Chapter
2
Common Suffixes
CHAPTER CONTENTS
Introduction
Categories of Suffixes
Suffixes That Signify Medical Conditions
Suffixes That Signify Diagnostic Terms, Test Information, or Surgical Procedures
Suffixes Associated with a Medical Specialty or Specialist
Suffixes That Denote Adjectives
Additional Suffixes
Exercises
Pre-Quiz Checklist
Chapter Quiz
7
8
PART 1
he word suffix comes to us from the Latin word suffixum, which may be
translated “to attach under or to the end of.” By definition, then, the word
element called a suffix must come at the end of the word. Although the
suffix is last in a medical term, it most often comes first in its definition. For example, appendicitis means “inflammation (-itis) of the appendix.” So the suffix, in this
case -itis, provides us with the first word of the defining phrase. That fact also gives
us a reason for learning suffixes before learning roots and prefixes. For convenience
of study, however, this chapter introduces a few roots to combine with the suffixes
you will learn.
T
not assume that a root must always be followed by a suffix. Roots are often
e Do
combined with one another. Sometimes such a combination is followed by a suffix, and sometimes it stands alone.
CATEGORIES OF SUFFIXES
Dividing suffixes into functional categories makes them easier to learn. Here are
the four divisions:
suffixes that signify medical conditions
suffixes that signify diagnostic terms, test information, or surgical procedures.
suffixes associated with a medical specialty or specialist
suffixes that convert a noun to an adjective
Suffixes That Signify Medical Conditions
Table 2-1 lists suffixes that signify medical conditions.
TABLE 2-1 SUFFIXES THAT SIGNIFY MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Suffix
-algia
-cele
-dynia
-ectasis, -ectasia
-emia
-iasis
-itis
-malacia
-megaly
-oma
-osis
-penia
-plasia
-plegia
-ptosis
Refers to
pain
protrusion, hernia
pain
expansion or dilation
blood
presence of; formation of
inflammation
softening
enlargement
tumor
condition
reduction of size or quantity
abnormal formation
paralysis
downward displacement
CHAPTER 2
COMMON SUFFIXES
9
TABLE 2-1 SUFFIXES THAT SIGNIFY MEDICAL CONDITIONS (continued)
Suffix
-rrhage
-rrhea
-rrhexis
-spasm
-pnea
Refers to
flowing forth, as occurs in a hemorrhage: hem/a/t/o (blood) ⫹ -rrhage
discharge
rupture
muscular contraction
breath, respiration
In a few terms, the root cardio indicates the stomach rather than the heart. For
e example,
cardiospasm refers to a stomach condition. Cardia is the name given to
one of the upper parts of the stomach.
Suffixes That Signify Diagnostic Terms, Test Information,
or Surgical Procedures
Table 2-2 lists suffixes that indicate terms relating to diagnoses, test information,
or surgical procedures.
TABLE 2-2 SUFFIXES THAT SIGNIFY DIAGNOSTIC TERMS, TEST
INFORMATION, OR SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Suffix
-centesis
-desis
-ectomy
-gen, -genic, -genesis
-gram
-graph
-graphy
-meter
-metry
-pexy
-plasty
-rrhaphy
-scope
-scopy
-tomy
-tripsy
Refers to
surgical puncture
surgical binding
surgical removal
origin, producing
written or pictorial record
device for graphic or pictorial recording
act of graphic or pictorial recording
device for measuring
act of measuring
surgical fixation
surgical repair
suture
device for viewing
act of viewing
incision
crushing
note that gen can be a root or a suffix and that terms formed with the suffix
e Please
-genic are adjectives, owing to the -ic ending. As you will see later in this chapter,
-ic is also a suffix by itself.
10
PART 1
Suffixes Associated with a Medical Specialty or Specialist
In common speech, the terms technician and technologist are often used interchangeably, although engineers and scientists observe the distinctions between
them. In medical language, the same kind of distinction is observed by those working
in the health sciences. Using the specialty names of psychiatry and pediatrics, we
form the term that means “practitioner of psychiatry” by dropping the y and
adding the suffix -ist, and we form the term that means “practitioner of pediatrics”
by dropping the s and adding an -ian:
psychiatrist —
pediatrician
So why are these practitioners not called psychiatricians and pediatrists instead?
