What does the prefix "neo-" refer to?

The prefix "neo-" means "new." It is derived from the Greek word "neos," which specifically denotes something that is recent, fresh, or newly formed. This prefix is commonly used in various medical and scientific terms to indicate something that has emerged or developed recently, such as "neoplasm," which refers to a new growth of tissue. Understanding the meaning of "neo-" as "new" helps in interpreting medical language more effectively, as it allows you to recognize and understand terms that involve recent changes, developments, or conditions in healthcare contexts.