What is the meaning of the suffix -emia?

The suffix -emia specifically refers to a condition related to the blood. It is derived from the Greek word "haima," which means blood. When attached to a root word, -emia describes the presence of a particular substance or condition that affects the blood. For instance, "anemia" indicates a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, while "leukemia" refers to a type of cancer characterized by an overproduction of white blood cells. This suffix is commonly used in medical terms to denote various blood disorders or conditions, solidifying its meaning as "blood condition."

The other options relate to different medical concepts. Infection pertains to the presence of pathogens, discharge usually refers to the expulsion of fluids from the body, and measure refers to quantifying something rather than describing a blood-related condition. Therefore, identifying -emia as signifying a blood condition highlights its specific and relevant medical usage.