to the synthesis of protein molecules within non- not, lack of cells. DNA and RNA are the two most widely -volare- to fly known nucleic acids. -ile changing, ability, suitable, tending to Nucleolus Pertains to that which does not readily evaporate Latin at room temperature and pressure. nucula- kernel, little nut Noradrenaline -lus thing Latin A small, typically round granular body composed nor- anti or not of protein and RNA, and found in the nucleus of a ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near cell. It is usually associated with a specific chro- -ren- the kidneys mosomal site and involved in ribosomal RNA -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form synthesis and in the formation of ribosomes. Nucleotide 139

The Einstein-Szilard Letter Months after the discovery of uranium fission in such bombs might very well prove to be too 1939, a Hungarian-born Jewish American physicist heavy for transportation by air. named Leo Szilard grew very concerned about the In the letter reprinted below, President skepticism of American scientists that atomic Roosevelt gives his response. energy from fission could be used for much of any- thing, let alone an atomic bomb. His fear was com- THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON pounded by the fact that he and others believed Nazi Germany was working on a program to October 19, 1939

develop atomic weaponry. His suspicions were My dear Professor: aroused by the discontinuation of uranium ore sales I want to thank you for your recent letter and the most interesting and important enclosure. from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. If he was to persuade the Americans to begin a I found this data of such import that I have convened a Board consisting of the head of the program of their own before it was too late, he had Bureau of Standards and a chosen representative of the Army and Navy to thoroughly investigate the possibilities of your suggestion regarding the element of uranium. to convince President Roosevelt himself. Szilard sought the help of perhaps the best-known scien- I am glad to say that Dr. Sachs will cooperate and work with this Committee and I feel this is tist in the world, Albert Einstein. Szilard, like Ein- the most practical and effective method of dealing with the subject. stein, had fled Nazi Germany and come to Please accept my sincere thanks. America. Szilard drafted a letter and took it to Einstein, who signed it and agreed to have it delivered to the Dr. Albert Einstein, president. Einstein was a pacifist, but he knew that Old Grove Road, Nassau Point,

if the Nazis had sole possession of such a weapon, Poconic, Long Island, it would mean defeat for the Allies in the coming New York war. In the Einstein-Szilard letter, the scientists con- This newly appointed “Uranium Board” had a tended limited scope of action and an extremely limited This new phenomenon would also lead to budget. Little to no action was taken toward the the construction of bombs, and it is conceiv- development of the atomic bomb until December 6, able—though much less certain—that extremely 1941, the day before the attack on Pearl Harbor by powerful bombs of a new type may thus be the Japanese. It was then that a large-scale research constructed. A single bomb of this type, car- effort called the Manhattan Project began the pro- ried by boat and exploded in a port, might very cess ultimately leading to the development of the well destroy the whole port together with atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in some of the surrounding territory. However, August 1945.

Nucleonics Protoplasm of a nucleus, as distinguished from Latin cytoplasm. nucula- kernel, little nut Nucleosome -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Latin/Greek The science that deals with the study of the nucula- kernel, little nut nucleus of atoms. -soma (somatiko) body Nucleophile Any one of the repeating nucleoprotein units Latin consisting of histones forming a complex with nucula- kernel, little nut DNA. -phile one who loves or has a strong affinity or Nucleotide preference for Latin A chemical compound or group that tends to nucula- kernel, little nut donate or share electrons. -ide nonmetal radical Nucleoplasm Chemical compounds consisting of a heterocy- Latin/Greek clic base combined with a sugar and one or more nucula- kernel, little nut phosphate groups to form the basic structural -plasm (plassein) to mold or form cells or tissues units of DNA and RNA. 140 Nucleus

Nucleus Nyctalopia Latin Greek nucula- kernel, little nut nukt- night -us thing -alaos- blind In biology, a large, membrane-bound structure -opia sight, eye within a living cell, containing the cell’s hereditary Night blindness. material and controlling its metabolism, growth, Nyctanthous and reproduction. In chemistry, the positively Greek charged central portion of an atom that comprises nukt- night nearly all of the atomic mass and that consists of -anthous flower protons and neutrons—except in hydrogen, which Describes plants that bloom or flower in the consists of one proton only. In astronomy, the com- evening, such as jasmine. pact central core of a galaxy, often containing pow- erful radio, x-ray, and infrared sources. Nutrient Latin nutrire- to suckle, nourish -ent causing an action, being in a specific state, within A source of nourishment or food. Observation Octahedron Latin Greek ob- toward, against, before octa- eight -serv- to serve -hedron face -ation action, process, state, or condition A Platonic solid with eight faces. Any use of the senses to gather information. Octet Obstetrics Italian Latin/Greek oct- eight ob- toward, against, before -(du)et group -statos- standing, stay; make firm, fixed, balanced A set of eight valence electrons forming a stable -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of configuration. The branch of medicine that deals with the care of Octomerous women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the Greek recuperative period following delivery. oct- eight Occipital -meros part Latin Having eight parts; specifically, eightfold symmetry. ob- toward, against, before Oculomotor -caput- head Latin -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form oculus- eye, sight or character of -movere move Of or pertaining to the back part of the skull; the Moving or tending to move the eyeball. occipital bone. Odometer Occlude Greek Latin hodos- journey, way occludere up close -meter (metron) instrument or means of measuring; To absorb and retain gases or other substances. to measure Occult A mechanical or digital device used to record dis- Latin tance traveled. occulere to cover over In medicine, a substance detectable only by micro- scopic examination. 142 Odonata

Odonata Oligoclase Greek Greek odontas toothed oligos- little, few An order of medium-to-large insects with elon- -klastos- break, break in pieces gated, slender abdomens; dragonflies and damsel- -sis action, process, state, condition flies. Dragonflies hold wings horizontally when at Any of a class of common rocks forming series of rest, have thick bodies, and are active fliers. Dam- triclinic feldspars. selflies hold wings vertically when at rest, have Oligomer slender bodies, and are less agile in flight. Greek Odontoid oligos- little, few Greek -mer segment odontas- toothed A polymer that consists of two, three, or four -oid (oeides) resembling, having the appearance of monomers. Resembling a tooth; the odontoid process of the Oligosaccharide axis bone. Greek Oestrus oligos- little or few Greek -sakkhar- sugar oistros having strong desire; anything that drives -ide nonmetal radical one mad; frenzy A carbohydrate that consists of a relatively small The period during which the sexual desire and number of monosaccharides. attractions of the female may be heightened, lead- Olivine ing to copulation. Latin (from Greek) Olefin oliva- (Latin) color olive green French elaia- (Greek) olive green oleum- oil -ine made of, resembling -fier form, cause to become A mineral silicate of iron and magnesium found Any of a class of unsaturated open-chain hydro- in igneous and metamorphic rocks. carbons having the general formula C nH2n. Ommatidium Olein Greek Latin omma- eye oleum- oil -idium small -in natural chemical compound One of the optical units of the compound eye of An oily, yellow liquid occurring in animal and arthropods and mollusks. vegetable oil. Omnivore Olfaction Latin Latin omnis- all olfacere- smell -vorare to devour -ion state, process, or quality of An organism that consumes a variety of plant and The process of smelling. animal material. Oligocene Oncogene Greek Greek oligos- little, few onco- mass, bulk, swelling -kainos recent -gen to give birth, kind, produce An epoch of the Early Tertiary period, spanning A gene in which mutation induces neoplasia the time between 33.7 and 23.8 million years ago. (cancer). Oligochaeta Oncosphere Greek Greek oligos- little, few onkinos- a hook -chaite long hair -sphaira ball Any of a class of hermaphrodite terrestrial or Rounded larva that is common to all cestodes and aquatic annelids (such as earthworms) that lack a that bears hooks. specialized head. Opisthaptor 143

Ontogeny wose muddy ground Greek Soft mud or slime. onto- a being, individual; being, existence Opacity -geny birth, descent, origin, creation, inception, Latin beginning; race, sort, kind, class opacus- shady The course of development of an individual -ity state of, quality of organism. The history or science of the develop- The quality or state of being opaque. ment of the individual being; embryology. Opaque Oocyst Latin Greek opacus shady oion- egg Impenetrable by light; neither transparent or -cyst (kustis) sac or bladder that contains fluid translucent. Cyst that forms around a zyogote of malaria and related organisms. Operator Latin Oocyte operare- to work Greek -or a condition or property of things or persons oion- egg A genetic unit that regulates the transcription of -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid structural genes in its operon. Stage in the formation of an ovum, just preceding the first meiotic division (primary oocyte) or just follow- Operculum ing the first meiotic division (secondary oocyte). Latin operire to cover Oogenesis A lid or flap covering an aperture, such as the gill Greek covers in some fish. oion- egg -gen- to give birth, kind, produce Operon -sis action, process, state, condition Latin The formation, development, and maturation of an oper- operator ovum. -on heredity unit A unit of genetic material that functions in a coor- Ookinete dinated manner by means of an operator, a pro- Greek moter, and one or more structural genes that are oion- egg transcribed together. -kinein to move The motile zygote of malaria organisms. Ophthalmology Greek Oolemma ophthalmos- eye; sight Greek -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or oion- egg bodies of knowledge -eilema veil, sheath The branch of medicine that deals with the anat- The plasma membrane of the oocyte. omy, functions, pathology, and treatment of the eye. Oology Ophthalmopathy Greek Greek oion- egg ophthalmos- eye; sight -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or -patheia disease; feeling, sensation, perception bodies of knowledge The study of the diseases of the eye and associ- The branch of biology that deals with the study of ated tissue. eggs. Opisthaptor Oophoritis Greek Greek opistho- backward, behind, at the back, after, oophor- ovary, egg posterior -itis inflammation, burning sensation -haptein- to fasten Inflammation of an ovary. -or a condition or property of things or persons Ooze The posterior attachment organ of a monogenetic Middle English trematode. 144 Opisthognathous

Opisthognathous Greek Johannes Kepler opistho- backward, behind, at the back, after, It had been well over 1500 years since posterior the first and perhaps only major para- -gnathos jaw digm in science had swept the Western With the head deflexed such that the mouthparts world. Now the paradigm was about to are directed posteriorly, as in the insect order shift. A bold new group of thinkers had Hemiptera. emerged in Europe to challenge the Opsonin accepted theories and to lay the founda- Greek tion for a more progressive approach to opson- a relish science (a newly coined word) and -in protein or derived from a protein experimentation. The scientific revolu- Type of antibody in blood serum that weakens tion was about to begin. bacteria and other foreign cells so that the phago- Johannes Kepler, born in Germany on cytes can destroy them more easily. December 27, 1571, was one of the first to question contemporary thinking. He Optic wrote, “Geometry existed before the Greek Creation. It is co-eternal with the mind of optikos- visable God. . . . Geometry is God himself.” -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Even as a child, Kepler was gifted and Referring to vision or the science of optics or lenses. outspoken. He studied religion, mathe- Orbital matics, and philosophy at a Protestant Latin seminary school. In his relatively seques- orbita- orbit tered life, he pondered the relationship -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form between God and the natural world. He or character of looked for mathematical evidence of har- Refers to the wave function of an electron in an mony between the eternal and the natu- atom or molecule. ral. One might even describe him as a patron of Pythagoras. For a time he Organ believed in the Platonic solids as a frame- Greek work for the orbits of the planets. organon- organized structure; pertaining to a par- The number of known planets in ticular body part with a specific function(s); tool, Kepler’s time was six. To Kepler, the implement nagging question was, why only six? The aggregation of various tissues into a specific Why not more? He struggled with the structure designed to carry out some biological explanation of the distances between the function within a multicellular organism. planets according to Copernicus. He Organelle spent years trying to formulate a reason- Greek/Latin able explanation of the data on planetary organon- organized structure; pertaining to a par- positions that he had obtained from ticular body part with a specific function(s); tool, Tycho Brahe. He wanted to develop an implement experimental approach to studying plan- -elle diminutive etary design, but he needed baseline data. Specialized part of a cell; literally, a small organ He brilliantly determined that by using that performs functions analogous to those of the sun and the orbital period of Mars, he organs of multicellular animals. could produce data establishing that the orbital path of Mars was not circular. To Organic Kepler, such disharmony was very unset- Greek tling, but he clearly demonstrated that organon- organized structure; pertaining to a par- the order and perfection of the heavens, ticular body part with a specific function(s); tool, as described by the Greeks, was more implement myth than fact. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Of or pertaining to compounds containing carbon. Orthoptera 145

Organism Orogeny Greek Greek/French organon- organized structure; pertaining to a par- oros- mountain ticular body part with a specific function(s); tool, -gen- to give birth, kind, produce implement -y place for an activity; condition, state -ism state or condition, quality The formation of mountains through plate tectonics. An individual living animal or plant able to carry Oropharynx on life functions through mutually dependent Greek systems and organs. or- mouth Organogenesis -pharynx cavity leading from the mouth and Greek/Latin nasal passages to the larynx organon- organized structure; pertaining to a par- The part of the pharynx that extends from the ticular body part with a specific function(s); tool, mouth to the larynx. implement Orpiment -gen- to give birth, kind, produce Latin -sis action, process, state, condition aurum- gold or yellow The formation and development of the organs of -pigmentum pigment living things. A bright yellow mineral, arsenic trisulfide, that is Organosol used as a pigment. Greek Orthoclase organon- organized structure; pertaining to a par- Greek ticular body part with a specific function(s); tool, ortho- straight, true, correct, right implement -klasis to break -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of A variety of feldspar, essentially potassium alu- -ol chemical additive minum silicate, or KAlSi O , characterized by a A colloidal dispersion in which an organic disper- 3 8 monoclinic crystalline structure and found in sion medium is used. igneous or granitic rock. Orientation Orthogenesis Latin Greek orient- to adjust ortho- straight, true, correct, right -ion state, process, or quality of -gen- to give birth, kind, produce Change of position by organs, organelles, or -sis action, process, state, condition organisms in response to external stimulus. The idea that the evolutionary path of a lineage Orifice can acquire a trend that carries it in a continuous Latin direction; directional selection. or- mouth Orthopedics -ficium a making, doing Greek An opening to a cavity or to a body; mouth. ortho- straight, true, correct, right Ornithodelphia -paideia- child rearing Greek -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of ornis- bird The branch of medicine that deals with the pre- -delphys- womb vention or correction of injuries or disorders of -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing the skeletal system and associated muscles, plurals joints, and ligaments. Infraclass of monotreme mammals. Orthoptera Ornithology Greek Greek ortho- straight, true, correct, right ornis- bird -ptera feather, wing -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or An order of mandibulate insects including grass- bodies of knowledge hoppers, locusts, and cockroaches; insects with The branch of zoology dealing with the scientific greatly enlarged hind legs with forewings modi- study of birds and their structure, classification, fied into a tegmen. habits, songs, and flight. 146 Oscillate

Oscillate -ion state, process, or quality of Latin The natural process of forming bone from soft tis- os- mouth sue, including cartilage and membranous tissue. -cillum to swing Osteichthyes To vary between alternate extremes, usually Greek within a definable period of time. osteon- bone Osculum -ichthus fish Latin A class of fish having a skeleton composed of os- mouth bone in addition to cartilage. -culum diminutive, little Osteoarthropathy Excurrent opening in a sponge. Greek Osmiridium osteon- bone English -arthr- joint osme- from the smell of osmium tetroxide -patheia disease, feeling, sensation, perception -irid- rainbow A disorder affecting bones and joints. -ium quality or relationship Osteoblast A mineral that is a natural alloy of osmium and Greek iridium, with small inclusions of platinum, rhod- osteon- bone ium, and other metals. -blastos bud, germ cell Osmium Cells that help create bone by facilitating the Greek deposit of minerals. osme- smell from the smell of osmium tetroxide Osteoclast -ium quality or relationship Greek A hard metallic element found in small amounts osteon- bone in osmiridium and platinum ores. -klastos break, break in pieces Osmosis A large, multinucleate cell found in growing bone Greek that reabsorbs bony tissue, as in the formation of osmos- thrust, push canals and cavities. -osis action, process, state, condition Osteocyte Diffusion of fluid through a semipermeable Greek membrane from a solution with a low solute con- osteon- bone centration to a solution with a higher solute con- -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid centration, until there is an equal concentration of A cell embedded in a bone. fluid on both sides of the membrane. Osteology Osmotic Greek Greek osteon- bone osmos- thrust, push -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of bodies of knowledge Relating to the diffusion of a fluid through a Part of anatomy dealing with the study of the semipermeable member until there is equal con- structure, development, and function of bones. centration on both sides of the membrane. Osteopathy Osmotroph Greek Greek osteon- bone osmos- thrust, push -patheia disease, feeling, sensation, perception -trophos (trophein) to nourish, food, nutrition; Disease involving the bones. development A heterotrophic organism that absorbs dissolved Osteoporosis nutrients. Greek osteon- bone Ossification -poros- a passage Latin -sis action, process, state, condition oss- bone A disease in which the bones become porous. -ify- (ficus) make, or cause to become Oviger 147

Antoine Lavoisier Antoine Lavoisier is considered by many to be the do, in fact, combine to form compounds. Lavoisier father of modern chemistry. That title, however, was the first to prove that water was a compound was not enough to save him from the guillotine in composed of the elements hydrogen and oxygen. He 1794. He was born in Paris, France, on August 26, also demonstrated that the ratio of hydrogen to oxy- 1743, to a family of wealth and privilege. Lavoisier gen is 2 to 1. Lavoisier’s Elementary Treatise of never endeared himself to the public. He worked Chemistry, published in 1789, was considered by for a time as a tax collector in Paris. Clearly, he was many to be the first chemistry textbook. It encapsu- in the wrong profession at the wrong time. Nothing lated in an integrated perspective a modern approach he did scientifically could make up for the aristo- to chemistry and chemical analysis. In addition to cratic persona Lavoisier projected in the earlier creating a chemical nomenclature and discounting years of his life. Thus, when he made his final previously accepted chemical theories, such as the appeal to the judge in the French court, the judge’s phlogiston theory of matter, he introduced in his response was simply “the Revolution has no need writings a significant group of chemicals that could of scientists.” He was taken out and executed along not be broken down further. Those chemicals are with many others, including his father-in-law, who many of the elements we are familiar with today. was executed right before him. All this and more could not save him. His country Antoine Lavoisier was a remarkable chemist. He was in turmoil, and the French Revolution turned was one of the first to quantify chemistry, that is, to even more violent in its latter stages. When Lavoisier assign numbers to chemicals and to chemical reac- was arrested and brought to court, no one stood in his tions. The law of conservation of matter was a direct defense. His peers and closest friends, who knew he result of Lavoisier’s experiments. By carefully was innocent of the serious charges brought against weighing both reactants and products, he demon- him, did nothing and said nothing. Everyone feared strated that the mass of the end products of a chem- for their own lives. The terror that was the French ical reaction is equal to the mass of the reactants. Revolution struck such fear in the hearts of men that Prior to the work of Lavoisier, there had only they allowed the innocent to go down with the guilty. been discussion of the possibility of the existence of A very short year and a half later, the French compounds. By his clever quantification of chemical government exonerated Lavoisier of all guilt. Too reactions, Lavoisier was able to prove that elements little and far too late.

