Final answer:
The combining form for prognosis is -gnosis. The combining form Gnos- in the medical words diagnosis and prognosis comes from the Greek word 'gnosis' meaning 'knowledge' or 'understanding'. In medical terminology, the combining form -gnosis is used to indicate knowledge or understanding of a particular condition or disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The combining form for prognosis is -gnosis. The combining form Gnos- in the medical words diagnosis and prognosis comes from the Greek word 'gnosis' meaning 'knowledge' or 'understanding'. In medical terminology, the combining form -gnosis is used to indicate knowledge or understanding of a particular condition or disease.
For example, in the word 'diagnosis', the combining form Gnos- is combined with the root 'dia-', meaning 'through', and the suffix '-sis', indicating a process or condition. So, 'diagnosis' literally means 'through knowledge' or 'understanding a condition by analyzing the signs and symptoms'.
Similarly, in the word 'prognosis', the combining form Gnos- is combined with the prefix 'pro-', meaning 'before', and the suffix '-sis', indicating a process or condition. So, 'prognosis' literally means 'before knowledge' or 'foreseeing the likely outcome or course of a disease or condition'.