What does 'mal-' denote in terms of health or condition?

The prefix 'mal-' is derived from Latin and is used in medical terminology to indicate something negative or harmful. In terms of health or condition, 'mal-' signifies a poor or undesirable state, hence its association with the concept of 'bad.' For example, in the term 'malnutrition,' it refers to inadequate nutrition leading to poor health.

The other options reflect positive or neutral states. The term 'normal' suggests a state of health that is typical and expected, while 'good' implies a positive or beneficial condition. The term 'excessive' refers to something that is more than what is considered reasonable or necessary, but it does not carry the inherently negative implication that 'mal-' does. Therefore, 'mal-' accurately conveys the notion of a bad condition or state in a medical context.