Latin isn’t just for historians or classicists - it’s the backbone of medical terminology. Whether you’re deciphering a prescription or memorising anatomy, these terms are non-negotiable. Here’s what you need to know.
Anatomy & Physiology
Corpus
/ˈkɔr.pus/“Body”
Refers to the body as a whole. Found in terms like 'corpus callosum' (the nerve bundle connecting brain hemispheres).
Os
/ɔs/“Bone”
The root for bone-related terms, such as 'osteoporosis' (porous bones) or 'osseous' (bony tissue).
Pulmo
/ˈpul.moː/“Lung”
The basis for pulmonary medicine. Think 'pulmonary artery' or 'pneumonia' (though the latter comes from Greek).
Clinical Terms
Statim
/ˈsta.tim/“Immediately”
Often abbreviated as 'stat' on prescriptions or orders. A nurse hearing this knows it’s urgent.
In situ
/in ˈsi.tuː/“In its original place”
Used to describe conditions like 'carcinoma in situ' - cancer that hasn’t spread from its origin.
Per os
/pɛr oːs/“By mouth”
Abbreviated as 'PO' in prescriptions. Instructions like 'take PO with food' are common.
Prescription Abbreviations
| Latin | Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ante cibum | a.c. | Before meals |
| bis in die | b.i.d. | Twice daily |
| pro re nata | p.r.n. | As needed |
Misreading abbreviations can be dangerous. Always double-check if unsure - 'q.d.' (once daily) vs. 'q.i.d.' (four times daily) is a common mix-up with serious consequences.
Pathology & Diagnostics
Benignus
/beˈniɡ.nus/“Benign”
Non-cancerous. The opposite, 'malignus' (malignant), indicates invasive growth.
Idiopathicus
/i.di.oˈpa.tʰi.kus/“Idiopathic”
A condition with no identifiable cause. A fancy way to say 'we don’t know why this is happening'.
Acutus
/aˈku.tus/“Acute”
Sudden onset (e.g., acute appendicitis). Contrast with 'chronicus' (chronic).
Why This Matters
Latin terms standardise medical communication globally. A 'myocardial infarction' means the same thing in London, Tokyo, or Buenos Aires. For more on how languages shape professional fields, see our guide to Homeric Greek and Latin comparisons.
Tip: Flashcards work wonders for memorisation. Write the Latin term on one side and the meaning on the other - old-school, but effective.
