What condition does the suffix "-osis" indicate?

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Prepare for the Rutgers Medical Terminology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your examination!

The suffix "-osis" is used in medical terminology to denote an abnormal condition or disease. It is often found at the end of words describing various pathological states, such as "neurosis," which refers to a functional disorder of the mind, and "sclerosis," indicating hardening of tissue. The presence of this suffix signals that the term refers to a condition that is typically not normal, highlighting any sort of dysfunction or abnormality. This is why the choice indicating it signifies an abnormal condition is the correct one.

The other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of "-osis." The suffix pertaining to "pertaining to" relates to "-al" or "-ic," while "to bear offspring" corresponds to "-para" or "-partum," and "surgically create an opening" is described by the suffix "-stomy." Each of these options refers to different concepts in medical terminology and does not align with the specific use of "-osis" in indicating abnormal conditions.

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