periodontist
UK[ˌper.i.əˈdɒn.tɪst]US[ˌper.i.əˈdɑːn.tɪst]
n
a dentist who specializes in the branch of dentistry concerned with the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth.
Morpheme Breakdown
peri
odont
ist
peri
around
odont
tooth
ist
agent noun suffix
Etymology
the term 'periodontist' is a modern scientific compound built directly from greek elements to describe a precise medical specialization. the prefix 'peri-' (around) combines with 'odont-' (tooth), literally creating the concept of "around the tooth," which refers to the gums and alveolar bone. the suffix '-ist' is then added to denote a specialist in this area. thus, the word's construction follows a transparent, logical path from its classical components to its contemporary professional meaning, embodying the systematic nature of scientific terminology.
Analysis
Structure: peri (around) + odont (tooth) + ist (agent noun suffix)
peri: from greek peri-, meaning "around, about, near". a prefix indicating location.
odont: from greek odous (genitive odontos), meaning "tooth". a combining form.
ist: from greek -istēs (via latin -ista), a suffix forming agent nouns, denoting a person who practices or is concerned with something.
Examples
i was referred to a periodontist for treatment of my advanced gum disease.
the periodontist performed a delicate procedure to graft tissue onto the receding gums.
after dental school, she completed three additional years of training to become a certified periodontist.