Suffixes For Diagnostic, Medical, & Surgical Procedures
-metry
Meaning: Process of measuring Medical Word Example: Spirometry (spih-RAWM-eh-tree) (spirlo- means breathe) Definition: Process of measuring the breathing
-graphy
Meaning: Process of recording Medical Word Example: mammography (mah-MAWG--rah-fee) (mammlo- means breathe) Definition: Process of recording the breast
-scopy
Meaning: Process of using an instrument to examine Medical Word Example: gastroscopy (gas-TRAWS-koh-pee) (gastrlo- means stomach) Definition: process of using an instrument to examine the stomach
-gram
Meaning: a record or picture Medical Word Example: mammogram (MAM-oh-gram) (mammlo- means breast) Definition: a record or picture of a breast
-scope
Meaning: instrument used to examine Medical Word Example: colonscope (koh-LAWN-oh-skop) (colonlo- means colon) Definition: instrument used to examine the colon
-tomy
Meaning: process of cutting or making an incision Medical Word Example: laparotomy (LAP-ah-RAW-toh-mee) (laparlo- mean abdomen) Definition: process of making an incision in the abdomen
-ectomy
Meaning: surgical excision Medical Word Example: appendectomy (AP-pen-DEK-toh-mee)(appendlo- mean breast) Definition: surgical excision of the appendix
-stomy
Meaning: surgically created opening Medical Word Example: colostomy (koh-LAWS-toh-mee) (collo- means colon) Definition: surgically created opening in the colon
-therapy
Meaning: treatment Medical Word Example: psychotherapy (SY-koh-THAIR-ah-pee) (psychlo- means mind) Definition: treatment of the medical
