What does the prefix "meta-" signify in medical terminology?

The prefix "meta-" in medical terminology signifies a sense of "after" or "beyond." This prefix is often used to describe a change or transition that occurs following a specific event or condition. For example, in the context of cancer, "metastasis" refers to the process by which cancer cells spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body, indicating that these changes happen after the primary tumor has formed.

While "new," "inflammation," and "within" may relate to other prefixes or medical concepts, they do not capture the specific meaning of "meta-" as it pertains to indicating something that occurs subsequently or in a more advanced state. Understanding the usage of "meta-" can help in decoding various medical terms that involve progression or change over time.