What is a suffix in the context of medical terminology?

In medical terminology, a suffix is an affix that is attached to the end of a word to modify its meaning. This can involve altering the function of the word or providing additional information, such as details about diseases, procedures, or conditions. For example, in the term "cardiology," the suffix "-logy" refers to the study of, indicating that cardiology is the study of the heart.

The structure of medical terms often involves a combination of prefixes, roots, and suffixes, where each element contributes to the overall meaning of the term. Suffixes can denote conditions (such as "-itis" meaning inflammation), procedures (like "-ectomy" meaning removal), or specialties (for example, "-ology" as mentioned earlier). Understanding suffixes is crucial for interpreting medical terminology accurately, as they can change the entire context of what a term represents.