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Quizzes > Literature & Language > English & Grammar

What Does the Suffix -osis Mean? Take the Quiz!

Ready to Decode -itis, -plegia and More Suffixes? Start the Test!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of a suffix quiz featuring osis itis plegia ic labels on a dark blue background with layered shapes

This scored quiz helps you learn what the suffix -osis means and compare it with -itis, -plegia, and -ic in real words. Use it to spot gaps before a class or exam, then explore the roots, prefixes, and suffixes guide or try the quick stasis quiz for extra practice.

What does the suffix -osis mean?
Inflammation
Paralysis
Pertaining to
A disease or condition
The suffix -osis denotes a disease, disorder, or abnormal condition when added to the root of a medical term. It does not imply inflammation or paralysis specifically. For example, 'nephrosis' refers to a kidney disorder.
What does the suffix -itis mean?
A disease or condition
Abnormal growth
Inflammation
Paralysis
The suffix -itis indicates inflammation of the organ or tissue named by the root word. For instance, 'tonsillitis' is inflammation of the tonsils. It does not denote a general disease or paralysis.
What does the suffix -plegia mean?
A condition
Pertaining to
Inflammation
Paralysis
The suffix -plegia refers to paralysis or loss of movement in a part of the body. For example, 'paraplegia' is paralysis of the lower limbs. It does not mean inflammation or general condition.
What does the suffix -ic mean when used in medical terminology?
Inflammation
Pertaining to
Condition or disease
Paralysis
The suffix -ic means 'pertaining to' or 'related to' when attached to a root word. An example is 'gastric,' meaning pertaining to the stomach. It does not indicate inflammation or paralysis.
In the term 'nephrosis', what does the suffix -osis indicate?
Pertaining to the kidney
Inflammation of the kidney
Paralysis of the kidney
Abnormal condition of the kidney
In 'nephrosis,' -osis refers to an abnormal condition or disease of the kidneys. It does not imply inflammation (which would be -itis).
Which term indicates inflammation?
Hepatic
Hemiplegia
Arthrosis
Bronchitis
'Bronchitis' combines bronch- (airway) with -itis, meaning inflammation. 'Arthrosis' is a joint condition, 'hemiplegia' is paralysis of one side, and 'hepatic' means pertaining to the liver.
What does the suffix -ic add to the word 'hepatic'?
Inflammation of the liver
Disease of the liver
Infection of the liver
Pertaining to the liver
The suffix -ic means 'pertaining to.' Thus, 'hepatic' means pertaining to the liver. It does not indicate inflammation or disease process.
What condition does 'scoliosis' describe?
Inflammation of the spine
Paralysis of the spine
Lateral curvature of the spine
Degeneration of spinal discs
'Scoliosis' uses the root 'scoli-' meaning crooked and the suffix -osis indicating a condition. Together they denote an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.
In 'paraplegia', what does the suffix -plegia mean?
Condition of leg pain
Paralysis of the lower limbs
Inflammation of leg muscles
Swelling of the legs
'Paraplegia' combines para- (beside or beyond) with -plegia (paralysis), meaning paralysis of both lower limbs.
In 'arthrosis', what does the suffix -osis specifically indicate?
A degenerative joint condition
Paralysis of a joint
Pertaining to a joint
Inflammation of a joint
In the term 'arthrosis,' -osis signifies an abnormal or diseased state of a joint, usually degenerative. It does not mean inflammation (which would be -itis).
In 'leukocytosis', what does -osis indicate?
Paralysis of blood cells
Inflammation of white blood cells
An abnormal increase in white blood cells
Disease of white blood cells
The suffix -osis in hematology often denotes an abnormal increase in cell counts, as in 'leukocytosis' (too many white blood cells). It does not imply inflammation or paralysis.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand the suffix -osis -

    Explain what the suffix -osis means and recognize its role in forming words that denote a condition or disease.

  2. Differentiate between -osis and -itis -

    Distinguish when the suffix -itis means inflammation versus when -osis signals a disease process.

  3. Identify meanings of -plegia, -ic, and -ology -

    Learn that the suffix -plegia means paralysis, -ic forms adjectives, and -ology denotes the study of a subject.

  4. Apply suffix knowledge to medical terms -

    Use your understanding of endings to decode and infer the meanings of complex medical vocabulary.

  5. Analyze word formation patterns -

    Examine how different suffixes shape the meanings of base words in English terminology.

  6. Enhance your vocabulary power -

    Sharpen your word power and recall by practicing with engaging suffix trivia.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understanding "-osis" -

    When you ask "what does the suffix -osis mean," it indicates an abnormal or diseased condition, as seen in "neurosis" (nerve condition) or "scoliosis" (spinal curvature). This usage is documented in MedlinePlus and Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. Mnemonic: think "O-SIS = Out-of-balance State In Sickness."

  2. Decoding "-itis" -

    The suffix "-itis" means inflammation, such as "arthritis" (joint inflammation) or "tonsillitis" (tonsil inflammation). Established in Greek-derived medical terminology and referenced by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, it signals an inflammatory process. Memory trick: "ITIS = I'Tis - It's an Irritated Tissue Syndrome."

  3. Interpreting "-plegia" -

    "-plegia" means paralysis, found in terms like "paraplegia" (lower-body paralysis) or "hemiplegia" (one-side paralysis). This definition appears in sources such as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Recall "PLEGIA = Paralysis Let Everyone Go Inactive Always."

  4. Recognizing "-ic" -

    The suffix "-ic" means "pertaining to," turning roots into adjectives like "cardiac" (pertaining to the heart) or "hepatic" (pertaining to the liver). It's widely defined in university linguistics courses and medical glossaries. Use the rhyme " - IC makes it SPECific to the topic."

  5. Exploring "-ology" -

    Wondering "what does the suffix -ology mean"? It denotes "the study of," as in "biology" (study of life) or "neurology" (study of the nervous system). Academic sources like Oxford's English Dictionary confirm its Greek origin "logos" meaning "study." Fun aid: "OLOGY = Our Learning Of Great Yields."

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