What does the prefix ab- mean?

What does the prefix ab- mean?

• A. Away from
• B. Not or without
• C. Around the belly
• D. White

Answer: (A)

The meaning being tested is the direction implied by the prefix ab-. In medical and anatomical terms, ab- means away from or separated from. This shows up in words like abduct, where a limb moves away from the body’s midline, and abnormal, which describes something that is away from what’s considered normal. Because of this clear sense of movement away, this option fits best. The other ideas don’t match ab- as a prefix: not or without is typically expressed by a- or non-, around is shown by circum- or peri-, and white is conveyed by leuko- or alb-/albus.

The meaning being tested is the direction implied by the prefix ab-. In medical and anatomical terms, ab- means away from or separated from. This shows up in words like abduct, where a limb moves away from the body’s midline, and abnormal, which describes something that is away from what’s considered normal. Because of this clear sense of movement away, this option fits best.

The other ideas don’t match ab- as a prefix: not or without is typically expressed by a- or non-, around is shown by circum- or peri-, and white is conveyed by leuko- or alb-/albus.