What does the suffix "-ology" mean?

The suffix "-ology" refers to the "study of" a particular subject or field. It is derived from the Greek word "logia," which translates to "the study of" or "science." When added to the root of a word, it indicates a discipline or branch of knowledge, such as in "biology" (the study of living organisms) or "psychology" (the study of the mind). This suffix clearly conveys an academic focus, making it fundamental to many scientific and medical terms. The other options relate to different concepts: inflammation pertains to a response in tissues, below normal indicates a condition or state, and growth refers to an increase in size or number.