Which suffix denotes a painful condition?

Prepare for the Medical Terminology Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The suffix that denotes a painful condition is "-algia." This suffix is derived from the Greek word "algos," which means pain. In medical terminology, "-algia" is used in various terms to indicate pain in specific areas of the body, such as in "neuralgia" (nerve pain) or "myalgia" (muscle pain). When used in a medical context, it directly conveys that the condition involves pain, making it a key component in identifying and describing various painful disorders.

The other suffixes have different meanings: "-itis" refers to inflammation, commonly used in conditions such as "arthritis" (inflammation of the joints). "-osis" typically indicates an abnormal condition or disease, like in "sclerosis," which means hardening of tissue. "-megaly" denotes enlargement, as seen in "hepatomegaly," which means enlargement of the liver. Each of these suffixes serves a specific purpose in medical terminology, but when focusing on pain, "-algia" is the relevant choice.

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