What is the purpose of a combining vowel?

The purpose of a combining vowel is to connect word parts and ease pronunciation. In medical terminology, combining vowels, often the letter "o," are used between root words and suffixes or between two root words. This is particularly useful in cases where the combination of certain root words or a root word with a suffix could create awkward or difficult pronunciations.

By inserting a combining vowel, such as "o," the flow of the word is improved, making it easier for speakers to articulate the term correctly. For instance, in the word "cardiology," the combining vowel "o" helps connect the root "cardi" (meaning heart) with the suffix "-logy" (meaning study of), thus forming a smooth and pronounceable word.

In contrast, other choices do not accurately capture the primary function of the combining vowel. Modifying the meaning of a word typically relies on prefixes or suffixes rather than the combining vowel itself. Similarly, analyzing a word can involve other linguistic techniques that don't specifically pertain to the role of combining vowels. While creating new word parts can happen in the processes of word formation, it is not the defining purpose of a combining vowel.