What does the prefix “hemi-” indicate in a medical term?

The prefix “hemi-” originates from the Greek word for "half" and is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate that something is divided into two equal parts or refers to one-half of an organ or structure. For example, the term "hemiplegia" refers to paralysis affecting one side of the body, signifying the "half" that is affected. Understanding this prefix is crucial for interpreting various medical conditions and procedures, as it helps to convey specific anatomical relationships or conditions that involve only a portion of the whole. In contrast, the other prefixes—such as those meaning "single," "double," or "whole"—denote different concepts and would not accurately describe the meaning implied by "hemi-."