brachy-

1. a learned borrowing from Greek meaning “short,” used in the formation of compound words:

   brachycerous.

brachy-

combining_form

1. indicating something short

   brachycephalic

Word History and Origins

Origin of brachy-¹

< Greek, combining form of brachýs

Word History and Origins

Origin of brachy-¹

from Greek brakhus short

Example Sentences

Even though they often suffer "serious health problems" from obstructive airway syndrome and joint problems like hip dysplasia to reflux disorders like heartburn, "most owners of brachys see past these health issues and would gladly adopt another brachy in the future."

From Salon

Brachycephalic, or "brachy" dogs - like pugs, bulldogs or boxers - are bred for their distinctive looks.

From BBC

Bernice had told them to use the crest extending from the back of the dactyls’ heads to nudge them one direction or the other, but this one had already responded to her thoughts just like the brachy had, and Magdalys had no intention of yanking its head around if she didn’t have to.

From Literature

Before she could even find her balance, the brachy hooted once and then lunged forward, reaching the burning theater in three massive clomps.

From Literature

The brachy had landed his front two legs and then sidestepped uneasily at the blast, the great neck craning around to see where it had come from.

From Literature

Words That Use brachy-

What does brachy- mean?

Brachy- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “short.” It is often used in medical and scientific terms.

Brachy- comes from the Greek brachýs, meaning “short.”

Examples of brachy-

A medical term that you may be familiar with that features the combining form brachy- is brachycardia, also known as bradycardia. Brachycardia is “a slow heartbeat rate, usually less than 60 beats per minute.”

The first part of the word, brachy-, means “short.” The form -cardia can denotes an abnormal condition of the heart, from the Greek kardía meaning “heart.” Brachycardia literally translates to “short heart(beat).”

The combining form brady- in bradycardia means “slow,” if you were curious. Learn more in our entry for the word.

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

• brachybasia
• brachycerous
• brachycephalic
• brachydactyly
• brachygnathia
• brachystomatous

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

• brachi-
• brachio-
• pachy-
• tachy-

Break it down!

The combining form -dactyly describes the nature of the “fingers” of an organism. For example, polydactyly is when an animal has more fingers or toes than normal. What is brachydactyly?