What does the prefix CIRCUM- mean?

Prepare for the AMCI Introduction to Medical Terminology Test. Study with interactive flashcards and comprehensive questions, all with hints and detailed explanations. Excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

What does the prefix CIRCUM- mean?

Explanation:
CIRCUM- means around. It’s used in medical terms to indicate something that surrounds or encircles another structure. For example, circumference is the distance around a circle, circumscribed describes something drawn around a boundary, and circumcision refers to cutting around the foreskin. By comparison, terms for inside use intra- or endo-, for outside use ecto- or extra-, and for between use inter-. So the prefix signals around rather than inside, outside, or between.

CIRCUM- means around. It’s used in medical terms to indicate something that surrounds or encircles another structure. For example, circumference is the distance around a circle, circumscribed describes something drawn around a boundary, and circumcision refers to cutting around the foreskin. By comparison, terms for inside use intra- or endo-, for outside use ecto- or extra-, and for between use inter-. So the prefix signals around rather than inside, outside, or between.

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