What is the meaning of the prefix "in-" in medical terminology?

The prefix "in-" in medical terminology commonly means "not." This prefix is used to negate the meaning of the root word it precedes. For example, in the term "insufficient," "in-" indicates a lack of sufficiency or not enough. In contrast, this prefix contrasts with other prefixes that convey different meanings, such as "inter-" which means "between," or "intra-" which refers to "within." The prefix "in-" serves a specific function in denoting negation, making the understanding of its meaning crucial for interpreting various medical terms accurately.