Ostium ut- away from the center or middle Latin -crop to appear on the surface os- mouth A portion of bedrock or other stratum protruding -ium quality or relationship through the soil level. Name given to any small opening in an organism; Ovary mouthlike opening in organisms; one of the small Latin porelike openings in sponges. ovum- egg Otodynia -ary of, relating to, or connected with Greek The ovule-bearing lower part of a pistil that rip- ot- ear; relationship to the ear ens into a fruit. -dynia pain Ovicide Pain in the ear; earache. Latin Otolith ovum-egg Greek -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike ot- ear; relationship to the ear A type of pesticide that controls insect eggs -lithos stone, rock through the application of low-sulfur petroleum Calcerous concretions in the membranous laby- oils to plants and animals. rinth of the inner ear of lower vertebrates or in the Oviger auditory organ of certain vertebrates. Greek Outcrop ovum- egg Old English -gerere to bear Leg that carries eggs in pycnogonids. 148 Ovine

Ovine A minute structure in seed plants that develops Latin into a seed after fertilization. ov- sheep Ovum -ine of or relating to Latin Refers to sheep. ov- egg Ovipositor -um (singular) structure Latin -a (plural) structure ovum- egg Plural ova; female gamete before fertilization. -pos- to place Oxalate -or a condition or property of things or persons, French/Latin person who does something oxal- a derivative of oxalic acid, found in plants Organ of female insects through which eggs are laid. -ate meaning the salt or ester of the root acid Ovoviviparity C2O4, the ion of oxalic acid Na2C2O4, salt of Latin oxalic acid. ovum- egg Oxidation -vivi- life, alive French -parity to bring forth, to bear, producing viable oxide- a binary compound of an element or a rad- offspring, giving birth to ical with oxygen Retention of the developing fertilized egg within -ion state, process, or quality of the mother; a form of viviparity in which there is A reaction in which the atoms in an element lose elec- no nutrition of hatched young. trons and the valence of the element is correspond- Ovulation ingly increased (originally, this was considered to Latin be the combination of a substance with oxygen). ovum- egg Oxygen -ation action, process, state, or condition Latin/Greek The process of releasing the ovum from the ovary. oxus- acid, sharp Ovule -gen to give birth, kind, produce Latin A nonmetallic element constituting 21% of the atmo- ovum- egg sphere by volume that occurs as a diatomic gas, O2, -ule little, small and in many compounds such as water and iron ore. Palate Paleozoic Greek/Latin Greek pal- flat palaois- ancient, old -ate characterized by having -zoikos- of animals In mammals, the roof of the mouth. The bony -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of front part is the hard palate, and the muscular rear The second oldest division of geologic time; an part is the soft palate. era of geologic time from the end of the Precam- brian to the beginning of the Mesozoic. Paleoanthropology Greek Palpitate palaois- ancient, old Latin -anthropo- human palpare- to feel -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or -ate characterized by having bodies of knowledge To beat rapidly, as the heart. Homo The study of fossils belonging to the genus Pandemic (e.g., Homo erectus). Greek Paleocene pan- all Greek/Latin -demos- the people palaois- ancient, old -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -recens recent An epidemic over a large region. The earliest epoch of the Tertiary period, spanning Paracentesis the time between 65 and 55.5 million years ago. Greek Paleontology para- beyond Greek -cente- puncture palaois- ancient, old -sis action, process, state, condition -ontos- having existed The process of aspirating a cavity. -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Paradox bodies of knowledge Greek The study of the forms of life existing in prehis- para- beyond toric or geologic times, as represented by the fos- -doxa explanation sils of plants, animals, and other organisms. A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true. 150 Paraffin

Paraffin para- beside; near; alongside Latin -sitos- grain, food parum- little, not very -ism state or condition, quality -affinis associated with The condition of an organism living in or on another A member of the alkane series. organism at whose expense the parasite is maintained. Parallax Parasitology Greek Greek para- beside; near; alongside para- beside; near; alongside -allos other -sitos- grain, food The apparent change in the position of an object -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or resulting from the change in the direction or posi- bodies of knowledge tion from which it is viewed. A branch of science that deals with parasites and parasitism. Parallel Greek Parathyroid para- beside; near; alongside Greek -allos one another para- beside; near; alongside Extending in the same direction; everywhere equi- -thureos- oblong shield; door distant and not meeting. -oid (oeides) resembling, having the appearance of Four small kidney-shaped glands located later- Paralysis ally and posteriorly to the thyroid glands in the Greek neck; they secrete the parathyroid hormone. para- beside; near; alongside -luein- to release Parenchyma -sis action, process, state, condition Greek The loss of either sensation or movement or both para- beside; near; alongside on a part of the body, usually as a result of injury. -enchyma infusion Least specialized of all plant cell or tissue types. Paramagnetic Greek Parietal para- beside; near; alongside Latin -magnes- stone from Magnesia (city in Asia Minor) pariet- wall -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Relating to or being a substance in which an or character of induced magnetic field is parallel and propor- In biology, refers to either the parietal bone of the tional to the magnetizing field, but is much skull or the forming of a wall of a body part or weaker than in ferromagnetic materials. organ. Paramecium Parity Greek Latin para- beside; near; alongside par- equal -mekos- length -ity state of, quality of -ium quality or relationship An intrinsic symmetry property of subatomic par- Freshwater species of the genus Paramecium that ticles that is characterized by the behavior of the is typically long and narrow, with an oral groove wave function of such particles under reflection on the side. through the origin of spatial coordinates. Parasite Parotid Greek Greek para- beside; near; alongside par- by the side of, beside; associated, near -sitos- grain, food -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, -ite resident tending to, inclined to An organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered Pertaining to the salivary glands located on the on or in a different organism while contributing side of the head near the ears. nothing to the survival of its host. Parotitis Parasitism Greek Greek Penicillin 151

par- by the side of, beside; associated, near Pedipalp -itis inflammation Latin Inflammation of the parotid glands, as in mumps. ped- foot -palp, -palpi, -palpo to touch, stroke Parsec (Parallax- second) One of the second pair of appendages near the mouth Greek of a spider or other arachnid that are modified for var- para- beside; near; alongside ious reproductive, predatory, or sensory functions. -allos- other -sec (secundus) second Peduncle A distance at which an object will have a parallax Latin of one second of arc; 3.258 light years or 1.918 Þ ped- foot 1023 miles. -uncle little A primary flower stalk, supporting either a clus- Parthenogenesis ter or a solitary flower. Greek parthenos- virgin Pelagic -gen- to give birth, kind, produce Greek -sis action, process, state, condition pelagikos- (pelagos) sea A form of reproduction in which an unfertilized egg -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of develops into a new individual, occurring com- Of, relating to, or living in open oceans or seas rather monly among insects and certain other arthropods. than in waters adjacent to land or in inland waters. Particle Pellicle Latin Latin particula part pellicula husk Any of the basic units of matter and energy. Thin, protective membrane in some protozoa. Pathogenic Pelvis Greek Latin pathos- suffering, disease pelvis basin -gen- to give birth, kind, produce A basin-shaped cavity at the base of the axial -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of skeleton formed by the fusion of six bones, the Refers to an agent, typically a microbe that causes ileum, pubis, and the ischium. disease or suffering. Penetrometer Pathology Latin Greek penetr- inner or inside pathos- suffering, disease -meter (metron) instrument or means of measur- -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or ing; to measure bodies of knowledge An instrument designed to measure the density, The science of disease formation, processes, compactness, and penetrability of a substance. causes, and effects. Penguin Pediatrics Old Welsh Greek pen- white paideia- child rearing -gwyn head -iasthai to heal Any of various erect, short-legged, flightless The branch of medicine that deals with the care aquatic birds (family Spheniscidae) of the South- of infants and children and the treatment of their ern Hemisphere. diseases. Penicillin Pedigree Latin French penicillus- brush ped- foot -in protein or derived from protein -de grue of crane (resembling a crane’s foot) Any of a group of broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs A diagram that traces a trait through several fam- obtained from penicillium molds or produced syn- ily generations. thetically; most active against gram-positive bac- teria and used in the treatment of various infections and diseases. 152 Pentahedron

Pentahedron Thin, membranous, fluid-secreting sac in the area Greek around the heart. penta- five Pericarditis -hedron face Greek A three-dimensional solid having five (plane) faces. peri- around, about, enclosing Pentamer -kard- heart, pertaining to the heart Greek -itis inflammation, burning sensation penta- five Inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart. -meros a part Pericycle A polymer consisting of five molecules. Greek Penumbra peri- around, about, enclosing Latin -kyklos circle, wheel, cycle paene- almost Thin tissue layer found in vascular plants; can -umbra shadow produce lateral roots. The outer, almost darkened part of a shadow cast Peridotite during an eclipse that lies between the completely French darkened area and the fully lit area. peridot- a yellowish green variety of olivine used Peptide as a gem English -ite minerals and fossils pept(one)- digested Any of a group of igneous rocks composed -ide group of related chemical compounds mainly of olivine and various pyroxenes and hav- Any of various natural compounds containing ing a granitelike texture. two or more amino acids linked by the carboxyl Perigee group of one amino acid and the amino group of French (from Greek) another. peri- around, about, enclosing Peptize -ge earth, world Greek The point nearest the earth’s center in the orbit of pept(one)- digested a moon or satellite. -ize to make, to treat, to do something with Perihelion To change a gel into a colloid solution form. Greek Percolate peri- around, about, enclosing Latin -helios- sun per- through, across -ion state, process, or quality of -co- together, with The point along an orbit of a planet at which the -late bear, carry planet is closest to the sun. To cause a liquid to pass through spaces of a Perimorph porous material. Greek Perennial peri- around, about, enclosing Latin -morph shape, form, figure, or appearance per- through, across A mineral that encloses a different mineral. -annus- year Perineum -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Greek or character of peri- around, about, enclosing Refers to that which lasts year after year; a peren- -inan to excrete nial plant. In females, the area between the anus and the vagina. Pericardia Period Greek Greek peri- around, about, enclosing peri- around, about, enclosing -kard- heart, pertaining to the heart -hodos journey, way -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing The geological length of time. plurals Phagocytosis 153

Periodic -oxy(s)- sharp, acid Greek -soma (somatiko) body peri- around, about, enclosing A cell organelle containing enzymes such as cat- -hodos- journey, way alase and oxidase that catalyze the production -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of and breakdown of hydrogen peroxide. Having or marked by repeated cycles. Pesticide Perissodactyla Latin Greek pesti- plague, contagion perissos- odd -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike -dactylos toe A chemical agent used to destroy pests. Order of odd-toed mammals (horses, zebras). Petal Peristalsis Greek Greek petalon leaf peri- around, about, enclosing One of the often brightly colored parts of a flower -stellein- to place immediately surrounding the reproductive organs. -sis action, process, state, condition Petrochemical Muscular contractions of esophagus. Greek Peritoneum petros- a rock, fossil, or stone Greek -chemeia- alchemy peri- around, about, enclosing -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form -teinein to stretch or character of The membrane that lines the walls of the abdom- A chemical derived from fossil fuels. inal cavity. Petroleum Peritrichous Latin Greek petros- a rock, fossil, or stone peri- around, about, enclosing -oleum oil -tricho- made of hair Oily, flammable liquid that occurs naturally in -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to deposits, usually beneath the surface of the earth. Pertains to having flagella all over a cell. Petrology Permafrost Greek Latin/Middle English petros- a rock, fossil, or stone permanere- to endure -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or -frost freeze; frozen bodies of knowledge Permanently frozen subsoil continuous through- Branch of geology that deals with the study of out the polar region. rocks, their mineral compositions, their textures, and their origins. Permeable Latin Phagocyte per- through Greek -meare- to glide phagos- (phagein) to eat, eating -able capable, be inclined to, tending to, given to -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid Capable of being penetrated by liquids or gases. White blood cells that destroy pathogens by sur- rounding and engulfing them. Peroxide Latin Phagocytosis per- large or largest portion of an element Greek -oxy(s)- sharp, acid phagos- (phagein) to eat, eating -ide group of related chemical compounds -cyte- (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid An oxide of an element or a radical that contains -sis action, process, state, condition the greatest possible amount of oxygen, especially The process by which a cell absorbs or eats waste when there are oxygen atoms joined to each other. materials. Peroxisome Latin/Greek per- large or largest portion of an element 154 Phanerozoic

Phanerozoic Phenotype Greek Greek phainein- visible phainein- to show, appear, display; making evident; -zoion living being literally, “to come” The most recent past geologic eon that includes -typos mark the Cenozoic, Mesozoic, and Paleozoic eras. The complete observable characteristics of an organism or group including anatomic, physio- Pharmacology logic, biochemical, and behavioral traits as deter- Greek mined by the interaction of genetic makeup and pharmac- drug, medicine, or poison environmental factors. -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or bodies of knowledge Pheromone The study of the properties of drugs and their Greek effects on the body. pherein- to carry, bear, support; go -(hor)mone to rouse, or set in motion Pharyngotomy A chemical secreted by an animal, especially an Greek insect, that influences the behavior or develop- pharyng- throat ment of others of the same species and often func- -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section tions as an attractant of the opposite sex. An operation in which an incision is made into the pharynx to remove a tumor. Philodendrist Greek Pharynx philos- love, fondness for, loving Greek -dendron- tree pharyng- throat -ist one who is engaged in Passage between the esophagus and the cavities One who has a special fondness for trees. of the nose and mouth. Phlebitis Phenocryst Greek Greek phleb- blood vessel, vein phaino- showing, displaying -itis inflammation, burning sensation -krustallos ice, crystal, freeze, icelike The inflammation of a vein. A conspicuous, usually large, crystal that is embedded in porphyritic igneous rock. Phlebosclerosis Greek Phenol phleb- blood vessel, vein Greek -skleros- hard phen- related to or derived from benzene -sis action, process, state, condition -ol chemical derivative Thickening or hardening of the walls of the veins. A caustic, poisonous, white crystalline com- pound derived from benzene and used in resins, Phloem plastics, and pharmaceuticals, as well as in dilute Greek form as a disinfectant and antiseptic. phloios bark The food-conducting tissue of vascular plants. Phenology Greek Phosphorus phainein- to show, appear, display; making evi- Greek dent; literally, “to come” phos- light -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or -pherein to carry, bear, support; go bodies of knowledge A highly reactive, poisonous, nonmetallic ele- The seasonal life history of an insect population. ment found in safety matches and pyrotechnics. Phenomenon Photochemical Greek Latin phainomenon to appear photos- light, radiant energy An observable event. -alchymia- action of chemicals -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form or character of Physical 155

Refers to chemicals and other pollutants reacting Photosynthesis in the presence of sunlight. Greek photos- light, radiant energy Photoelectric -synthe- formation by combination Greek -sis action, process, state, condition photos- light, radiant energy The process by which carbon dioxide is con- -elector- beaming sun verted into organic matter in the presence of the -ic relating to or having some characteristic of chlorophyll in plants and under the influence of Pertains to the ejection of an electron from a sur- light. face exposed to light. Phototropism Photometry Greek Greek photos- light, radiant energy photos- light, radiant energy -trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to -metria (metron) the process of measuring; to stimulus measure -ism state or condition, quality The branch of science that deals with the mea- Adjustment in the direction and rate of plant surement of light output. growth in response to light. Photon Phycoerythrin Greek Greek photos- light, radiant energy phukos- seaweed -on a particle -erythros red The smallest physical particle; it has no mass and A red phycobilin occurring especially in the cells no charge, and is electromagnetic energy. of red algae. Photopsin Phyllotaxy Greek Greek photos- light, radiant energy phullon- leaf -opsis- sight, appearance -taxi arrangement, order -in neutral chemical. protein derivative The manner in which leaves are arranged with The photoreceptor pigments found in the cone regard to the axis. cells of the retina that are the basis of color vision. Phylogeny Greek Photoreceptor phulon- race, class, tribe Greek -genes to give birth, kind, produce photos- light, radiant energy Development and history of a species or higher -recept- receiver taxonomic grouping of organisms. -or a condition or property of things or persons, person who does something Phylum A group of nerve cells that are sensitive to light Greek energy. phulon- race, class, tribe The chief category of taxonomic classifications, Photosensitive between kingdom and class, into which organ- Greek isms of common descent that share a fundamental photos- light, radiant energy pattern of organization are grouped. -sensus- senses -ive performing an action Physical Refers to something that is easily irritated by Greek light. physica- physics -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Photosphere or character of Greek In physics, a term used to refer to or identify photos- light, radiant energy material things. In biology, a term used to refer to -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere or denote the body as opposed to the mind or The intensely bright gaseous outer layer of a star, spirit. especially of the sun. 156 Physics

Ernest Rutherford Ernest Rutherford is considered by many to be the scope, but it was a starting point that was picked up father of nuclear physics. He was born Earnest by scientists later on. For this work, he was Rutherford, the first Baron Rutherford of Nelson, awarded a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908. in New Zealand on August 30, 1871. He died on Rutherford began to feel left out of mainstream August 19, 1937. science at McGill, so he moved to Great Britain and Rutherford became known for developing an was given the chair of the Department of Physics at experimental design demonstrating the scattering the University of Manchester. Here he ultimately of nuclear (alpha) particles using gold foil. For a discovered the nature of the nuclei of atoms. He time, he studied at the University of Cambridge in theorized about “neutrons” in the nuclei as being England, where, during his investigations of wireless particles capable of countering the effects of posi- wave energy and radioactivity, he coined the terms tively charged protons and thus preventing the alpha, beta, and gamma rays. nucleus from breaking apart. Rutherford moved to Canada and took a profes- His pioneering work in nuclear physics was instru- sorship in and chaired the Department of Physics at mental in the establishment of the Manhattan Project. McGill University. There he developed an explana- During his work in nuclear science, Rutherford was tion for the constant rate of disintegration of radioac- quoted as saying, “The energy produced by breaking tive atoms, ultimately leading to the term half-life. down the atom is a very poor kind of thing. Anyone He went on to associate this process of atomic who expects a source of power from the transforma- decay with a precise, clocklike action. By examin- tions of these atoms is talking moonshine.” ing the half-life of radium and knowing that radium He desperately wanted to avoid the development ultimately came from the degradation of uranium, of nuclear energy for use in weaponry until all the Rutherford was able to speculate about the age of nations of the world were at peace. Rutherford died the earth. He placed the age at hundreds of millions in 1937, well before the destructive power of of years—not exactly accurate or narrow in its atomic energy was unleashed in 1945.

