Suffix: The ending part of a word that modifies the meaning of the word

• suffixes alone have no uses

  • by adding a suffix to the end of a word root, we create a noun or adjective with a different meaning

- these suffixes begin with a consonant, therefore a combining vowel (a, e, i, o, u, or y) must be used between the word root and the suffix

- these suffixes begin with a vowel, therefore a combining vowel (a, e, i, o, u, or y) is NOT used between the word root and the suffix

So,

• A combining vowel IS used to link one root to another and before a suffix that begins with a consonant

• A combining vowel IS NOT used before a suffix that starts with a vowel

Different Associations in Medical Terminology

• Prefix, Root, and suffix -- Pericarditis

• Two roots and a suffix -- Myocarditis

• Prefix and root -- Hypotension

• Root and suffix -- Hepatitis

• Prefix and suffix -- Anemia

• pertaining to: -ac, -al, -ar, -ary, -eal, -iac, -ic, -ical, -ose, -ous and -tic