What does the suffix "-porosis" indicate?

The suffix "-porosis" refers to a condition characterized by a decrease in bone density or mass, leading to the porous or fragile nature of the bones. When used in medical terminology, "-porosis" indicates that the normal density of a substance, such as bone, is lessened. This term is often seen in conditions like osteoporosis, which describes the reduction in bone density that significantly increases the risk of fractures.

Understanding this suffix helps in recognizing various medical conditions associated with changes in density or structure of bones and tissues, making it an essential component of medical terminology.