sub-
below, under
From Latin sub, under, below
Meaning
What does sub- mean?
sub- is a prefix meaning below, under. It comes from Latin sub, under, below.
Latin sub- and Greek hypo- both mean under, so subcutaneous and hypodermic describe the same place: beneath the skin.
In real words
Medical words with sub-
beneath the skin, as an injection given into the fatty tissue under the skin
under the tongue, as a tablet placed there to dissolve; also relating to the sublingual salivary glands
situated or done below a rib or the ribs, as a subcostal incision
subperiosteal
beneath the periosteum, the membrane that covers the outer surface of a bone
Don't mix it up
Parts easily confused with sub-
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
- SUB- Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
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Position
sub- is one of 14 parts in this lesson. Learn them together, then take real words apart.
Start the Lesson