Which term best describes a condition characterized by the swelling of tissues?

The condition characterized by the swelling of tissues is best described by the term that indicates inflammation, which is "itis." This suffix is commonly used in medical terminology to denote conditions that involve inflammation, such as arthritis (inflammation of the joints) or dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). When tissues swell, it often indicates an inflammatory response due to injury, infection, or other pathological processes.

Understanding the meaning of "itis" helps to recognize a wide array of medical conditions where swelling is a primary symptom, linking it directly to inflammation. The other terms do not specifically relate to swelling: "dys" refers to abnormality or difficulty, "tachy" indicates speed or rapidity, and "cephal" pertains to the head, none of which inherently imply swelling of tissues.