Medical Root
xer/o
dry
From Greek xeros, dry
Meaning
What does xer/o mean?
xer/o is a root meaning dry. It comes from Greek xeros, dry.
Inside words it is spelled xer.
Say the x as z: xerosis is zih-ROH-sis; xerostomia, dry mouth, is a common side effect of many medicines.
In real words
Medical words with xer/o
abnormal dryness of the skin, the eye's surface or another tissue
xerophthalmia
dry, thickened, dull eyes, usually caused by severe vitamin A deficiency
dry mouth caused by too little saliva
Sources
Checked against
Written for biofideX in plain words, after checking these references:
- XER- Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
- 3.2 Word Components Related to the Integumentary System – Medical Terminology – 2e
- 3.1 – Introduction to the Integumentary System – Building a Medical Terminology Foundation 2e
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Colors and qualities
xer/o is one of 11 parts in this lesson. Learn them together, then take real words apart.
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