What does the prefix "Dys-" typically signify?

The prefix "Dys-" is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate difficulty, impairment, or abnormality in some function or process. It derives from Greek, where it means "bad" or "difficult." For example, in terms like "dyspnea," which refers to difficulty in breathing, the prefix clearly denotes a problem related to that function. This understanding highlights how "Dys-" sets the context for abnormal conditions, contrasting with terms that might imply normalcy or ease.