Which root word means "white"?

The root word that means "white" is "leuk/o." This prefix comes from the Greek word "leukos," which translates to "white." It is often used in medical terminology to describe conditions related to white blood cells, such as leukemia, which is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow characterized by an overproduction of white blood cells.

Understanding the significance of this root word can help in recognizing and interpreting various medical terms. For instance, in addition to leukemia, terms like leukocytosis (an increase in the number of white blood cells) and leukopenia (a decrease in white blood cells) also demonstrate the usage of this root.

This knowledge is crucial for comprehending various medical contexts where white blood cells play a significant role, such as in immune responses and infection control. Terms related to the other roots, such as "lingu/o" (tongue), "lumb/o" (lower back), and "lob/o" (lobe), do not relate to the color white and serve entirely different contexts in medical terminology.