opistho-

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

   opisthograph.

Word History and Origins

Origin of opistho-¹

< Greek, combining form of ópisthen behind, at the back

Example Sentences

The contorted posture is so common in dinosaur fossils that it has its own name: opisthotonus, from the Greek “tonos,” meaning tightening, and “opistho,” behind.

From New York Times

Ventral surface of the anterior region of the opisthosoma, the first somite being pushed upwards and forwards so as to expose the subjacent structures. opistho 1, First somite of the opisthosoma; opistho 2, second do.; g, genital aperture; l, edges of the lamellae of the lung-books; m, stigmata of tergo-sternal muscles.

From Project Gutenberg

Words That Use Opistho-

What does opistho- mean?

Opistho- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “back,” “behind,” “rear.” It is used in some classical and scientific terms, including in zoology.

Opistho- ultimately comes from the Greek ópisthen, meaning “behind” or “at the back.”

• Examples of opistho-

Opisthosoma, meaning “the abdomen of a spider or other arachnid,” is one example of a term from zoology that features the form opistho-.

The first part of the word, opistho-, means “rear, behind.” The combining form -soma means “body.” Opisthosoma has a literal sense of “rear body.”

What are some words that use or are related to the combining form opistho-?

• opisthenar
• opisthobranch (from the equivalent form in New Latin)
• opisthodomos (using the equivalent form of opistho- in Greek)
• opisthograph (using the equivalent form of opistho- in Greek)
• opisthognathous
• opisthorchiasis (from the equivalent form in Latin)
• opisthotonos (using the equivalent form of opistho- in Greek)

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

• ophthalmo-

Break it down!

Some ancient Greek temples had a chamber known as opisthodomos where valuables were stored. What part of the temple was such a room found?