The suffix -lysis denotes which meaning?

• A. Create an opening
• B. Loosening, Destruction
• C. Like
• D. Bile

Answer: (B)

The suffix -lysis signals a process of breaking down, dissolving, or loosening. It comes from Greek lysis meaning to loosen or dissolve, and it shows up in terms like analysis (breaking something into parts to study it), dialysis (separating substances by diffusion), and thrombolysis (destruction or dissolution of a clot). Because of this meaning, -lysis indicates loosening or destruction rather than creating an opening, resembling something, or referring to bile.