The combining form scler/o refers to

The combining form scler/o refers to

• A. Hard
• B. Soft
• C. Round
• D. Sharp

Answer: (A)

The idea tested is what the combining form scler/o conveys. Scler/o means hard or hardness, coming from a Greek root that describes rigidity. You’ll see it in terms like scleroderma (hardening of the skin) and sclerosis (the process of hardening). The word sclera in the eye reflects that same sense of a tough, hard surface. Because of this, “hard” is the correct meaning. The other options don’t fit because they would use different roots—soft would come from a root related to softness, round from a root like sphero-, and sharp from a root meaning sharp or acute.

The idea tested is what the combining form scler/o conveys. Scler/o means hard or hardness, coming from a Greek root that describes rigidity. You’ll see it in terms like scleroderma (hardening of the skin) and sclerosis (the process of hardening). The word sclera in the eye reflects that same sense of a tough, hard surface. Because of this, “hard” is the correct meaning. The other options don’t fit because they would use different roots—soft would come from a root related to softness, round from a root like sphero-, and sharp from a root meaning sharp or acute.