What does the suffix tuss/o refer to in medical terms?

The suffix tuss/o specifically pertains to "cough" in medical terminology. In various medical contexts, this root word is often associated with conditions or symptoms involving coughing. For instance, terms like "tussive" refer to actions involving coughs, and "tussigenic" describes something that induces coughing. Understanding this suffix is valuable in interpreting various medical conditions related to respiratory health, as coughing is a common symptom of many ailments such as infections, allergies, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The other options pertain to different medical terminology roots: "nail" relates to the suffix onych/o; "urine" is tied to the suffix ur/o; and "pain" is associated with the suffix alg/o or -dynia. Each of these roots has its specific application, but tuss/o distinctly denotes coughing.