pter-

¹ American  

1. variant of ptero- before a vowel.

   pteranodon.

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-pter ² American  

1. a combining form meaning “one with wings” of the kind specified.

   hymenopter.

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Usage

Basic definitions of pter- and -pter Pter- and -pter are combining forms that variously refer to “wings” and “feathers.”They come from the Greek pterón, meaning “wing” or “feather.”Closely related to pter- and -pter are the combining forms pterygo-, connected to pterygoid, and pterido-, which is used for ferns. What does pter- mean?Pter- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “wing” or “feather.” It is used in scientific terms, especially in zoology. The initial p in pter- is silent. Pter- is a variant of ptero-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use ptero- article. What does -pter mean?The combining form -pter is used like a suffix meaning “one with wings” of a kind specified by the first part of the word. Like pter-, it is used in scientific terms, especially in zoology. An adjective form corresponding to -pter is -pterous. Learn about its specific applications at our Words That Use -pterous article. The p when -pter is used like a suffix is pronounced.

Etymology

Origin of -pter

see origin at -pterous