streph-, strepho-, strep- +

1. An ancient way of writing manuscripts and other inscriptions in which, rather than going from left to right as in modern English, or right to left as in Arabic, alternate lines must be read in opposite directions.
2. Etymologically these words come from Greek βους, "ox" and στρεφειν, "to turn", because the hand of the writer went back and forth like an ox drawing a plow across a field and turning at the end of each row to return in the opposite direction.

1. Generally, the perception of objects reversed as if in a mirror.
2. Specifically, difficulty in distinguishing written or printed letters that extend in opposite directions but are otherwise similar; such as, "p" and "d", or related kinds of mirror reversal.

An instrument that resembles a corkscrew and was formerly used for the repair of inguinal hernias.

Thrust through the skin of the groin at that part of the surface corresponding to the internal ring, it was turned so that the point pierced the invaginated sac.

It was then turned fukrther across the external ring, thus approximating the sac walls so that obliterating adhesions could form.