Lith- denotes which of the following?

• A. Mind
• B. Under
• C. Sac containing fluid
• D. Stone

Answer: (D)

Lith- denotes stone. This combining form comes from the Greek lithos and is used in medical terms to indicate stones or stone-related conditions and procedures, such as nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), cholelithiasis (gallstones), lithotripsy (stone crushing), and lithotomy (removal of stones). It’s helpful to recognize that other roots describe different ideas: mind is conveyed by psycho- or encephal-, under by sub- or hypo-, and a sac containing fluid by cysto- or cyst.