What does the prefix "depress/o" mean?

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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 prefix "depress/o" comes from the Latin root 'deprimere', which means to press down. In medical terminology, this prefix is often used to describe actions or conditions related to lowering or reducing something. For instance, in pharmacology, certain medications may depress the central nervous system, meaning they inhibit or reduce its activity, effectively pressing down its functions.

The other options do not align with the meaning of "depress/o." The idea of nullification, enlargement, or stimulation growth relates to very different actions, which do not reflect the foundational connotation of lowering or pressing down associated with the prefix "depress/o." Understanding this prefix helps in comprehending various medical terms that involve the concept of reduction or suppression in various processes and regions of the body.

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