Which suffix means 'pertaining to'?

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 'pertaining to'?

Explanation:
Suffixes that express “pertaining to” are typically -ic or -al (and a few others like -ar, -ary, -eal, -ous in the right context). They turn a root into an adjective that describes a relation to a body part or concept, as in gastric (pertaining to the stomach) or neural (pertaining to nerves). The endings -osis, -ia, and -ism here signal a condition, state, or doctrine, not a relation to something. The ending -ior is a comparative or relational suffix used to form words like interior or superior, which convey position or degree rather than simply “pertaining to.” So, the idea of “pertaining to” is most closely tied to -ic or -al, not to the other endings listed.

Suffixes that express “pertaining to” are typically -ic or -al (and a few others like -ar, -ary, -eal, -ous in the right context). They turn a root into an adjective that describes a relation to a body part or concept, as in gastric (pertaining to the stomach) or neural (pertaining to nerves). The endings -osis, -ia, and -ism here signal a condition, state, or doctrine, not a relation to something. The ending -ior is a comparative or relational suffix used to form words like interior or superior, which convey position or degree rather than simply “pertaining to.” So, the idea of “pertaining to” is most closely tied to -ic or -al, not to the other endings listed.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy