Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika –
Зарубежная лингвистика и
лингводидактика – Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Journal home page:
https://inscience.uz/index.php/foreign-linguistics
The role Greek-Latin doublets in medical terminology
Shakhnoza KAKHKHOROVA
1
Navoi State University
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received September 2024
Received in revised form
10 October 2024
Accepted 25 October 2024
Available online
25 November 2024
Medical terminology has long served as the cornerstone of
effective communication in healthcare. This article delves into
the historical evolution of medical terminology, tracing its
origins to ancient civilizations and highlighting the pivotal role of
Greco-Latin doublets in shaping the language of modern
medicine. The integration of Greek and Latin vocabulary has
ensured precision, clarity, and universality in medical discourse.
2181-3701/© 2024 in Science LLC.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol2-iss5
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
medicine,
medical terminology,
Greek and Latin doublets,
anatomical terminology.
Yunon-lotin dubletlarining tibbiy terminologiyadagi o’rni
АННОТАЦИЯ
Калит сўзлар:
tibbiyot,
tibbiyot terminologiyasi,
yunon va lotin dubletlari,
anatomik terminlar.
Tibbiyot terminologiyasi uzoq vaqt davomida sog'liqni
saqlash sohasida samarali muloqot uchun asos bo'lib xizmat
qilgan. Ushbu maqola tibbiyot terminologiyasining tarixiy
rivojlanishini, uning ildizlarining qadimgi sivilizatsiyalarga
tarqalishini va zamonaviy tibbiyotda qo'llaniladigan yunon-lotin
dubletlarining rolini ta’kidlaydi. Yunon va lotin dubletlarining
uyg’unligi tibbiy nutqda aniqlik, ravshanlik va universallikni
kuchaytirishini ko’rib chiqadi.
Роль греко-латинских дублетов в медицинской
терминологии
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
медицина,
Медицинская терминология на протяжении всей
истории являлась краеугольным камнем эффективной
коммуникации в сфере здравоохранения. В этой статье
1
Lecturer, Navoi State University.
E-mail: shahnozaqahhorova@gmail.com
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 5 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
59
медицинская
терминология,
греческие и латинские
дублеты,
анатомическая
терминология.
рассматривается историческое развитие медицинской
терминологии, прослеживаются её истоки в древних
цивилизациях и подчеркивается важная роль греко-
латинских дублетов в формировании языка современной
медицины. Слияние греческой и латинской лексики
обеспечило
точность,
ясность
и
универсальность
медицинского дискурса.
The origins of medical terminology can be traced back to some of the earliest
civilizations, including ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where rudimentary medical
practices were recorded. However, it was in ancient Greece and Rome that the foundations
of modern medical terminology were laid. Greek physicians, such as Hippocrates and
Galen, were pivotal in the field of medicine. They not only advanced medical knowledge
but also introduced a vocabulary that would later become integral to medical terminology.
Many Greek terms are still prevalent today, often denoting anatomical structures, diseases,
and therapeutic practices.
Consequently, the Romans adopted and adapted much of Greek medical knowledge.
Latin became the dominant language in Western medicine during the Roman Empire and
continued to influence medical language throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
In this term, the role of the Latin language in medical terminology is foundational and
significant. Latin has historically been the lingua franca of science and medicine, providing
a standardized vocabulary that transcends regional languages and dialects. Latin was the
dominant language of the Roman Empire, and as medicine evolved during the Renaissance,
scholars and physicians used Latin to document their findings. Many classical texts in
medicine were written in Latin, establishing a basis for terminology. Many anatomical
terms originate from Latin descriptions. For example, "femur" refers to the thigh bone, and
"cerebrum" denotes the brain. These terms provide precise descriptions of div parts that
are universally understood.
Latin allows for the creation of highly specific and unambiguous terms. This is
critical in medicine, where precision is necessary to avoid confusion. For instance,
"hypotension" (low blood pressure) and "hypertension" (high blood pressure) are derived
from Latin roots that clearly distinguish between the two conditions.
Moreover, the structure of Latin words allows for the formation of new medical
terms through prefixes, suffixes, and combined forms. For instance, "cardio-" (heart)
combined with "logy" (study) becomes "cardiology," the study of heart diseases.
Latin terminology provides a common language for healthcare professionals
globally. This universal aspect is crucial for effective communication in a field that often
involves collaboration among individuals from different linguistic backgrounds.
