Medical Terminology - Suffixes Flashcards

Medical Terminology Suffixes

• Suffixes are modifications added to the end of words that alter their meanings or functions.
• -algesia: Refers to a condition of pain.
• -ant: Indicates the formation or action of something.
• -ase: Denotes an enzyme, a biological catalyst.
• -ate: Implies use or action relating to a process.
• -blast: Refers to an immature or germ cell.
• -cide: Indicates the action to kill, often used in terms like pesticide.
• -crit: Means to separate, often used in laboratory terms.
• -cuspid: Refers to a pointed structure, often used in dental terms.
• -cyst: Denotes a bladder or sac-like structure.
• -cyte: Means a cell, commonly found in biological contexts.
• -dipsia: Refers to thirst.
• -drome: Indicates that which runs together or occurs simultaneously.
• -er: Describes a person or thing that performs an action.
• -gen: Refers to formation or production, as in pathogen.
• -genesis: Also means formation or production, typically in a biological context.
• -ide: Indicates having a particular quality.
• -ive: Describes the nature or quality of something.
• -liter: Refers to a unit of volume.
• -logy: The study of a field or subject, like biology (the study of life).
• -lymph: Describes clear fluid or serum in the body.
• -or: Refers to one who performs an action, like a doctor.
• -phil: Implies attraction towards something, often used in biology.
• -stasis: Indicates control or standing still, often related to flow.
• -therapy: Refers to treatment in medical contexts.
• -thermy: Indicates heat, as in thermotherapy.
• -um: Refers to tissues or structures.
• -uria: Denotes a condition related to urination.

Suffixes Related to Pertaining To

• Common suffixes indicating "pertaining to" include:
  • -ac, -ad, -al, -ar, -ary, -ic, -ile, -ior, -ose, -ous, -tic, -us, -y.

Suffixes Indicating Condition, Treatment, or Specialist

• Suffixes denoting condition or treatment include:
  • -esis, -ia, -iatry, -ician, -ism, -ist, -osis, -y.

Suffixes Indicating Small or Minute

• Common suffixes that mean small include:
  • -icle, -ole, -ula, -ule.

Additional Suffixes

• -algia: Denotes pain more generally.
• -asthenia: Refers to weakness.
• -betes: Means to go, often seen in medical terms.
• -cele: Indicates a hernia or tumor.
• -cusis: Refers to hearing.
• -derma: Denotes skin.
• -dynia: Another term for pain or ache.
• -ectasis: Refers to dilation or distention.
• -edema: Indicates swelling.