amenorrhea
UK[eɪˌmɛnəˈriːə]US[eɪˌmɛnəˈriːə]
n
The abnormal absence of menstruation.
Morpheme Breakdown
a
men
rrhea
a
without
men
month
rrhea
flow
Etymology
The word 'amenorrhea' is a modern medical term constructed from ancient Greek components. It follows a precise descriptive logic: the prefix 'a-' denotes a lack or absence, the root 'men' refers to the monthly menstrual cycle, and the suffix '-rrhea' signifies a flow or discharge. Thus, the term literally translates to "without monthly flow." This compound structure was adopted into scientific Latin and subsequently into English in the 19th century to provide a specific, technical descriptor for the cessation of menstruation, moving from a purely literal description to a defined medical condition.
Analysis
Structure: a (without) + men (month) + rrhea (flow)
a-: A prefix of Greek origin meaning "without," "not."
men: From Greek mēn, meaning "month," referring to the monthly cycle.
-rrhea: A suffix from Greek rhoia, meaning "a flow" or "discharge."
Examples
Primary amenorrhea is diagnosed when a girl has not started her period by age 15.
Stress and excessive exercise can sometimes lead to secondary amenorrhea.
The doctor investigated the potential causes of her amenorrhea.