What does the suffix "py/o" signify in medical terminology?

The suffix "py/o" is derived from the Greek word "pyon," which means pus. In medical terminology, it indicates the presence of pus in a particular context, often relating to infections or inflammatory conditions where pus is produced. The understanding of this suffix is essential for interpreting terms related to various medical conditions, such as "pyoderma" (a bacterial infection that leads to pus formation in the skin) or "pyemia" (the presence of pus in the blood). This context emphasizes the significance of recognizing the presence of pus as an indicator of an infectious process.