Which suffix indicates "to cut"?

Prepare for the HOSA Medical Terminology Test. Utilize interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations to master prefixes and suffixes essential for HOSA certification. Gear up for success!

The suffix that indicates "to cut" is indeed correctly identified as -tomy. This suffix is derived from the Greek word "tomia," meaning "to cut." It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe surgical procedures involving incisions or cutting into an organ or tissue.

For instance, in the term "nephrotomy," which refers to the surgical incision into a kidney, the suffix -tomy indicates that a cut is being made. This is significant in distinguishing it from other suffixes, such as -ectomy, which refers to the removal of a part (excision), and -plasty, which indicates surgical repair. Understanding -tomy can help one recognize various surgical procedures in healthcare contexts.

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