What prefix signifies 'excessive,' 'over,' or 'many'?

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Study for the Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Ensure exam readiness!

The prefix that signifies 'excessive,' 'over,' or 'many' is hyper-. This prefix is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a condition characterized by an excess or exaggeration. For instance, the term "hypertension" refers to excessive blood pressure.

While "multi-" indicates many or multiple and is used in terms such as "multivitamin," it does not carry the connotation of excess as hyper- does. "Poly-" also suggests many, as seen in "polyuria," which refers to excessive urination, but it does not universally denote excess in a general sense. "Mega-" implies something large or great but does not specifically mean excess in a quantitative way.

Therefore, hyper- is the most accurate prefix to describe an excessive characteristic in medical terminology.

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