What is the meaning of the suffix '-itis'?

• A. Inflammation
• B. Growth
• C. Disease
• D. Condition

Answer: (A)

The suffix -itis signals inflammation of the target organ or tissue. When you see a term like gastritis, dermatitis, or tonsillitis, the ending tells you that those parts are inflamed. That makes -itis specifically about inflammation, not about growth, disease in general, or a broad condition. Growth is usually indicated by endings such as -plasia or -trophy, while disease or a general condition is often shown with endings like -osis, -pathy, or -ia. So the best interpretation of -itis is inflammation.