What does the suffix "-ema" signify?

The suffix "-ema" is used in medical terminology to indicate a condition, particularly one that is abnormal or pathological. It is often attached to root words to signify a disorder or a disease affecting a particular part of the body. For example, "edema" refers to a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissues, leading to swelling. This suffix helps in categorizing medical states, highlighting that the term denotes a specific condition rather than just a descriptive term or action. Understanding this suffix is vital for recognizing and interpreting various medical terms that pertain to health conditions.