Final answer:
In medical and scientific terminology, hyphens are used to join letters and numbers, as in the naming of ketones like propanone as 'acetone' or isotopes such as 'carbon-14.'
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of specialized medical terminology, a hyphen is used to clarify the relationship between letters and numbers that serve as modifiers. For instance, when writing chemical names or referring to isotopes, hyphens are important to separate numbers from names, ensuring the correct interpretation of the term. An example of this would be naming a ketone, where the number indicating the position of the ketone group is followed by a hyphen and then the name 'ketone' itself. Similarly, if we are referencing an isotope such as carbon-14, we write it as 'carbon-14' with a hyphen separating the element name and the mass number.