Origin of symbols and foreign variations
Chemical symbols used in medical and pharmaceutical practice are inextricably linked to the Latin language. They are derived directly from the Latin names of the respective elements and fully reflect their traditional spelling. For example, the symbol Ca comes from Calcium, K originates from Kalium, P is an abbreviation for Phosphorus, and Fe represents the first letters of the word Ferrum.
However, when working with foreign medical publications or international reference books, it is important to consider existing variations in nomenclature. Some basic elements have completely different Latin names, which must be known for the correct translation and understanding of the literature. Such elements include:
- Sodium (Na) — often designated as Sodium in foreign literature.
- Mercury (Hg) — may be found under the name Mercurium.
- Potassium (K) — frequently appears under the term Potassium.
Stems denoting hydrogen and oxygen
The names of many medicinal substances contain roots of Greek origin indicating the presence of oxygen or hydrogen atoms in the molecule. Their spelling and semantic meaning are strictly regulated.
The stem hydr- This element originates from the Ancient Greek word hydor, which translates to "water". In pharmaceutical nomenclature, this stem indicates the presence of hydrogen, water, or a hydroxyl group in the molecular structure. Typical examples of using this root are names such as Hydrocortisonum (hydrocortisone) and hydrochloridum (hydrochloride).
The stem ox(y)- This frequency stem originates from the Greek word oxys, which translates to "sour". Its presence in the name of a medicinal product is a direct indication of the presence of oxygen. Examples include the following drugs: Oxylidinum (oxylidin), Oxolinum (oxolin), as well as the chemical compound peroxydum (peroxide).
Designation of fluorine, sulfur, and nitrogen
The spelling and etymology of frequency stems denoting halogens, sulfur, and nitrogen require special attention when studying prescription writing.
- Fluorine (phthor-)
This stem originates from the Greek word phthoros, meaning "destruction". In drug names, it signals the presence of fluorine compounds. Characteristic examples: Phthoracizinum and Phthorothanum.
- Sulfur (thi-)
The root is derived from the Greek theion (sulfur). It is used to indicate the presence of a substituting sulfur atom in the molecule of a medicinal substance. This can be seen in the names Thiaminum, Thiopentalum, and Thiophosphamidum.
- Nitrogen (-az-, -zol-, -(a)zin-, -(a)zid-)
This group of stems has an interesting etymology tracing back to the word "nitrogen" itself (from the Greek negative prefix a and the word zoon — life). The presence of any of these elements in a name indicates the presence of nitrogen or an azo group. Classical examples of such drugs: Corazolum, Aminazinum, Saluzidum.
Important spelling notes
When writing Latin names of medicinal products, it is necessary to consider several critically important exceptions and rules concerning the use of certain letters and suffixes.
Spelling with the letter 's' Although stems denoting nitrogen are usually written with the letter z (e.g., -zin-, -zol-), there are a number of drugs in which similarly sounding syllables have a completely different origin. In such cases, according to spelling rules, the letter s is used. To avoid mistakes, you need to memorize the following drugs:
- Anaesthesinum
- Chinosolum
- Aërosolum
- Anusolum
Names of enzyme preparations To designate proteinaceous substances that act as catalysts (enzymes), a special suffix -as- is fixed in pharmaceutical terminology. If you see this suffix in a name, you can be sure that you are dealing with an enzyme. Examples include Lidasum, Ribonucleasum, and Cocarboxylasum.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
Which frequency stems denote halogens in pharmaceutical terminology?
In pharmaceutical terminology, special frequency stems are used to denote halogens, indicating the presence of the corresponding elements in the drug structure.
- phthor- (phthor-) — indicates the presence of fluorine compounds.
- -io- (-io-) — indicates iodine content in iodine-containing radiopaque agents.
- flu- (flu-) — indicates the presence of fluorine.
Which frequency stems are used to designate hydrocarbon radicals?
The following frequency stems are used to designate hydrocarbon radicals in medicinal substances:
- meth (meth) — indicates a methyl group.
- aeth (aeth) — indicates an ethyl group.
- phen (phen) — indicates a phenyl group.
- benz (benz) — indicates a benzene group.
Which frequency stems indicate male and female sex hormone preparations?
The following frequency stems are used in medical terminology to designate hormonal preparations:
- -oestr- (-oestr-) — indicates preparations of female sex hormones, such as estrogens.
- -estr- (-estr) — also denotes female sex hormone preparations (estrogens).
- -test- (-test-) — indicates the testis.
- -andr- (-andr-) and -vir- (-vir-) — indicate the male sex hormone and androgenic agents.
To avoid confusing the spelling of "nitrogen" stems with exceptions, remember: if the name carries the meaning "nitrogen/life" (az, zol, zin, zid) — we write Z. If these are aerosols, anesthetics, or other roots — we write S (Aërosolum, Anaesthesinum).
Class and exam questions
Why is sodium designated differently in some foreign articles?
Alternative Latin names for elements are often used in foreign medical publications. For example, sodium may be designated as Sodium, and potassium as Potassium.
How to tell from the name that a drug contains fluorine compounds?
The presence of fluorine compounds is indicated by the frequency stem phthor-, which comes from the Greek word meaning "destruction" (e.g., Phthorothanum).
Are the sound combinations [zin] and [zol] in names always spelled with the letter 'z'?
No, not always. If these syllables have a different etymological origin and are not related to nitrogen, they are spelled with the letter 's', as in the drugs Anaesthesinum or Aërosolum.
Which suffix is used to designate enzymes?
The suffix -as- is traditionally used in Latin nomenclature to designate enzymes, as in the names Lidasum or Ribonucleasum.
What else to study on this topic
- Etymology of Greek roots in chemical nomenclature
- Specifics of translating foreign variations of chemical element names
- Differentiation of stems with letters 'z' and 's' in drug names
- Spelling rules for suffixes of enzyme preparations
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Other topics in the section "Chemical Nomenclature: Elements, Acids, Oxides, Hydroxides"
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