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metallo-

  1. a combining form representing metal in compound words:

    metallography.



metallo-

combining_form

  1. denoting metal

    metallography

    metallurgy

    metalloid

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of metallo-1

< Greek, combining form of métallon
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Word History and Origins

Origin of metallo-1

from Greek metallon
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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-?

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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