What does -osis refer to in medical terms?

The suffix "-osis" is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate an abnormal condition. This can refer to a variety of states or processes that deviate from the norm, often implying a disease or pathological condition. For instance, conditions like "neurosis" or "sclerosis" reflect the abnormal states of the nervous system and hardening of tissue, respectively. Understanding the root meaning of "-osis" helps in recognizing and interpreting numerous medical terms related to specific disorders or diseases.

In this context, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of "-osis." While "malignant tumor" refers specifically to cancerous growths and "control or stop" pertains to managing conditions, neither relates to the underlying implication of an abnormal or pathological state. The phrase "condition of formation" might suggest processes related to development, which does not align with the negative connotation typically associated with "-osis." Thus, "abnormal condition" is the most fitting interpretation of this suffix in medical terminology.