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

Syphilitic osteo-arthritis results from a gumma in the periosteum or marrow of one of the adjacent bones.

From Project Gutenberg

In most cases the tumour is of the myeloid type—myeloma; in others new bone is formed in its substance—osteo-sarcoma.

From Project Gutenberg

However, in Pye-Smith's 27 cases of osteo-arthritis, five stated that rheumatism had occurred in their families.

From Project Gutenberg

This causes osteo-myelitis, which frequently results in a separation of the epiphyses.

From Project Gutenberg

This is indeed the legitimate field for Osteo-Chyropractice.

From Project Gutenberg

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?