What prefix indicates "excessive" or "much"?

The prefix that indicates "excessive" or "much" is "poly-." This prefix is derived from the Greek word "polus," meaning "many" or "much." In medical terminology, "poly-" is used to convey a sense of abundance or excess. For example, "polydipsia" refers to excessive thirst, while "polyuria" indicates excessive urination.

The other prefixes do not convey the same meaning. "Nulli-" indicates a lack or absence, such as in "nulliparous," which refers to a woman who has never given birth. "Multi-" denotes many but is generally used to indicate multiple entities rather than an excess. For instance, "multiparous" refers to a woman who has given birth multiple times. "Semi-" means half or partial and is used in terms such as "semicircular," which describes a shape rather than an abundance. Understanding the specific meanings of these prefixes is crucial in medical terminology to accurately interpret and convey information regarding medical conditions.