Which prefix indicates a condition of excessive or above normal?

The prefix that indicates a condition of excessive or above normal is "hyper-." This prefix derives from the Greek word meaning "over" or "beyond," and it is commonly used in medical terminology to describe processes, conditions, or states that exceed normal limits. For instance, in terms like "hypertension," which refers to high blood pressure, or "hyperglycemia," which indicates elevated levels of glucose in the blood, the prefix clearly denotes an increase or excess relative to a standard or normal value.

Other prefixes, such as "hypo-" mean deficient or below normal, "auto-" refers to self or same, and "sub-" denotes under or below, which do not indicate excess. Understanding the prefix "hyper-" is essential for interpreting medical terms related to conditions that involve abnormal increases in physiological parameters. This knowledge is crucial in clinical settings where recognizing these conditions quickly can influence diagnosis and treatment.