3 Medical Suffixes Free Online FlashCards

What does a medical suffix often indicate?

A suffix is a word part at the end of a medical term that often identifies a condition, procedure, specialty, or diagnostic process.

What does gastritis mean?

Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach: gastr- refers to the stomach, and -itis means inflammation.

What does -ectomy indicate?

-ectomy means surgical removal. An appendectomy removes the appendix.

How do -logy and -logist differ?

-logy names a field of study, while -logist names a specialist in that field.

What does -scopy indicate?

-scopy means visual examination, usually with an instrument. Colonoscopy is visual examination of the colon.

What does -osis generally mean?

-osis means an abnormal condition; its specific meaning can vary with the whole term.

What does -penia mean?

-penia means a deficiency or lack. Leukopenia, for example, means a low white blood cell count.

What does -megaly mean?

-megaly means enlargement; cardiomegaly means enlargement of the heart.

What does -otomy indicate?

-otomy means an incision or cutting into. A tracheotomy is an incision into the trachea.

What does -ostomy indicate?

-ostomy means surgically creating an opening. A colostomy creates an opening from the colon.

What does -centesis indicate?

-centesis means puncture to withdraw fluid; amniocentesis obtains fluid from the amniotic sac.

How do -iatry and -iatrist differ?

-iatry refers to medical treatment or healing; -iatrist names a practitioner in a treatment specialty.