nyct-

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

   nyctalgia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nyct-¹

From Greek nykt-, stem of nýx “night”

Words That Use Nyct-

What does nyct- mean?

Nyct- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “night.” It is used in some scientific and medical terms.

Nyct- comes from the Greek nýx, meaning “night.” English’s own word night, in fact, shares an ancient root with the Greek nýx. Also related to nýx is the Latin word for nox, source of the combining forms nocti- and noct-.

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

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

In some instances, particularly in terms from biological science, nyct- becomes nycti-, as in nyctitropic.

Examples of nyct-

One example of a medical term that features the combining form nyct- is nyctalgia, “night pain that occurs in the sleep.”

The first part of the word, nyct-, means “night.” The combining form -algia means “pain.” So, nyctalgia literally translates to “night pain.”

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

• nyctaginaceous (using the equivalent form of nyct- in New Latin)
• nyctalopia (using the equivalent form of nyct- in New Latin)
• nyctanthous
• nycturia

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

• myco-
• myxo-

Break it down!

The combining form -uria has various meanings, including “tendency to urinate.” With this in mind, what does the condition of nycturia involve?