The prefix CONTRA- denotes which meaning?

Master CPCT Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

The prefix CONTRA- denotes which meaning?

Explanation:
Contra- indicates opposition; when you see this prefix, think against or opposite. In medical terms, contra- is used to signal that something acts against another thing or isn’t appropriate due to a condition. For example, contraception is against conception, a contraindication is a condition that makes a treatment unsuitable, and to contradict is to speak against something. So the meaning conveyed by CONTRA- is “against.” Other directional ideas like around or down come from different prefixes (circum- or peri- for around, de- or hypo- for down), and walk isn’t represented by a standard medical prefix.

Contra- indicates opposition; when you see this prefix, think against or opposite. In medical terms, contra- is used to signal that something acts against another thing or isn’t appropriate due to a condition. For example, contraception is against conception, a contraindication is a condition that makes a treatment unsuitable, and to contradict is to speak against something. So the meaning conveyed by CONTRA- is “against.” Other directional ideas like around or down come from different prefixes (circum- or peri- for around, de- or hypo- for down), and walk isn’t represented by a standard medical prefix.

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