Unfortunately, there is no general rule, and it is necessary to learn each one
individually. The following suffixes are associated with practitioners of a medical
specialty:
-ist
-ian
-iatrist
-logist
The following suffixes are associated with the study or practice of a medical
specialty:
-logy
-ics
-iatry
-iatrics
note that -logy sometimes signals the study of a field AND the specialty,
e Please
e.g., psychology refers to both the field and the specialty. In other cases, however,
the field and the specialty are differentiated, as in gerontology, which means “the study of
the aging process,” and geriatrics, which refers to the specialty of treating patients who
suffer from the diseases brought on by aging.
Suffixes That Denote Adjectives
Like suffixes that signify medical specialties and specialists, suffixes used to create adjective forms are not governed by a clear set of rules. Nevertheless, there are
rules that come into play: i.e., the rules of English pronunciation. For example, we
replace the final letter, x, in the word appendix with a c to form the adjective
appendicitis, because appendixitis doesn’t sound much like an English word.
In creating adjectives, you will also sometimes change noun terms that name
specialties. For example, psychiatry and pediatrics are the names of specialties.
Dropping the y from psychiatry and adding the adjective suffix -ic converts the specialty name to an adjective:
psychiatric medicine
psychiatric hospital
With pediatrics, on the other hand, all one needs to do to form the adjective is
drop the s:
pediatric medicine
pediatric hospital
CHAPTER 2
COMMON SUFFIXES
11
The following suffixes convert root nouns to adjectives:
-ac
-al
-aneous
-ar
-ary
-derm
-eal
-eous
-iatric
-ic
-oid
-otic
-ous
-tic
-ular
ADDITIONAL SUFFIXES
The suffixes given in Table 2-3 will come into play when you study the terminology concerned with individual body systems. For now, it will be sufficient for
you to be exposed to their meanings without learning roots that are better left for
introduction in those later chapters.
TABLE 2-3 ADDITIONAL SUFFIXES
Suffix
-cyte
-edema
-emesis
-globin
-iasis
-ism
-lith
-lysis
-mania
-opsy
-pathy
-phobia
-poiesis
Meaning
cell
excessive fluid in intracellular tissues (although edema is a word
and, technically, not a suffix, it is included here because some other
publications list it as such)
vomiting
the protein of hemoglobin (although globin is a word and,
technically, not a suffix, it is included herein because some other
publications list it as such)
a suffix used to convert a verb to a noun indicating a condition
a noun-forming suffix indication a practice or a doctrine
a stone, calculus, calcification (although -lith is a word root and,
technically, not a suffix, it is included herein because some other
publications list it as such)
a suffix used to convert a verb to a noun indicating a condition
a morbid impulse toward a specific object or thought
visual examination (although -opsy is not a suffix, it is included herein
because some other publications list it as such)
producing
a word meaning fear, often appearing as a suffix
unchanging, level
12
PART 1
TABLE 2-3 ADDITIONAL SUFFIXES (continued)
Suffix
-sclerosis
Meaning
not really a suffix, but a root meaning “hard” that sometimes
combines with other roots to indicate a condition of hardness
condition
level: unchanging
narrowed, blocked
permanent opening
instrument for cutting
-sis
-stasis
-stenosis
-stomy
-tome
A STUDY TABLE
Suffix
-ac, -al, -ar, -al, -iatric,
-ic, -ous, -oid, -aneous,
-eous, -otic, -ular, -ous
-cele
-centesis
-cyte
-desis
-dynia
-ectasis, -ectasia
-ectomy
-edema
-emesis
-emia
-gen, -genic, -genesis
-globin
-gram
-graph
-graphy
-ian, -iatrist, -ist,
-logist, -logy, -ics,
-iatry, -iatrics
-iasis
-ism
-itis
-lith
-lysis
-malacia
-mania
-megaly
-meter
2-1
SUFFIXES
Meaning
converts a root or a noun term to an adjective
protrusion, hernia
surgical puncture
cell
surgical binding
pain
expansion or dilation
surgical removal
excessive fluid in intracellular tissues
vomiting
blood
origin, producing
the protein of hemoglobin
written or pictorial record
device for graphic or pictorial recording
act of graphic or pictorial recording
specialty of, study of, practice of
a suffix used to convert a verb to a noun indicating a condition
a noun-forming suffix indicating a practice or a doctrine
inflammation
a stone, calculus, calcification
disintegration
softening
a morbid impulse toward a specific object or thought
enlargement
device for measuring
CHAPTER 2
A STUDY TABLE
2-1
COMMON SUFFIXES
13
