The prefix meaning without is which option?

The prefix meaning without is which option?

• A. AD-
• B. AB-
• C. A- or AN
• D. THERM

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how prefixes convey absence or lack in medical terms. The prefix meaning without is a- or an-, used to indicate “not having” or “without.” Its form changes to ease pronunciation: a- before a consonant, an- before a vowel. Examples show the meaning clearly: anesthesia (without sensation), amorphous (without form), anhydrous (without water). In contrast, prefixes like ad- signify toward, ab- means away from, and therm- is a root meaning heat, not a prefix denoting absence.

The idea being tested is how prefixes convey absence or lack in medical terms. The prefix meaning without is a- or an-, used to indicate “not having” or “without.” Its form changes to ease pronunciation: a- before a consonant, an- before a vowel. Examples show the meaning clearly: anesthesia (without sensation), amorphous (without form), anhydrous (without water). In contrast, prefixes like ad- signify toward, ab- means away from, and therm- is a root meaning heat, not a prefix denoting absence.