Which suffix denotes enlargement of an organ?

• A. Philia
• B. Megaly
• C. Cidal
• D. Sepsis

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is how medical suffixes convey changes in size. The suffix that denotes enlargement of an organ is -megaly, coming from the Greek megas meaning large. When attached to a root, it names a condition where the organ is enlarged, as in hepatomegaly (liver enlarged) or cardiomegaly (heart enlarged). The other endings point to different ideas: -philia indicates attraction or affinity for something, not an increase in size; -cidal means killing or destruction; and sepsis refers to a septic infection, not a size change. So -megaly is the suffix that denotes enlargement.