What does the prefix "Contra-" indicate?

The prefix "Contra-" originates from Latin and means "against" or "opposite." It is commonly used in medical terminology to denote actions that are opposed to or counter to a specific condition or treatment. For example, the term "contraindication" refers to a situation in which a particular intervention should not be used because it may be harmful or ineffective. Understanding this prefix is essential for comprehending various medical terms that indicate opposition or conflict in health care contexts. Thus, recognizing "Contra-" as meaning "against" helps you interpret terms accurately within the medical field.