gono-

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

   gonophore.

gono-

combining_form

1. sexual or reproductive

   gonorrhoea

Word History and Origins

Origin of gono-¹

< Greek, combining form of gónos, gonḗ seed, generation; akin to Latin genus, Sanskrit janas

Word History and Origins

Origin of gono-¹

New Latin, from Greek gonos seed

Words That Use gono-

What does gono- mean?

Gono- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “sexual” or “reproductive.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in pathology and biology, particularly in reference to reproductive organs.

Gono- ultimately comes from the Greek gonḗ, meaning “seed” or “generation.” The Greek gonḗ is ultimately the source of the word gonad, “a sex gland in which gametes are produced.” Ovaries or testes are gonads.

What are variants of gono-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, gono- becomes gon-, as in gonangium.

Examples of gono-

The combining form gono- is found in the term gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease that can cause inflammatory discharge from the urethra or vagina.

The beginning of the word, gono-, means “sexual.” The second part of the word, -rrhea, means “flow” or “discharge.” Gonorrhea literally translates to “reproductive (organ) discharge.”

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

• gonocyte
• gonococcus
• gonoduct
• gonopod
• gonophore
• gonosome

What are some other forms that gono– may be commonly confused with?

• -gon
• gonio-
• gyno-

Break it down!

The combining form -cele means “tumor” or “abnormal growth.” A gonocele is a medical condition that affects male anatomy. Based on the meaning gono- and -cele, what general part of male anatomy does a gonocele affect?