Greek · prefix
en-
in, within
Forms
- en-
- em- — Used before b, m, or p in Greek compounds.
- el- — Used before l in Greek compounds.
Origin
Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *en, ‘in.’
Note
Related to Latin in-, but borrowed through a separate Greek route.
Words sharing this root
ellipsisThe omission of words from speech or writing.emblemA symbol representing a group, idea, or quality.embolismBlockage of a blood vessel by a clot or other material carried through the bloodstream.embolismInsertion of an extra day or period into a calendar.embryoA living organism in its earliest stage of development.emphasisSpecial importance or force given to something.emphaticExpressed or done with force and certainty.emphysemaA chronic lung disease in which damaged air sacs make breathing difficult.empiricRelying on observation and practical experience rather than theory.empiricalBased on observation or experiment rather than theory alone.emporiumA large store or marketplace selling a wide variety of goods.empyreanThe highest heaven or something belonging to it.energeticActive and full of energy.energeticRelating to energy or its physical effects.energyThe capacity to do work or cause change, including the strength to act.entomologyThe scientific study of insects.entropyA measure of the dispersal of energy within a physical system.entropyA measure of uncertainty in the possible outcomes of an information source.enzymeA biological molecule, usually a protein, that speeds up biochemical reactions.parenthesisAn aside inserted into a larger statement or sequence.