Medical Prefix
circum-
around, surrounding
From Latin circum, around, from circus, circle
Meaning
What does circum- mean?
circum- is a prefix meaning around, surrounding. It comes from Latin circum, around, from circus, circle.
Circum- is the Latin twin of Greek peri-: circumoral and perioral both mean around the mouth.
In real words
Medical words with circum-
surrounding the mouth, as the pale ring of circumoral pallor
surrounding the eye
Don't mix it up
Parts easily confused with circum-
Sources
Checked against
Written for biofideX in plain words, after checking these references:
- 1.3 Common Prefixes – Medical Terminology 2e
- Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean
- CIRCUM- Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
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Practice it
Position
circum- is one of 14 parts in this lesson. Learn them together, then take real words apart.
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