spiro-

¹

1. a combining form meaning “respiration,” used in the formation of compound words:

   spirograph.

spiro-

²

1. a combining form meaning “coil,” “spiral,” used in the formation of compound words:

   spirochete.

spiro-

¹

combining_form

1. indicating breath or respiration

   spirograph

spiro-

²

combining_form

1. spiral; coil

   spirochaete

Word History and Origins

Origin of spiro-¹

Combining form of Latin spīrāre “to breathe”

Origin of spiro-²

Combining form of Latin spīra, from Greek speîra “coil”

Word History and Origins

Origin of spiro-¹

from Latin spīrāre to breathe

Origin of spiro-²

from Latin spīra, from Greek speira a coil