What does ambi- mean in medical terms?

ambi-

Meaning: both, both sides

Type: Prefix

A prefix goes at the very start of a word, before the root. On this page: what ambi- means, and real medical words that use it, each broken down into its parts.

Example words using ambi-

ambidextrous
ambi- (both) + dextr (right hand) + ous (characterized by) = able to use both hands equally well
ambilateral
ambi- (both) + lateral (side) = relating to both sides

Shortened forms

Charts and notes shorten long terms — see the Medical Abbreviations guide for the short forms you will meet in real records.

Please note: This section teaches the language of medicine — what word parts mean and how terms are built. It is an educational reference, not medical advice. For the meaning of a word in your own medical record, ask the clinician who wrote it.