Which of the following best defines morphology?

Morphology is defined as the study of the structure and formation of words. It focuses on how words are built and the rules governing their construction, including the analysis of prefixes, suffixes, roots, and how these elements combine to create meaningful expressions. Understanding morphology is essential in language development, particularly for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, as it influences literacy and vocabulary skills. This understanding helps educators provide targeted instruction in word formation, which is crucial for effective communication and comprehension.

The other options refer to different aspects of linguistics: phonology pertains to sounds in language, syntax relates to the arrangement of clauses and sentences, and semantics deals with the interpretation of meaning. Each of these areas is important in its own right, but they do not encompass the definition of morphology as accurately as the emphasis on word structure and formation does.