What is the root word for blood clot?

The root word for blood clot is "thromb/o." This prefix originates from the Greek word "thrombos," which means clot or lump. In medical terminology, it is commonly used in words related to thrombosis, the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, which can impede blood flow. Understanding this root word is important for recognizing conditions or procedures associated with blood clots, such as thrombectomy (the surgical removal of a clot) or thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein associated with a clot).

The other root words provided denote different meanings. "Hem/o" pertains to blood in general, derived from the Greek "haima." "Tox/o" is associated with toxins or poisons, and "erythr/o" refers to red, often relating to red blood cells. Therefore, "thromb/o" is the specific root relevant to blood clots, distinguishing it from terms related to blood itself or other components with entirely different implications.