What does the suffix "-malacia" mean?

The suffix "-malacia" signifies a condition of softening in medical terminology. This term is often used to describe the abnormal softening of tissues or organs within the body. For example, "osteomalacia" refers to the softening of bones, often due to a deficiency of vitamin D or other metabolic issues.

Understanding suffixes in medical terminology is essential, as they can dramatically alter the meaning of a word. In this case, recognizing that "-malacia" indicates softening helps in accurately interpreting medical conditions and diagnoses related to tissue integrity.