What does the suffix "-lytic" refer to in medical terminology?

The suffix "-lytic" comes from the Greek word "lysis," which means to break down or destroy. In medical terminology, it specifically refers to processes that lead to the destruction or breakdown of cells, tissues, or other substances. For example, "thrombolytic" refers to agents that dissolve blood clots. This usage is essential in various medical contexts, particularly in pharmacology and pathology, where the concept of destruction is crucial for treatment strategies and understanding disease processes.

The other options do not align with the meaning of "-lytic." "To create" would relate to growth or development, "to repair" would imply healing or restoration, and "to prevent" refers to stopping an action from occurring, none of which encompass the destructive connotation that "-lytic" carries in medical terminology.