What do you call a word part added to the beginning of a word?

A word part added to the beginning of a word is known as a prefix. Prefixes are essential components of English and medical terminology, as they modify the meaning of the root word to which they are attached. For instance, the prefix "un-" means "not" and can change the meaning of "happy" to "unhappy."

In medical terminology, prefixes play a crucial role in indicating conditions, processes, or positions. For example, "hypo-" means "below normal," as seen in "hypotension," which indicates low blood pressure. Understanding prefixes allows healthcare professionals to interpret and communicate complex medical terms more effectively.

Other options like suffixes, roots, and affixes serve different functions in word formation. Suffixes are added to the end of a word, roots provide the core meaning, and affixes refer to both prefixes and suffixes collectively. Knowing the distinctions among these components is fundamental for mastering medical vocabulary.