Final answer:
The suffix -penia indicates a deficiency or decrease in the specified component.
Step-by-step explanation:
The suffix -penia is derived from the Greek word 'penía,' which means 'lack' or 'deficiency.' When added to medical terms, -penia indicates a decrease or deficiency in the specified component. For example, leukopenia refers to a decrease in white blood cells, thrombocytopenia refers to a deficiency of platelets, and anemia refers to a decrease in the number of red blood cells.
Therefore, the meaning of the suffix -penia is 2) deficiency.