SUFFIXES (co nt inued)
Suffix
Meaning
-metry
-oma
-opsy
-osis
-pathy
-penia
-pexy
-phobia
-plasia
-plasty
-plegia
-poiesis
-ptosis
-rrhage
-rrhaphy
-rrhea
-rrhexis
-sclerosis
act of measuring
tumor
visual examination
condition
disease
reduction of size or quantity
surgical fixation
a word meaning fear, often appearing as a suffix
abnormal formation
surgical repair
paralysis
producing
downward displacement
flowing forth
suture
discharge
rupture
not really a suffix, but a root meaning “hard” that sometimes
combines with other roots to indicate a condition of hardness
device for viewing
act of viewing
condition
muscular contraction
level: unchanging
narrowed, blocked
permanent opening
instrument for cutting
incision
crushing
-scope
-scopy
-sis
-spasm
-stasis
-stenosis
-stomy
-tome
-tomy
-tripsy
c
Exercises
Exercise 2-1 Combining Roots and Suffixes That Signify Medical
Conditions
NOTE: Since the object of this chapter is to introduce suffixes, not whole
terms, these particular roots were selected for use only because they combine
easily with more than one suffix. Additional roots will be introduced within the
various anatomic system chapters. Build terms by combining the correct form
of each of the roots below with the suffixes appearing next to it. Write a definition for each term in the space to the right.
14
PART 1
Root
1. cardi/o
2. derm/o,
dermat/o
Suffix
Word
Meaning
-cele
_________
_______________________
-dynia
_________
_______________________
-ectasia
_________
_______________________
-itis
_________
_______________________
-malacia
_________
_______________________
-megaly
_________
_______________________
-ptosis
_________
_______________________
-plegia
_________
_______________________
-rrhexis
_________
_______________________
-spasm
_________
_______________________
-itis
_________
_______________________
-oma
_________
_______________________
-megaly
_________
_______________________
-osis
_________
_______________________
3. ger/o
-derma
_________
_______________________
4. hem/o,
-cele
_________
_______________________
hemat/o
5. neur/o
6. oste/o
-genesis
_________
_______________________
-genic
_________
_______________________
-oma
_________
_______________________
-osis
_________
_______________________
-algia
_________
_______________________
-ectasis
_________
_______________________
-ectasia
_________
_______________________
-itis
_________
_______________________
-oma
_________
_______________________
-dynia
_________
_______________________
-ectasia
_________
_______________________
-oma
_________
_______________________
-malacia
_________
_______________________
-penia
_________
_______________________
-osis
_________
_______________________
-itis
_________
_______________________
7. path/o
-osis
_________
_______________________
8. psych/o
-osis
_________
_______________________
-algia
_________
_______________________
CHAPTER 2
COMMON SUFFIXES
15
Exercises
Exercise 2-2 Combining Roots and Suffixes That Signify Diagnostic
Terms, Test Information, or Surgical Procedures
Build terms by combining the correct form of each of the roots below with
the suffixes appearing next to it. Write a definition for each term in the space to
the right.
Root
1. cardi/o
Suffix
Word
Meaning
-genic
_________
_______________________
-gram
_________
_______________________
-graph
_________
_______________________
-graphy
_________
_______________________
-pathy
_________
_______________________
-rrhaphy
_________
_______________________
2. dermat/o
-plasty
_________
_______________________
3. hemat/o
-genesis
_________
_______________________
-metry
_________
_______________________
-ectomy
_________
_______________________
-genic
_________
_______________________
-genesis
_________
_______________________
4. neur/o
5. oste/o
6. path/o
7. psych/o
-rrhaphy
_________
_______________________
-plasty
_________
_______________________
-genesis
_________
_______________________
-ectomy
_________
_______________________
-tomy
_________
_______________________
-gen
_________
_______________________
-genic
_________
_______________________
genesis
_________
_______________________
-genic
_________
_______________________
-genesis
_________
_______________________
-metry
_________
_______________________
-path/o
_________
_______________________
16
PART 1
Exercises
Exercise 2-3 Combining Roots and Suffixes Associated with a Medical
Specialist or Specialty
Build terms by combining the correct form of each of the roots below with
the suffixes appearing next to it. Write a definition for each term in the space to
the right.
