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ptero-
- a combining form meaning “wing,” “feather,” used in the formation of compound words:
pterodactyl.
ptero-
combining_form
- wing, feather, or a part resembling a wing
pterodactyl
Word History and Origins
Origin of ptero-1
Word History and Origins
Origin of ptero-1
Example Sentences
At the bar, you can order $5 ptero-daiquiri shots—a sign advertises them with a cartoon pterodactyl and a “Rawwr!!!”
What are Mega-what's-its-names and Ptero-what-do-you-call-thems?
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Words That Use ptero-
What does ptero- mean?
Ptero- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “wing” or “feather.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in zoology.
Ptero- comes from the Greek pterón, meaning “wing” or “feather.” Here’s a word connection that may surprise you: the word helicopter also has a root in the Greek pterón. Discover why at our entry for the word.
And, as it’s always worth noting, the p in ptero- is silent.
What are variants of ptero-?
When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, ptero- becomes pter-, as in pteranodon (formed in New Latin).
Corresponding forms of ptero- combined to the end of words are -pter and -pterous, which you can learn more about in our Words That Use articles for each form.
Closely related to ptero- is pterygo-, connected to pterygoid, and pterido-, which is used for ferns.
Examples of ptero-
You may be familiar with pterodactyl, a term for ancient flying reptiles, whose name features the combining form ptero-. Fun fact: pterodactyls were not technically dinosaurs!
We know ptero- means “wing,” so what is the -dactyl portion of the word? It comes from the Greek dáktylos, meaning “finger.” So, pterodactyl literally means “winged finger.”
What are some words that use the combining form ptero-?
- pterocarpous (formed in New Latin)
- pteropod (formed in New Latin)
- pteropodium (formed in New Latin)
What are some other forms that ptero- may be commonly confused with?
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