Which suffix means 'cutting out' or 'removal' in medical terminology?

The suffix that means 'cutting out' or 'removal' in medical terminology is indeed associated with the term 'ectomy.' This suffix is derived from the Greek word 'ektome,' which translates to 'excision' or 'surgical removal.' It is commonly used in various medical procedures to indicate the removal of specific body parts or tissues, such as appendectomy (removal of the appendix) and mastectomy (removal of a breast).

In contrast, other suffixes serve different purposes in medical terminology. For example, 'otomy' implies a cutting into or incision, typically for diagnostic purposes rather than removal. 'Plasty' refers to the surgical repair or reconstruction of a part, while 'stomy' denotes the creation of an opening or a connection from one part of the body to the outside, often for bodily waste elimination. Understanding these distinctions can be crucial in grasping medical terminology and the specific meanings of different procedures.