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metallo-
- a combining form representing metal in compound words:
metallography.
metallo-
combining_form
- denoting metal
metallography
metallurgy
metalloid
Word History and Origins
Origin of metallo-1
Word History and Origins
Origin of metallo-1
Example Sentences
Et ex eodem metallo, ait tubicen, velut sternutamento audias.
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Words That Use metallo-
What does metallo- mean?
The combining form metallo- is used like a prefix meaning “metal.” It is occasionally used in scientific terms, especially in chemistry and medicine.
The form metallo- comes from Greek métallon, meaning “metal, mine, quarry.” Yes, quarry! Discover why at our entry for metal.
What are variants of metallo-?
When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, metallo- becomes metall-, as in metallurgy, from Greek metallourgós. A rare variant of metallo- is metalli-, as in metalliferous. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles for both metalli- and metallo-.
Examples of metallo-
One example of a scientific term that features the form metallo- is metallograph, “a microscope for observing the microstructure of metals.”
We know metallo- means “metal,” but what about the -graph portion of the word? The form -graph means “drawn” or “written,” often referring to an instrument that makes a recording, from Greek -graphos. Metallograph literally translates to “metal recorder.”
What are some words that use the combining form metallo-?
- metallocene
- metallography (using the equivalent form of metallo- in Latin)
- metallophone
- metalloporphyrin
- metallothionein
What are some other forms that metallo- may be commonly confused with?
Break it down!
The combining form -phone is used to name musical instruments. With this in mind, what is a metallophone?
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