In medical terms, which of the following describes a state of abnormal softening?

The correct choice is associated with the suffix “-malacia,” which signifies a pathological condition characterized by the abnormal softening of a tissue or organ. This term is derived from the Greek word "malakos," meaning soft. In medical terminology, it is commonly used in various contexts, such as "osteomalacia," which refers to the softening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency or other metabolic disorders.

The other options represent different concepts in medical terminology. “-ectomy” refers to the surgical removal of a body part (e.g., appendectomy). “-coccus” denotes a type of spherical bacterium (e.g., staphylococcus). “-opsy” refers to a procedure to view or examine tissue, typically in the context of a biopsy. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately interpreting medical terms.