Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

In medical terminology, what does the prefix "poly" mean?

1. Single

2. Many

3. Few

4. One

The correct answer is: Many

The prefix "poly" originates from Greek, where it means "many." In medical terminology, it is commonly used to indicate a condition involving multiple parts, excess, or a large number of something. For example, the term "polydipsia" refers to excessive thirst, and "polyuria" refers to the production of abnormally large volumes of urine. Understanding prefixes like "poly" is crucial in the medical field as it helps in the accurate interpretation of medical terms and conditions. The meaning of "many" is foundational for grasping numerous medical terms that describe conditions involving abundance or multiplicity.