Here you’ll find 13 Prefixes that start with J, organized from “jejun-” to “juxta-“. These entries are compact Latin, Greek, and Old English elements used in medicine, science, and everyday vocabulary. Selection favors well-attested prefixes that help with word-building, etymology, and vocabulary learning.

[Prefixes that start with J] are short word-beginnings that modify or refine base-word meaning. Many appear in medical and scientific terms; for example, “juxta-” means “near” and shows up in anatomical phrases.

Below you’ll find the table with Prefix, Origin, Meaning, Examples, and Notes.

Prefix: The actual written prefix so you can locate the exact form for writing or analysis.

Origin: The language source and brief lineage to help you trace historical roots and patterns.

Meaning: A concise 3–7 word definition that lets you grasp the prefix’s effect quickly.

Examples: Two to four real words showing the prefix in natural use for easy comparison.

Notes: Short usage tips, frequency hints, or special senses to guide your choice in writing.

Prefixes that start with J

PrefixOriginMeaningExamples
juxta-Latin juxta-near, besidejuxtapose, juxtaposition, juxtaglomerular
judaeo-Hebrew/Latinrelating to Judaism or JewsJudeo-Christian, Judaeo-Christian, Judeo-biblical
juris-Latin jus, jurislaw; legaljurisdiction, jurisprudence, jurisconsult
junct-Latin jungerejoin, connectconjunction, junction, adjunct
jejun-Latin jejunusempty (intestinal)jejunum, jejunal, jejunostomy
juven-Latin juvenisyoung; youthfuljuvenile, rejuvenate, juvenescence
jingo-English colloquialextreme nationalismjingoism, jingoist, jingoistic
jug-Latin jugumyoke; joinconjugate, subjugate, conjugation
judic-Latin judiciumjudge; judgmentjudicial, judiciary, judicature
joc-Latin jocusjest, playjocular, jocose, jocularity
journ-French jourday; dailyjournal, journey, journalism
juss-Latin juss- (jubere)order, commandjussive, jussory
just-Latin justusfair, lawful, righteousjustice, justify, justifiable

Descriptions

juxta-
Locative combining form meaning “beside/near”; common in everyday and scientific terms (e.g., juxtaglomerular). (OED)
judaeo-
Variant spellings (Judeo-/Judaeo-) used in academic, religious, and historical contexts; formal register. (M-W)
juris-
From Latin for “law”; frequent in legal vocabulary and formal contexts. (M-W)
junct-
From Latin “to join”; appears in many words about joining, connection, or position. (OED)
jejun-
Medical combining form for the middle small intestine; common in anatomy and surgery terminology. (medical glossary)
juven-
Root for youth and renewal; productive in biology, medicine, and everyday vocabulary. (M-W)
jingo-
Colloquial/political combining form from the exclamation “By Jingo”; used in pejorative coinages. (OED)
jug-
Combining form meaning “yoke” or “join”; common in verbs and nouns about joining or subduing. (OED)
judic-
Legal/administrative combining form seen in formal and historical terms about courts and judgment. (M-W)
joc-
Root meaning “jest” or “playful”; used in personality and literary descriptors; moderately common. (OED)
journ-
From French “jour” (day); combines into words about daily records, publication, or travel; very common. (OED)
juss-
Rare/technical combining form from Latin for “command”; appears in grammar and legal-historical terms. (OED)
just-
Very common root/combining form meaning “fair” or “lawful”; productive in legal, moral, and everyday vocabulary. (M-W)
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