Which suffix denotes a condition characterized by spasms or contractions?

The suffix that denotes a condition characterized by spasms or contractions is "-ismus." This suffix is derived from the Greek word “ismós,” which refers to a condition or state, particularly in terms of muscle contractions or spasming. In medical terminology, it is used to describe various involuntary muscle contractions, such as in the case of "strabismus," where there is a disorder of eye misalignment due to muscle spasms.

Other suffixes have different meanings: "-otomy" refers to a surgical procedure or cutting into a part of the body, such as in "laparotomy," which is an incision into the abdominal cavity. "-itis" indicates inflammation, as seen in conditions like "arthritis," which involves inflammation of the joints. Finally, "-osis" denotes a state or condition, often used to refer to diseases or abnormal conditions, such as "osis" in “nephrosis,” relating to the kidney. Each of these suffixes serves a distinct purpose in medical terminology, but "-ismus" is specifically associated with spasms or muscular contractions.