rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -ic
English

-ic

connected with or characteristic of

Forms

  • -ic

Origin

Through French and Latin -icus from Greek -ikos.

Note

It can indicate a field, a material, a resemblance, or a tendency; it has no single literal meaning in every word.

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adjective

cystic

Relating to the gallbladder.

The cystic duct carries bile out of the gallbladder.

Etymology
cystGreekbladder; sac
+icEnglishconnected with or characteristic of

The Greek root names a bladder or sac. This anatomical use applies the adjective to the gallbladder, a small sac that stores bile.

More examples

  • The surgeon identifies the cystic artery before removing the gallbladder.
  • A gallstone can block the cystic duct.
  • The diagram shows where the cystic duct joins the common hepatic duct.

Forms

cystic

Similar words

biliary
Relates broadly to bile and its ducts, not specifically the gallbladder.