In the word analgesic, what is the word root?

In the word "analgesic," the word root is "analges-." This root comes from the Greek words "an-" meaning "without" and "algesis," meaning "sensation of pain." Therefore, "analges-" pertains to the concept of relieving pain.

Understanding the word root is crucial because it forms the basis of the term and carries the primary meaning of the word. In this case, "analgesic" refers to a type of medication that alleviates pain. Recognizing word roots helps in breaking down medical terminology, making it easier to understand and remember the meanings of complex words.

The other parts of the word, such as the prefix "an-" (which negates or indicates absence) and the suffix "-ic" (which pertains to or relates to), serve specific grammatical functions but do not constitute the root of the word itself. Thus, they do not represent the core meaning that "analges-" conveys regarding pain relief.