hypochondriac

The term originates from the Greek 'hypochondria,' a compound of 'hypo-' (under) and 'chondros' (cartilage of the breastbone). In ancient Greek medicine, it was believed that the organs under the cartilage of the ribs (the hypochondrium) were the seat of melancholy and anxiety. Over centuries, the anatomical term evolved to describe the morbid anxiety associated with that region of the body. By the 17th century, 'hypochondriac' entered English to denote a person suffering from this condition, shifting from a physical locus to a psychological diagnosis of excessive health anxiety.

Structure: hypo (under) + chondr (cartilage) + iac (pertaining to) hypo: Greek origin. A prefix meaning "under, below, less than normal." chondr: Greek origin (from 'chondros'). A root meaning "cartilage, gristle." iac: Greek/Latin origin (via Latin '-iacus'). A suffix forming adjectives and nouns meaning "pertaining to, affected by."