Which prefix means 'equal'?

Which prefix means 'equal'?

• A. Exo
• B. Iso
• C. Intra
• D. Epi

Answer: (C)

Equality is conveyed by the prefix iso-. It shows sameness in a dimension, so terms built with iso- describe things that are equal in some way. For example, isometric means equal length, and isometric exercises keep the muscle length the same; isotonic describes equal tension under load, even though the muscle may change length. This use of iso- highlights the idea of sameness or equality. In contrast, exo- means outside or outward (as in exocrine glands that secrete outside the body), intra- means within or inside (as in intracranial or intravenous), and epi- means upon or above (as in epidermis, which lies on the surface of the skin).

Equality is conveyed by the prefix iso-. It shows sameness in a dimension, so terms built with iso- describe things that are equal in some way. For example, isometric means equal length, and isometric exercises keep the muscle length the same; isotonic describes equal tension under load, even though the muscle may change length. This use of iso- highlights the idea of sameness or equality.

In contrast, exo- means outside or outward (as in exocrine glands that secrete outside the body), intra- means within or inside (as in intracranial or intravenous), and epi- means upon or above (as in epidermis, which lies on the surface of the skin).