Dictionary of Word Roots and Combining Forms

My father, a PhD, bought this book for me at the beginning of my freshman year as a Biology major. I used that book all through college in my science classes, and in my writing classes. I have been a Biology teacher for 17 years, and my original book has fallen apart from use. I still keep it, as I treasure this gift from my father. I have a second copy and use it with my students frequently. I am considering buying a third copy, as I know that soon it will be difficult to find another. It is a 'must have' for all science majors as well as science teachers!

I have owned Donald J. Borror's DICTIONARY OF WORD ROOTS AND COMBINING FORMS for at least 20 years and would never dream of parting with it. Though I consult it only rarely, it can be immensely helpful when one wishes to delve into the meaning of obscure words, particularly of the scientific or bio-medical sort. This dictionary is comprised mainly of an alphabetical listing of Greek and Latin roots, though commonly used roots and combining forms from other languages are included as well. There are also useful chapters on the formulation of scientific names, the transliteration of Greek words, and on common combining forms. This last chapter (the one on common combining forms) is particularly useful if your goal is to create new descriptive words as it is conveniently subdivided into descriptive categories (color, size, shape, animal structures, etc.). I would have to admit that the DICTIONARY OF WORD ROOTS AND COMBINING FORMS would not be near the top of any list of writer's "essential" references, but I do not mean to imply by this that it is not worth owning. On the contrary, I believe that this happy little dictionary is highly useful-though specialized-and should be included in any complete writer's library. Jeremy W. Forstadt

If you are working or studying in a biomedical discipline, you need this book. Borror's Dictionary constitutes a portable, easily used guide to the Latin and Greek (and a few other languages) roots that constitute the building blocks of medical and scientific lexicons. Dollar for dollar, it represents one of the best purchases a student can make toward his or her education.

I bought this to help me pick apart the more difficult words and latin names in our Vertebrate Zoology course... this has been the biggest help ever. You can find the meaning of almost any word, and even make your own words up! I use this book about every 3 minutes when I sit down to study, it's great!