Suffixes for the Nervous System

Question 1

Suffix: -phasia
Ex: heterophasia

Answer 1

Meaning: speech
Def. of Ex: uttering words that are different from those intended

Question 2

Suffix: -lalia
Ex: coprolalia

Answer 2

Meaning: speech, babble
Def. of Ex: compulsive use of obscene words (copro- means “feces”)

Question 3

Suffix: -lexia
Ex: bradylexia

Answer 3

Meaning: reading
Def. of Ex: slowness in reading

Question 4

Suffix: -plegia
Ex: tetraplegia

Answer 4

Meaning: paralysis
Def. of Ex: paralysis of all four limbs

Question 5

Suffix: -paresis*
Ex: hemiparesis

*may be used alone as a word

Answer 5

Meaning: parial paralysis
Def. of Ex: partial paralysis of one side of the body

Question 6

Suffix: -lepsy
Ex: narcolepsy

Answer 6

Meaning: seizure
Def. of Ex: condition marked by sudden episodes of sleep

Question 7

Suffix: -phobia*
Ex: agoraphobia

*May be used alone as a word

Answer 7

Meaning: persistent, irrational fear
Def. of Ex: fear of being in a public place (from Greek agora, meaning “marketplace”)

Question 8

Suffix: -mania*
Ex: megalomania

*May be used alone as a word

Answer 8

Meaning: excited state, obsession
Def. of Ex: exaggerated self-importance, “delusions of grandeur”)