Which prefix means abnormal?

Which prefix means abnormal?

• A. Eu-
• B. Neo-
• C. Dys-
• D. Orth-

Answer: (C)

Abnormal is conveyed by the prefix "dys-," which signals bad, difficult, or faulty function. In medical terms, dys- appears in words like dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), dysuria (painful or difficult urination), and dysplasia (abnormal tissue development), showing how it flags something that is not normal. In contrast, eu- means good or normal, neo- means new, and orth- relates to straight or correct alignment, so they describe different ideas. Therefore, the prefix that best means abnormal is dys-.

Abnormal is conveyed by the prefix "dys-," which signals bad, difficult, or faulty function. In medical terms, dys- appears in words like dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), dysuria (painful or difficult urination), and dysplasia (abnormal tissue development), showing how it flags something that is not normal. In contrast, eu- means good or normal, neo- means new, and orth- relates to straight or correct alignment, so they describe different ideas. Therefore, the prefix that best means abnormal is dys-.