cteno-

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

   Ctenophora.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cteno-¹

< Greek kteno-, combining form of kteís comb (genitive ktenós )

Words That Use Cteno-

What does cteno- mean?

Cteno- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “comb.” It is used in some scientific terms, especially in zoology.

Cteno- ultimately comes from the Greek kteís, meaning “comb.”

Examples of cteno-

Ctenophore is a kind of marine invertebrate also known as a “comb jelly.” They resemble a kind of jellyfish.

Cteno- means “comb,” as we know. The second part of the word, -phore, is a combining form meaning “bearer” or “thing that carries something.” Ctenophore, then, literally translates to “comb-bearer.” The “comb” here refers to the organism’s cilia, or hairlike structures, that the ctenophore uses to swim.

Ctenophore was formed in New Latin using the equivalent forms of cteno- and -phore in the language.

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

The following words use the equivalent forms of cteno- in New Latin or Greek.

• ctenidium
• ctenizid
• ctenobranchiate
• ctenodont
• ctenoid
• Ctenophora
• ctenophoran

 

 

 

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

• centro-
• cerato-
• chaeto-

Break it down!

Some mollusks, such as marine snails, use an organ called ctenidium to breathe. Based on the meaning of cteno-, what object does a ctenidium look like?