Main chemical segments
Knowing the etymology and spelling of frequency segments helps avoid gross errors when writing prescriptions. Let's analyze the key morphemes indicating the chemical composition of pharmaceutical substances:
- Segment phthor-. Derived from the Greek word phthoros, which translates as "destruction". In pharmaceutical nomenclature, this element indicates the presence of fluorine compounds. Classic examples are Phthoracizinum, Phthorothanum, and Phthorocortum.
- Segment thi-. Originates from the Greek theion — sulfur. If you see this element in a name, it means a substituting sulfur atom is present in the substance's structure. Sample spellings: Thiaminum, Thiopentalum, and Thiophosphamidum.
- Segments -az-, -zol-, -(a)zin-, -(a)zid-. These morphemes are derived from the word "azot" (which itself is composed of the Greek a — negation and zoon — life). They consistently indicate the presence of nitrogen or an azo group in the molecule. Remember the spelling of the following agents: Corazolum (corazol), Aminazinum (aminazine), Saluzidum (saluzid), Dibazolum (dibazol), Salazodimethoxinum (salazodimethoxin), and Furazolidonum (furazolidone).
Important spelling rules and exceptions
In Latin pharmaceutical terminology, pronunciation does not always directly match spelling. There are strict rules and exceptions that students must memorize.
1. Exceptions with the letter "s" In some drug names, there are syllables that phonetically sound like -zin- or -zol-, but are spelled with the letter s rather than the expected z. This is due to a different etymological origin of these morphemes, unrelated to nitrogen. Such exception words include:
- Anaesthesinum
- Chinosolum
- Aërosolum
- Anusolum
2. Enzyme suffix In the nomenclature of enzyme preparations, there is a strict rule: a specialized Latin suffix -as- is used to designate them. Examples of correct spelling: Lidasum, Ribonucleasum, and Cocarboxylasum.
Pharmaceutical substances for translation
To reinforce the material, one must be able to translate substance names into the Nominative (Nominativus) case. Below is an extensive list of drugs illustrating the use of various frequency segments and suffixes:
- Drugs with chemical segments: Monophosphothiaminum, Phenaminum, Benzohexonium, Bromcamphora, Methotrexatum, Bromhexinum.
- Drugs with antibiotic and antimicrobial suffixes: Vincomycinum, Cephalexinum, Oxacillinum, Streptomycinum, Tetracyclinum, Doxycyclinum, Sisomicinum.
- Alkaloids, glycosides, and other substances: Theobrominum, Tyroliberinum, Strychninum, Mentholum, Strophanthinum, Ephedrinum, Glycerinum, Tramadolum.
- Esters and forms: Xeroformium, Chloroformium, Nitroglycerinum, Pyocidum, Vasographinum, Butazonum.
- Complex names: Coffeinum-natrii benzoas — an example of a multi-component name.
To avoid mistakes in exception words with the letter "s" (where [z] is heard), use the mnemonic series: "Anaesthesinum and Chinosolum got into Anusolum like Aërosolum" (Anaesthesinum, Chinosolum, Aërosolum, Anusolum).
Class and exam questions
Why do we write s instead of z in the word Anaesthesinum?
In this preparation, the phonetically sounding syllable [-zin-] has a different etymological origin not related to the word "nitrogen". According to the rules, such exception words are always spelled with s.
How is the root phthor- translated and what does it mean?
It derives from the Greek word phthoros, meaning "destruction". In drug names, this segment indicates the presence of fluorine compounds (e.g., Phthoracizinum).
What suffix is used in Latin to designate enzymes?
For the names of all enzymes in pharmaceutical terminology, the suffix -as- is used. Examples include Lidasum and Ribonucleasum.
What does the morpheme thi- indicate in a name?
The segment thi- comes from the Greek theion (sulfur) and signals to the physician or pharmacist the presence of a substituting sulfur atom in the chemical structure of the drug.
What else to study on this topic
- Declension features of complex pharmaceutical names (using Coffeinum-natrii benzoas as an example).
- Frequency segments denoting penicillin-group antibiotics (using Oxacillinum as an example).
- Frequency segments of tetracycline antibiotics (using Tetracyclinum and Doxycyclinum as examples).
- Rules for forming the Genitive case (Genitivus) for pharmaceutical substances ending in -um.
Master the entire topic in the "Latin Language" course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
- Complete study guide on "Frequency segments in pharmaceutical terminology" and 2,323 more subject pages
- Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
- AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
- 107 video lessons on the subject
Other topics in the section "Prescription abbreviations. Frequency stems"
Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.