What is the meaning of the prefix "brady-"?

The prefix "brady-" originates from the Greek word "bradys," which means slow. In medical terminology, this prefix is commonly used to describe slower-than-normal conditions, especially in terms of heart rate. For example, bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heartbeat, typically defined as a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute in an adult. Understanding this prefix is crucial in various healthcare fields, as it provides immediate insight into the nature of a condition by indicating a decreased rate of function.

The other options, while they describe different conditions or characteristics, do not relate to the prefix "brady-." For instance, "twisted" might relate to anatomical terms describing a structure, while "fast" and "soft" refer to different characteristics entirely. Therefore, recognizing "brady-" as meaning slow is essential for accurately interpreting many medical terms.