A 2,500-year-old language with Greek, Latin, and Arabic roots. Passed down through generations of healers, physicians, and medical educators.
Every medical term carries centuries of wisdom from healers across civilizations.
500 BCE - Present
The foundation of clinical terminology. Hippocrates and Galen wrote in Greek, establishing terms for diseases and conditions.
1st Century - Present
The language of anatomy. Roman physicians and Renaissance anatomists used Latin to describe the body's structures with precision.
8th - 13th Century
Preserved and expanded medical knowledge during the Golden Age. Ibn Sina's "Canon of Medicine" taught Europe for 600 years.
15th - 17th Century
Contributions from Spanish explorers and anatomists who described new structures during the Age of Discovery.
18th - 19th Century
The language of surgery and clinical precision. French surgeons and physicians refined medical terminology.
When you learn MedLingo, you're not just memorizing wordsβyou're connecting with 2,500 years of medical history and joining a community of healers who came before.
Every medical term is constructed from just three pieces. Learn the system, and the language reveals itself.
Location, number, time
The body part
What's happening
[PREFIX] + [ROOT] + [SUFFIX] = MEDICAL TERM
"excessive pressure condition"
Once you learn the 150 most common building blocks, you can understand over 100,000 medical terms. This is how medical students have learned for centuries.
Three steps to understanding the language of medicine
Study the 150 essential prefixes, roots, and suffixes that form the foundation of medical terminology. Each comes with its history and meaning.
Discover how word parts combine. Learn why "gastr" becomes "gastro" before certain suffixes, and other patterns passed down through centuries.
Construct any medical term by combining the pieces. Once you know the system, new terms reveal their meaning instantly.
See how medical terms tell their own story when you know the pieces
inflammation of the stomach and intestines
disease of the heart muscle
paralysis of half the body
inflammation within the heart
Join educators, students, and professionals who share your passion for medical terminology
Whether you're a medical student, educator, or healthcare professional, your knowledge enriches our community.
Join the Community βWe collaborate with educators and institutions who share our mission of preserving and teaching medical language
If you're an educator, medical professional, or institution passionate about medical terminology, we'd love to partner with you. Together we can create better learning resources for the next generation of healthcare providers.
Share your expertise by helping develop accurate medical content, reviewing terminology, or contributing historical insights.
Medical schools, nursing programs, and healthcare institutions can integrate MedLingo into their curriculum.
Help us ensure accuracy in Greek, Latin, and Arabic roots, preserving the authentic origins of medical terms.
Educators and medical professionals who champion the understanding of medical language
Cardiothoracic Surgeon & Medical Educator
"Understanding the roots of medical terms transformed how I teach. Students don't memorizeβthey understand."
Medical Historian, Oxford
"Medical terminology connects us to 2,500 years of healing traditions. Every term has a story."
Medical Educator, Stanford
"When students learn the system, they gain confidence. Medical language stops being a barrier."
Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins
"In the ER, clear communication saves lives. Understanding the language is essential."
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Join thousands of medical students and professionals mastering the language of medicine