Which suffix means 'the formation or origin of something'?

The suffix that means 'the formation or origin of something' is -genesis. This term is commonly used in various medical contexts to denote the process of development or the origin of cells, tissues, or conditions. For instance, "carcinogenesis" refers to the process by which normal cells transform into cancerous cells, indicating how cancer originates.

The other suffixes represent different concepts: -cide refers to killing (as in "pesticide"), -hernia relates to the protrusion of an organ (as in "inguinal hernia"), and -iasis indicates a condition or disease, often parasitic (as in "schistosomiasis"). Understanding these distinctions helps to clarify the meanings and applications of each suffix in medical terminology.