What does “tomy” signify in medical terms?

The term "tomy" in medical terminology signifies an incision or a cut made into a body structure or organ. It is derived from the Greek word "tomia," which means "to cut." This suffix is commonly seen in various surgical terms such as "appendectomy" (removal of the appendix) or "laparotomy" (incision into the abdominal cavity), which clearly indicate that a surgical cut is involved.

Understanding the meanings of medical prefixes and suffixes is crucial in the field of healthcare, as it allows professionals to accurately communicate various procedures and conditions. In contrast, terms related to visual examination or measurement represent different medical actions entirely, and “new opening” refers to the creation of a stoma or opening, which is not what "tomy" denotes.