What do you call a word part that is affixed to the end of a word?

A word part affixed to the end of a word is called a suffix. Suffixes are used to modify the meaning of the root word or to indicate a specific function, such as tense, number, or part of speech. For instance, in medical terminology, the suffix "-itis" indicates inflammation, as in "arthritis," which means inflammation of the joints.

Understanding suffixes is crucial for deciphering complex medical terms, as they often provide key information about the condition or procedure being described. In contrast, a prefix is added to the beginning of a word; a root is the core part of the word that carries the primary meaning; and a combining vowel is used to ease pronunciation when combining different word parts. These distinctions help clarify the structure and meaning of medical terms.