What does the suffix -pheresis mean?

The suffix "-pheresis" comes from the Greek word "pheresis," meaning "carrying away." It generally indicates the removal or withdrawal of something.

Here's how it's used:

* Apheresis itself is a medical procedure that involves removing blood components like platelets or plasma.

* Diapheresis refers to excessive sweating.

* Synapheresis is the loss or omission of a sound or syllable in a word, as in "y'know" for "you know."

So, in general, "-pheresis" signifies a process of taking away or eliminating something.