What is the meaning of the suffix "-tomy"?

What is the meaning of the suffix "-tomy"?

• A. Without
• B. Painful, difficult
• C. Incision, to cut into
• D. Slow

Answer: (C)

The suffix "-tomy" originates from the Greek word "tomia," which means cutting or incision. It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to the act of making an incision or surgical cut into a part of the body. For example, a "laparotomy" refers to an incision into the abdominal cavity. This etymological background makes it clear that when "-tomy" appears at the end of a word, it denotes a procedure involving cutting. Understanding this makes it easier to recognize and interpret the names of various surgical procedures associated with "tomy." The other options do not align with the anatomical definition associated with "-tomy." While some may refer to other actions or conditions, none accurately reflect the meaning of incision or cutting, which is the essence of the suffix in a medical context.

The suffix "-tomy" originates from the Greek word "tomia," which means cutting or incision. It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to the act of making an incision or surgical cut into a part of the body. For example, a "laparotomy" refers to an incision into the abdominal cavity. This etymological background makes it clear that when "-tomy" appears at the end of a word, it denotes a procedure involving cutting. Understanding this makes it easier to recognize and interpret the names of various surgical procedures associated with "tomy."

The other options do not align with the anatomical definition associated with "-tomy." While some may refer to other actions or conditions, none accurately reflect the meaning of incision or cutting, which is the essence of the suffix in a medical context.