CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

What does the prefix 'ad-' signify in medical terminology?

1. Away

2. Toward

3. Across

4. Around

The correct answer is: Toward

The prefix 'ad-' signifies movement or direction toward something in medical terminology. It originates from Latin, where it means "to" or "toward." This prefix is commonly used in various medical terms to indicate proximity or an increase, such as in "adduction," which describes the movement of a limb toward the midline of the body. Understanding this prefix is crucial in accurately interpreting medical terminology and its implications for treatment or diagnosis. In this context, the other options relate to different directional movements but do not convey the specific meaning of 'ad-'.