Physics Phytochrome Greek Greek phusis- nature phuton- plant -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -chrome pigment The science of matter and energy and of the inter- A substance that produces a color in plant tissue. actions between the two, grouped into traditional Phytoplankton fields such as acoustics, optics, mechanics, ther- Greek modynamics, and electromagnetism, as well as phuton- plant modern extensions including atomic and nuclear -planktos wandering physics, cryogenics, solid-state physics, particle Minute, free-floating aquatic plants. physics, and plasma physics. Pigment Physiology Latin Greek pingere to paint physio- form, origin A coloring matter in animals and plants, espe- -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or cially in a cell or tissue. bodies of knowledge The branch of biology dealing with the structure Pineal and functions of living organisms and their parts. French pomme de pin pinecone Phytobenthos An endocrine gland found in the middle of the Greek brain; it secretes melatonin and is named for its phuton- plant pinecone shape. -benthos deep; the fauna and flora of the bottom of the sea Pinniped The aquatic flora of the region at or near the bot- Latin tom of the sea. pinnas- feather, wing -ped foot Pleistocene 157

Any of a suborder (Pinnipedia) of aquatic carniv- lar elements of the blood and maintaining acid- orous mammals (such as a seal or walrus) with all base balance. four limbs modified into flippers. Plasmalemma Pinocytosis Greek Greek plastos- (plassein) something molded (to mold) pinein- to drink -eilema veil, sheath -kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid The thin membrane immediately surrounding the -sis action, process, state, condition cytoplasm of a cell that restricts the passage of Introduction of fluids into a cell. molecules into the cell. Pistil Plasmodesmata Latin Greek pestle club-shaped plastos- (plassein) something molded; to mold The female reproductive organ of a flowering -desma bond, adhesion plant; it contains the stigma, style, and ovary. A strand of cytoplasm that passes through an opening in the cell walls and connects the proto- Pitch plasts of adjacent living plant cells. Anglo Norman piche pitch Plasmolysis The auditory effect of sound frequency; the sap Greek that gathers from evergreen trees; any of the resin- plastos- (plassein) something molded (to mold) ous materials from the bitumens, such as asphalt. -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve, dissolution, break -sis action, process, state, condition Pituitary Contraction of a cell caused by loss of water. Greek pituitarius- of phlegm Platyhelminthes ptuo- to spit Greek -ary of, relating to, or connected with platus- flat A small oval endocrine gland attached to the base -helminth worm of the vertebrate brain, the secretions of which Any of various parasitic and nonparasitic worms control the other endocrine glands and influence of the phylum Platyhelminthes, such as a tape- growth, metabolism, and maturation. worm or a planarian, characteristically having a soft, flat, bilaterally symmetrical body and no Placenta body cavity. Greek plakoenta flat land, surface Platypus A flat, membranous, highly vascular organ that Latin develops in the female mammal during preg- platus- flat nancy; it supplies nutrients and removes wastes -pous foot from the developing fetus. A flat-tailed, semiaquatic mammal, resembling a duck and having webbed feet and a snout; egg Planet laying. Greek planasthai to wonder Pleiades A heavenly body seeming to have a motion of its Greek own among the fixed stars. peleiades flock of doves The cluster of seven stars also known as the Seven Plankton Sisters, located in the constellation Taurus the Greek Bull. planktos wandering The passively floating or weakly swimming, usu- Pleistocene ally minute animal and plant life in a body of water. Greek pleistos- most Plasma -kainos recent, new Greek An epoch of the Quaternary period, between 1.8 plastos (plassein) something molded (to mold) million years ago and the beginning of the Straw-colored fluid part of the lymph and blood Holocene epoch. composed of water, electrolytes, proteins, glu- cose, fats, and gases. Essential for carrying cellu- 158 Pleomorphic

Pleomorphic Polar Greek Greek ple- many, more polos either of two oppositely charged terminals; -morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance axis, sky -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Relating to or characterized by a dipole. Refers to the occurrence of two or more structural Polarity forms during a lifespan. Greek Pleura polos- either of two oppositely charged terminals; Greek axis, sky pleura rib, side -ity state of, quality of Thin membrane that covers a lung and lines the Intrinsic polar orientation; having two opposite chest cavity in mammals. attributes. Plexus Polarization Greek Greek plectere to plait, braid polos- either of two oppositely charged terminals, In biology, a network-like structure formed by axis, sky nerves, blood vessels, or lymphatic vessels. -ar- relating to or resembling -ize- to cause Pliocene -ation act or process Greek The partial or complete polar separation of posi- pleion- more tive and negative charges in a nuclear, atomic, or -kainos recent, new chemical system. Final epoch of the Tertiary period, spanning the time between 5.3 and 1.8 million years ago. Pollen Latin Plutonic pollen fine flour Greek Tiny, grainlike structures containing the sperm pluto- the god of the lower world in classical cells of an angiosperm; they are produced by the mythology anthers of flowers. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Refers to intrusive rocks that form under the Pollination earth’s surface. Latin pollen- fine flour Pneumonia -ation act or process Greek The transfer of pollen to the female cone in coni- pneumon- lung, breath fers or to the stigma in angiosperms. -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing plurals Polyatomic An acute or chronic disease marked by inflamma- Latin tion of the lungs; caused by viruses, bacteria, or poly- many or much other microorganisms and sometimes by physical -atomos- indivisible and chemical irritants. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Consisting of many atoms. Pneumonocentesis Greek Polycythemia pneumon- lung, breath Latin/Greek -kentesis- pricking poly- many or much -sis action, process, state, condition -cyte- (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid Surgical perforation or puncture of a lung to -haima blood remove fluid, pus, or blood. A condition marked by an abnormally large num- ber of red blood cells in the circulatory system. Poikilotherm Greek Polygenic poik- varied Greek -thermos combining form of “hot” (heat) poly- many or much An animal that can fluctuate its temperature. -gen- to give birth, kind, produce -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Polythetic 159

Of or relating to more than one gene. A hydra or coral, having a cylindrical body with a single opening; a nonmalignant tumor or growth Polyhalophilic extending from the mucosa into the lumen of an Greek organ, such as in the large intestine. poly- many or much -hal- salt Polypathia -phile- one who loves or has a strong affinity or Greek preference for poly- many or much -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -pathos- suffering from Describes marine organisms that thrive in a wide -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing range of salinities. plurals The presence of several diseases at once. Polyhedron Greek Polyploidy poly- many or much Greek -hedron head poly- many or much A three-dimensional, symmetrical shape made up -ploid- having a number of chromosomes that has of many faces. a specified relationship to the basic number of chromosomes Polyhybrid -y place for an activity; condition, state Greek Having one or more extra sets of chromosomes. poly- many or much -hybrida offspring of mixed parents Polyprotic In genetics, the offspring of parents differing in Greek more than three specific gene pairs. poly- many or much -pro-, prot- before, forward; for, in favor of; in front of Polymer -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Greek Of or relating to an acid that can donate more than poly- many or much one proton to a base, or relating to a base that can -meros a part accept more than one proton. A large molecule assembled from small, individ- ual molecules. Polysyndactyl Greek Polymerase poly- many or much Greek -daktulos toe, finger, digit poly- many or much Having two or more instances in the same indi- -meros- parts vidual of side-to-side fusion of digits. -ase enzyme An enzyme used to convert two or more mole- Polytene cules into a polymer. Greek poly- many or much Polymorphism -tainia ribbon, tapeworm Greek Relating to or having large multistranded chro- poly- many or much mosomes whose corresponding chromomeres are -morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance in contact. -ism state or condition, quality The ability to appear in more than one form. Polythetic Greek Polymyalgia poly- many or much Greek -thetos- placed poly- many or much -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -myo- muscle Pertains to a category or class that is defined in -algia pain, sense of pain; painful, hurting terms of a broad set of criteria that are neither nec- Pain affecting several muscles. essary nor sufficient. Each member of the category Polyp must possess a certain minimal number of defining Greek characteristics, but none of the features must nec- poly- many or much essarily be found in each member of the category. -pous foot 160 Polyuria

Polyuria Pound Greek Latin poly- many or much pondo by weight -urea urine A unit of weight equal to 16 ounces. Excessive excretion of urine because of a disease Power such as diabetes. Latin Pons potis able, powerful Latin The amount of energy consumed per unit of time. pons bridge Precession A bundle of nervous tissue located on the ventral Latin surface of the spinal cord at the base of the brain; prae- earlier, before, prior to it connects the medulla oblongata to higher -cedere- to go regions in the brain. -ion state, process, or quality of Population The term used to denote a globe spinning on its axis Latin and describing the wobble as the globe slows down. populus- the people Precipitate -ion state, process, or quality of Latin A group of organisms of the same species living prae- earlier, before, prior to in the same area at the same time. -capit- to throw headlong, the head Porcine -ate of or having to do with Latin To cause a solid substance to be separated from a porc- pig or hog solution. -ine of or relating to Precipitation Of or consisting of swine; related to or resem- Latin bling swine (pigs and hogs). prae- earlier, before, prior to Porifera -capit- to throw headlong, the head Latin -ion state, process, or quality of porus- pore Water droplets or ice particles condensed from -ferre to bear atmospheric water vapor. A pore-bearing organism. Precocial Positron Latin Greek prae- earlier, before, prior to posi- positive charge -coquere- to cook, ripen -tron a particle -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form The particle having the same mass and spin as an or character of electron but having a +1 charge caused by the Refers to a chick that leaves the nest immediately interaction of cosmic rays with matter. after hatching. Posterior Predator Latin Latin post- after, behind praedari- to prey upon -or a condition or property of things or persons, -or condition or activity person who does something A predatory person, animal, or thing thing that Located behind a part or toward the rear of a preys upon, devours, or destroys another. structure. Prehensile Potential Latin Latin prehensus to clasp or seize poten- power, strength, ability Refers to appendages that are adapted for clasp- -ial relating to or characterized by ing or grasping. Describes the energy that an object possesses but Prenatal has not yet used because of its position or condition. Latin prae- earlier, before, prior to -nasci be born Prokaryotic 161

-al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Proboscidea or character of Greek Existing or occurring before birth. pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of -boskein to feed Pressure Mammalian order that includes elephants. Latin premere- to exert steady weight or force against; Prodromal bear down on Greek -ura act; process; condition pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of Force applied uniformly over a surface, measured -dromos- race course, running as force per unit of area. -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form or character of Prey Refers to the time following incubation period Latin when the first signs of illness appear. praeda booty, prey An animal taken by a predator as food. Producer Latin Primary pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of Medieval Latin -duct- lead, take, bring primus- leader -er one that performs an action -ary of, relating to, or connected with An organism that has the capacity to make its own In geology, the term used to describe the charac- food either by photosynthesis or by chemosynthesis. teristics of any rock at the time of its formation. In chemistry, relating to the replacement of one Product or more atoms by other atoms in a chemical Latin reaction. pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of -duct lead, take, bring Primate That which results from the operation of a cause; Medieval Latin a consequence, effect. primus- leader -ate characterized by having Prognathous A member of the order of mammals that includes Greek monkeys, apes, and humans. pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of -gnathos jaw Prism Having the head horizontal and the mouthparts Greek directed anteriorly. prizein to saw off A piece of glass that is usually cut into a triangu- Prognosis lar shape so that light can travel through, and so Greek that the colors of the visible light are separated. pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of -gnos- know, learn, discern Probability -sis action, process, state, condition Latin A prediction of the probable course and outcome pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of of a disease. -abilis- to do something, specific action -ity state of, quality of Program The chance that a given event will occur; a logi- Greek cal relation between statements such that evi- pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of dence confirming one confirms the other to some -gramma something written or drawn; a record degree. Data instructions fed into a computer to control the actions of the computer. Probiotics Latin/Greek Prokaryotic pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of Greek -bios- life, living organisms or tissue pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -karyon- kernel, nucleus Beneficial bacteria used to ease digestive ailments. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Lacking a membrane-bound nucleus and mem- branous organelles, as in bacteria and archaea. 162 Prominence

Prominence pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of Greek/Latin -histanai to set, place pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of A gland that wraps around the urethra in males. It -minere- to jut or threaten is responsible for releasing urine from the urinary -ence the condition of bladder to the exterior, and it produces seminal The incredibly huge masses of gases that burst fluid, a principal component of semen. forth from the chromosphere of the sun. Protactinium Pronotum English Greek pro-, prot- before, forward; for, in favor of; in front of pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of -actinium element actinium -noton- the back A rare, extremely toxic radioactive element, which -um (singular) structure decays into actinium. -a (plural) structure Protandrous The upper, often shieldlike, hardened body-wall Greek plate located just behind the head of an insect. pro-, prot- before, forward; for, in favor of; in front of Propagation -andr- man, male, men, masculine Latin -us thing pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of Of or relating to a flower in which the anthers -pangere- to fasten release their pollen before the stigma of the same -ate- of or having to do with flower is receptive. -ion state, process, or quality of Protection The multiplication or natural increase in a popu- Latin lation; the dissemination of something to a larger pro-, prot- before, forward; for, in favor of; in front of area or greater number. -tegere- to cover, ward off, guard, defend Propellent -ion state, process, or quality of Latin The act of safeguarding, preserving, or shielding. pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of Protective -pellere- to drive Latin -ant a person who, the thing which pro-, prot- before, forward; for, in favor of; in front of The fuel and oxidizer of a rocket that provides the -tegere- to cover, ward off, guard, defend thrust needed for the rocket to escape earth’s gravity. -ive performing an action Prophase Describes the act of guarding another person from Greek danger or injury and providing a safe environment. pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of Protein -phainein to show French The stage of cell division in which the chromo- proteine of the first quality somes condense and become visible. Any group of complex organic macromolecules Prosencephalon containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, Greek and usually sulfur. Proteins are composed of one pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of or more chains of amino acids and include many -enkephalos in the head substances, such as enzymes, hormones, and anti- The anterior portion of the forebrain, including bodies, that are necessary for the proper function- the frontal lobe and the olfactory bulbs. ing of an organism. Prosimians Proteolysis Latin Greek pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of prote- protein -simia- ape, monkey -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve; dissolution, break -an one that is of or relating to or belonging to -sis action, process, state, condition Of or belonging to Prosimii, a suborder of primates A reaction sequence of the noncyclic pathway of that includes the lemurs, lorises, and tarsiers. photosynthesis, triggered by photon energy, in which water is split into oxygen, hydrogen, and electrons. Prostate Greek Pseudopodia 163

Proterozoic Protoplast Greek Greek proteros- earlier protos- first formed, original, earliest -zoikos- of animals -plastos (plassein) something molded (to mold) -ic (ikos) relating to or having ome characteristic of Plant cell from which the cell wall has been Relating to the geologic era characterized by the removed. first signs of single-celled organisms, plant algae. Protostome Protist Greek Latin protos- first formed, original, earliest protos- first formed, original, earliest -stoma mouth -ist performs an action An animal whose mouth develops from or near Unicellular organism belonging to kingdom Protista. the blastopore; an opening in the early embryo. Protium Prototheria Greek Greek protos- first formed, original, earliest protos- first formed, original, earliest -ium chemical element -theria wild animal, monotremes The most abundant isotope of hydrogen, with Subclass of Cretaceous and early Cenozoic mam- atomic mass of 1. mals; extinct except for egg-laying monotremes. Protocell Prototype Greek/Latin Greek protos- first formed, original, earliest protos- first formed, original, earliest -cella chamber -tupos impression A structure that has a lipid protein membrane and An original type, form, or instance serving as a carries on energy metabolism it existed before the basis or standard for later stages. first true cell. Protozoa Protogynous Greek Greek protos- first formed, original, earliest protos- first formed, original, earliest -zoan animal, living being; life -gune woman, women, female Single-celled microorganisms of the sub-kingdom Referring to animals that are sequential hermaph- Protozoa; lowest form of animal life. rodites, where that animal is first biologically Proximity female, having only female sexual organs, and Latin then changes to become biologically male. proximus- nearest, next Protolithic -ity state of, quality of Greek The state, quality, sense, or fact of being near or protos- first formed, original, earliest next to; closeness. -lith- rock, stone Pseudocoelom -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Greek Of, relating to, or characteristic of the very begin- pseudes- false ning of the Stone Age; Eolithic. -koiloma cavity Proton Body cavity lying between the digestive tract and Greek body wall. protos- first formed, original, earliest Pseudopodia -on a particle Greek An elementary particle that is identical to the pseudes- false nucleus of the hydrogen atom, that along with -podion base, foot neutrons is a constituent of all other atomic A fingerlike projection on the body of an amoeba nuclei, that carries a positive charge numerically used for movement. equal to the charge of an electron, and that has a mass of 1.673 Þ 10–27 kg. 164 Psychokinesis

Psychokinesis purus- clean Greek -ine of or relating to psych- mind, consciousness, mental process The nitrogenous bases, adenine and guanine, -kinetikos- to move; set in motion found in DNA. -sis action, process, state, condition Putrefaction The production or control of motion by a subject Latin without any intermediate physical energy. putrefacere- to make rotten Psychosomatic -ion state, process, or quality of Greek The process of creating a strong, foul odor by psych- mind, consciousness, mental process emitting gases from the decomposition of organic -soma- (somatiko) body material. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Pylorus Of or relating to a disorder having physical symptoms Latin but originating from mental or emotional causes. pule- gate Psychrometer -ouros guard Greek The lower section of the stomach that includes the psychros- cold passageway into the duodenum of the small intestine. -meter (metron) instrument or means of measuring; Pyrimidine to measure Latin Instrument that measures humidity. pur- fire Pterodactyl -ide- group of related chemicals Greek -ine of or relating to pteron- feather, wing The nitrogenous bases, cytosine and thymine, -daktulos toe, finger, digit found in DNA. Small, typically tail-less winged reptile existing Pyroclastic in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Greek Pterygoid pur- fire Greek -klastos broken pterug- wing Composed chiefly of rock fragments of volcanic -oid (oeides) resembling, having the appearance of origin. Relating to the region of the sphenoid bone of the Pyroxenes skull; winglike muscle. Greek Pulmonary pur- fire Latin -xenos stranger pulmo- lung Any of a group of crystalline silicate minerals -ary of, relating to, or connected with common in igneous and metamorphic rocks and Relating to or involving the lung. containing two metallic oxides. Pulsar Pyrrole Latin Greek pullere- to beat pyre- red -ar relating to or resembling -ole a heterocyclic chemical with a five-mem- A relatively small star composed of neutrons that bered ring emit radiant energy in regular pulses. A five-membered heterocyclic ring compound, C Pupil 4H5N, that has an odor similar to chloroform and is the parent compound of hemoglobin. Latin pupilla little doll; pupil of the eye (named for the Pyuria tiny reflections on the eye) Greek The hole in the center of the iris that light travels puo- pus through in order to be focused on the retina. -uria urine Purine Pus found in the urine; usually an indication of an infection. Latin Quadriceps quasi- having a likeness to something Latin -(stell)ar star quadi- four A starlike object that has a large red shift and -caput head emits powerful blue light and often radio waves. A very large muscle on the anterior surface of the Quaternary thigh; it contains four heads (cusps). Latin Quadruped quartern- four Latin -ary of, relating to, or connected with quadi- four The second period of the Cenozoic era, spanning the -ped foot time between 1.8 million years ago and the present. A four-footed animal that uses all four feet for Quiescence walking and running. Latin Quantum quies- still, quiet Latin -ence the condition of quantus how great A state in which a seed or other plant will not ger- The smallest amount of a physical quantity that minate or grow until the requisite environmental can exist independently, especially a discrete conditions occur. quantity of electromagnetic radiation. Quintessence Quartz Latin German quinta- fifth quarz mineral quartz -essentia essence A very hard mineral composed of silica. The fifth or last and highest essence in ancient and medieval philosophy, above fire, air, water, Quasar and earth, that permeates all nature and is the sub- English stance composing the heavenly bodies. Rabies A radioisotope; a nuclide that exhibits a certain Latin amount of radioactivity. rabere to rave Radiosonde A fatal disease caused by a virus that is transmit- English/French ted by a mammal; the symptoms include hydro- radi- radiant or radiation energy; wireless transmitter phobia, convulsions, heightened excitability, and -sonde a sounding lead/line muscular spasms in the throat. A measurement device that is carried aloft by a Radial balloon to relay temperature, pressure, and Latin humidity data from the upper atmosphere. ray- spoke of a wheel Radius -ial relating to or characterized by Latin Of or characterized as being arranged in a raylike ray- spoke of a wheel fashion. -ius singular Radiant A line segment that connects the center of a circle Latin or sphere to any point on its outer edge. radiare to radiate Radula Of or referring to energy traveling by means of Latin electromagnetic waves. radere to scrape Radioactivity Flexible, tonguelike organ in certain mollusks, English having rows of horny teeth on the surface. radi- radiant or radiation energy; wireless trans- Range mitter German -agere- drive, do reng to put in a row, line -ity state of, quality of The difference between the smallest and largest The emission of radiation, either spontaneously values in a distribution. from unstable atomic nuclei or as a consequence of a nuclear reaction. Raptor Latin Radionuclide rapere to seize English/Latin A bird of prey; carnivorous bird that hunts its radi- radiant or radiation energy; wireless transmitter prey. -nucula- kernel, little nut -ide nonmetal radical Raptor 167

