What does the suffix "-osis" indicate in a medical context?

The suffix "-osis" is commonly used in medical terminology to denote a condition, often one that indicates a pathological state or a disease process. This term implies that there is a change or deviation from normal health. For instance, in words such as "sclerosis" (a condition characterized by hardening of tissue) and "neurosis," the suffix emphasizes an abnormal condition related to the structure or function of an organ, tissue, or bodily system.

The use of "-osis" typically conveys that the condition may not necessarily relate to a specific disease but indicates a process or a state that can be problematic or indicative of an underlying issue. This is why it's crucial to understand its implications in the context of medical nomenclature.