What does the prefix "neo-" indicate in medical terms?

The prefix "neo-" is derived from the Greek word "neos," which means "new." In medical terminology, this prefix is commonly used to describe new or recent conditions or developments, such as in the term "neoplasm," which refers to a new growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Understanding this prefix helps in interpreting various medical terms that involve the concept of newness or innovation within physiological contexts.