Which language's morphemes are the basis for many scientific terms used in English?

The basis for many scientific terms used in English is primarily derived from Greek. This is because Greek has historically been the language of scholarship and science, particularly in fields such as medicine, biology, and philosophy. Many foundational concepts and terms in these domains originated in ancient Greek, and as scholarly works were translated into English, these Greek terms were often retained or adapted.

For instance, scientific terminology often employs Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Words like "biology" (from "bio" meaning life and "logy" meaning study) and "psychology" (from "psyche" meaning soul and "logy" meaning study) showcase this pattern. Additionally, the use of Greek in naming species and other scientific classifications (e.g., taxonomy) reflects its continued influence in the scientific community.

In contrast, while Latin also contributes significantly to the vocabulary of English, particularly in legal, medical, and ecclesiastical contexts, the specific focus on scientific terms highlights Greek's larger role in naming and classifying the natural world.