What does the prefix "ex-" mean?

The prefix "ex-" means "out of" or "away from." This prefix is commonly used in various medical and scientific terms to indicate a movement or separation from something. For instance, in terms like "exhale," the prefix demonstrates the action of breathing out, signifying an exit of air from the lungs. Similarly, "excision" refers to the process of cutting out or removing a part of something, again involving the concept of removal or separation. This prefix establishes a distinctive meaning that is crucial in medical terminology, especially when describing processes that involve removal or movement away from a point of origin.