What does 'hypo' mean in medical terminology?

In medical terminology, the prefix 'hypo-' is used to denote a condition that is less than normal or below the expected level. For example, 'hypoglycemia' refers to lower than normal levels of glucose in the blood, indicating a deficiency rather than an excess. This prefix is derived from the Greek word 'hypo', meaning "under" or "beneath". Understanding this prefix is crucial in veterinary science as it helps in accurately describing various medical conditions that pertain to deficiency or lower function, which is fundamental to diagnosing and treating animals effectively.