Joseph Meister Had Rabies On a sunny day in the summer of 1885 at Meissen- a dread of water and of all kinds of drink, it gott, in Alsace, a boy named Joseph Meister was will be sufficient to put under his cup a strip of attacked by a neighborhood dog. The 9-year-old cloth that has been dipped in menstrual fluid; Joseph was thrown to the ground, and as he tried to the result being that the hydrophobia will protect his face he was savagely bitten about the immediately disappear. This arises, no doubt, arms. The dog was finally driven off the boy, but the from that powerful sympathy which has been damage was done. His skin had been pierced by a so much spoken of by the Greeks, and the rabid dog. existence of which is proved by the fact, The local physician did all he could. He cauter- already mentioned, that dogs become mad ized and cleaned the wounds, but he knew what upon tasting this fluid. would soon happen to the child. He advised the When Joseph Meister and his mother arrived in mother to take him to Louis Pasteur, a scientist who Paris on July 6, Joseph was in very bad shape. His was experimenting on rabies in Paris. Though Pas- pain was such that he could barely walk. Pasteur teur was not a physician, he was the boy’s best and knew what he had to do, but he needed to consult only hope. with colleagues. According to Pasteur, the numer- Once bitten by a rabid animal, the human victim ous trials of his rabies vaccine on animals had experiences a brief period of fever and restlessness proven to be a resounding success. Later we would before becoming wildly excitable. The infected find out otherwise, but nonetheless, this was individual salivates excessively and a white, frothy Joseph’s last and best chance at survival. A team of foam appears around the mouth. The muscles of the government scientists gave Pasteur their approval throat become highly irritated, with uncontrollable to begin the procedure. spasms causing great pain. All the while the victim Over the next 11 days, Joseph was injected with experiences an uncontrollable thirst for water but is small amounts of the vaccine, which Pasteur had unable to drink. This torture continues relentlessly prepared using the spinal cords of infected rabbits. for up to five days before the victim falls dead as a Pasteur wrote in his journal: result of exhaustion, asphyxia, and paralysis. The death of this child appearing to be What could cause such horrible symptoms? inevitable, I decided, not without lively and Rabies was a disease known to the ancients. sore anxiety, as may well be believed, to try Although it was never the blight that the plagues upon Joseph Meister, the method which I had that ravaged Europe and Asia were, it brought fear found constantly successful with dogs. Con- to those who witnessed the agonizing death of its sequently, sixty hours after the bites, and in victims. The Greeks attributed rabies to the wrath the presence of Drs Vulpian and Grancher, of the gods. Sirius, the Dog Star, in the constella- young Meister was inoculated under a fold of tion Canis Major, was believed to be the cause of skin with half a syringeful of the spinal cord the disease. The days during summer in the North- of a rabbit, which had died of rabies. It had ern Hemisphere when Sirius rises immediately been preserved (for) fifteen days in a flask of before or sets immediately after the sun, referred to dry air. In the following days, fresh inocula- as the “dog days,” were believed to be a time when tions were made. I thus made thirteen inocula- normally docile animals would run wild and tions. On the last days, I inoculated Joseph become viciously aggressive. Shortly thereafter, Meister with the most virulent virus of rabies. they would convulse, become paralyzed, and die. There were side effects—Joseph experienced In the fifth century BC, the Greek physician bouts of anxiety and depression—but there were no Democritus described the symptoms of rabies, as longer signs of the dreaded disease. And so, after did Aristotle two hundred years later. The Romans ten more days of observation, Joseph was sent in the first century AD cauterized or placed the home. He had escaped death. ashes of seahorses on the wounds to treat the condi- Years later, Joseph Meister would return to Paris tion, but, of course, these treatments were futile. and work as doorman for the Pasteur Institute. He Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist who lived in worked at the institute until the age of 64 in 1940, the first century AD, wrote on the treatment of when the Nazis invaded Paris. The Germans rabies: ordered Meister to open Pasteur’s crypt. Rather It is universally agreed, too, that when a than obey that order, Joseph Meister put a gun to his person has been bitten by a dog and manifests head and ended his own life. 168 Rarefaction

Marie Curie Eve Curie wrote of her mother, “She was a woman; tion. There she met Pierre Curie, whose title was she belonged to an oppressed nation; she was poor; Chief of the Laboratory of the School of Physics she was beautiful. A powerful vocation summoned and Chemistry of the City of Paris. They married her from her motherland, Poland, to study in Paris, and together studied radiation and subsequently where she lived through years of poverty and soli- discovered the elements radium and polonium. tude. There she met a man. . . . By the most desper- Her work led to the use of x-rays in World War I. ate and avid effort they discovered a magic element, This remarkable application of radiation allowed radium. This discovery not only gave birth to a new surgeons to more easily find the bullets lodged in science and new philosophy; it provided mankind soldiers, giving them a greater chance of survival with the means of treating a dreadful disease.” through surgery. Her studies with radiation led to Marie Curie was born Marie Sklodovska in Poland on additional research on the role of radiant energy in November 7, 1867. She had a rather distress-filled the reduction of cancerous growths. Her accom- youth. Her sister died of typhus and her mother plishments led her to become the first person to passed away four years later. After her high school receive Nobel Prizes in two different fields of years Marie sunk into a depressive state. study, physics and chemistry. This feat has been Marie showed signs of brilliance at a young age. matched only by Linus Pauling, who won Nobel She possessed an amazing memory and an intellec- Prizes for Chemistry and Peace. tual curiosity, but attending a university in Poland Ironically, her isolation of the radioactive mate- was out of the question. She knew that to thrive, she rials from the ore pitchblende for the advancement would have to leave Poland. Years later, in Paris, of science and medicine ultimately led to her own after studying physics and chemistry at the Univer- death from leukemia in 1934. Albert Einstein said sity of Paris (Sorbonne), she became the first of Madam Curie, “Marie Curie is, of all celebrated woman to teach at that highly prestigious institu- beings, the only one whom fame has not corrupted.”

Rarefaction Reactance Latin Latin rarus- rare re- to do something again; go against -facere- to make -agere to drive, do -ion state, process, or quality of Opposition to the flow of alternating current That part of the sound wave where the particles of caused by the inductance and capacitance in a cir- the sound medium are farthest apart. cuit rather than by resistance. Rate Reaction Latin Latin rata according to a fixed proportion re- to do something again; go against A quantity, amount, or degree of something mea- -agec- to act sured per unit of time. -ion state, process, or quality of A response in opposition to a substance, treat- Ratiocination ment, or other stimulus. Latin ratio- reason Reactive -cinari- reckon English/Latin -ion state, process, or quality of re- to do something again; go against To reason using formal logic; to use deductive -agec- to act reasoning. -ive performing an action Tending to participate readily in reactions. Rawinsonde English/French Reagent radi- radiant or radiation energy; wireless transmitter English/Latin -wind- moving air re- to do something again; go against -sonde a sounding lead/line -agere a force or substance that causes a change A radiosonde used to observe the velocity and A substance used in a chemical reaction to detect, direction of upper-air winds and tracked by a analyze, or produce other substances. radio direction-finding instrument. Reniform 169

Receptor Reflux Latin Latin reciepere to receive re- to do something again; go against A group of sensory nerve endings that respond to -fluere to flow, wave threshold energy from a source point. A flowing back, ebb; the process by which a con- tainer with boiling liquid is attached to an appara- Recessive tus that continuously returns the vapor for Latin reboiling. recedere- to recede -ive performing an action Reform In genetics, refers to an allele that does not dis- English/Latin play its phenotype when paired with a dominant re- to do something again; go against gene. -forma shape, figure, appearance To improve by alteration, correction of error, or re- Reclamation moval of defects; put into a better form or condition. English/Latin re- to do something again; go against Refraction -clamare- to call or cry out English/Latin -ion state, process, or quality of re- to do something again; go against The act or process of reclaiming; restoration for -fract- to break the purpose of productivity. -ion state, quality, or process of The turning or bending of any wave, such as a Rectifier light or sound wave, when it passes from one Latin medium into another of different optical density. rectus- straight, direct -er one that performs an action Regolith A device, such as a diode, that converts alternat- Greek ing current to direct current. rhegos- blanket -lith rock, stone Rectoclysis The layer of loose rock resting on bedrock, con- Latin stituting the surface of most land. rectus- straight, direct -clys, -clysis to wash, washing Relay Washing or irrigation of the rectum. English/French re- to do something again; go against Recycle -laier to leave English/Greek An electrical device used to control a switch or to re- to do something again; go against allow a weak current to control a stronger electri- -kyklos circle, wheel, cycle, rotate cal current. To make ready for reuse; to pass again through a series of changes or treatments. Relief French Reduction relever to relieve English/Latin The difference in height from the lowest to the re- to do something again; go against highest point. -ducere- to lead -ion state, process, or quality of Renal To decrease the valence of an atom by adding Latin electrons. reno- kidney -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Reflectivity or character of English/Latin Of or relating to the region of the kidneys. re- to do something again; go against -flectere- to throw or bend back Reniform -ity state of, quality of Latin The ratio of the energy of a wave reflected from a renes- kidney surface to the energy possessed by the wave strik- -forma having the form of ing the surface. Being in the shape of a kidney, such as a leaf. 170 Replicase

Replicase The process of distinguishing the individual parts English/Latin of an object. re- to do something again; go against Resonance -plicare- to fold Latin -ase enzyme re- to do something again; go against An enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of a com- -sonare- to sound plementary RNA molecule from an RNA template. -ant performing, promoting, or causing a specified Replicate action English/Latin The condition that causes a medium to vibrate in re- to do something again; go against its natural frequency as a result of receiving sound -plicare- to fold waves of the same frequency. -ate characterized by having Respiration To reproduce or make an exact copy or copies of English/Latin genetic material. re- to do something again; go against Repressor -spire- to breathe Latin -ion state, process, or quality of re- to do something again; go against The molecular exchange of oxygen and carbon -premere- to press back dioxide within the body’s tissues, from the lungs -or a condition or property of things or persons; to the cellular oxidation processes; the act of person who does something inhaling and exhaling. A protein produced by the regulator gene; it Response blocks the transcription of the gene. Latin Reproduction re- to do something again; go against English/Latin -spondere to promise re- to do something again; go against The reaction by a living organism to a stimulus. -pro- before; forward; for, in front of; in place of Restitution -ducere- to lead English/Latin -ion state, process, or quality of re- to do something again; go against The act of (re)producing something of the same kind. -statuere- to set up Reside -ion state, process, or quality of Latin The return to or restoration of a previous state or residere to sit back, abide, remain position after a collision. To dwell permanently or continuously. Resultant Resistance English/Latin English/Latin re- to do something again; go against re- to do something again; go against -saltare to leap -sistere- to place A vector generated through the sum of other vectors. -ance brilliance, appearance Retardant A force that tends to oppose or retard motion. Latin Resistor re- to do something again; go against English/Latin -tardare- delay, impede re- to do something again; go against -ant performing, promoting, or causing a speci- -sistere- to place fied action -or a condition or property of things or persons; Acting or intending to delay or impede. This term is person who does something often used with another term, as in “flame retardant.” A component that resists the flow of current in an Reticulum electronic circuit. Greek/Latin Resolution reticul- net or networklike Latin -um (singular) structure resolvere- relax, untie -a (plural) structure -ion state, process, or quality of System of membranous saccules and channels in the cytoplasm, often with attached ribosomes. Ribosome 171

Retina rhin- nose Latin -keras horn retis net Any of a family (Rhinocerotidae) of large, heavy-set, Innermost layer of the eyeball. herbivorous perissodactyl mammals of Africa and Asia that have one or two upright keratinous horns on Retrovirus the snout and thick gray to brown skin with little hair. Latin retro- backward, behind Rhinomycosis -virus poison Greek A group of viruses each of which contains one strand rhin- nose of RNA. The group includes many viruses that may -myco- (mukes) fungi cause some cancers, as well as the HIV virus. -sis action, process, state, condition Fungal infection of the nasal mucous membranes. Revolution Latin Rhinorrhea re- to do something again; go against New Latin -volvere- to turn or spin rhin- nose -ion state, process, or quality of -rhea flow or discharge The movement of one body (planet) around Secretions or discharge from the nose. another body (sun) or a fixed point. Rhizobium Rex Greek Latin rhiza- root rex king -bios- life, living organisms or tissue The king; refers to or denotes size or dominance -um (singular) structure of a given species (e.g., Tyrannosaurus rex). -a (plural) structure Any of various nitrogen-fixing bacteria of the Rheumatic genus Rhizobium that form nodules on the roots Greek of leguminous plants, such as clover and beans. rheum- flow, watery discharge from the body once thought to cause aches and pains in joints Rhizoid -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Greek Of, relating to, or having the characteristics of rhiza- root rheumatism. -oid (oeides) resembling, having the appearance of Rootlike hair that anchors a plant and absorbs Rheumatism minerals and water from the soil. Greek rheumat- flow, watery discharge from the body Rhodophyte once thought to cause aches and pains in joints Greek -ism state or condition, quality rhodon- rose Any of a number of pathological conditions lead- -phyte plant ing to mild to severe aches and pains in the joints. Marine algae with a reddish color or hue. Rhinencephalon Ribonucleic acid Greek German/Latin rhin- nose ribo(se)- a kind of sugar -cephalo- (kephalikos) head -nucula- kernel, little nut -on a particle -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of That portion of the cerebrum concerned with A long, single-stranded polymer found in all liv- reception and integration of olfactory (smelling) ing organisms and involved in genetic transcrip- impulses. tion and protein synthesis. Rhinitis Ribosome New Latin Greek rhin- nose ribose- sugar -itis inflammation, burning sensation -soma (somatiko) body Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose. A minute, round particle composed of RNA and protein, found in the cytoplasm of living cells and Rhinoceros active in the synthesis of proteins. Latin 172 Rigid

Rigid Any member of the order Rodentia, a group of Latin animals in the class Mammalia characterized by rigere to be stiff having fur, four legs, warm blood, and large inci- Refers to a system of particles whose positions sors for gnawing. remain fixed relative to each other. Rodenticide Riparian Latin Latin rodere- to gnaw ripa- river bank, stream -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike -an one that is of, or relating to, or belonging to A type of pesticide that controls mice, rats, and Relating to or living on or near the banks of a other rodents. stream or river. Rostrum Robot Latin Czech rostrum beak robot worker A beaklike or snoutlike projection. A machine in the form of a human being that per- Rotation forms the mechanical functions of a human being Latin but lacks emotions and sensitivity. rota- wheel Rodent -ion state, process, or quality of Latin The act or process of turning about a center or an rodere to gnaw axis. Saccharide Salt Sanskrit Old English sarkara- sugar sealt salt -ide group of related chemical compounds A compound created by the neutralization of an Another name for a sugar. acid with a base or by a chemical reaction between a metal and a nonmetal. Saccharolytic Sanskrit/Greek Saponification sarkara- sugar Latin -ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve, dissolution, break saponi- soap -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -fication to make Capable of hydrolyzing or otherwise breaking The process of saponifying; the decomposition of down a sugar molecule. a fat by the addition of an alkali that combines with its fatty acids to form a soap, with the remain- Sacrum ing constituent, glycerin, consequently liberated. Latin sacr- sacred or holy Saprophagous -um (singular) structure Greek -a (plural) structure sapro- rotten, putrid; decay Compound triangular bone at the base of the -phagos (phagein) to eat, eating human spine. Feeding on decaying matter; carrion beetles who feed off of the rotting matter of dead organisms. Sagittal Latin Saprophyte sagitta- arrow Greek -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form sapro- rotten, putrid; decay or character of -phyton plant Relates to the plane that is parallel to the sagittal A plant living on dead or decaying organic matter. suture of the skull. Saprotroph Salamander Greek Latin sapro- rotten, putrid, decay salamandra slithering -trophos (trophein) to nourish, food, nutrition; Any member of the order Caudata, having development porous, smooth skin, weak legs, and a tail. Organism that secretes digestive enzymes and absorbs the resulting nutrients back across the plasma membrane. 174 Sarcolemma

Sarcolemma Schizocoelus Greek Greek sarko- flesh, meat skhizein- to cut, split -eilema veil, sheath -koilos hollow The plasma membrane of a muscle cell. The type of development found in protosomes; initially solid masses of mesoderm split to form Sarcoma coelomic cavities. Greek sarko- flesh, meat Science -oma tumor Latin Cancerous tumor derived from connective tissue. scire to know, knowledge The observation, identification, description, Sarcomere experimentation, investigation, and theoretical Greek explanation of phenomena. sarko- flesh, meat -mere part, segment Scientific A segment of a striated muscle cell fibril bounded Latin by Z-disks. scire- to know, knowledge -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Satellite Relating to or employing the methodology of science. French/Latin satelles- to hang on Scintillation -ite component of a part of a body Latin A celestial body (moon) revolving around scintilla- spark another celestial body (planet). -ion state, process, or quality of A flash of light produced in a phosphor by Saturated absorption of an ionizing particle or photon. Latin satur- full Scion -ate characterized by having Old French Incapable of holding any more of a substance or cion descendant material. A grafted twig or bud. Saurischia Sclera Greek Greek sauros- lizard skleros hard -iskhion hip joint Outer, white, fibrous layer of the eye that sur- A dinosaur of the order Surischia characterized by rounds the eye except for the transparent cornea. having the pelvic girdle of a modern-day reptile. Sclerenchyma Scapula Greek Latin sklero- hard scapulae shoulder blade -en- in A triangular bone forming the dorsal part of the -khein to pour shoulder. A supportive plant tissue that consists of thick- Schistosome walled, usually lignified cells. Greek Scoliosis skhizein- to cut, split Greek -soma (somatiko) body skolios- crookedness Any of several chiefly tropical trematodes (worms -osis disease or abnormal condition of the genus Schistosoma), many of which are par- Abnormal lateral curvature of the vertebral column. asitic in the blood of humans and other mammals. Scorpio Schizocarp Greek Greek skorpios scorpion skhizein- to cut, split The constellation (also called the Scorpion) that lies -karpos fruit near Libra and contains the bright red star Antares. Fruit that splits into several closed, one-seeded portions upon maturation. Septum 175

Seamount Semipermeable Middle English/Latin Latin see- sea semi- half -mons mountain -per- through A submarine mountain rising more than 500 fath- -meare- to glide oms (3,000 feet) above the ocean floor. -able capable, be inclined to, tending to, given to Partially permeable; refers specifically to a mem- Secretion brane that allows smaller objects to pass through Latin while prohibiting larger ones. secernere- to set aside -ion state, process, or quality of Senescence The state or process of secreting a fluid. Typically Latin these substances are not waste products; they sen- old age include hormones, mucus, and enzymes. -esce- beginning, becoming -ence the condition of Sedative The sum of processes involving aging, decline, Latin and eventual death. sedates- to calm -ive performing an action Sensitivity A drug that reduces excitability and calms a person. Latin/Greek sensus- sense Sediment -ive- performing an action Latin -ity state of, quality of sed- sit The capacity of an organism to be aware of a -ment state or condition resulting from a (speci- stimulus. fied) action To sit, sink down; the matter that settles to the Sepsis bottom of a liquid. Greek sepein- to make rotten, putrefactive Sedimentation -sis action, process, state, condition Latin A poisoned condition resulting from pathological sed- sit organisms or their toxins in the circulatory system. -ment- state or condition resulting from a (speci- fied) action Septic -ation act or process Greek The act or process of depositing sediment or sepein- to make rotten, putrefactive gravel as a result of some outside force. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Relates to the process of living tissue becoming Seismograph poisoned or rotten as a result of a pathological Greek organism. seismos- to shake -graphia (graphein) to write, record, draw, describe Septicemia Instrument used to detect and record seismic Greek waves produced by earthquakes. sepein- to make rotten, putrefactive -haimo- relating to blood or blood vessels Seismologist -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Greek plurals seismos- to shake A systemic disease caused by pathogenic organ- -logist a person who studies isms or their toxins in the bloodstream; also A person who studies earthquakes. called blood poisoning. Selenium Septum Greek Latin selene- moon saepire- to enclose -ium quality or relationship -um (singular) structure A nonmetallic element resembling sulfur and -a (plural) structure obtained primarily as a by-product of copper A partition or membrane that separates one cavity refining; used in photocells. or hollow from another. 176 Sessile

