Which prefix indicates an increased speed of a process?

The prefix "tachy-" denotes an increased speed of a process. This term is derived from the Greek word "tachys," meaning fast or swift. In medical terminology, it is commonly used to describe conditions associated with rapid occurrences, such as "tachycardia," which refers to an increased heart rate.

Understanding the other prefixes provides further context: "brady-" signifies slowness, as seen in "bradycardia," which indicates a slower than normal heart rate. "An-" typically indicates a lack or absence of something, like in "anemia," reflecting a deficiency in blood components. "Hypo-" suggests a lower than normal amount, such as in "hypoglycemia," which refers to low blood sugar levels.

Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for grasping how prefixes modify the meanings of medical terms, especially when it comes to describing variations in processes or conditions.