What is the combining form meaning death?

• A. Necr/o
• B. Isch/o
• C. Blast/o
• D. Path/o

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is identifying the combining form that conveys death. The forming element necr/o comes from a Greek root meaning dead body, and it shows up in terms like necrosis (tissue death), necrotic (pertaining to dead tissue), and necropolis (city of the dead). That direct sense of death or dying is exactly what the question is asking for.

The other forms point to different ideas. Isch/o refers to blockage or a shortage of blood flow, as in ischemia. Blast/o means a germ or bud, indicating an early developmental stage. Path/o relates to disease or suffering, as in pathology. None of these denote death itself the way necr/o does, so necr/o is the best fit for meaning death.