What does the prefix "de-" signify in medical terminology?

The prefix "de-" in medical terminology commonly signifies the concept of removal or reversal. It derives from Latin, where it typically indicates taking away or negating something. For example, in the term "dehydrate," it conveys the idea of removing water. This aligns with the idea of 'without,' as it implies the absence of something, such as water in the context of dehydration.

On the other hand, the other choices do relate to different prefixes or terms that might appear in medical terminology. However, "de-" primarily highlights the aspect of negation or removal, reinforcing its meaning as 'without.' This makes "without" the most accurate interpretation of the prefix in this context.