The prefix poly means what?

• A. Foot
• B. Many
• C. After
• D. Before

Answer: (B)

Poly- signals many. It comes from a Greek root meaning "many," and it’s used in medical terms to show there are multiple or excessive of something, such as polygon (many angles), polygraph (many writings/tests), polyuria (excessive urination), or polyphagia (excessive eating). The other options map to different ideas: foot is indicated by ped- or pod-, after by post- or retro-, and before by pre- or ante-. So the best answer is the meaning “many.”