What does 'anthrac/o' refer to in medical terminology?

The term 'anthrac/o' in medical terminology specifically refers to coal. This prefix is derived from the Greek word 'anthraks,' which means coal or charcoal. In a medical context, it is often used in the study of diseases related to coal dust exposure, such as pneumoconiosis, commonly referred to as "black lung disease." Recognizing the connection between 'anthrac/o' and coal helps in understanding various health risks associated with prolonged inhalation of coal dust and the conditions that can result from such exposures.