Which prefix denotes "all" or "entire"?

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Study for the Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Ensure exam readiness!

The prefix that denotes "all" or "entire" is "pan-." This prefix is derived from the Greek word "pan," meaning "all" or "every." It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe concepts or conditions that encompass a whole or entirety. For example, the term "pancreatitis" refers to inflammation of the entire pancreas.

In contrast, the other prefixes have specific meanings that do not convey the notion of totality. The prefix "multi-" refers to "many" or "multiple," as seen in terms like "multicultural," which describes numerous cultures. The prefix "hemi-" means "half," as used in terms like "hemiplegia," which refers to paralysis of one half of the body. The prefix "tetra-" denotes "four," commonly found in terms related to four parts or elements, such as "tetrapod," which refers to organisms with four limbs. Thus, "pan-" is the appropriate prefix for indicating "all" or "entire."

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