Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words, including their root words. The root word of “micro” is “mikros”, which means “small” in Greek. This root word is found in many English words related to smallness, including “microbe”, “microscope”, and “microcosm”.
Understanding the Structure of the Root Word “Micro”
The Greek root word “micro” means “small” or “little.” It is often used in science and technology to describe things that are very small, such as microorganisms, microchips, and microwaves.
Prefixes
- micro- (small)
Suffix
- -meter (a device that measures)
Compound Words
- micrometer (a device that measures very small distances)
Examples of Words with the Root Word “Micro”
- microbe
- microcosm
- microeconomics
- microfiche
- microcosm
Examples of Root Word “Micro” in Sentences
- The scientist used a microscope to study the microbe.
- The microcosm of the ant colony was fascinating.
- The microeconomics of the household were complex.
- The microfiche contained a wealth of information.
- The microcosm of the cell was amazing.
Table of Examples
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| microbe | a very small organism |
| microcosm | a small world or system that represents a larger one |
| microeconomics | the study of the economy of a small group or region |
| microfiche | a sheet of film containing microimages of documents |
| microcosm | a small world or system that represents a larger one |
Question 1: What is the root word of micro?
Answer: The root word of micro is “mīkros,” which is Greek for “small.”
Question 2: What is the meaning of the root word micro?
Answer: The root word micro means “very small” or “minute.”
Question 3: What common terms use the root word micro?
Answer: Common terms that use the root word micro include microcosm, microorganism, and microelectronics.
And there you have it, folks! The root word of “micro” has quite an interesting story to tell. From its humble beginnings in ancient Greek to its widespread use in modern science and technology, it’s a term that has stood the test of time. Thanks for sticking with me on this little journey into the world of etymology. If you’ve got any other burning questions about word origins, be sure to check back later. I’ll be digging into new linguistic adventures, so stay tuned!