-ure (and its variant -ura) is a Latin noun-forming suffix used to describe the result, process, or state of an action. In clinical terminology, it transforms a verb of action into a noun representing the outcome of that action (e.g., fracture is the result of the action of breaking). It is distinguished from the suffix -ion, which often describes the process of doing something, whereas -ure frequently emphasizes the physical result or the permanent state created by the action. Physiologically, terms ending in -ure often describe structural changes (pathological, like a fracture) or applied mechanical forces (physiological, like pressure). In coding, this suffix is ubiquitous in descriptions of traumatic injuries and surgical closures. It is commonly confused with the root ur- (pertaining to urine), but linguistically, -ure acts as a terminal marker of result.
“result of,” “action of” — Noun-forming suffix used to denote the outcome of a verb.
The suffix entered English in the 14th-15th centuries as a noun, borrowed from Late Latin -ura. The root connects the term to the broader -ROOT FAMILY of result-oriented markers: -ion (process/state), -osis (condition/process), and -ence (quality/state). The productivity of this suffix is high in anatomy and pathology, appearing in essential clinical terms such as fracture, pressure, ligature, and closure.
ALIASES / ALTERNATE TERMS
-ura(original Latin form; found in archaic texts or specific anatomical descriptions)
RESULTANT(clinical synonym describing the outcome of a process, e.g., “resultant deformity”)
OUTCOME / PRODUCT(lay terms describing the state created by the action)
STATE OF ACTION(linguistic descriptor for the noun-form of a verb)
RELATED TERMS
-ion — a sibling suffix; while -ure often denotes a physical result (a fracture), -ion often denotes a process (an inflation).
-osis — shares a “state of” meaning, but typically denotes an abnormal or pathological process (e.g., scoliosis).
-ectomy — represents the result of a surgical action (removal), though it uses a Greek root rather than a Latin suffix.
TENSION — a related mechanical concept; while pressure (from -ure) is a force applied to a surface, tension is a pulling force.
FISSURE — a specific result of splitting; shares the -ure suffix, denoting the result of a “cleaving” action.
LIGATE — the verb form of ligature; the action of tying off a vessel.
CODING CORNER
Because -ure is a root, coding guidelines apply to the terms it forms. In 2026 guidelines, specificity regarding the result (the suffix meaning) is paramount for injury and surgical codes.
ICD-10-CM CODES
Traumatic Fractures (Fracture-derived | S-Series)
Code
Description
S42.0-
Fracture of clavicle (The “result” of breaking the bone)
S52.5-
Fracture of lower end of radius
S82.1-
Fracture of upper end of tibia
Pressure Ulcers (Pressure-derived | L89 Series)
Code
Description
L89.15-
Pressure ulcer of sacral region (The “result” of sustained pressure)
Reduction of a fracture (treating the “result” of breaking)
Coding Note: For 2026 inpatient profee claims, the distinction between a closure (primary intention) and a granulating wound (secondary intention) is a critical modifier trigger. When documenting a “fracture,” ensure the documentation specifies the “result” (displaced vs. non-displaced), as this determines the CPT code for the reduction procedure. Under-coding often occurs when “pressure” is documented without the “ulcer” result; always ensure the documentation links the force (pressure) to the clinical outcome (ulcer/necrosis) to support L89 codes.