Which prefix means small?

The prefix that means small is "micro-." This prefix originates from the Greek word "mikros," which translates to "small" or "tiny." It is commonly used in various scientific and medical terms to refer to something that is diminutive in size. For example, in the term "microscope," the "micro-" prefix indicates that the instrument is designed to view small objects that are not visible to the naked eye.

In contrast, the other prefixes have different meanings. "Poly-" means many or excessive, often used in terms like "polysaccharide," which refers to a carbohydrate that consists of many sugar molecules. "Pseud/o-" denotes false or deceptive, as seen in "pseudonym," which is a false name used by an author. Lastly, "dys-" indicates difficulty or abnormality, often found in terms like "dysfunction," which describes a state of impaired or abnormal functioning. Understanding these prefixes is important in medical terminology, as they provide foundational meanings that help in interpreting various health-related concepts.