Ile

¹

abbreviation for

, Biochemistry.

1. isoleucine.

ile-

²

1. variant of ileo- before a vowel:

   ileac.

-ile

³

1. a suffix of adjectives expressing capability, susceptibility, liability, aptitude, etc.:

   agile; docile; ductile; fragile; prehensile; volatile.

-ile

suffix forming adjectives

1. indicating capability, liability, or a relationship with something

   fragile

   agile

   juvenile

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ile¹

From the Latin word -ilis, -īlis

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ile¹

via French from Latin or directly from Latin -ilis

Example Sentences

Toutes lesquelles ceremonies acheves, on le porta en sepulture en vne ile l'cart loin de la terre ferme.

From Project Gutenberg

All he thinks on is gettin' the ile—'s if it was our fault he ain't had good luck with the whales.

From Project Gutenberg

Collonell, good fortuneTo meet you thus: you looke sad, but Ile tell you Something that shall remoue it.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Slocum, did you ever hear o' me pointin' s'uth for home with only a measly four hundred barrel of ile in the hold?

From Project Gutenberg

Ile dye first.Farewell, continue merry, and high HeauenKeepe your wife chaste.

From Project Gutenberg

Words That Use Ile-

What does ile- mean?

Ile- is a combining form used like a prefix representing the word ileum, the third and lowest division of the small intestine. It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy and pathology.

Ile- ultimately comes from the Latin īlia, meaning “side of the body between hips and groin, guts.”

Ile- is a variant of ileo-, which loses its -o– when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels.

Want to know more? Read our Words That Use ileo- article.

Examples of ile-

A medical term that features the combining form ile- is ileectomy, the “surgical removal of the ileum.”

The first part of the word, ile-, means “ileum.” The second part of the word, -ectomy, is a combining form that means “excision.” Ileectomy literally translates to “ileum removal.”

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

• ileac
• ileal
• ileal artery
• ileal veins
• ileitis

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

• -ile
• idio-
• ilio-

Also note that the combining form ile-, meaning “ileum,” is not to be confused with the common suffix -ile. The suffix -ile—as in agile, fragile, volatile, and many other words—is different from the combining form ile-. It is used in adjectives expressing capability, susceptibility, liability, aptitude, and other such qualities.

The combining form ile- is also not to be confused with ile., an abbreviation for the amino acid isoleucine.

Break it down!

The combining form -itis is used to denote inflammation of an organ. What does the medical condition of ileitis involve?