Which prefix means 'Without, not'?

Which prefix means 'Without, not'?

• A. Pan-
• B. Tegument-
• C. An-, A-
• D. Metr-

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is the affix that expresses negation or absence. The form that means “without, not” is the privative prefix a-/an-. It signals that something is lacking, as in anemia (without blood) or anaerobic (without oxygen). The choice you’re looking for includes both forms because the version used depends on the following sound: an- before a vowel, and a- before a consonant. That’s why An-, A- is the best answer because it covers the negation idea in medical terms. The other options don’t convey negation. Pan- means all or entire. Tegument- is a root meaning a covering or skin, not a negation prefix. Metr- is a root related to the uterus, not a negation prefix.

The concept being tested is the affix that expresses negation or absence. The form that means “without, not” is the privative prefix a-/an-. It signals that something is lacking, as in anemia (without blood) or anaerobic (without oxygen). The choice you’re looking for includes both forms because the version used depends on the following sound: an- before a vowel, and a- before a consonant. That’s why An-, A- is the best answer because it covers the negation idea in medical terms.

The other options don’t convey negation. Pan- means all or entire. Tegument- is a root meaning a covering or skin, not a negation prefix. Metr- is a root related to the uterus, not a negation prefix.