nepho-

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

   nephometer.

nepho-

combining_form

1. concerning cloud or clouds

Word History and Origins

Origin of nepho-¹

< Greek néphos a cloud, mass of clouds; nebula

Word History and Origins

Origin of nepho-¹

from Greek nephos cloud

Words That Use nepho-

What does nepho- mean?

Nepho- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “cloud.” It is often used in atmospheric science, especially meteorology.

Nepho- comes from the Greek néphos, meaning “a cloud, mass of clouds.”

What are variants of nepho-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, nepho- becomes neph–, as in nephanalysis.

Examples of nepho-

An example of a word you may have come across that features nepho- is nephology. Nepho-, as we’ve seen, means “cloud,” as we’ve seen. The –logy part probably looks more familiar, and refers to “the names of sciences or bodies of knowledge.” Nephology, then, is literally “the study of clouds.” What a lofty word!

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

• nephogram
• nephograph
• nephometer
• nephoscope

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

• nephro-
• nympho-

Break it down!

Telescope, microscope, stethoscope … nephoscope? The combining form -scope means “an instrument for viewing.” What, then, is a nephoscope?