Which morpheme means 'falling'?

Which morpheme means 'falling'?

• A. -ptosis
• B. Supra-
• C. -desis
• D. Auto-

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how medical terms signal a falling or drooping condition. The morpheme that means falling is -ptosis. It comes from Greek and is used in terms like blepharoptosis (drooping eyelid) or nephroptosis (dropping kidney). That suffix specifically conveys a sagging or prolapse of a part. The other morphemes don’t carry that meaning: Supra- means above, -desis means binding or fusion, and Auto- means self. So the suffix that denotes falling or drooping is -ptosis.

The idea being tested is how medical terms signal a falling or drooping condition. The morpheme that means falling is -ptosis. It comes from Greek and is used in terms like blepharoptosis (drooping eyelid) or nephroptosis (dropping kidney). That suffix specifically conveys a sagging or prolapse of a part. The other morphemes don’t carry that meaning: Supra- means above, -desis means binding or fusion, and Auto- means self. So the suffix that denotes falling or drooping is -ptosis.