What is the meaning of the combining form "mort/o"?

The combining form "mort/o" is derived from Latin, where "mort" translates to death. In medical terminology, this root is commonly found in words that relate to dying or mortality. For example, terms like "mortality" (the state of being subject to death) and "mortal" (subject to death) are built upon this root. Understanding this combining form is essential for grasping the meaning of many medical terms associated with life and death, particularly in contexts that discuss disease processes, end-of-life care, or demographic studies regarding death rates. This deepens comprehension of how medical vocabulary is constructed and relates to human health.