chylo-

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

   chylophyllous.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chylo-¹

Combining form representing Greek chȳlós; chyle

Words That Use Chylo-

What does chylo- mean?

Chylo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “juice.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in botany and pathology.

In medical terms, the form chylo- specifically represents chyle, a milky fluid consisting of fat and lymph produced by digestion.

Chylo- comes from the Greek chȳlós, meaning “juice.” As you probably guessed, chȳlós is also the source of chyle.

What are variants of chylo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, chylo- becomes chyl-, as in chylemia.

Examples of chylo-

One term from botany that features the combining form chylo- is chylophyllous, “having fleshy leaves, as certain desert plants.”

Chylo- means “juice,” as we have seen. The form -phyllous means “having leaves.” Chylophyllous literally translates to “having juicy leaves.” Discover other juicy plant connections at our entry for succulent.

What are some words that use the combining forms chylo- or chyl-?

• chylification
• chyliferous
• chyliform
• chylocaulous
• chylocele
• chyloderma
• chylomicron
• chylopericardium
• chylophoric
• chylopoiesis
• chylothorax
• chylosis
• chyluria

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

• cheilo-
• chilo-
• chryso-
• cryo-
• kilo-

Break it down!

The combining form -poiesis means “making, formation.” What does the medical term chylopoiesis refer to the creation of?