Which suffix means 'instrument to examine'?

• A. -scopy
• B. -rrhage
• C. -scope
• D. -rrhaphy

Answer: (C)

Focusing on suffixes that name an instrument used to look or view. -scope designates an instrument for examination, a device you use to inspect internal or distant structures (for example, endoscope, otoscope, microscope). In contrast, -scopy indicates the act or procedure of examining with such an instrument (endoscopy is the procedure of examining with an endoscope). The other endings relate to actions or processes rather than an instrument: -rrhage means excessive bleeding, and -rrhaphy means suturing or repair by suturing. So the instrument to examine is described by -scope.