Medical terminology · Positions and Directions

ect-, ecto-, exo- — Outer; outside

ect-, ecto-, exo- means outer; outside. Ancient Greek source words and medical terminology examples: ectoderm.

Meaning and source words

Meaning: Outer; outside

• Ancient Greek: ἐκ ἔξω (ek exo)

Examples and word parts

ectoderm

The outer layer of an early embryo.

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Related positions and directions terms

• ab-, abs- — Away from

  abduction

• ambi- — Both sides

  ambidextrous

• ante- — Before, forward

  antenatal

• circum- — Around

  circumoral

• cycl- — Circle, cycle

  cyclic

• dextr-, dextro- — Right side

  dextrocardia

• de- — Away from, ending

  dehydration

• dia- — Across, through

  dialysis

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