Which suffix means 'study of'?

Which suffix means 'study of'?

• A. -itis
• B. -megaly
• C. -ology
• D. -pathy

Answer: (C)

Understanding how suffixes convey meaning helps decode medical terms. The suffix that means "study of" is -ology. It turns a base into the name of a field of study, as in biology (study of life) or psychology (study of the mind). That makes the term designate a branch focused on learning about that subject. The other suffixes have different meanings: -itis denotes inflammation (appendicitis), -megaly denotes enlargement (cardiomegaly), and -pathy denotes disease or disorder (neuropathy). So -ology is the best fit for "study of."

Understanding how suffixes convey meaning helps decode medical terms. The suffix that means "study of" is -ology. It turns a base into the name of a field of study, as in biology (study of life) or psychology (study of the mind). That makes the term designate a branch focused on learning about that subject. The other suffixes have different meanings: -itis denotes inflammation (appendicitis), -megaly denotes enlargement (cardiomegaly), and -pathy denotes disease or disorder (neuropathy). So -ology is the best fit for "study of."