The suffix "-ectomy" is associated with which medical action?

The suffix "-ectomy" is derived from the Greek word "ektome," which means "to cut out." In medical terminology, it specifically refers to the surgical removal of a body part or organ. Therefore, when "-ectomy" is used in a medical context, it indicates that a surgical procedure has been performed to excise or take out a specific anatomical structure.

For example, an "appendectomy" is the surgical removal of the appendix, highlighting how this suffix communicates the action of removal. Recognizing that medical terminology often forms through root words combined with prefixes or suffixes is crucial for understanding the procedures being described.