Sessile Silver Latin Middle English/Assyrian sessus- to sit siolfor to smelt, refine -ile changing, ability, suitable, tending to sarapu refined silver Without petiole or pedicel—attached directly to The metallic element with atomic number 47, the base; fixed, nonmotile animal. highly valued for its luster. Setae Simultaneous Latin Latin seta bristle simul- at the same time Slender, usually rigid or bristly, and springy -eous having the quality of, relating to organ or part of animal or plant. Happening, existing, or done at the same time. Sextant Sinoatrial node Latin Latin sextus sixth sinus- hollow An instrument so named because it is a sixth of a -atri- open area, central court, hall, entrance, or circle. It is used to determine latitude and longi- main room of an ancient Roman house tude by measuring the altitude of a star or the sun -ium quality or relationship above the horizon. A small mass of cardiac tissue located in the pos- terior wall of the right atrium, sometimes referred Shadow zone to as the pacemaker. Old English sceadu shade, shadow Sinus The region on the earth’s surface ranging from Latin about 7,000 to 10,000 miles from an earthquake sinus hollow in which a seismograph detects no S waves and A cavity or depression formed by a series of few, weak P waves. curved surfaces within a living organism, as in the human skull. Sidereal Latin Siphonaptera sidereus- constellation, star Latin/Greek -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form siphon- siphon or character of -apteros wingless Of, relating to, or concerned with the stars or con- Small, wingless, bloodsucking insects with stellations; stellar. mouthparts adapted for siphoning body fluids from their victims; fleas. Sideropenia Greek Sirenia sideros- iron Greek -penia reduction, poverty, lack, deficiency siren- group of female, partly human creatures in An abnormally low concentration of serum iron Greek mythology that lured mariners to destruc- in the blood. tion by their singing -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing Silicate plurals Latin Herbivorous marine mammals, including the silex- hard stone flint manatee and the dugong. -ate characterized by having Any of a large group of minerals, forming over Skeleton 90% of the earth’s crust, that consist of SiO2 or Greek SiO4 groupings combined with one or more met- skeletos dried up als and sometimes hydrogen. The bony framework of the body that provides structure, protection, storage of minerals, and an Silurian environment for hematopoeisis. Celtic silures- a tribe of Wales Society -an one that is of, or relating to, or belonging to Latin Geologic period in the Paleozoic era that marked socius companion, fellowship the first appearance of air-breathing animals. Speciation 177

An organized population or colony, sometimes Solution having a division of labor. Latin solvere- to loosen Sociobiology -ion state, process, or quality of Latin The process of forming a homogeneous mixture socius- companion or partner of any combination of solids, liquids, and gases. -bios- life, living organisms, or tissue -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or Somatic bodies of knowledge Greek The study of the biological basis of all social soma- (somatiko) body behavior. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Having to do with the body or body cavities or Soil cells other than reproductive cells. Latin solium seat, soil Somatotropin The top layer of the earth’s surface, consisting of Greek rock and mineral particles mixed with organic soma- (somatiko) body matter. -trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to stimulus Sol -in protein or derived from a protein Latin Hormone released by the anterior pituitary that sol one, alone, or only stimulates growth in humans. Colloid of very small, solid particles dispersed in a liquid that retains the physical properties of a liquid. Somnambulism Latin Solar somnia- sleep; dream Latin -ambulate- walk, take steps, move around sol- the sun -ism state or condition, quality -ar relating to or resembling Sleepwalking or the ability to perform activities Of, relating to, or proceeding from the sun. normally associated with being awake while Solenoid actually sleeping. Greek Sonoluminescence solen- pipe Latin -oid (oeides) resembling, having the appearance of sonus- sound A coil of wire that acts like a magnet when a cur- -lumen- light rent passes through it. -ence the condition of Solid The production of light as a result of the passing Latin of sound waves through a liquid medium. Light is solidus firm, unyielding, whole, entire formed when bubbles in the liquid burst and Matter that has both a definite shape and a defi- release energy. nite volume. Sorus Solstice Greek Latin soros a heap sol- the sun A cluster of sporangia borne on the underside of a -status to come to a stop, to stand fern frond. The two points along the earth’s elliptical orbit Spathe where the sun’s distance from the equator is greatest. Latin Soluble spatha a flat blade Latin A large, leaflike part enclosing a flower cluster. solvere- to loosen Speciation -able/-ible capable, be inclined to, tending to, Latin given to/capable species- particular kind Describes the ability to be homogeneously mixed -ation state, process, or quality of in another substance. Emergence of a new species during evolutionary history. 178 Species

Species The sphenoid bone or relating to the sphenoid Latin bone; wedge shaped. species particular kind Sphincter A taxonomic unit ranking below a genus and des- Greek ignated by a binomen consisting of its genus sphingein to bind tight name and the species name. A ringlike muscle whose action resembles that of Specimen the drawstring of a bag. It normally serves to con- Latin strict an opening (mouth, anus, or arteriole) or, specere to look at, appearance when relaxed, to enable access to the passage. A small sample of something intended to show Spiracle the nature of the whole. Latin Spectrochemical spir- breath of life, breath, breathing; mind, spirit, Latin/Greek courage specere- to look at, appearance -cle small -khemeia a substance with a distinct molecular The external openings of the insect breathing (tra- composition cheal) system, found along the abdomen. Pertains to a series listing ligands based on their Spirochete energy strengths; these differences cause differ- Greek/Latin ent colors to be emitted. speira- coil Spectrophotometry -chaeta bristle hair Greek Any of the various slender, spiral-shaped, motile specere- to look at, appearance bacteria. -photos- light, radiant energy Spirogyra -metria (metron) the process of measuring Greek The process of using an instrument to measure the speira- coil intensity of various wavelengths of radiant energy. -guros ring Spectroscopy Any of various filamentous freshwater green Greek algae of the genus Spirogyra, having chloroplasts specere- to look at, appearance in spirally twisted bands. -scopium to look at, examine Spongocoel Methods of studying substances exposed to some Greek sort of exciting energy. spongos- sponge Spectrum -koilos hollow Latin Central cavity in sponges that opens to the exte- specere to look at, appearance rior by an osculum. The distribution of energy emitted by a radiant Sporangium source, as by an incandescent body, arranged in Greek order of wavelength. sporos- seed Speed -angeion- vessel Old English -ium quality or relationship sped swiftness Spore-containing structure; a sac or case in which The scalar quantity used to measure displacement spores are produced. per unit time. Sporophyte Speleothem Greek Greek spora- seed spelaion cave -phuto plant General name for any cave formation. A stage in a plant’s life cycle during which spores are produced. Sphenoid Greek Sporozoan sphen- wedge, wedge shaped Greek -oid (oeides) resembling; having the appearance of spora- seed -zoan animal, animal-like Stenocrotaphia 179

Member of the class Sporozoa, consisting of non- Steatohepatitis motile, single-celled parasitic organisms. Greek steat- fat, tallow Stability -hepat- liver Latin -itis inflammation, burning sensation stabilis- to stand Disease condition that is characterized by fatty -ity state of, quality of deposits in the liver, that may or may not be Resistance to chemical change or to physical caused by excessive alcohol use, and that has few disintegration. symptoms that can be readily diagnosed. Stalactite Stegnosis Greek Greek stalaktos- dropping or trickling stegn- constriction, obstruction -ite minerals and fossils -osis action, process, state, condition An icicle-shaped, secondary mineral deposit that A condition causing the stoppage of secretions; hangs from the roof of a cave. constriction, constipation. Stamen Stegosaur Latin Greek stamen thread stegos- roof Reproductive, pollen-producing organ of a vascu- -sauros lizard lar plant, composed of a filament and an anther. Herbivorous dinosaur existing in the Jurassic to Staphylococcus the Cretaceous periods and characterized by a Greek double row of boney plates along the dorsal side, staphylo- cluster long rear legs, and a small head and neck. -coccus of spherical or spheroidal shape Stele Spherical parasitic bacterium, usually occurring Greek in grapelike clusters. stele pillar Static The central core of tissue in the stem or root of a Greek vascular plant. statos- standing, stay, make firm, fixed Stenobenthic -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Greek Of or relating to bodies at rest or forces that bal- stenos- narrow ance each other. -benth- deep; the fauna and flora of the bottom of Stationary the sea Greek -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of statos- standing, stay, make firm, fixed Living within a narrow range at or near the bot- -ary of or relating to or connected with tom of the sea. Incapable of being moved, fixed; nonmotile Stenocoriasis organisms. Greek Statocyst stenos- narrow Greek -core- (corium) skin statos- standing, stay, make firm, fixed -iasis a process or a pathological condition -cyst (kustis) sac or bladder that contains fluid The abnormal contraction of the pupil of the eye; A very small, fluid-filled organ found in many a symptom of a pathological condition. invertebrates that orients the body in relation to Stenocrotaphia gravity. Greek Stearoptene stenos- narrow Greek -crotaphion- pulse, beat steat- fat, tallow -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing -ptenos volatile, winged plurals The more solid component of a volatile oil; it sep- Narrowness of the temporal region. arates out as a whitish, crystalline solid as it cools to room temperature. 180 Stenohaline

Stenohaline Stereoscopic Greek Greek stenos- narrow stereos- three-dimensional, solid, firm, hard -halo- salt -skopein- to view, examine -ine a chemical substance -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Refers to organisms that are capable of tolerating Pertaining to two images of the same scene, dif- only slight variations in salinity. fering slightly in point of view, that are each seen by one eye, giving the effect of solidity. Stenothermal Greek Sternum stenos- narrow Greek -thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) sternon- chest, breast, sternum, the breast bone -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form -um (singular) structure or character of -a (plural) structure Describes an organism tolerant of only a narrow A long, flat bone articulating with the cartilages range of temperatures. of the first seven ribs and with the clavicle, form- ing the middle part of the anterior wall of the tho- Stenothorax rax, and consisting of the corpus, manubrium, Greek and xiphoid process. stenos- narrow -thoraces chest Stethoscope Abnormal narrowness of the chest. French/Greek stethos- chest Stephanion -skopein to view, examine Greek Any of a group of instruments designed to stephanos- crown amplify the sounds of the chest, such as heartbeat -ion state, process, or quality of or respiration. The point on the side of the cranium at which the coronal suture meets the superior temporal line. Stigma Greek Steradian stizein tattoo mark; to prick Greek A small pore, mark, or spot, such as the respira- ster- solid tory spiracle of an insect. -radi- ray, spoke of a wheel -an one that is of, relating to, or belonging to Stipule Measurement of solid angles, equivalent to the New Latin angle subtended at the center of a sphere by an stipula trunk area on its surface equal to the square of its radius. Either of a pair of appendages borne at the base of A full sphere subtends 4␲ steradians. the leafstalk in many plants. Stereocilium Stoichiometry Greek Greek /English stereos- three-dimensional, solid, firm, hard stoicheious- element -cili- a small hair -metria (metron) the process of measuring; to -um (singular) structure measure -a (plural) structure A branch of science that deals with the applica- A nonmotile protoplasmic filament on the free tion of the laws of definite proportions and of the surface of a cell; found on hair cells of the inner conservation of matter and energy to chemical ear and on pseudostratified epithelial cells of the activity. male epididymis. Stolon Stereopsis Latin Greek stolo shoot stereos- three-dimensional, solid, firm, hard A shoot that bends to the ground or that grows -opisi vision horizontally above the ground, and that produces Stereoscopic vision allowing for depth percep- roots and shoots at the nodes. tion and visual acuity. Sublimation 181

Stomach Striation Greek Latin stomakhos gullet stria- thin narrow groove or channels, bands The enlarged portion of the alimentary canal lying -ion state, process, or quality of between the esophagus and the small intestine. In biology, a group of protein bands found in skel- etal muscle that are involved in muscular contrac- Stomata tions. In earth science, one of a number of parallel Greek lines or scratches on the surface of a rock that stoma mouth were inscribed by rock fragments imbedded in One of the minute pores in the epidermis of a leaf the base of a glacier as it moved across the rock. or stem through which gases and water vapor pass. Stromatolite Stratigraphy Greek Latin stroma- living on a bed; spread out stratum- horizontal layer; stretched, spread out; -lite combining form used in naming of minerals layer, cloud layer Large mats and mounds composed of billions of -graphia (graphein) to write, record, draw, describe photosynthesizing cyanobacteria that dominated The study of the arrangement, distribution, and the Proterozoic’s shallow oceans. deposition of rocks in layers. Structure Stratosphere Latin Latin structura part stratum- horizontal layer; stretched, spread out; A part of the body, such as the heart, a bone, a layer, cloud layer gland, a cell, or a limb. -sphaire to surround The second lowest layer of earth’s atmosphere; the Subcutaneous ozone layer is located in the upper stratosphere. Latin sub- under or below Stratovolcano -cutis- skin Latin -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to stratum- horizontal layer; stretched, spread out; Refers to tissue or other object located just below layer, cloud layer the dermis or skin. -vol’nus fire, flames (named after the Roman god of fire) Subduction A volcano built up from alternating layers of rock Latin and lava. sub- under or below -ducere- to lead Stratus -ion state, process, or quality of Latin Pertains to a long narrow zone associated with stratum- horizontal layer; stretched, spread out; oceanic trenches, where one plate descends layer, cloud layer beneath another. Featureless sheets of clouds; horizontal, spread- out layers of grayish-colored clouds. Sublimate Latin Strepsirhini sublimus- up to, elevate, uplifted Greek -ate characterized by having streptos- twisted chain, turn To purify or refine by subliming; to change matter -rhino nose, nasal from the solid state to the gaseous state or from Suborder containing seven families of arboreal the gaseous state to the solid state without an primates, formerly called prosimians, concen- intervening liquid state. trated on Madagascar and having comma-shaped nostrils, a long nonprehensile tail, and a second Sublimation toe provided with a claw. Latin sublimus- up to, elevate, uplifted Streptococcus -ion state, process, or quality of Greek The process of changing a solid substance streptos- twisted chain, turn directly into a vapor without it first passing -kokkos of spherical or spheroidal shape, grain, seed through the liquid state. Spherical bacteria that occur in pairs or chains. 182 Sublime

Sublime Supercooling Latin Latin sublimus up to, elevate, uplifted super- superior in size, quality, number, or To go directly from a solid to a gas without going degree; exceeding the norm through the liquid phase. -cole- becoming less warm -inde the act of Subscript Cooling a liquid to a temperature below that at Greek which crystallization would normally occur but sub- under or below without the separation of a solid. -scribere writing A symbol written below another symbol or letter. Supernova Latin Substance super- superior in size, quality, number, or Latin degree; exceeding the norm sub- under or below -nova new -stantia- essence, material A rare celestial phenomenon involving the explo- -ance state, quality sion of most of the material in a star, resulting in A material produced by or used in a chemical process. an extremely bright, short-lived object that emits Subterranean vast amounts of energy. Latin Surfactant sub- under or below Old French -terra- earth sur- above -an one that is of, relating to, or belonging to -face- outward appearance Refers to that which is found beneath the earth’s -agere to do surface. A surface-active substance designed to make a sur- Succession face “wetter”; the fluid layer of the alveolar sacs of Latin the lungs that makes the exchange of gases possible. succedere- to follow after Susceptible -ion state, process, or quality of Latin The act of following in order; following consecutively. sus- (sub) below, under, beneath Sugar -capere- catch, seize, take hold of, contain Middle English -able/-ible capable, be inclined to, tending to, sugre sugar given to/capable of Any of various water-soluble compounds that Likely to be affected; permitting an action to be vary widely in sweetness and include the performed. oligosaccharides. Suspension Supercell Latin Latin suspendere- to cause to hang super- superior in size, quality, number, or -ion state, process, or quality of degree; exceeding the norm A system consisting of a solid dispersed in a -cella small room, compact, chamber solid, liquid, or gas, usually in particles of larger Self-sustaining, extremely powerful storm char- than colloidal size. acterized by intense rotating updrafts. Sustainable Superconductivity Latin Latin sus- (sub) below, under, beneath super- superior in size, quality, number, or -tenere- to hold, grasp, have degree; exceeding the norm -able capable, be inclined to, tending to, given to -conducere- to bring together Of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or -ity state of, quality of using a resource so that the resource is not The flow of electric current without resistance in depleted or permanently damaged. certain metals, alloys, and ceramics at tempera- tures near absolute zero, and in some cases at tem- peratures hundreds of degrees above absolute zero. Systole 183

Symbiosis Syndiotactic Greek Greek sym- with, together syndio- two together -bios- life, living organisms, or tissue -taktos ordered -sis action, process, state, condition Refers to the type of orientation of the methyl The living together of two different species in an groups on a polypropylene chain in plastics—in intimate relationship. The symbiont always bene- this case alternating orientation. fits; the host may benefit, may be unaffected, or Syndrome may be harmed (mutualism, commensalism, and Greek parasitism, respectively). syn- together, united Symmetrical -dramein (dromos) to run Greek A group of signs and symptoms that occur sym- with, together together and characterize a particular abnormality. -meter- (metron) instrument or means of measur- Synecology ing; to measure Greek -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form syn- together, united or character of -oikos- house Regular as to the number of its parts; correspond- -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or ing units of similar structure that exist on either bodies of knowledge side of a central axis. Ecology of communities as opposed to individual Synapse species. Greek Synovial joint syn- together, united Greek -haptein- to fasten syn- together, united -sis action, process, state, condition -ovo- egg Junction between two nerve cells, allowing the -ial (variation of -ia) relating to or characterized by transfer of nerve impulses from the axon terminal Freely moving joint in which two bones are sepa- of one neuron to another neuron or cell. rated by a cavity. Synchronous Synthesis Greek Greek syn- together, united syn- together, united -khronos- time -tithen- to put -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to -sis action, process, state, condition Occurring or existing at the same time; moving or The combining of separate elements or sub- operating at the same time. stances to form a coherent whole. Syncline Systematics Greek Greek syn- together, united syn- together, united -klinein to lean -histanai- set up A fold in rocks in which the rock layers dip -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of inward from both sides toward the axis. The systematic classification of organisms and the Syncytial evolutionary relationships among them; taxonomy. Latin Systole syn- together, united Greek -kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid sustellein to contract -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form The rhythmic contractions of the ventricles of the or character of heart that cause blood to be pumped from the Pertaining to a cytoplasmic mass that is multinu- heart into the aorta and the pulmonary arteries. cleated and lacks intercellular boundaries. Ta c hy c a r d i a Ta xo nomy New Latin Greek takhus- fast, swift taxis- order, arrangement -kard- heart, pertaining to the heart -nom (nemein) to dictate the laws of, knowledge, -ia names of diseases, place names, or Latinizing usage, order plurals The classification of organisms in an ordered sys- Faster than normal heart rate, usually calculated tem that indicates natural relationships. over 100 beats per minute in the resting state for Te c hnology adults. Greek Ta c hy o n tekhne- skill, craft English -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or takhus- fast, swift bodies of knowledge -on a particle The application of science to situations usually, A hypothetical subatomic particle that travels but not exclusively, associated with commerce faster than the speed of light. and industry. Ta c hy p n e a Te ctonic Greek Greek takhus- fast, swift tekton- builder -pnein breath -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic Breathing very rapidly. of In geology, relating to, causing, or resulting from Ta r s a l structural deformation of the earth’s crust. Study Greek of the earth’s structural features. tarsus- ankle -al of the kind of, pertaining Te lencephalon to, having the form or character of Greek A bone of the ankle; of or relating to the ankle. tele- far off, distant -enkephalos in the head Ta xon (taxa) The anterior portion of the prosencephalon, con- Greek stituting the cerebral hemispheres and composing taxis order, arrangement with the diencephalon the prosencephalon. Any taxonomic group or entity: kingdom, phy- lum, class, order, family, genus, or species. Tephra 185

Thomas Edison, the Great American Inventor Few inventors in history were as prolific as Thomas 1933), Edison and his assistants invented and pat- Edison. When he was born, in 1847, the world was ented such gadgets as the printing telegraph, the illuminated by candle and fire. When he died, in electric switch, electromagnetic telegraphic instru- 1931, the world glowed in incandescent light. ments, the typing wheel for telegraphs, the galvanic Though not his invention, he perfected the idea and battery, the speaking machine, the phonograph, the came upon the necessary elements that would give vacuum pump, the electric generator, the typewriter, light without burning out too soon. the electric meter, the electric indicator, the electric Edison conducted most of his research at Menlo railway, the electrical transmission of power, pho- Park in New Jersey. There he would devote his life nogram blanks, the motion picture camera, railway to producing some of the most widely used technol- signaling, the voltaic battery, the electric locomo- ogy in history. Edison did not work alone. He had tive, the magnetic separator, the gas purifier, the brilliant assistants with a single overriding objec- cement kiln, an electronic system for automobiles, a tive: invent and produce. William Hammer, one of process for constructing concrete buildings, Edison’s assistants, was the person in charge of per- improvements to the telephone, and on and on. fecting the light bulb, and he did a remarkable job. Thomas Edison died in 1931. He, along with a In the year after the development of Edison’s bulb, few other men in his lab, changed American society the Edison Lamp Works produced over 50,000 forever. Through his inventions and his strong busi- lamps. ness sense, he managed to get his inventions manu- Edison held 1,093 patents. With a steady flow of factured at a cost that was affordable to many. In a inventions, from his first patent (“Electrographic tribute to his passing, the lights were dimmed for Vote-Recorder” in June 1869) to his last (“A Holder one minute on October 21, 1931, a few days after for Articles to Be Electroplated,” submitted in May his death.

