Medical Suffix
-tripsy
-tripsy means crushing or breaking (from the Greek tripsis, meaning a rubbing or crushing).
What does -tripsy mean?
The suffix -tripsy means surgical crushing or breaking, usually of a stone or other hard mass. It comes from the Greek word tripsis. It appears at the end of words describing a procedure that breaks something into smaller pieces so it can be removed or passed. For example, lithotripsy is the crushing of stones, such as kidney stones, often using shock waves. It relates to the root lith/o, which means stone.
Example words using -tripsy
Related word parts
Frequently asked questions
What does -tripsy mean?
The suffix -tripsy means surgical crushing or breaking, usually of a stone, and comes from Greek.
What is lithotripsy?
It is the crushing of a stone, such as a kidney stone, combining lith/o (stone) with -tripsy. It is often done with shock waves.
When is -tripsy used?
It appears in procedures that break a hard mass into smaller pieces so it can be removed or passed.
Study reference only — not medical advice. Always consult qualified sources for clinical decisions.