organo-

1. a combining form of Greek origin used, with the meaning “organ (of the body),” “musical instrument,” or as a combining form of organic in the formation of compound words:

   organology; organosilicon.

organo-

combining_form

1. (in biology or medicine) indicating an organ or organs

   organogenesis

2. (in chemistry) indicating a compound containing an organic group

   organophosphate

   organometallic

   organosulphur

Word History and Origins

Origin of organo-¹

< Greek, combining form of órganon organ

Example Sentences

Especially will the traveller in Mexico be struck by the imposing organo cactus.

From Project Gutenberg

A striking example of the place of suggestion came with the development of organo-therapy some fifteen years ago.

From Project Gutenberg

Præterea in quibusdam morbis medendi cruciatus detraxit, ut in anginis quas curabant in fauces organo demisso.

From Project Gutenberg

Sopra un organo particolare della Cimici dei letti (Cimex lectularius L.).

From Project Gutenberg

De Novo Organo silemus, he says, neque de eo quicquam prlibamus.

From Project Gutenberg

Words That Use Organo-

What does organo- mean?

Organo- is a combining form used like a prefix with several meanings. In biology and medicine, it refers to an “organ (of the body).” In chemistry, it represents organic, referring to “chemical compounds existing in or derived from plants or animals and carbon compounds.” Very occasionally, it means “musical instrument.”

Organo- comes from the Greek órganon, meaning “organ.”

Examples of organo-

One example of a term that features the combining form organo- is organology, “the branch of biology that deals with the structure and functions of the organs of living things.”

As we have seen, in terms from biology, organo- means “organ.” The ending -logy may also look familiar: it is commonly used to denote areas of study. Organology literally translates to “the study of organs.”

What are some words that use the combining form organo-?

• organography
• organoleptic
• organogenesis
• organochlorine
• organotrophic

What are some other forms that organo- may be commonly confused with?

• ergo-
• orchio-
• ornitho-

Break it down!

Genesis means “an origin, creation, development.” What does the biological term organogenesis refer to the development of?