Much of the medical knowledge from ancient civilizations was recorded in Latin.
This has allowed for the continuation and evolution of medical practices and education,
with many Latin terms still in use today.
Latin has played a vital role in shaping medical terminology. Its influence ensures
clarity, consistency, and a shared understanding among medical professionals, allowing
for effective communication and precise descriptions of the human div and its functions.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 5 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
60
The legacy of Latin in medicine continues to be relevant, making it an essential part of
medical education and practice.
Meanwhile, the Greek language also plays an important role in medicine. Ancient
Greek scholars made significant contributions to medical knowledge and recorded their
findings in Greek. Their texts laid the groundwork for modern medicine. If many
anatomical terms are derived from Latin, most clinical terms are derived from Greek. For
example, "cardio" (heart), "neuro" (nerve), and "derma" (skin) are all Greek roots that help
specify parts of the div. Greek terms often convey specific meanings that are essential for
accuracy in medicine. For instance, roots like "itis" (inflammation) and "ology" (study of)
provide clear descriptors for conditions and fields of study.
Greek allows for the formation of complex medical terms through prefixes, roots,
and suffixes, enabling the creation of precise definitions. This is particularly important in
a field that continuously evolves.
Many pharmaceutical terms are derived from Greek, indicating how critical the
language is in describing drugs and their effects.
Overall, Greek is integral to the language of medicine, enhancing both the clarity and
effectiveness of communication among healthcare professionals.
Greco-Latin doublets refer to pairs of words that originate from both Greek and
Latin, usually conveying similar meanings. These doublets emerged due to the interaction
of the two cultures and their respective languages, particularly through the scholarship of
the Renaissance.
A doublet consists of a Greek word and a Latin equivalent that relate to the same
concept but are used in different contexts. For example, "cardio-" from the Greek word
"kardia" (heart) pairs with "cor," the Latin equivalent. Another example is "neuro-" from
the Greek "neuron" (nerve) and "nervus" (Latin). Greco-Latin doublets are pairs of words
that originate from both Greek and Latin, often conveying similar meanings but differing
in usage, style, or context. Here are some notable examples.
kephalo-, cephalo-, -
cephalia (kephale)
caput, itis
n
bosh
melo- (melon)
bucca, ae
f
og’iz
odonto-, -odontia (odus,
odontos)
dens, dentis
m
tish
osteo- (osteon)
os, ossis
n
suyak
podo-, -podia (pus, podos)
pes, pedis
m
oyoq
r(h)achi- (rhachis)
columna vertebralis
umurtqa pog‘onasi
rhino- (rhis, rhinos)
nasus, i
m
burun
somato-, -soma (soma,
somatos)
corpus, oris
n
tana
spondylo- (spondylos)
vertebra, ae
f
umurtqa
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 5 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
61
The existence of Greco-Latin doublets enhances the richness of medical language.
While Latin terms tend to be more descriptive, Greek terms often convey a more abstract
or specialized meaning. This duality allows for a nuanced understanding of medical
concepts, improving clarity in clinical communication.
During the Middle Ages, Latin was the primary language of scholarly discourse in
Europe, particularly in the context of medicine and theology. Medical texts were
predominantly written in Latin, and many Greek terms were sometimes replaced by their
Latin counterparts. However, Greek terminology remained influential, especially in the
fields of anatomy and pharmacology.
The Renaissance marked a resurgence of interest in classical knowledge, leading to
a revival of Greek and Latin medical texts. Scholars such as Andreas Vesalius and William
Harvey contributed to renaming anatomical structures using both Greek and Latin, further
embedding Greco-Latin doublets into the medical lexicon.
In contemporary medicine, understanding both Greek and Latin roots is essential
for healthcare professionals. The blending of these languages facilitates the creation of new
medical terms, which often combine both roots, such as "dermatology" (from "derma,"
Greek for skin, and "logy," Greek for study).
CONCLUSION
The history of medical terminology is a testament to the enduring influence of Greek
and Latin on the language of medicine. Greco-Latin doublets play a crucial role in ensuring
clarity and precision in healthcare communication. As medicine continues to evolve, the
importance of understanding these roots remains paramount for medical professionals,
enabling them to articulate complex concepts accurately and effectively. The legacy of
Greek and Latin will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of medical terminology for
generations to come. References A selection of key texts and academic sources that discuss
the history of medical terminology, the influence of Greek and Latin, and the significance
of Greco-Latin doublets would follow this section.
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