What does the suffix '-tripsy' indicate in medical language?

In medical terminology, the suffix '-tripsy' derives from the Greek word "tripsis," meaning "to rub" or "to crush." This suffix is commonly used to indicate a procedure that involves crushing or breaking down tissue or stones within the body. For example, lithotripsy refers specifically to the procedure of crushing kidney stones to facilitate their removal from the urinary tract.

The other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of '-tripsy.' 'To cut' would be more accurately represented by the suffix '-tomy,' which denotes surgical cutting or incision. 'To remove' is generally indicated by the suffix '-ectomy,' which refers to the surgical removal of a body part. 'To repair' is typically represented by the suffix '-plasty,' used in terms that describe surgical repair or reconstruction of a body part. Thus, understanding that '-tripsy' signifies the action of crushing helps to clarify its specific application in medical contexts.