Telescope Te nodesis Greek Greek tele- far off, distant tenon- tendon, sinew, to stretch -skopos watcher -desis binding, fixation An optical instrument used for viewing distant The surgical fixation of a tendon to a bone. objects by means of the refraction of light rays Te noplasty through a lens. Latin/Greek Te lophase tenon- tendon, sinew Greek -plastos (plassein) something molded (to mold) telos- end Reparative or plastic surgery of the tendons. -phasis appearance Te n s i o n The final of the four stages of nuclear division in Latin mitosis and each of the two divisions in meiosis. tension- an extension or length Te l s o n -ion state, process, or quality of Greek A force supplied by a rope or chain whose direc- telson limit tion is away from the load. The rearmost segment of the body of certain Te n t a c l e s arthropods; an extension of this segment, such as Latin the middle lobe of the tail fan of a lobster or the tentare to feel, try stinger of a scorpion. A flexible extension, such as one of those sur- Te ndon rounding the mouth or oral cavity of the squid, Greek used for feeling, grasping, or locomotion. tenon- tendon, sinew, to stretch Te phra A band of tough, inelastic fibrous tissue that con- Greek nects a muscle with its bony attachment. tephra ash The solid substance ejected from a volcanic eruption. 186 Teratological

Te ratological Thermocline Greek Greek terat- marvel, omen, monster thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) -logo- talk, speak -klinein to lean, sloping -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form The transitional layer between warm surface waters or character of and the cold bottom water of oceans or lakes. Monstrous, relating to monstrosity; the biological Thermodynamic study of birth defects. Greek Te rr a i n thermos- combing form of “hot” (heat) Latin -dynamique- powerful terrenus of the earth -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of A series of related rock formations. Characteristic of or resulting from the conversion of heat into other forms of energy. Te r t i a r y Latin Thermograph tertius- third Greek -ary of, relating to, or connected with thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) First period of the Cenozoic era, extending from -graphia (graphein) to write, record, draw, describe the beginning of the Paleocene epoch over 58 A thermometer that records temperatures inde- million years ago to the end of the Pliocene epoch pendently of humans by graphing the data on 2 million years ago. paper or recording the data electronically. Te t r a d Thermometer Greek Greek tetras four thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) A group or set of four homologous chromosomes. -meter (metron) instrument or means of measur- ing; to measure Te trahedron A device usually consisting of a graduated glass Greek tube filled with either alcohol or mercury that is tetra- four faced used to measure temperature. -hedron head A polyhedron with four faces; a Platonic solid P5. Thermophile Greek Thallophytes thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) Greek -phile one who loves or has a strong affinity or thallos- young green shoot preference for -phyte a plant Any group of organisms that have adapted to and A major group of organisms formerly belonging thrive in environments of extreme heat, usually to the plant kingdom. They lack true roots, stems, over 45 degrees Celsius. and leaves. Representative samples include algae, fungi, and mosses. Thermosphere Greek Thallus thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) Greek -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere thallos- young green shoot The outermost layer of the earth’s atmosphere. -us thing A plant that possesses an undifferentiated stem Thermostat and lacks true vascular tissue. Greek thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) Thermoacidophile -statos standing, stay, make firm, fixed, balanced Greek An automatic device for regulating temperature. thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) -acido- of or related to an acid Thigmotropism -phile one who loves or has a strong affinity or Greek preference for thigma- to touch An organism that thrives in a strongly acidic envi- -trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to ronment at high temperatures. stimulus -ism state or condition, quality Titrate 187

The turning or bending response of an organism Thymine upon direct contact with a solid surface or object. Greek thym(ic) acid- acid from the thymus Thoracic -ine of or relating to Greek An essential nitrogenous base found in DNA. thorakikos- thorax, chest -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Thymus Of, pertaining to, or situated in or near the chest. Greek thumos wartlike outgrowth Thoracocentesis A tiny lymphatic gland located behind the ster- Latin num. It is active in young people and is mostly thorakikos- thorax, chest involved with T cell differentiation. It diminishes -cente- puncture in size and becomes vestigial in adults. -sis action, process, state, condition Aspiration of the pleural cavity. A surgical proce- Thyroid dure where the chest wall is punctured to allow Latin for the drainage of fluids from the chest. thureos- oblong shield, door -oid (oeides) resembling; having the appearance of Thorax An endocrine gland located laterally to the tra- Greek chea in mammals; it produces various hormones, thorakikos thorax, chest including triiodothyronine and calcitonin. The cage of bone and cartilage where the primary organs of the respiratory system reside. Formed Thysanoptera ventrally by the sternum and costal cartilages and Greek dorsally by the twelve thoracic vertebrae con- thysanos- fringe nected to the dorsal parts of the twelve ribs. -pteron feather, wing An insect order classified as being minute to Thrombocyte small, with long, narrow bodies and broadly Greek fringed wings (also know as thrips). thrombo- clot, blood clot -cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid Thysanura A cell, specifically platelets responsible for initi- Greek ating the clotting of blood. thysanos- fringe -ura tail Thrombocytopenia Silverfish; wingless, quick-moving, flattened Greek insects that lack metamorphosis and are consid- thrombo- clot, blood clot ered by humans to be a pest species. -kutos- (cyto) sac or bladder that contains fluid -penia reduction, poverty, lack, deficiency Tide A reduced number of platelets in the blood. Old English tima division of time Thrombosis The periodic variation in the surface level of the New Latin oceans caused by the gravitational attraction of thrombo- clot, blood clot the moon and the sun. -sis action, process, state, condition Formation of a clot in a blood vessel. Time Anglo Saxon Thrust tima time, hour, or season Old Norse The period between two events. thrysta to tire The force provided to drive an object through a Tinnitus medium, such as an airplane through air. Latin tinnire to ring Thylakoids A ringing sound in the ears, the cause of which is Greek unknown. thylakos- sack -oid (oeides) resembling, having the appearance of Titrate Fattened sac within a granum whose membrane French contains chlorophyll and where the light-depen- titre- concentration of a substance dent reactions of photosynthesis occur. -ate characterized by having 188 Titration

To determine the concentration of a substance by Tr a ch e a titration. Greek/Latin trakheia rough Titration Main trunk of the system of tubes by which air Latin passes to and from the lungs. titre- concentration of a substance -ion state, process, or quality of Tr a i t The process of determining the concentration of a Latin substance in solution by adding to it a standard tractus drag, drawing out, line reagent of known concentration in carefully mea- A distinguishing quality; an inherited characteristic. sured amounts until a reaction of definite propor- Tr a j e c to r y tion is completed. Latin To ngue traicere- to cause to cross. Latin -ory of or pertaining to tunge tongue The path followed by a projectile. A muscular organ that is usually attached to the Tr anscription floor of the mouth. Latin To n s i l trans- across or through Latin -scribere to write down toles tonsil A process in which DNA serves as a template for Mass of lymphoid tissue in the back of the mouth RNA formation. and the throat and on the rear of the tongue. Tr a n s d u c t i o n To pography Latin Greek transducere- transfer topos- place -ion state, process, or quality of -graphia (graphein) to write, record, draw, describe The transfer of genetic material from one micro- The configuration of a surface, including its relief and organism to another by a viral agent. the position of its natural and man-made features. Tr ansfer To r que Latin Latin trans- across or through torquere to twist -ferre to carry The moment of a force or the measurement of a To convey or cause to pass from one place, per- force’s tendency to produce torsion or rotation son, or thing to another. around an axis. Tr a n s fo rm a t i o n Tox i c Latin Greek trans- across or through toxikos- poison -forma- shape -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -ion state, process, or quality of Having to do with poison or something harmful to The alteration of a bacterial cell caused by the the body. transfer of DNA from another bacterial cell. Tox i c i t y Tr ansfusion Greek Latin toxikos- poison trans- across or through -ity state of, quality of -fundere- to pour Of, relating to, or caused by a poison or toxin. -ion state, process, or quality of The act of instilling, moving, or transferring a Toxicomania substance from one vessel to another. Greek/English toxikos- poison Tr ansgenesis -mania obsessive preoccupation with something; Latin madness, frenzy; obsession, or abnormal desire for trans- across or through An intense craving for poisons; an urge to poison -gen- to give birth, kind, produce oneself. -sis action, process, state, condition Triceps 189

Integration into a living organism of a foreign -spir- to breathe gene that confers upon the organism a new prop- -ion state, process, or quality of erty that it will transmit to its descendants. The evaporative loss of water from a plant. Tr ansgenic Tr a n s p l a n t Latin Latin trans- across or through trans- across or through -gen- to give birth, kind, produce -plantare to plant -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of To uproot a plant from one area to another, or to Refers to an organism that contains genes from remove an organ or tissue from an animal and another species, where the genes contain foreign place it in another. DNA. Tr ansport Tr anslation Latin Latin trans- across or through trans- across or through -portare carry -latus- brought The movement or transference of biochemical -ion state, process, or quality of substances from one site to another. The process by which mRNA directs the amino Tr ansverse acid sequence of a growing polypeptide during Latin protein synthesis. trans- across or through Tr anslocation -vertere to turn Latin Situated or lying across; crosswise. trans- across or through Tre m atode -locus- place Greek -ion state, process, or quality of tremat- perforation The rearrangement of genetic material within the -hodos wave same chromosome, or the transfer of a segment of A class of parasitic flatworms that attach them- one chromosome to another, nonhomologous one. selves to hosts by hooks or suckers. Tr anslucent Triassic Latin Latin trans- across or through trias- three -lucere- to shine -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -ent causing an action, being in a specific state, within Of or belonging to the geologic time, system of Transmitting light but causing sufficient diffusion rocks, or sedimentary deposits of the first period to prevent the perception of distinct images. of the Mesozoic era, characterized by the diversi- Tr anslunar fication of land life, the rise of dinosaurs, and the Latin appearance of the earliest mammals. trans- across or through Triboluminescence -luna- moon Greek/Latin -ar relating to or resembling tribein- to rub Extending beyond the moon or its orbit around -lumen- light the earth. -ence the condition of Tr ansmission The production of light taking the appearance of Latin tiny sparks that are observed in the dark in some trans- across or through minerals when a hard point is dragged across the -miss- to let go or to send surface of the mineral. -ion state, process, or quality of Tri c e p s The process of causing to pass through, be con- Latin veyed, or be sent out. tri- three Tr anspiration -caput head Latin A muscle with three points of origin. trans- across or through 190 Triceratops

Triceratops Trigeminal Greek Greek tri- three tri- three -keras- horn -gemin- twin, double -ops eye, face -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form A herbivorous dinosaur of the genus Triceratops, or character of of the Cretaceous period, having a bony plate The main sensory nerve of the face and motor covering the neck, a large horn above either eye, nerve for the muscles of mastication. and a small horn on the nose. Tri s o my Trichinella Greek Greek tri- three trichinos- made of hair -soma- (somatiko) body -ella little -y place for an activity, condition, state One of the group of parasitic nematodes that are slen- Abnormal condition of having three copies of a der and hairlike; roundworms that cause trichinosis. chromosome rather than the normal two in a somatic cell. Tri c h o c y s t Greek Trophozoite trichinos- made of hair Greek -cyst (kustis) sac or bladder that contains fluid trophos- (trophein) to nourish, food, nutrition; A threadlike stinging or grasping structure pos- development sessed by some ciliates and other protists that is -zoion animal, living being used for capturing prey. The adult, active feeding stage of unicellular organisms in the class Sporozoa. Trichoptera Greek Tro p i s m trichino- made of hair Greek -pteron feather, wing trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to The four-winged insect order whose species are stimulus found near lakes and streams; caddisflies. -ism state or condition, quality The turning or bending movement of an organism Tri c h ro i s m toward or away from an external stimulus. Greek tri- three Tropopause -khros- color Greek -ism state or condition, quality trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to The property possessed by certain minerals in stimulus which three different colors are displayed when -pausis stop the mineral is viewed from three different direc- Atmospheric region between the troposphere and tions under white lights. the stratosphere. Triclinic Troposphere Greek Greek tri- three trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to -klinein to lean, sloping stimulus Having three unequal axes intersecting at oblique -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere angles. The lowest region of the atmosphere between the earth’s surface and the tropopause, characterized by Tricuspid decreasing temperature with increasing altitude. Greek tri- three Trough -cuspis- sharp point, cusp Middle English -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, trog wooden vessel tending to, inclined to The minimum point in a wave or alternating signal. Structure having three cusps; the molars (teeth) Tsunami and the tricuspid valve of the human heart. Japanese Tyrannosaur 191

tsu- port Ty m p a n i c -nami wave Greek A large ocean wave caused by an underwater tumpanon- drum earthquake or volcanic eruption. -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of Relating to the membrane, a diaphragm-like Tu b u l e structure that is external on some insects and Latin internal in mammals. tubus- pipe -ule little, small Ty rannosaur A very small tube or tubelike structure. Greek turannos- tyrant Tu fa -sauros lizard Latin A large dinosaur with small forelimbs, a large tufos tuff head, and a strong tail that existed during the Calcareous lime deposits usually formed as pre- Upper Cretaceous period in North America. cipitates from springs with high concentrations of calcium; unusual formations of lime deposits. Tu m o r Latin tumere to swell An abnormal growth of tissue characterized by a proliferation of cells serving no useful purpose. Ulcer Unicellular Latin Latin ulcus open sore uni- same, one Lesion of the skin or mucous membrane in which -cellul- cell, small room bleeding usually occurs and necrosis of the sur- -ar relating to or resembling rounding tissue often occurs. Plant and animal-like organisms that have or con- sist of one cell; to be one-celled. Ultraviolet Latin Uniform ultra- beyond, to an extreme degree Latin -violet shortest ray on the visible spectrum uni- same, one Lying just beyond the violet end of the visible -forma shape spectrum. Being always the same, as in character or degree; unvarying. Umbra Latin Uniparous umbra shadow Latin The completely dark portion of the shadow cast by uni- same, one the earth, moon, or other body during an eclipse. -para- to bring forth, to bear -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to Undifferentiated Refers to animals that produce one offspring at a Latin time or to plants that form a single axis at each un- not branching. -differens different Refers to cells during embryonic growth that Unit have not yet developed into organs and tissues Latin with specialized functions. unus one A determinate quantity adopted as a standard of Ungulate measurement. Latin unguis- hoofed, clawed, nail Unsaturated -ate characterized by having Latin Of or belonging to the former order Ungulata; un- not hooved mammals such as horses, cattle, deer, and -satur- full swine. -ate characterized by having Containing less of a solute required for equilibrium. Uvula 193

Uracil Uropod Latin Greek urina- (ur)ea urine uro- tail -acetum- (ac)ectic acetic acid, vinegar -pod foot -il substance relating to One of the abdominal appendages of a crusta- An essential chemical of RNA. cean, which are used chiefly in locomotion. Urease Uterine Latin Latin urea- urine uterus- womb -ase enzyme -ine of or relating to An enzyme that promotes the hydrolysis of urea. Of, pertaining to, or in the region of the uterus. Ureter Uterus Greek Latin ouron- water, rain, wet; urine uterus womb -ter denoting the instrument A hollow muscular organ of the female mammal for A thick-walled tube that conveys urine from the the gestation of fetuses, located in the pelvic region. kidney to the urinary bladder. Utilization Urethra Latin Greek utilize- to use ourethra urinate -ion state, process, or quality of A canal extending from the bladder to the exterior The act or process of putting something to use for of the body; it carries urine in both sexes and a productive purpose. semen in males of the species. Uvula Urinary Latin Greek uva- grape (swollen) ouron- water, rain, wet; urine -ula little, small -ary of, relating to, or connected with A small, pendant/grape-shaped, fleshy mass of Of or relating to the organs involved in the forma- tissue suspended from the center of the posterior tion and excretion of urine. border of the soft palate. Vaccine Vaporization Latin Latin vacc- cow vapor- diffuse matter in air -ine a chemical substance -ize to make, to treat, to do something with A substance prepared from pathogens that is -ion state, process, or quality of injected into the body in order to build antibodies The process of converting a liquid into a gas. and create immunity from diseases caused by Vaporize those pathogens. Latin Vacuole vapor- diffuse matter in air Latin/French -ize to make, to treat, to do something with vacuus- empty To convert or be converted into vapor. -ole little Variation A membrane-enclosed cavity that contains water, Latin food, or wastes from cellular activity. variare- different, diversity, change Vagina -ion state, process, or quality of Latin Divergence in the characteristics of an organism vagina sheath from the species or population norm or average. A tube or canal that extends from the uterus to the Varicose exterior of the body. Latin Valence varic- swollen vein Latin -ose full of, containing, having the qualities of, valere to be strong like Any number given to an element or ion as an indi- Describes the abnormal condition of swollen or cator of combining sites; also used to determine twisted superficial veins. whether electrons will be gained or lost as a result Variegation of a chemical reaction. Latin Vapor varius- various Latin -agere- to do, drive vapor diffuse matter in air -ion state, process, or quality of Suspended liquid, particulate matter, or smoke Irregular variation in the color of plant organs, within a gas, such as steam or fog. such as leaves or flowers. Venule 195

Vas deferens Vegetation Latin Latin vas- vessel, duct vegetat- to enliven -de- reverse the action of, undo, from, apart, away -ion state, process, or quality of -ferre to carry The act or process of vegetating; plants growing The duct or tubule by which semen is carried in a given area. from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. Vein Vascular Latin Latin vena vessel, tube vas- vessel, duct Large blood vessel that conducts blood toward -cul- small, tiny the heart. -ar relating to or resembling Velocity Characterized by containing vessels that carry or Latin circulate fluids through plants and animals. velox- quick Vasodilation -ity state of, quality of Latin The vector quantity used to measure speed. vas- vessel, duct Vena cava -di- apart, away, from Latin -latus- wide vena- vein -ion state, process or quality of -cava empty, hollow The act or process of increasing the diameter of a Very large veins, both superior and inferior, that small blood vessel. empty blood into the right atrium of the heart. Vasopressin Vent Latin Latin vas- vessel, duct ventus wind -premere- to press, curtail, prohibit The opening of a volcano in the earth’s crust. -in protein or derived from a protein Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secreted by the Ventifact anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. This hormone Latin simultaneously constricts small blood vessels, ventus- wind raises blood pressure, and reduces urinary output. -(arti)fact product or result A stone that has been shaped by wind-driven sand. Vasospasm Latin/Greek Ventral vas- vessel, duct Latin -spasmos involuntary contraction, pull venter- belly Constriction of a blood vessel. -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form or character of Vastus Of or close to the abdomen, on the front of the Latin human body or on the lower side of an animal or vastus broad, large fish. Term suggesting “large” or “broad,” in reference to muscle size. Ventricle Latin Vector ventricul- belly Latin -us thing vehere to carry One of the small chambers or cavities usually In physics, a quantity with both magnitude and associated with the heart or brain. direction. In biology, an organism that carries pathological organisms and delivers them from Venule one host to another. In genetics, a plasmid or Latin other agent that carries genetic material from one vena- vessel, tube cell to another. -ule little, small Smaller blood vessel that conducts blood toward a larger vein that ultimately returns blood to the heart. 196 Vermiculite

