Which of the following best defines morphology?

Morphology is defined as the examination of word structures and formations. This branch of linguistics focuses on how words are formed, including the way in which morphemes—the smallest units of meaning—combine to create words. Understanding morphology is crucial for exploring how different parts of words, such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words, contribute to the overall meaning of a word and how they can change when combined in various ways.

For instance, adding the prefix "un-" to the adjective "happy" creates the word "unhappy," altering its meaning. Morphology encompasses the rules that govern these formations and helps explain language development, particularly in children as they learn to expand their vocabulary and understand complex word structures. This foundational knowledge aids in diagnosing and treating developmental speech and language disorders.