ophthalm/o
eye
From Greek ophthalmos, eye
Meaning
What does ophthalm/o mean?
ophthalm/o is a root meaning eye. It comes from Greek ophthalmos, eye.
Inside words it is spelled ophthalm.
Spelled with phth: ophthalmology, not opthalmology; ocul/o is the Latin root with the same meaning.
In real words
Medical words with ophthalm/o
ophthalmologist
a medical doctor specially trained to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries of the eye
ophthalmoscope
a lighted instrument used to look at the inside of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve
ophthalmoplegia
weakness or paralysis of one or more of the muscles that move the eye
xerophthalmia
dry, thickened, dull eyes, usually caused by severe vitamin A deficiency
severe, usually infectious inflammation of every layer and structure of the eye
Don't mix it up
Parts easily confused with ophthalm/o
Sources
Checked against
Written for biofideX in plain words, after checking these references:
- Word Parts and Structural Terms – Medical Terminology: An Interactive Approach
- 15.1 – Introduction to the Sensory Systems – Building a Medical Terminology Foundation 2e
- OPHTHALMO- Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
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Eyes and ears
ophthalm/o is one of 11 parts in this lesson. Learn them together, then take real words apart.
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