Vermiculite Refers to an indication, either by structural feature Latin or some other minute piece of evidence, of the vermis- worm existence of a body part that no longer is present in -lithos- stone, rock the modern species (i.e., the forelimbs of ostriches). -ite minerals and fossils Vibration Any of a group of micaceous hydrated silicate Latin minerals related to the chlorites and used in heat- vibrare- to move back and forth expanded form as insulation and as a planting -ion state, process, or quality of medium. The act or process of rapidly moving back and forth. Vermiform Vibrissae Latin Latin verm- worm vibro- to quiver, to oscillate -forma having the form of -ae plural A legless, wormlike larva without a well-developed Stiff hairs or feathers, usually projecting from the head. face (i.e., whiskers). Vertebrate Villus Latin Latin vertebratus- jointed vill- tuft of hair or fleece -ate characterized by having -us thing Having a backbone or spinal column; an animal Small, fingerlike projections extending into the in the phylum Chordata, subdivision Vertebrata. interior of the small intestine and increasing the Vertex absorptive area of the intestinal wall. Latin Viper vertere to turn Latin The point at which the sides of an angle intersect; vipera snake the highest peak of a mountain. Any of several venomous Old World snakes of Vertical the family Viperidae, having a single pair of long, Latin hollow fangs and a thick, heavy body. vertic- highest point Viremia -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form Latin or character of virus- poison The axis perpendicular to the horizon (up and -emia the condition of having (a specific thing) in down); positioned at the highest point. the blood Vertigo Viruses found moving within the bloodstream; Latin they may be pathogenic. vertere to turn Virus The sensation of a whirling or spinning motion Latin associated with oneself or with external objects; virus poison confused or disoriented. Any of various simple submicroscopic parasites Vesicle of plants, animals, and bacteria that often cause Latin disease. vesic- little bladder Visceral -ula little, small Latin Within the cytoplasm of cells, one of a variety of viscidus- sticky small, membrane-bound sacs that function in the -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form transport, storage, or digestion of substances or in or character of some other activity. Of the internal organs of the body, such as the Vestigial heart, lungs, and intestines. Latin Viscosity vestigium- no sign of any return Latin -ial relating to or characterized by viscosus- sticky -ity state or quality Vulva 197

Numerical measure of the degree to which a fluid Volcanic resists flow under an applied force. Latin vol’nus- fire, flames (named after the Roman god Vision of fire) Latin -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of videre- to see Pertains to extrusive rocks that cool above the -ion state, process, or quality of surface. Eyesight; the ability to see. Volcano Vitamin Latin Latin vol’nus fire, flames (named after the Roman god vita- live of fire) -ammonia- a colorless pungent gas, NH 3 A mountain formed of lava, ash, and larger frag- -ine a chemical substance ments ejected during numerous eruptions. Various water- or oil-soluble organic substances that are ingested in small amounts and are essen- Volume tial for growth and development. Latin volumen to roll Vitreous The amount of space occupied by a three-dimen- Latin sional object or region of space, expressed in vitrium- glass cubic units. -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to Of or resembling glass; clear substance. Volvox Latin Viviparity volvere to roll Latin Hollow, spherical, multicellular green algae of viva- life, alive the genus Volox that are found in freshwater. -para- to bring forth, to bear -ity state of, quality of Vulva Reproduction in animals whose embryos develop Latin within the female parent and derive nourishment vulva womb, covering from her tissues (i.e., the placenta). The external genitalia of the female, including the labia, hymen, perineum, and clitoris. Volatile Latin volare- to fly -ile changing, ability, suitable, tending to Refers to that which readily evaporates at room temperature and pressure. Water Weather Old English Old English wæter water weder weather Odorless, colorless, tasteless fluid vital to all The regional condition of the atmosphere with plants and animals. respect to temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind. Wattle Old English Weight watel hurdle Old English A fleshy, wrinkled, often brightly colored process wegan to weigh hanging from the neck or throat, common in cer- The force on an object as a result of gravitation. tain birds, such as chickens. Work Wax Greek Old English ergon activity weax wax The amount of energy required to exert a force Oils and greases composed of hydrocarbons and over a given distance. esters that are quite sensitive to heat and insoluble in water.

Henry Cavendish Perhaps Henry Cavendish lost his chance at fame ciples of chemistry but historically has been given and glory because of his odd, quirky personality. little credit for those discoveries. After his death, Henry was painfully shy toward strangers and many of Cavendish’s discoveries were later made women. He was, however, respected and admired by others. It wasn’t until James Clerk Maxwell, a by his colleagues. According to accounts from his Scottish mathematician, went through Cavendish’s contemporaries, Henry would refrain from making writings in the latter part of the nineteenth century eye contact with anyone but those closest to him. that the outside world realized what Henry had Henry Cavendish was born in Nice, France, on accomplished in his life. Ohm’s law, Dalton’s law October 10, 1731, and he died 78 years later, on of partial pressure, and Charles’ law of gases, February 24, 1810. During his sequestered life, though not so named, were among the principles of Henry discovered some of the most important prin- chemistry included in Cavendish’s narratives. Work 199

By experimentation, Cavendish was able to Henry Cavendish’s experiments with gases were accurately calculate the density of the earth relative meticulously conducted. He repeated his trials with to water. The results of his experiments led to the gases over and over as he attempted to successfully calculation of the actual mass of the earth. He was differentiate them by their specific gravity. accurate to within 1 percent of the earth’s actual Cavendish accurately established the mass, which is estimated at 5.9725 billion trillion composition of earth’s atmosphere as being 79.167 tons. percent “phlogisticated” (inflammable) air and We associate Henry Cavendish with the 20.8333 percent “dephlogisticated” air. Today we discovery of the composition of water. Cavendish is know that most of the phlogisticated air is nitrogen given credit for the discovery of hydrogen, and the dephlogisticated air is oxygen. although, again, he didn’t name it as such. That did not happen until Antoine Lavoisier researched dephlogisticated air + inflammable air →water Cavendish’s experiments in 1777 and carried on with them. → [Now: 2 H2 (g) + O2 (g) H2O (l)] Xanthic Xenotransplantation Greek Greek/Latin xanthos- yellow xenos- stranger, different -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -trans- across or through In botany, pertains to any plant or fruit that has a -plantare- to plant tendency to be yellowish in color. -ion state, process, or quality of The surgical removal of an organ or tissue from Xanthophyll one species and the transplantation of it into a Greek member of a different species. xenos- stranger, different -phyll leaf Xerophyte Yellow pigment that is found in the leaves of Greek green plants and is masked by the green pigment xeros- dry, arid chlorophyll. -phyte plant A plant that lives in dry ecosystems, such as deserts. Xenobiotic Greek Xiphoid xeno- guest Greek -bios- life, living organisms, or tissue xiphos- sword -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -oid (oeides) resembling; having the appearance of Pertains to a drug or other foreign substance Refers to the pointed, cartilaginous tip attached to capable of harming another living thing. the lower end of the breastbone or sternum; the smallest and lowest division of the sternum. Xenocrystal Greek Xylem xenos- stranger, different Greek -krustallos ice xulon wood A crystal foreign to the igneous rock in which it The supporting and water-conducting tissue of occurs. vascular plants, consisting primarily of woody tissue. Xenogenic Greek Xylophage xenos- stranger, different Greek -gen- to give birth, kind, produce xulon- wood -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -phage eat, eating, consume, ingest Refers to a trait originating from a genetically dif- An organism that eats wood, typically an insect. ferent species and introduced into an organism. Certain mollusks and fungi also bore into wood. Yeast In biology, the amount of food gathered from a Old English given crop. In chemistry, the amount of product gist yeast obtained from a given chemical reaction. Single-celled fungi belonging to the families Yo l k Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes. Old English Ye w geolu yellow Old English The yellow substance of an egg, composed of iw yew water, protein, and lipids, that is surrounded by a A type of evergreen tree found mostly in temper- clear, proteinatous layer of albumen. ate climates and thriving in acid soils. Youze Yield East India Old English youze cheetah gelda to pay The cheetah. Zeatin A metal that is whitish in color and malleable at Greek warm temperatures; one of a group of metals used zeia- wheat, barley, corn in the making of alloys. -in protein or derived from a protein Zircon A plant hormone found in the endosperm of maize Persian fruits. zargun- (Persian form azargu n) gold colored Zein ac- (as in açiya diya) fire worship month Greek -gu n color zeia wheat, barley, corn Stable mineral found in granite and that provides A protein found in corn that is used in plastics, evidence for the earth’s crust being at least 4.2 coatings, and adhesives billion years old; a brown to colorless mineral, ZrSiO Zenith 4, which is heated, cut, and polished to form a brilliant, blue white gem. Latin/Arabic semita path over the head Zoanthropy The point on the celestial sphere that is directly Greek above the observer. zoon- animal, animal-like -anthropo- Zeolite man; human being, mankind -y place for an activity, condition, state Greek A mental disorder categorized as a monomania, zein- to boil where an individual believes he has transformed -lithos rock, stone himself into another animal. Aluminum silicate mineral whose molecules enclose cations of sodium, potassium, calcium, Zone strontium, or barium; used chiefly as molecular Greek filters and ion-exchange agents. zone girdle, celestial zone Zero A distinctive region or area that is characterized by a common set of features and relatively dis- Arabic tinct boundaries. sifr nothing, cipher Empty, nothing; the absence of any integer. Zoobenthos Greek Zinc zoon- animal, animal-like Old German -benthos deep; the fauna and flora of the bottom zinko spiked (because it became spiked or jagged of the sea in the oven) Those fauna living in or on the seabed or lake floor. Zygodactylous 203

Zoodomatia Small animals that float or swim near the surface Greek of water. zoon- animal, animal-like Zooplasty -domatia commune, home Greek Plant structures that act as shelters for animals. zoon- animal, animal-like Zooflagellates -plastos- (plassein) something molded; to mold zoon- animal, animal-like -y place for an activity, condition, state -flagell- a whip The surgical procedure whereby animal tissue is -ate characterized by having grafted and implanted in humans. A group of animal-like protists that are character- Zoosmosis ized by having flagella. Greek Zoology zoon- animal, animal-like Greek -osmos- for thrust, push zoon- animal, animal-like -sis action, process, state, condition -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or The osmotic process occurring in living systems, bodies of knowledge specifically in animals. The branch of biology that deals with the study of Zoosporangium the structure, physiology, development, and clas- Greek sification of animals. zoon- animal, animal-like Zoonosis -spora- seed Greek -y place for an activity, condition, state zoon- animal, animal-like A vesicle in plants that holds zoospores. -noso- disease Zoospore -sis action, process, state, condition Greek Any infection of a human by a pathogen whose zoon- animal, animal-like source is a reservoir of a nonhuman animal -spora seed pathogen. Spores possessing flagella that are capable of Zooparasite locomotion. Greek Zootoxin zoon- animal, animal-like Greek -para- beside; near; alongside zoon- animal, animal-like -sitos- grain, food -toxicum poison -ite resident A poison produced by an animal. An animal that feeds off a host organism. Zooxanthella Zoophagous Greek Greek zoon- animal, animal-like zoon- animal, animal-like -xanthos- yellow -phagos- (phagein) to eat, eating -ella dimunitive -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to Microscopic yellow-green algae that live symbi- A broad term applied to animals that feed off otically within the cells of coral. other animals. Zwitterion Zoophyte German Greek zwitterion hybrid ion zoon- animal, animal-like A molecule that has positive and negative charges -phyte a plant on opposite sides; a dipolar molecule. Any animal that resembles a plant more than an animal in morphology or mode of life. Zygodactylous Greek Zooplankton zugon- to yoke, pair Greek -daktulos- toe, finger, digit zoon- animal, animal-like -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to -planktos- passively drifting, wandering, roaming A term applied to yoke-toed birds such as wood- -on a particle peckers, parrots, and cuckoos; the toes of these 204 Zygoma

birds are in sets of two, with one set lying anterior Zygospore to the leg and the other posterior. Greek zugon- to yoke, pair Zygoma -spora seed, a sowing Greek A thick-walled spore of some algae and fungi zugoun to join, bolt formed by the union of two similar sexual cells; The slender bony arch that joins the cheek to the usually serves as a resting spore and produces the temporal bone. sporophytic phase of the plant. Zygomatic Zygote Greek Greek zugoun- to join, bolt zugon to yoke, pair -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of A cell formed by the union of two gametes. Of or relating to the area of the zygoma. Zymurgy Zygomorphic Greek Greek zym- leaven zugon- to yoke, pair -ourgos work -morph- shape, form, figure, or appearance The branch of chemistry that deals with the pro- -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of cess of fermentation. Refers to an organism having a paired or bilateral symmetry. Common Prefixes

a- no, absence of, without, lack of, not auto- self, same, spontaneous; directed from within ab- off, away from avis- bird acere- to be sour baktron- a staff; rod ad- to, a direction toward, addition to, near baro- weight, heavy; combining form meaning aden- lymph gland(s) “pressure” aequi- equal, same, similar, even bathy- deep, depth aer- air, atmosphere, mist, wind bi- two, twice, double, twofold algeis- pain blastos- germ, bud alkali- (Latin) basic, pH more than 7 brakhio n- upper arm allos- other, different bronkhos- windpipe alqili- (Arabic) ashes (originally from Arabic centi- one hundredth word al-qali, which means “ashes,” and recalls the cephalo- (kephalikos) head elements Na [sodium] and K [potassium] left in chaeto- spine, bristle; long, flowing hair the ashes of burning wood or plants) cheil- claw, lip, edge, or brim amnion- embryo, bowl, lamb chemo-, khemeia- chemical/alchemy amphi- on both or all sides, around chlor- the color green, yellow-green, or light green an- no, absence of, without, lack of, not circum- in a circle; around, about, surrounding ana- anew, up co- to the same extent, degree; together, jointly andros- male com- (con) together, with, jointly; compress, converge anemos- wind cyano- (kyanos) blue, dark blue angeion- vessel, usually a blood vessel dactylo- finger, toe ante- before or prior to de- do or make the opposite of, reverse the action anth- flower; that which buds or sprouts of, undo; from, apart, away anthropo- man; human being, mankind deinos- terrible, monstrous anti- opposing, opposite, against dendro- tree, resembling a tree apo- away from, off, separate dermat- skin aqua- water di- apart, away, from, two archae- original, beginning, origin, ancient dia- through, across, apart arte ria - windpipe, artery diploos- double arthr- joint dis- apart, away from, utterly, completely, in all astros- star directions athera- tumors full of pus, like a gruel dys- painful, difficult, disordered, impaired, defective, ill atmos- vapor e- out atri- open area, central court, hall, entrance, or main ektos- outer; external, out of, out, outside; away from room of an ancient Roman house 206 Common Prefixes elektron- charge, electricity, dealing with positive medius- middle and negative charges megas- large, great, big, powerful en- in, into, inward; within melas- (melas) the color black, dark endo- inside, within mesos- middle environ- round about; encircle meta- between, after, beyond, later epi- above, over, on, upon micro- denotes one-millionth of a part eu- good, well; true mono- one, single, alone ex- outside/outward, out of, out; away from morph- shape, form, figure or appearance ferrum- iron; pertaining to or containing iron myco- fungus fibro-, fibr-, fibra- fiber; an elongated threadlike myel- (muelos) bone marrow structure myo- muscle frangere- to break necro- death gamet- husband or wife; to marry nephros- kidney gastr- stomach, belly neur- nerve, cord ge- earth, world nervus- sinew, tendon gen- origin, birth nom- (nemein) to dictate the laws of, knowledge, germen- a bud, offshoot usage, order gravis- heavy, weighty non- not, lack of haima- blood nucula- kernel, little nut he lio- sun oikos- home, house hemi- half oion- egg hepta- liver or- mouth herba- grass, green crops ortho- straight, true, correct, right heteros- different os- mouth holos- complete, whole, entire, all, full osteon- bone homeo- same, like, resembling, sharing, similar, equal ovum- egg hydr- of or having to do with water pan- all hyper- above, high para- beside, near, alongside hypo- under, below, beneath, less than, too little, pathos- suffering, disease deficient ped- foot infra- inferior to, below, or beneath per- through, across inter- among, mutually, together, between, among peri- around, about, enclosing intra- within, inside petros- a rock, fossil, or stone isos- equal, uniform, same, similar, alike phagos- (phagein) to eat, eating kard- heart, pertaining to the heart phainein- to show, appear, display; making evident; kary- nut, walnut, kernel, nucleus literally, “to come” kata- down, downward; under, lower; against; pherbein- to graze entirely, completely pherein- to carry, bear, support; go kentron- center, sharp point philos- love, fondness for, loving khondros- granule, cartilage photos- light, radiant energy khromat- color phukos- rock lichen, seaweed kinetikos- to move; set in motion phullon- leaf klinein- to lean, sloping phuton- plant koilos- hollow cavity pinein- to drink kosmos- universe, order plastos- (plassein) something molded; to mold kustis- (cyst) sac or bladder that contains fluid platus- flat kyklos- circle, wheel, cycle, rotate pneumon- lung, breath leukos- white, clear, or colorless poly- many or much lipos- fat pro-, prot- before, forward; for, in favor of; in front of lithos- stone or rock proteros- earlier ly- (luein) to loosen, dissolve, dissolution, break pseudes- false lympha- clear water, water nymph psych- mind, consciousness, mental process magn- great pteron- feather, wing makros- long, large, great quadi- four mala- bad radi- radiant or radiation energy, wireless transmitter Common Prefixes 207 re- to do something again or go against syn- joined together, together with rodere- to gnaw tele- far off, distant sapro- rotten, putrid, decay telos- end sed- sit thallos- young green shoot semi- half thermos- combining form of “hot” (heat) spein-e to make rotten, putrefactive thrombo- clot, blood clot sinus- hollow topos- place sklero- hard trans- across or through soma- (somatiko) body tri- three specere- to look at, appearance trope- bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to spora- seed stimulus staphylo- cluster trophos- (trophein) to nourish, food, nutrition; statos- standing, stay, make firm, fixed development stereos- three dimensional, solid, firm, hard ultra- beyond, to an extreme degree stratum- horizontal layer; stretched, spread out; un- not layer, cloud layer uni- same, one sub- under or below vas- vessel, duct super- superior in size, quality, number, or vena- vein degree; exceeding the norm viva- life, alive sus- (sub) below, under, beneath xenos- stranger, different sym- with, together zoon- animal, animal-like

