What does the prefix tachy- mean?

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

What does the prefix tachy- mean?

Explanation:
tachy- means fast or rapid. It comes from a Greek word for swift, and in medical terms it signals a rate that’s faster than normal, such as tachycardia (fast heart rate) or tachypnea (rapid breathing). This is why it’s the best fit for describing something happening quickly. Other prefixes describe different ideas: brady- means slow, hyper- means above or excessive, and hypo- means below or deficient. These distinctions help convey exactly how something is deviating from the normal.

tachy- means fast or rapid. It comes from a Greek word for swift, and in medical terms it signals a rate that’s faster than normal, such as tachycardia (fast heart rate) or tachypnea (rapid breathing). This is why it’s the best fit for describing something happening quickly. Other prefixes describe different ideas: brady- means slow, hyper- means above or excessive, and hypo- means below or deficient. These distinctions help convey exactly how something is deviating from the normal.

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