Which combining form means drug?

• A. Pneum/o
• B. Pharmac/o
• C. Pharyng/o
• D. Phleb/o

Answer: (B)

Understanding how combining forms convey meaning is tested here. The correct combining form is pharmac/o, from the Greek pharmakon meaning drug or medicine. It shows up in many medical terms related to drugs, such as pharmacology (the study of drugs), pharmacist, and pharmacotherapy. The other options point to different body parts or systems: pneum/o relates to air or the lungs, pharyng/o to the pharynx (throat), and phleb/o to veins. Those combining forms aren’t about drugs, so they don’t fit the meaning in this question.