What is the meaning of the term 'affix' in linguistics?

The term 'affix' in linguistics refers to a unit of meaning that is attached to a root word, either as a prefix (which comes before the root) or a suffix (which comes after the root). Affixes modify or enhance the meaning of the root word, allowing for the formation of new words and enabling more precise communication.

For example, in the word 'unhappiness,' 'un-' is a prefix that indicates negation, and '-ness' is a suffix that transforms the adjective 'happy' into a noun, conveying the state of not being happy. This illustrates how affixes play a crucial role in the structure and versatility of language, allowing speakers and writers to create a variety of meanings from a single root.

The other choices do not accurately capture the definition of 'affix.' A medical terminology root word or synonyms do not encompass the broader linguistic function that affixes perform, while abbreviations refer to shortened forms of words rather than the modification or enhancement of base meanings.