Which root word means "below"?

The root word "hypo-" means "below" or "under." This prefix is commonly used in medical and scientific terms to denote a condition that is lower than normal or beneath a certain level. For example, in the word "hypoglycemia," "hypo-" indicates a lower than normal level of glucose in the blood. Understanding this prefix helps in comprehending various terms across healthcare and biology, as it often describes situations or conditions that fall short or are beneath some standard.

The other root words have different meanings: "intra-" refers to "within," "leuko-" means "white" (often in reference to white blood cells), and "meta-" describes a change or transformation, typically indicating something that is beyond or after. Each of these prefixes serves to create a specific context within various words, but "hypo-" specifically indicates the meaning of "below."