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What is Osis in medical terms?

Published in Medical Terminology 1 min read

In medical terminology, "osis" is a suffix that generally means a condition, disease, process, or increase. It is commonly used to denote a state, usually abnormal, involving a body part or function.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Condition or State: This is the most general meaning. It simply indicates that something is happening or present.

  • Disease: In some cases, "osis" directly implies a disease state.

  • Process: It can describe a process that's occurring, often pathological.

  • Increase: Sometimes, "osis" denotes an increase in something, such as the number of cells.

Examples of terms using the "osis" suffix:

  • Dermatosis: Any disease of the skin.
  • Neurosis: A mental disorder that causes a sense of distress.
  • Leukocytosis: An increase in the number of white blood cells.
  • Psychosis: A mental disorder characterized by a disconnect from reality.
  • Cyanosis: A bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to insufficient oxygen in the blood.

Important Considerations:

While "osis" often implies an abnormality, it's crucial to understand the specific term's meaning within its context. Some "osis" conditions are expected or normal, such as leukocytosis during an infection.