Which medical prefix signifies "birth"?

Prepare for the Mobius Institute Board of Certification (MIBoC) Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions each with hints and detailed explanations. Equip yourself with the knowledge to excel in your certification!

The prefix that signifies "birth" is "nat." This prefix derives from the Latin word "natus," which means born. It is commonly used in medical terms to describe anything that relates to birth or the process of being born. For example, in terms like "perinatal," which refers to the time period around birth, "nat" clearly connects to the concept of birth itself.

While "natal" also relates to birth, it is an adjective form that describes things pertaining to birth rather than serving strictly as a prefix. "Gest" refers to gestation, the process of carrying a fetus, and "neonat" pertains specifically to newborns, typically within the first 28 days of life. Thus, "nat" serves as the most direct prefix indicating "birth" in medical terminology.

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