ROOT, DERIVED, AND COMPOUND MEDICAL TERMS: FORMATION AND LINGUISTIC CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

Medical terminology constitutes one of the most extensive and systematically organized terminological systems in modern science. The majority of medical terms originate from Greek and Latin and are formed through various word-formation processes. This article examines three major categories of medical terms: root terms, derived terms, and compound terms. The study analyzes their structural characteristics, formation mechanisms, and communicative functions within medical discourse. The findings demonstrate that these types of terms contribute significantly to precision, consistency, and efficiency in professional communication. Understanding the linguistic structure of medical terminology facilitates both medical education and effective scientific communication.