Final answer:
The word 'infection' consists of the prefix 'in-', the root 'fect', and the suffix '-ion', combining to refer to the state or process of being infected.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word Infection can be broken down into three parts: prefix, root, and suffix. The prefix is 'in-', which often means 'into', 'in', or 'not'. The root is 'fect', which is derived from Latin 'fectus', meaning 'made' or 'done'. And the suffix is '-ion', which typically turns a verb into a noun indicating a state or condition. Therefore, the word infection signifies a state or process of being infected.
To further illustrate this, consider these examples:
- Dis + cline = decline (where 'dis-' means 'down' or 'away' and 'cline' means 'lean' with the resultant meaning to lean down, to deteriorate)
- Sub + merge = submerge (where 'sub-' means 'under' and 'merge' means 'dip' or 'sink' and the resultant meaning is to go under water)