CPB (Certified Professional Biller) Certification Practice Exam

What is the opposite meaning of "an-"?

1. no, not

2. fat

3. abdomen

4. away from

The correct answer is: no, not

The term "an-" is a prefix that generally means "without" or "not." Therefore, choosing "no, not" is accurate as it conveys a sense of negation, which aligns with the meaning of "an-." This prefix is commonly seen in medical terminology, for instance in the word "anaerobic," which means without oxygen. In contrast, the other options do not align with the meaning of "an-." For example, "fat" does not relate to the concept of negation or absence, and "abdomen" refers to a specific anatomical region of the body, while "away from" implies a direction rather than a negation. Thus, focusing on the concept of negation strongly supports the rationale behind the chosen answer.