osteo-

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

   osteometry.

osteo-

combining_form

1. indicating bone or bones

   osteopathy

Word History and Origins

Origin of osteo-¹

< Greek, combining form of ostéon

Word History and Origins

Origin of osteo-¹

from Greek osteon

Example Sentences

The new Parasite weapon will fire worms that have increasing amounts of damage, and Osteo Striga is a new submachine gun that has a Thorn-like toxic burst.

From The Verge

While we don’t have the full list of guns that will support this new crafting system, you will be able to craft the upcoming Osteo Striga exotic submachine gun and the three class-specific exotic Glaives.

From The Verge

Last in the trio is the Osteo Striga, which appears to be an exotic submachine gun.

From The Verge

Seven former Osteo Relief Institute clinics accused of billing Medicare for unnecessary knee braces and injections to treat osteoarthritis have agreed to pay more than $7.1 million in a settlement, the U.S.

From Fox News

Known for her two-handed backhand and returning nearly every ball, Evert recently partnered with Osteo Bi-Flex to help keep up with the 14-year-olds on her practice courts.

From Washington Times

Words That Use osteo-

What does osteo- mean?

Osteo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “bone.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy.

Osteo- comes from the Greek ostéon, meaning “bone.”

What are variants of osteo-?

When combined with words or word elements forms that begin with a vowel, osteo- becomes oste-, as in osteitis.

Examples of osteo-

An example of a word you may have encountered that features osteo- is osteology, which is the branch of anatomy dealing with—you guessed it—the skeleton.

We know osteo- means “bone.” And -(o)logy? That means “study of,” ultimately from the Greek lógos, meaning “word,” among many other senses. Osteology, then, literally translates to “the study of bones.”

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

• osteoarthritis
• osteoblast
• osteochondritis
• osteogenesis
• osteophage
• osteoplasty
• osteoporosis

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

• oto-
• ortho-

Despite appearances, the word ostentatious, meaning “characterized by pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others,” does not use the Greek root osteo-. Learn where ostentatious comes from at our entry for the word.

Break it down!

Given that osteo- means “bone” and dystrophy means “faulty or inadequate development,” then what is osteodystrophy?