Which suffix denotes an abnormal condition?

• A. Abnormal condition
• B. Inflammation
• C. Development
• D. Record

Answer: (A)

The suffix -osis denotes an abnormal condition or disease. It turns a word into a noun that describes a pathological or irregular state, as in cirrhosis or osteoporosis. This contrasts with -itis, which signals inflammation; -genesis or -plasty (or -plasia) that refer to development or formation; and -graph or -gram, which relate to recording or writing. So the idea of “abnormal condition” matches well with -osis, making it the best fit for this question.