opto-

American  

1. a combining form meaning “optic” or “vision,” used in the formation of compound words.

   optometry.

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Usage

What does opto- mean? Opto- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “optic” or “vision.” It is often used in scientific and medical terms, especially in optometry and ophthalmology. Opto- comes from the Greek optós, meaning “visible.” This word is related to the Greek word ṓps, meaning “eye” or “face,” and ophthalmós, meaning "eye." Ophthalmós is ultimately the source of ophthalmo- and ophthalm-. Also ultimately coming from the Greek ṓps are the combining forms -opia, -opsia, -opsy, and -opy. The Latin word for “eye” is oculus, source of the combining form oculo-. What are variants of opto-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, opto- becomes opt-, as in optesthesia.

Etymology

Origin of opto-

< Greek optós visible; akin to ṓps face; cf. eye