Root
1. cardi/o
2. derm/o, dermat/o
3. ger/o/nt/o
4. hem/o, hemat/o
Suffix
Word
Meaning
-logy
_________
_______________________
-logist
_________
_______________________
-logy
_________
_______________________
-logist
_________
_______________________
-iatrics
_________
_______________________
-logy
_________
_______________________
-logist
_________
_______________________
-logy
_________
_______________________
-logist
_________
_______________________
5. neur/o
-logy
_________
_______________________
-logist
_________
_______________________
6. ocul/o
-ist
_________
_______________________
7. oste/o8. path/o
9. pediatr/o
10. psych/o
logy
_________
_______________________
-logist
_________
_______________________
-logy
_________
_______________________
-logist
_________
_______________________
-atrics
_________
_______________________
-ician
_________
_______________________
-logy
_________
_______________________
-iatry
_________
_______________________
-iatrist
_________
_______________________
-logist
_________
_______________________
-path
_________
_______________________
CHAPTER 2
COMMON SUFFIXES
17
Exercises
Exercise 2-4 Combining Roots and Suffixes That Denote Adjectives
Build terms by combining the correct form of each of the roots below with
the suffixes appearing next to it. Write a definition for each term in the space to
the right.
Root
1. cardi/o
2. hem/o, hemat/o
3. derm/o, dermat/o
4. ger/o/, geront/o
5. neur/o
6. spin/o
7. oste/o
Suffix
Word
Meaning
-ac
_________
______________________
-al
_________
______________________
-ic
_________
______________________
-oid
_________
______________________
-al
_________
______________________
-ic
_________
______________________
-iatric
_________
______________________
-al
_________
______________________
-al
_________
______________________
-ic
_________
______________________
-oid
_________
______________________
-al
_________
______________________
-ous
_________
______________________
-al
_________
______________________
-oid
_________
______________________
Exercises
Exercise 2-5 Matching Suffixes with Meanings
Choose the letter next to the Column 2 definition corresponding to each suffix in Column 1 and write it in the space provided.
Column 1
Column 2
1. _________ -cyte
A.
_________ a morbid impulse toward a specific object or
thought
2. _________ -edema
B.
_________ a noun-forming suffix indication a practice or
a doctrine
3. _________ -emesis
C.
_________ a stone, calculus, calcification
18
PART 1
4. _________ -globin
D.
_________ a suffix used to convert a verb to a noun
indicating a condition
5. _________ -iasis
E.
_________ disease
6. _________ -ism
F.
_________ a word meaning fear, often appearing as a
suffix
7. _________ -lith
G.
_________ cell
8. _________ -mania
H.
_________ condition
9. _________ -opsy
J.
_________ excessive fluid in intracellular tissues
10. _________ -pathy
K.
_________ instrument for cutting
11. _________ -phobia
L.
_________ level: unchanging
12. _________ -poiesis
M.
_________ narrowed; blocked
13. _________ -sis
N.
_________ not really a suffix, but a root meaning hard
that sometimes combines with other roots or prefixes to
indicate a condition of hardness
14. _________ -stasis
O.
_________ permanent opening
15. _________ -stenosis
P.
_________ producing
16. _________ -stomy
Q.
_________ the protein of hemoglobin
17. _________ -tome
R.
_________ unchanging; level
18. _________ -lysis
S.
_________ visual examination
19. _________ -sclerosis
T.
_________ vomiting
CHAPTER 2
COMMON SUFFIXES
19
Pre-Quiz Checklist
_____ Complete all exercises and check your answers in Appendix A.
_____ Review the suffixes and definitions in the study table.
_____ Note and understand that gen can be either a root or a suffix, and understand
that terms formed with the suffix -genic are adjectives, owing to the -ic ending.
Chapter Quiz
For each of the following questions or statements, write the answers in the spaces to the right.
1. What two suffixes mean “pain”?
1. _____________________________
2. Angi is a root meaning “blood vessel.” What term means
“dilation of a blood vessel”?
2. _____________________________
3. Using the root given in the preceding question, write a
term that means “resembling blood vessels.”
3. _____________________________
4. Define angiorrhaphy.
4. _____________________________
5. What suffix would you add to the root ang/i/o to form
a term meaning “the act of making a pictorial record of
blood vessels”?
5. _____________________________
6. What is an angioma?
6. _____________________________
7. What does -plasty mean?
7. _____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
8. What term denotes a skin specialist?
8. _____________________________
9. A gerontologist treats patients in what age group?
9. _____________________________
10. What is the difference between gerontology and geriatrics?
10. _____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________