Which suffix indicates a condition or state?

The suffix "-ism" is used in medical terminology to denote a condition, state, or theory. It often describes a pathological condition or an abnormal condition affecting the body. For example, "alcoholism" refers to the condition of being addicted to alcohol, while "hypothyroidism" indicates a state of having an underactive thyroid gland. This suffix is particularly useful in the context of various diseases and disorders, allowing healthcare professionals to clearly communicate the nature of a condition.

In contrast, the other suffixes serve different purposes. The suffix "-ist" typically denotes a specialist or a practitioner in a certain field, such as "dentist" referring to a tooth specialist. The suffix "-ion" generally indicates an action or process, as seen in "infection," which depicts the process of being infected. Lastly, "-ine" often relates to substances, such as "epinephrine," a hormone. Hence, each suffix has its unique significance, but "-ism" stands out as the one that specifically refers to a condition or state.