organo-

1. a combining form of Greek origin used, with the meaning “organ (of the body),” “musical instrument,” or as a combining form of organic in the formation of compound words:

   organology; organosilicon.

organo-

combining_form

1. (in biology or medicine) indicating an organ or organs

   organogenesis

2. (in chemistry) indicating a compound containing an organic group

   organophosphate

   organometallic

   organosulphur

Word History and Origins

Origin of organo-¹

< Greek, combining form of órganon organ

Example Sentences

A finales de mayo, Ávila Arcos recibió un breve comunicado del Órgano Interno de Control del Cinvestav, la unidad que desde 2020 investiga los casos de acoso sexual.

From Science Magazine

In late May, Ávila Arcos received a short statement from Cinvestav’s Órgano Interno de Control, the unit that since 2020 has managed sexual harassment cases.

From Science Magazine

La casa de 29 habitaciones incluye cocinas para chefs y catering, una sala de juegos y una sala de proyecciones con un órgano de tubos integrado.

From Los Angeles Times

Philippine Airlines flight attendant Patrisha Organo, 24, went viral for her act of generosity when a mother’s crying baby needed fed but had no more formula.

From Fox News

Organo offered to breastfeed the child and the mother was extremely grateful.

From Fox News

Words That Use Organo-

What does organo- mean?

Organo- is a combining form used like a prefix with several meanings. In biology and medicine, it refers to an “organ (of the body).” In chemistry, it represents organic, referring to “chemical compounds existing in or derived from plants or animals and carbon compounds.” Very occasionally, it means “musical instrument.”

Organo- comes from the Greek órganon, meaning “organ.”

Examples of organo-

One example of a term that features the combining form organo- is organology, “the branch of biology that deals with the structure and functions of the organs of living things.”

As we have seen, in terms from biology, organo- means “organ.” The ending -logy may also look familiar: it is commonly used to denote areas of study. Organology literally translates to “the study of organs.”

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

• organography
• organoleptic
• organogenesis
• organochlorine
• organotrophic

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

• ergo-
• orchio-
• ornitho-

Break it down!

Genesis means “an origin, creation, development.” What does the biological term organogenesis refer to the development of?