epidural

The term "epidural" is a modern medical compound formed from Greek and Latin elements. The prefix "epi-" (upon) is combined with a clipped form of "dura mater," the Latin term for the tough outer membrane of the meninges. The suffix "-al" then forms an adjective meaning "pertaining to." Literally, it describes something situated upon or outside the dura mater. In medical practice, this anatomical descriptor became the name for the procedure and anaesthetic administered into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord's protective covering.

Structure: epi (upon) + dur (dura mater) + al (adjective suffix) epi: Greek origin, a prefix meaning "upon," "at," "beside," or "over." dur: A clipped form from the New Latin term "dura mater," meaning "tough mother," referring to the tough outermost membrane. It is a direct substring of the English spelling. al: Latin origin, an adjectival suffix meaning "pertaining to" or "of the kind of."