micro-
small
From Greek mikros, small
Meaning
What does micro- mean?
micro- is a prefix meaning small. It comes from Greek mikros, small.
Inside words it is spelled micr.
Opposite of macro-; microcytic red blood cells are smaller than normal, as typically seen in iron deficiency anemia.
In real words
Medical words with micro-
an instrument with lenses that makes enlarged images of objects too small to see with the eye
the use of a microscope to examine something
marked by red blood cells that are smaller than normal (microcytes)
microbiology
the study of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, including those that cause infection
Don't mix it up
Parts easily confused with micro-
In the dictionary
More terms built with it
Terms in our life science dictionary that list micro- among their word parts.
Sources
Checked against
Written for biofideX in plain words, after checking these references:
- MedlinePlus: Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean
- 1.3 Common Prefixes – Medical Terminology 2e
- MICR- Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
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Size, speed and sameness
micro- is one of 9 parts in this lesson. Learn them together, then take real words apart.
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