Compile a list of medical terminology prefixes, roots and suffixes. Prefixes such as "sub-," "hyper-," "a-" and "hypo-" come at the beginning of the word and modify the root. Examples of roots include "gastro-", "cardi-," "leuko-" and "erythr-." Suffixes including "-itis" and "-pathy" come at the end of medical terms, also modifying the root.
For each prefix, root and suffix, provide a definition on the list. "Cardi-," for example, means heart while "leuko-" means white.
For each definition, find a picture that matches the definition of each root. They can be literal, like a picture of a stomach to match "gastr-," or more abstract like a pair of scissors for "-ectomy," referring to a surgical removal.
Write one prefix, root or suffix on the front of one index card. Visual learners might find this process easier if the word and definition are written in different colors.
On the back of each card, write the definition of the word. Underneath, tape or glue the picture that goes with it.
When all the cards are complete, group them by their category: prefix, root or suffix. Lay cards out on the floor or on a large table with the definitions facing down. If there too many words, work in smaller sets and rotate the sets in practice.
Guess the definitions of each word. Start with the ones you know—"gastr-" might seem like an easy place to start. When you think you know one, turn it over and check. If you’re right, leave the definition and picture facing up. Turn over the ones you don’t know and look at the picture and definition together. Then look at the word. Visualize the picture and the word together, along with things they have in common. A word association or color association might help. Remake cards you have trouble with to improve the method. For example, perhaps writing “erythr-“ in red on the card might be clue enough to remember it means red. Writing “-itis” in puffy letters might remind you of the puffy inflammation picture on the back. Put the card word up until you can remember it. Continue playing this game, until each word brings to mind each picture.
For a second game, bring together combinations of words to make whole words. “Mast-“ with “-ctomy,” for example, should bring to mind breasts and scissors.