Which suffix denotes an abnormal condition?

• A. -osis
• B. -pathy
• C. -itis
• D. -oma

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how medical suffixes signaling condition or disease are formed. The ending -osis denotes an abnormal condition or disease state, often describing a process or result of a condition, such as leukocytosis (an abnormal increase in white blood cells) or cirrhosis (a chronic liver disease). Other suffixes point to different ideas: -itis means inflammation, -oma means a tumor or mass, and -pathy refers to a disease or pathology affecting a tissue or system. So, -osis is the suffix that best conveys an abnormal condition.