If a patient is diagnosed with "-osis," what type of condition do they likely have?

The suffix "-osis" is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a condition or a disorder, particularly one that is abnormal or diseased. This suffix can refer to various types of conditions, including those that are chronic or degenerative, and is not specific to infections, enlargements, or discharges. For example, "neurosis" refers to a mental disorder, while "sclerosis" indicates a hardening of tissue. The use of "-osis" encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions, thereby making the designation of disorder or disease the most fitting choice.

In contrast, conditions characterized by the other choices do not align with the meaning of "-osis." Infections are typically indicated by the suffix "-itis" (inflammation), while enlargements can be reflected by terms ending in "-megaly." Discharges might use terms specific to the bodily fluid or substance being expelled. Hence, recognizing "-osis" as indicative of a disorder or disease provides a clear understanding of its application in medical vocabulary.