adeno-

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

   adenovirus.

adeno-

combining_form

1. gland or glandular

   adenology

   adenoid

Word History and Origins

Origin of adeno-¹

< Greek, combining form of adḗn gland; akin to Latin inguen groin

Word History and Origins

Origin of adeno-¹

New Latin, from Greek adēn gland

Example Sentences

McBride asked Brooks, who works with state officials on outbreaks, if the CDC wanted the university to do more “adeno specific communication” with people on campus.

From Washington Post

CN, copy number; SCNAs, somatic copy number alterations; Adeno., adenocarcinomas; Adenosq., adenosquamous cancers; Squamous, squamous cell carcinomas.

From Nature

CN, copy number; SCNAs, somatic copy number alterations; Adeno., adenocarcinomas; Adenosq., adenosquamous cancers; Squamous, squamous cell carcinomas.

From Nature

Words That Use adeno-

What does adeno- mean?

Adeno- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “gland.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy.

Adeno- comes from the Greek adḗn, meaning “gland.” This Greek root is ultimately the source of adenoids, the enlarged masses of lymphoid tissue in the upper pharynx, often obstructing breathing through the nasal passages.

What are variants of adeno-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, adeno- becomes aden–, as in adenalgia.

Examples of adeno-

An example of a word you may have encountered that features adeno- is adenopathy, “enlargement or disease of the glands,” especially lymphatic glands.

The combining form -pathy is ultimately from the Greek pathos, meaning “suffering, sensation.” It can be used in compound words to indicate “disease.” We already know that adeno- means “gland.” So, adenopathy literally translates to “gland disease.”

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

• adenocarcinoma
• adenocellulitis
• adenocystoma
• adenochondroma
• adenology
• adenomere

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

• adipo-
• adreno-

Break it down!

The combining form -tomy means “cutting” or “incision (into organ).” If a surgeon performs an adenotomy, what parts of the body are they cutting into?