Which prefix means “irregular”?

• A. iso-
• B. poikil/o
• C. thromb/o
• D. erythr/o

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is associated with the prefix that means “irregular.” The term "poikil/o" is derived from the Greek word "poikilos," which translates to "varied" or "irregular." In medical terminology, this prefix is commonly used in contexts such as "poikilocytosis," which refers to the presence of irregularly shaped red blood cells in the blood.

Understanding prefixes is crucial for interpreting and constructing medical terms accurately. The other prefixes included in the choices relate to different medical concepts: "iso-" typically means "equal" or "same," and "thromb/o" refers to clots, specifically blood clots. "Erythr/o" pertains to red blood cells or the color red. Knowing these associations helps differentiate between terms and their meanings in a clinical setting.