Which suffix means 'abnormal condition'?

Study for the Introduction to Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which suffix means 'abnormal condition'?

Explanation:
The important idea here is that some suffixes name a condition, often a disease state. The suffix that signals an abnormal condition or disease is -osis, which turns a root into a noun that describes a pathological state—examples include cyanosis (bluish discoloration due to low oxygen) and nephrosis (kidney disease). Other endings do not specifically indicate an abnormal condition: -ia denotes a general state or condition, -ion marks an action or process, and -ago isn’t used to name disease states in common medical terminology. So -osis best conveys an abnormal condition.

The important idea here is that some suffixes name a condition, often a disease state. The suffix that signals an abnormal condition or disease is -osis, which turns a root into a noun that describes a pathological state—examples include cyanosis (bluish discoloration due to low oxygen) and nephrosis (kidney disease). Other endings do not specifically indicate an abnormal condition: -ia denotes a general state or condition, -ion marks an action or process, and -ago isn’t used to name disease states in common medical terminology. So -osis best conveys an abnormal condition.

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