The spelling of the word "osis" can be confusing due to its unusual combination of letters. It is pronounced as /ˈoʊsɪs/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with a long "o" sound followed by the "s" sound and ending with the "ihz" sound. The word is often used as a suffix in medical terminology to describe various conditions or diseases. Examples include "neurosis" and "psychosis". Despite its tricky spelling, "osis" is a versatile word that has found a place in many fields of study.
OSIS is a common combining form or suffix used in the English language, derived from the Greek word "osis," which means a condition or state. It is typically added to the end of a base word to create nouns that refer to a particular abnormal or pathological condition, process, or state.
In medical terminology, OSIS is often used to describe various diseases, disorders, or conditions. For example, osteoporosis refers to a condition characterized by the weakening of bones, while dermatosis refers to a skin disease or disorder.
The suffix OSIS can also be found in non-medical terminology, where it is used to describe non-pathological conditions or states. For instance, chlorosis refers to a yellowing or whitening of plant foliage due to a lack of chlorophyll, and necrosis refers to the death of cells or tissues.
Overall, the use of OSIS as a suffix in the English language allows for the formation of nouns that indicate a specified condition, state, or process, particularly in the context of medical or biological terminology. By understanding the suffix OSIS, one can effectively decipher the meaning of words ending with this suffix and gain a deeper understanding of various diseases, disorders, and conditions.
A suffix, properly added only to words formed from Greek roots, noting primarily any production or increase, physiological or pathological (leucocytosis, tuberculosis); and secondarily an invasion, and increase within the organism, of parasites (coccidiosis); it has, in the latter sense, in general a similar significance, and is often interchangeable with -iasis, as seen in trichinosis, trichiniasis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.