This document defines and provides examples of 5 root words: micro, meaning very small; manu, meaning hand; mater, meaning mother; ortho, meaning straight; and path, meaning feeling or emotion. For each root word, a definition is given along with 3 examples using that root word as a prefix or suffix, and a sentence using one of the examples is provided.

1. Root WordsBy: Ricardo Sahagun

2. MicroDefinition: Very small, short, minuteExamples: Microchip, microscope and microorganismSentence: I used the microscope to view the tiny organisms living in the cell.

3. ManuDefinition: HandExamples: Maneuver, manual and manuscriptSentence: The basketball coach taught us some maneuvers on how to move your hands more quickly.

4. MaterDefinition: MotherExamples: Maternal, maternity and matriarchSentence: Her maternal instinct kicked in when she saw her niece almost fall down the steps.

5. OrthoDefinition: Straight, upright, verticalExamples: Orthodox, orthopedic and orthodontistSentence: The orthodontist told me if I used braces my teeth will get straight.

6. PathDefinition: Feeling, emotionExamples: Antipathy,apathy and empathySentence: The man did not show antipathy towards the dog, for he was hugging it.