Module 2 Clinical Suffixes

Question 1

-ad

Answer 1

moving in a direction towards

[When two roots are used, the first root denotes the origin and the second the end-point of the direction e.g, cephalocaudad means “moving in a direction from the head towards the tail.” The order of the roots in the term must be properly reflected in the definition.]

Question 2

-ate

Answer 2

having; having the form of

[The first of these two meanings is more common and should be used as the default; the second meaning should only be used if there is supporting context.]

Question 3

-ics

Answer 3

study (of a subject)

[The termination -logy is more commonly and should be used unless the use of this suffix is specifically directed.]

Question 4

-ist

Answer 4

a specialist (in a subject)

Question 5

-itis

Answer 5

inflammation

Question 6

-oid

Answer 6

resembling; like

Question 7

-osis

Answer 7

suffix that forms a noun and indicates a state of being, usually (but not necessarily) negative or abnormal in character.

typically

a. disorder (of an organ, structure, function, or characteristic)
b. condition characterised by/ caused by (a substance)

USE -OSIS UNLESS DIRECTED OTHERWISE

Question 8

-ism

Answer 8

suffix that forms a noun and indicates a state of being, usually (but not necessarily) negative or abnormal in character.

typically

a. disorder (of an organ, structure, function, or characteristic)
b. condition characterised by/ caused by (a substance)

USE -OSIS UNLESS DIRECTED OTHERWISE

Question 9

-iasis

Answer 9

suffix that forms a noun and indicates a state of being, usually (but not necessarily) negative or abnormal in character.

typically

a. disorder (of an organ, structure, function, or characteristic)
b. condition characterised by/ caused by (a substance)

USE -OSIS UNLESS DIRECTED OTHERWISE

Question 10

-ous*

Answer 10

containing [See -ous in Grammatical Suffixes]