What is the meaning of the prefix 'ana-'?

Answer 1

The English prefix, ana-, is derived from an ancient-Greek preposition, which means, essentially, upfrom (the source), with alternate senses of generation and increase.

All derivative meanings--such as according to, again, and backward--are simply based upon reanalysis of procession from source.

An example of the interpretation of ana- as backward is found in anaplasia, which medical dictionaries describe as "the process of a cell reverting to an immature form". However, the original word is anaplasis "a new modelling; a reformation; a representation", which ultimately imply the procession from source.

Ana- is more easily understood when compared to the Greek kata- (English cata), which means downfrom (the source), with alternate senses of degeneration and decrease.

The following words retain the original meanings of ana- and kata-:

* Anabolic pertains to substances that throw upward, or increase, mass (e.g. anabolic steroids, which increase muscle mass).

* Compare catabolic, which pertains to substances that throw downward, or decrease, mass.

* An anagogy is a spiritual interpretation that leads upward, or uplifts.

* A catastrophe is a downward turning event.

Ana- should not be confused with an-, the alternate form of a-, when it precedes the initial vowel, a, of the root word. An- is an English prefix that is analogous to in- and un- and means without. An example of this exemption is anaerobic (pertaining to the lack of oxygen), which is derived from an- and aerobic (pertaining to oxygen).

Answer 2

"AN" as a prefix, replaces "A" (connoting negative or without) when the root adjective begins with a vowel or the letter "H". Moral, septic, and sexual use "a" : amoral, aseptic, asexual. Using "an" : anemia, anhydrate, anaerobic.

Answer 3

The prefix ana means up, back, again, or anew. The meaning of this prefix used in anaphase is again or anew.

Answer 4

an- means "lack of"

anaemia literally means bloodless

Answer 5

What is a word with the prefix ana in it