In medical terms, what does the suffix "-ous" indicate?

The suffix "-ous" is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate that something is "pertaining to." This suffix is often attached to root words to describe conditions, substances, or characteristics related to the root. For example, when we use the term "venous," it refers to something that relates to veins. This pattern helps convey important information about the relationship between concepts in medical language.

Understanding this suffix enhances one's ability to interpret medical vocabulary accurately, as many medical terms utilize similar suffixes to convey specific meanings. Knowing that "-ous" signifies a relation allows healthcare professionals, students, and patients to better comprehend medical descriptions and classifications.