Common Roots

abdomen belly, venter alleion mutually aberrare deviation from the proper or expected course alligare to bind abradere to scrape off allium onion, garlic bulb accipiter hawk alqili (Arabic) ashes (originally from Arabic word accuratus done with care al-qali, which means “ashes,” and recalls the ele- acere to be sour ments Na [sodium] and K [potassium] left in the acerva re to heap ashes of burning wood or plants) activus to drive, do alter other actus to set in motion altus high, highest, tall, lofty acus (acuere) to sharpen; needle, point alveus hollow, belly aden lymph gland(s) am (ampere) named for Andre Marie Ampere adip of or pertaining to fat amalgama mixture aera counters ameibein to change aerobe organism requiring oxygen to live amino relating to an amine or other compound con- aesthe feeling, sensation, perception taining an NH2 group aestus tide, surge ammonia a colorless pungent gas, NH3 agogos a leading, a guide amnion embryo, bowl, lamb agon conflict, contest ampho (amphoteros) both, each of two agulum to condense, to drive amplus large, full aion indefinitely long period of time amygdale almond aisthesis feeling analogos proportionate aither upper air ancon elbow aitia cause ane organic compound containing no multiple bonds akanthos thorn plant angeion vessel, usually a blood vessel aktin ray (as of light), radiance, radiating angulus angle albumo the color white ankhone a strangling albus the color white annellus little ring aleiphein to anoint with oil antara interior alere to nourish anth flower, that which buds or sprouts alescere to come together or grow anthrankitis name of a fiery gem alga seaweed anthropo man; human being, mankind algesi pain, sense of pain; painful, hurting aort lower extremity of the windpipe; by exten- alimentum nourishment, supplying food sion, extremity of the heart, the great artery alkali (Latin) basic, pH more than 7 apate deceit alkyl alcohol; a monovalent radical, such as ethyl or aponeurousthai to become tendinous propyl aptare fit, fitted, suited 210 Common Roots aqua water bresta to break asunder arakhn spider brevis brief arassein to strike bronkhos windpipe arbor tree bruein to be full, bursting arc bow, arch, or bend bruon moss archae original, beginning, origin, ancient bul place for argillos clay bulla bubble arithmos number buoy to float aroma smell (due to sweet smell of benzene and bussos bottom related organic groups) bustus to burn arteria windpipe, artery cadere to fall, die arthr joint caecus blind articulus small joint caelum sky, heaven artificialis not natural, manmade caldaria cooking pot askarizein to jump, throb calor heat askos bag calve calf astros star cambiare to exchange äther etherlike acid camoufler to disguise atri open area, central court, hall, entrance, or main cana lis conduit room of an ancient Roman house cancer crab audit hearing, listening, perception of sounds candela candle augere to increase cani dog auricula ear canthus rim of a wheel or vessel aurora dawn cap catch, seize, take hold of, contain, take, hold aurum gold capacitas spacious austr south, south wind capill hairy auxein to grow cappa cap or cape avis bird carbo coal, charcoal awariyah damaged merchandise carbonate to charge with carbon dioxide gas axios worthy carota carrot axis central carpus wrist; that which turns axo n axis cartilago cartilage baktron a staff; rod caud tail bar weight, pressure caudex book basid foundation or base caulis stem basis fundamental ingredient, foundation cauter heat benthos deep; the fauna and flora of the bottom of cavare to make hollow the sea cderee to go beta second letter of the Greek alphabet cella chamber bio life, living organisms, or tissue cellula little cell bios life, living organisms, or tissue centrum center bitu men a mineral pitch from the Near East cephalo (kephalikos) head blaedre bladder cer wax blastos bud, germ cell cerebr of or relating to the brain or cerebrum blepharon eyelid cernre to separate blo d to thrive or bloom crussae a white lead pigment, sometimes used in bol (ballein) to put or throw cosmetics bombos booming sound cervic stem of cervix boreios coming from the north cetu whale botah (body) the material frame of humans and animals chemo, khemeia chemical; alchemy botane fodder, plants chimaira she-goat botulus sausage chir hand; pertaining to the hand or hands bov cow chore a central and often foundational part, usually brakhio n upper arm distinct from the enveloping part by a difference in bredan to breed nature Common Roots 211 chylos juice dendr tree, resembling a tree ciere to set in motion dens to press close together circulus to make circular densi thick, thickly set, crowded, compact circum in a circle; around, about, surrounding denti teeth or tooth cirro hair or wispy dentis tooth cist to cut derm skin cla vis key (from its shape) desiccare make quite dry cleave to split or separate deterere to lessen, wear away clitellae packsaddle deuteros second, two in number cloa’cae drain diast dilation, spreading clupea herring, small fish dicho akin to coa gulum coagulator didumos twins, testicles cod a code of laws, a writing tablet; an account book diffundere to spread out coelom, (koilomat) cavity digerere to break down colere to till diploos double commodus to adjust, suitable diurnus day communis commons diverse differing from another compose to form, create dold to dull conch shell dominae to rule copula bond or pair domo house, home corneus horny doopen to dip corniculum horn, hornlike structure dormire to sleep corolla small garland dorsalis back corona crown draga to draw, drag cortic bark, rind, that which is stripped off dramein/dromos to run costo rib drum ridge, back; long, narrow hill cracian to break apart ducere to lead, bring, take; to draw or lead cremo, crem to hang; hung, hung up ductus to be hammered out into a tube or pipe; creper dark leading or drawing creta chalk dunamikos powerful crevace crevice duodecum twelve cropp craw durare to harden; hard growth crum planted with trees dygre dry crusta shell, hard surface of a body eco environment, habitat cult to care for, to dwell, to inhabit efficere to effect cumaru tonka bean tree eghe resembling an eye shape cumul pile or heap eicere to throw out cumula re to pile up eisodios coming in besides, entering currere to coincide ekdusis to shed or molt cuspis sharp point, cusp ekithos yolk cutis skin elaunein to beat out cutten to separate into parts with or as if with a elektron charge, electricity, dealing with positive sharp-edged instrument and negative charges cyano (kyanos) blue, dark blue elementum rudiment, first principle cygnus swan eliminat to banish cyte (kutos) sac or bladder that contains fluid elleiptikos of a leaf shape; in the form of an ellipse daktulos toe, finger, digit elongate to make or grow longer datum something given elutron sheath decidu to fall off emittere to send out degrade to impair physical structure empeirikos doctor relying on experience alone dei god, deity, divine nature enchyma tissue deletes to erase, destroy enkephalos in the head deliquiscere melt by absorption of moisture enteron intestine delo visible, clear, clearly seen; obvious entomos cut from two, segmented demos population, people equus horse 212 Common Roots erbe herb hormo to rouse or to set in motion erem lonely, solitary; hermit; desert hudor water ergon work hybrida mongrel offspring erosio an eating away hydr water estiv dormancy in the summer jugare to join together etymon true sense; earlier form of a word kainos recent eurus a widening; broad, wide kairon nut; cell nucleus evolut unrolling kalendae account book experiri to try kalyx cup externus outward kapnos smoke, carbon dioxide (CO2 ) facere to do, carry, bear, bring kard heart, pertaining to the heart fecere make, do, cause, produce, build karkinos crab, cancer ferre to carry karoun to put to sleep, plunge into sleep or stupor, fibre an elongated, threadlike structure stupefy flagrum whip karpos fruit fle oge fly kata down, downward; under, lower; against; florere flower; to blossom entirely, completely focus (fuel) hearth, fireplace kele hernia, tumor folium leaf kentein to prick, puncture foris outside kentron center, sharp point formyl: form(ic) found in ants or relating to ants + keras horn -yl suffix for organic acid kerkos tail frangere to break khartes map, chart, paper fugere to flee kheilos lip fungi performance, execution khole bile furca a fork khorde gut, string of a musical instrument gaia earth khorion afterbirth gastr stomach, belly khro ma color ge earth, world khronos time gen to give birth, kind, produce khru sallid gold-colored pupa of a butterfly genitus born, to bear khumos juice gerere to bear kin’ dh to sting, nettle glene eyeball kine movement, motion glotta tongue kinein to move glutinare to glue kirkos circle glu ti re to gulp kirrhos tawny yellow gnatha jaw klados branch or spout gno to come to known klastos break, break in pieces gnose to know or learn kleitoris clitoris gonos offspring kleps to steal gradus step or degree klime slope gradus walk, step, take steps, move around; walk- klinein to lean, sloping ing or stepping klinikos pertaining to a bed or couch gramma letter klisis inclination graphia (graphein) to write, record, draw, describe klo n young shoot or twig gynous in relation to a female organ of a plant kne kos safflower haerere to stick together, cling to koiloma cavity haima blood kokhlias snail hal salt kokkos berry, grain, seed havour to have kolkhikon meadow saffron hedron face kolla glue helios sun kolon large intestine heteros different kometes long-haired histanai to place, to stop koneion poison hemlock homolus even konis dust Common Roots 213 kope oar mulge re to milk out kosmos universe, order myo muscle kotuledon a kind of plant, a seed leaf, a hollow or nasus nose cup-shaped object nautes sailor kranion skull necro death krater bowl for mixing wine and water negare say no, to deny kreat flesh nekros death, corpse krinein to separate nephros kidneys kroke pebble neur nerve krustallos ice, crystal, freeze, icelike nervus sinew, tendon kuhl essences obtained by distillation nimbus cloud kustis (cyst) sac or bladder that contains fluid noct night kyklos circle, wheel, cycle, rotate nom (nemein) to dictate the laws of, knowledge, lapar the soft part of the body between the ribs, hip, usage, order and flank; the loin nosia disease ltusa wide och fixed legein word, speech ocul of or relating to the eye leipein to leave odontos tooth lekithos egg yolk oide ma a swelling libr balanced, level; make even; weight oikos home, house liga re to tie, bind optic eye, optic ligo bind, tie orexis appetite lipo abandon, to leave (behind) otic state or condition of; condition of being lite (lith) stone or rock oxo oxygen locare to place oxus sharp luere to wash, clean oxy pungent, sharp lunar moon, light, shine parare to make ready ly (luein) to loosen, dissolve, dissolution, break particula a very small piece or part; a tiny portion magnes figurative sense of something that attracts or speck malacia softening of tissue pathos feeling, sensation, perception; suffering, malgama soft mass disease mtera mother pectin comb maza mass, large, amount ped foot mbolon wedge, peg pendere to hang megas large, big, great peps digestion melas black pestis (Latin) plague, pestilance mensa table petere to strive meros part phage to eat meta later in time phagei to eat metallon mine, ore, quarry; any of a category of phagos (phagein) to eat, eating electropositive elements from metallum phana speech meter (metron) instrument or means of measuring; pharynx throat to measure phase a stage (meth)ane an odorless, colorless gas, CH4 phatos speech, spoken metiri to measure out phile one who loves or has a strong affinity or pref- metra womb erence for metria (metron) the process of measuring phonos voice migrare to move phore bearer, carrier miktos mixed or blended phoreus bearer minie mimic, mime; imitate, act; simulation phoros being carried, bearing mittere to put photos light, radiant energy mixis mingling, intercourse phragma fence morph shape, form, figure, or appearance phren diaphragm, midriff, heart morpheus god of dreams phuein to grow muke s fungus phullon leaf 214 Common Roots phusan to blow sklero (skle roun) to harden phusis nature skopein see, view, sight, look at, examine phuton plant having a (specified) characteristic or sociar to join habitat solvere to loosen phyein to grow soma (somatiko) body phyte plant sorbere to suck pithecus ape, apelike creatures spargere to scatter or strew; sprinkle plasm (plassein) to mold or form cells or tissues sperma seed plassein to form sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere plastos (plassein) something molded (to mold) sphyzein to throb; pulse, heartbeat plexus an embrace spir breath of life, breath, breathing pnea breathing or breath spora seed pneumon wind, breath stare to stand firm pnion breathing or breath statos standing, stay, make firm, fixed, balanced pod foot stele pillar poiein production, formation; to make stella star pole either of two oppositely charged terminals stereos solid, being of three dimensions pollere to be powerful sthenos strength ponere to put together stigma a point, mark, spot, puncture potent power; to be able stillare to drip or trickle praktikos practical stingere to pull premere to press stinguere to quench proktos anus stipare to press together pteron feather, wing stoma mouth ptilon plume sumere to take pru fire summetros of like measure pyge rump or buttocks sumptotos intersecting pyle gate sustellein to contract qalib shoemaker’s last sylos a pillar ramus branch systema the universe reciepere to receive taktos ordered ren the kidneys taxi arrangement, order; put in order rhein to flow or run teg touch, reach, handle riche rich tekhne skill, systematic treatment rigare to wrinkle temnein to cut rocca rock, stone ten to move in a certain direction; to stretch, hold rota wheel out rube red tenere to hold together saccharon sugar tenuis thin safira to be empty terre re to frighten sauros lizard thalpien to heat scire to know thele nipple scoli curvature, curved, twisted, crooked therapeuein heal, cure; treatment sectus to cut thermos combining form of “hot” (heat) seminare to plant or propagate (from semen, semi- thorax breastplate, chest nis meaning “seed”) tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section senti re to feel tonos tone, stretching, firm sepein to decay, cause to rot topos place, spot sepsis putrefaction or decay torna re to round off ser the watery part of fluid toxikos poison servare to preserve trahere to draw sexus sex tribuere to give sicca drying tripsis a rubbing (so named by its first being simulare to make similar or alike obtained by rubbing a pancreas with glycerin) skeletos dried body Common Roots 215 trope bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to vascul small vessel stimulus vehere to carry trophos (trophein) to nourish, food, nutrition; vent come development ventricul belly trudere thrust verge to tend to move in a particular direction tundere to beat vertere to turn, turn around tupos type, model, stamp vextus to be vaulted unus one vorare to devour vacare empty vore eat, consume, ingest, devour vagina sheath weike pliant valere to be strong zein to boil valve leaf of a door zoe life vaporatus steam, vapor zoon animal, animal-like variare to vary zuma leaven, yeast

Common Suffixes

-a (plural) structure -ekt outside, external, beyond -able capable, be inclined to, tending to, given to -ella little, dimunitive -able/-ible capable of -emesis vomit -ac pertaining to -emia the condition of having (a specific thing) in the -ad member of a botanical group blood -ae plural -en to make or cause -age (aticum) (Latin) condition or state -ence the condition of -al of the kind of, pertaining to, having the form or -ent causing an action, being in a specific state, within character of -er one that performs an action -algia pain, sense of pain; painful, hurting -ferre to carry -an one that is of or relating to or belonging to -ferrous bear, carry; produce -ance brilliance, appearance, state, quality -forma having the form of -ancy condition of or state of -fy (ficare) cause, to become; make, do, build, produce -androus man, men, male, masculine -gen to give birth, kind, produce -angeion diminutive of “vessel” -genus offspring, kind -ant having the quality of -geny birth, descent, origin, creation, inception, -ar relating to or resembling beginning, race, sort, kind, class -ary of, relating to, or connected with -gram something written or drawn; a record -ase enzyme -graphia (graphein) to write, record, draw, describe -ate of or having to do with -haima blood -ate an organism having these characteristics; charac- -haptien to fasten, join terized by having; a derivative of a specific chemi- -ia names of diseases, place names, Latinizing plurals cal compound or element -ial (variation of -ia) relating to or characterized by -baros weight, heavy, atmospheric pressure -ic (ikos) relating to or having some characteristic of -benthos deep; the fauna and flora of the bottom of -id state, condition; having, being, pertaining to, the sea tending to, inclined to -blastos bud, germ cell -ide binary compound; group of related chemical -cephaly (kephalikos) head compounds; nonmetal radical -chrome pigment -ify (ficus) make, or cause to become -cide (caedere) to cut, kill, hack at, or strike -il substance relating to -cy state, condition, quality -ile changing, ability, suitable, tending to -cyst (kustis) sac or bladder that contains fluid -in protein or derived from a protein; neutral chemical -dactylos finger, toe -ine of or relating to; a chemical substance -derm skin -inferus below, low -dynia pain -ing the act of or action -ectasis expansion, dilation -ion state, process, or quality of -eilema veil, sheath -ion (ienai) to go, something that goes 218 Common Suffixes

-ious full of, having the quality of, relating to -on a particle -ism state or condition, quality -opsy examination -ist one who is engaged in -or a condition or property of things or persons, per- -ite minerals and fossils; component of a part of a son that does something body; a part of or product of -ory tending to, serving for -itis inflammation, burning sensation -osis disease or abnormal condition -ity state of, quality of -ous full of, having the quality of, relating to -ium quality or relationship; chemical element -patheia disease, feeling, sensation, perception -ive performing or tending toward a specific action -penia reduction, poverty, lack, deficiency -ization action, process, or result of doing or making -phagos (phagein) to eat, eating -ize to make, to treat, to do something with -pherein to carry -klastos break, break in pieces -phile one who loves or has a strong affinity or pref- -klinein to lean, sloping erence for -lin small or little -phobos fear -lite combining form used in naming of minerals -phyte plant -lithos stone or rock -plasia (plassein) something molded (to mold) -logic talk, speak; speech, word -plasm (plassein) to mold or form cells or tissues -logist one who speaks in a certain manner; one who -plastos (plassein) something molded (to mold) deals with a certain topic -plasy growth or development of -logos word, proportion -ploid having a number of chromosomes that has -logy (logos) used in the names of sciences or bodies specified relationship to the basic number of of knowledge chromosomes -lus thing -pod, -poda, - podos, - pous foot -ly like, likeness, resemblance -ptera feather, wing -lympha clear water, water nymph -pterux wing -lyte substance capable of undergoing decomposition -sis action, process, state, condition -mania obsessive preoccupation with something; -skopion for viewing with the eye madness, frenzy; obsession or abnormal desire for -soma (somatiko) body -megaly large -sphaira a globe shape, ball, sphere -ment state or condition resulting from a (specified) -spora seed, a sowing action -statos standing, stay, make firm, fixed, balanced -meter (metron) instrument or means of measuring; -status to come to a stop, to stand to measure -stoma mouth, opening -metria (metron) the process of measuring -superus higher, upper -morph shape, form, figure, or appearance -tomos (temnein) to cut, incise, section -nom (nemein) to dictate the laws of, knowledge, -tonia, -tone tension, pressure usage, order -trope bend, curve, turn, a turning; response to stimulus -nosis disease -trophos (trophein) to nourish, food, nutrition; -odont having teeth development -oid (oeide s) resembling; having the appearance of -ula diminutive, little, small -ol alcohol, chemical derivative -um (singular) structure -ole little one -us singular, thing -ologist one who deals with a specific topic -y place for an activity, condition, state -oma tumor, neoplasm, community -zoan animal Resources

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Lan- Knowles, Elizabeth. The Oxford Dictionary of Quota- guage, 4th ed. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2004. tions, 6th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004. The American Heritage Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. Little, R. John, and C. Eugene Jones. A Dictionary of New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. Botany. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1980. Answers Corporation. Answers.com. Online encyclope- Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed. dia, thesaurus, dictionary definitions, 2006. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2006. Bartlett, John, comp. Familiar Quotations, 10th ed., rev. Palmer, E. Laurence, and H. Seymour Fowler. Fieldbook enl. by Nathan Haskell Dole. Boston: Little, Brown, of Natural History. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1975. 1919; Bartleby.com, 2000. Peterson Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals. New York: Biology-Online.org. Biology Online—Information in Houghton Mifflin, 1998. the Life Sciences, 2006. Roget’s II: The New Thesaurus, 3rd ed. New York: Bragg, Melvyn. On Giants’ Shoulders: Great Scientists Houghton Mifflin, 1995. and Their Discoveries from Archimedes to DNA. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1998. Sagan, Carl. Broca’s Brain. New York: Random House, 1979. Chabner, Davi-Ellen. The Language of Medicine, 3rd ed. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1985. Sagan, Carl. Cosmos. New York: Random House, 1980. Columbia University Press. The Columbia Electronic Schuster, M. Lincoln. A Treasury of the World’s Great Encyclopedia, 6th ed., 2003. Letters. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1950. Dictionary of Latin and Greek Words Used in English Thompson, Ida. The Audubon Society Field Guide to Vocabulary. Senior Scribe Publications, 2003 to North American Fossils. New York: Alfred A. 2006. http://www.wordinfo.info. Knopf, 1982. Gribbin, John. The Scientists. New York: Random Whitaker, John O., Jr. The Audubon Society Field Guide House, 2002. to North American Mammals. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1980. Herron, W. B., and N. P. Palmer. Matter, Life, and Energy. Chicago: Lyons & Carnahan, 1972. Wikimedia Foundation. Wikipedia, the Free Encyclope- dia Hurd, Charles, and Eleanor Hurd. A Treasury of Great . 2006. http://www.wikipedia.com. American Letters. New York: Hawthorn Books, 1961. WordNet 1.7.1. Princeton University, 2001.

About the Author

JOSEPH S. ELIAS is an Associate Professor of ical students and teacher interns. Dr. Elias teaches Science Education at the Kutztown University of in the graduate school at Kutztown University as Pennsylvania. He holds a BS in biology (Kutz- well. His graduate courses include methods of town University, 1971), an MS in science educa- research in biology and methods of teaching sci- tion (Temple University, 1976), and a doctorate in ence to middle and high school students. Prior to science education (Temple University, 1989). He teaching at Kutztown University, Dr. Elias taught has been teaching pre-service secondary educa- as an adjunct faculty member in the biology tion science majors for over 14 years. He also is a departments of Cedar Crest College and Lehigh university supervisor of secondary education clin- Carbon Community College.