Medical Terminology: Suffixes Flashcards

Suffixes in Medical Terminology

• -genic: Indicates something that produces or originates, e.g., cytogenic refers to the generation of cells.

• -gram: Refers to a record or a picture, commonly used in contexts like x-ray films.

• -graph: An instrument utilized for recording data, often in medical imaging.

• -graphy: The process of recording images or data, typically associated with x-ray filming.

• -ia: Describes a condition that is diseased or abnormal in nature.

• -iatry: Denotes a field of medicine or treatment provided by a physician.

• -ician: Refers to a professional or specialist in a certain field.

• -ictal: Relates to seizures or attacks, often used in neurological contexts.

• -ism: Denotes a state or condition relating to a particular characteristic.

• -itis: Refers to inflammation, a common suffix in many medical terms relating to diseases.

• -lepsy: Indicates a seizure disorder.

• -lysis: Signifies loosening, dissolution, or the process of separating.

• -lytic: Refers to the destruction or reduction of something.

• -malacia: Indicates softening of tissue.

• -mania: Denotes madness or excessive desire for something.

• -megaly: Refers to the enlargement of an organ or structure.

• -meter: An instrument designed to measure physical quantities.

• -metry: The field or process of measurement.

• -morph: Relates to form or shape.

• -odia: Indicates a sense of smell.

• -odynia: Refers to pain.

• -oid: Describes resemblance to something.

• -ologist: Denotes a specialist or someone who studies a particular field.

• -ology: Represents the study of a specific discipline.

• -oma: Indicates a tumor or swelling.

• -opia: Refers to a condition affecting vision.

• -opsy: The act of viewing or examining.

• -orrhagia: Refers to a rapid or excessive flow of blood.

• -orrhaphy: Indicates the surgical suturing or repair of a part.

• -orrhea: Signifies an excessive discharge or flow.

• -orrhexis: Refers to rupture or breaking apart.

• -osis: Indicates an abnormal condition.

• -ostomy: Refers to the creation of an artificial opening in the body.

• -otomy: Denotes the act of making an incision or cut into a part.

• -oxia: Relates to the presence or condition of oxygen.

• -paresis: Indicates slight paralysis.

• -pathy: Refers to disease or disorder.

• -penia: Describes an abnormal reduction in number, particularly in blood cells.

• -pepsia: Relates to the process of digestion.

• -pexy: Refers to surgical fixation or suspension of an organ.

• -phagia: Indicates the act of eating or swallowing.

• -philia: Denotes love or strong affinity towards something.

• -phily: Similar to -philia, indicating love or affinity.

• -phobia: Refers to an abnormal fear or aversion towards specific objects or situations.

• -phonia: Relates to sound or voice.

• -phoria: Indicates a feeling or mental state.

• -physis: Pertains to growth, often in context with development.

• -plasia: Refers to the formation or development of tissue.

• -plasm: Denotes biological substance or formation.

• -plasty: Indicates surgical or plastic repair of an organ.

• -plegia: Refers to paralysis, often used in neurological terminology.