What does -plastic mean in medical language?

The suffix -plastic in medical terminology pertains to formation or growth. It derives from the Greek word "plastos," meaning formed or molded. In a medical context, it is used to describe conditions, procedures, or types of tissues that involve development or the process of forming structures. For instance, in terms like "neoplastic" (relating to new and abnormal growth of tissue), the suffix clearly indicates the involvement of formation.

The choice that addresses surgical repair focuses on -plasty, which specifically pertains to the surgical procedure for shaping or fixing a body part, while the fear suffixes relate to phobia, and formation of cells would usually be indicated by terms such as "cytogenesis" or -genic. Therefore, the choice that identifies -plastic as relating to formation is accurate and reflects a broader range of usage in medical terminology.