Which suffix means formation or growth?

• A. -static
• B. -anti-
• C. -osis
• D. -plasia

Answer: (D)

Understanding growth of tissue hinges on the suffix -plasia. This ending comes from Greek plasis, meaning formation or development, and it signals that the word is about growth or formation of cells or tissues. You can see it in hyperplasia (increased growth of tissue), hypoplasia (incomplete development), and dysplasia (abnormal development). That focus on formation and growth is what sets -plasia apart from the other endings here: -osis means a condition or process, not specifically formation; -static implies staying in place or stopping movement; and -anti- is a prefix meaning against. So the suffix that best conveys formation or growth is -plasia.