algo

¹

[ al-goh ]

noun

, Computers Informal.

1. algorithm ( def 2 ).

algo-

²

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

   algophobia.

algo-

combining_form

1. denoting pain

   algophobia

   algometer

Word History and Origins

Origin of algo¹

First recorded in 1990–95; by shortening

Origin of algo²

Combining form representing Greek álgos

Word History and Origins

Origin of algo¹

from Greek algos pain

Example Sentences

En medio de las quejas por el precio de las entradas, una encuesta de 2023 sugería que el 44% de los residentes en París y sus alrededores han llegado a pensar que la organización de los Juegos es “algo malo”.

From Los Angeles Times

Y “una vez que se propone algo, le entra con mucha seriedad”.

From Science Magazine

“Para los mánagers que me ven, la inteligencia artificial es algo aterrador y la están usando contra nosotros”, escribió.

From New York Times

These days, it’s well known that what we see online is determined by algorithms—or, as we now call it, “the algo”—and that digital privacy is virtually impossible.

From Slate

Una noche entre semana, algunos de los médicos se reunieron en una taberna para tomar algo y cenar.

From Los Angeles Times

Words That Use Algo-

What does algo- mean?

Algo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “pain.” It is occasionally used in medical terms, especially in psychiatry and pathology.

Algo- comes from the Greek álgos, meaning “pain.” Similar in meaning and use to algo- are odyno- and -odynia, which derive from odýnē, also meaning “pain.”

Corresponding forms of algo- combined to the end of words are -algia, as in ovarialgia, or -algy, as in coxalgy. Learn more about these forms in our Words That Use articles for each.

Examples of algo-

One example of a term that features the combining form algo- is algophobia, “an irrational or disproportionate fear of pain.”

Algo- means “pain,” as we have seen. The -phobia part of the word may also look familiar. It means “fear.” Algophobia literally translates to “fear of pain.”

What are some words that use or are related to the combining form algo-?

• algesia
• algodystrophy
• algogenic
• algolagnia (using the equivalent form of algo- in German)
• algometer
• algophilia

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

• agro-
• allo-
• angio-

Many words that begin with the exact letters algo- or alg- are not using the combining form algo- to denote “pain.” Algorithm, algology, and algae are three examples. Learn more about the history and meaning of these words at our entries for them.

Break it down!

The combining form -meter means “measure.” It is used to name instruments that measure various quantities or qualities. What does an algometer measure?