In the term leukocyte, leuk/o contributes which meaning?

Study for the Introduction to Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In the term leukocyte, leuk/o contributes which meaning?

Explanation:
Leuk/o means white. In medical terms, combining forms tell us about color or nature of a structure, and leuk/o specifically signals whiteness or white blood cells. When combined with cyt/o (cell), it forms leukocyte, the white blood cell. This root set is used in related terms like leukocytosis or leukemia, all tying back to the idea of white blood cells. Other color roots—red (erythro-), blue (cyan/o), green (chlor/o or virid/o)—don’t apply to this term, so leuk/o is the correct contributor of the meaning.

Leuk/o means white. In medical terms, combining forms tell us about color or nature of a structure, and leuk/o specifically signals whiteness or white blood cells. When combined with cyt/o (cell), it forms leukocyte, the white blood cell. This root set is used in related terms like leukocytosis or leukemia, all tying back to the idea of white blood cells. Other color roots—red (erythro-), blue (cyan/o), green (chlor/o or virid/o)—don’t apply to this term, so leuk/o is the correct contributor of the meaning.

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