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DictionaryRoot: -alis
Latin

-alis

of, relating to

Forms

  • -alis
  • -aris — Latin variant especially used when the stem already contained l, avoiding a repeated l sound.
  • -al — English ending borrowed through French or directly from Latin.
  • -ar — English ending continuing Latin -aris.

Origin

An older Latin adjective-forming suffix; its more remote ancestry is uncertain.

Note

Expresses a relationship without specifying its kind: material, place, purpose, and other connections are possible.

233 / 336
A close anatomical cutaway of a tooth in its socket emphasizes the gum, periodontal ligament and surrounding alveolar bone that hold the tooth in place.
adjective

periodontal

pair-ee-uh-DAHN-tul/ˌperiəˈdɑːntl/

Relating to the tissues surrounding and supporting teeth.

Etymology
periGreekaround
+odontGreektooth
+alLatinof, relating to

“Around the tooth” locates the tissues meant by periodontal. The term applies to the tissues surrounding and supporting a tooth, including the membrane lining its socket.

Full entry

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