What does the suffix "-pathy" refer to?

The suffix "-pathy" originates from the Greek word "pathos," which translates to "suffering," "disease," or "emotion." In medical terminology, when this suffix is used, it specifically refers to disease or a disorder affecting a particular area of the body or system. For example, "neuropathy" refers to a disease affecting the nerves, and "cardiomyopathy" refers to disease of the heart muscle. Thus, in contexts related to health and medicine, "-pathy" is consistently tied to the discussion of illnesses or pathological conditions, making it the correct association in this question.

Understanding this definition is crucial for interpreting medical terms and conditions effectively.