Which of the following gives a word meaning?

The root word is the fundamental part of a word that provides its core meaning. It typically carries the primary definition and serves as the base from which other words can be formed. For instance, in the medical term "cardiology," the root word "cardio" refers to the heart. Understanding root words is essential in veterinary medical terminology, as it allows professionals to comprehend and interpret complex terms based on their meanings.

In contrast, prefixes and suffixes modify the root word but do not convey meaning independently. A prefix adds to the beginning of the root word, altering its meaning (e.g., "tachy-" meaning fast in "tachycardia"). A suffix is added to the end of a root word and can alter its grammatical function or meaning (e.g., "-itis" indicates inflammation in "dermatitis"). Combining forms include the root word along with a vowel, which makes it easier to connect with suffixes or other root words, but the true meaning is still rooted in the core root word itself.