The suffix -scopy indicates which of the following meanings?

• A. Visual examination
• B. Surgical removal
• C. Study of
• D. Record

Answer: (A)

The suffix -scopy signals a visual examination of a body part, typically using a scope. It comes from the idea of looking at something with an instrument. That’s why terms like colonoscopy or gastroscopy mean you are viewing the inside of the colon or stomach. The other endings point to different ideas: -ectomy is surgical removal, -ology is the study of, and -graph or -gram denotes recording. So -scopy specifically denotes the act of visually examining, not removing, studying, or recording.