phlebo-

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

   phlebosclerosis.

phlebo-

combining_form

1. indicating a vein

   phlebotomy

Word History and Origins

Origin of phlebo-¹

< Greek, combining form of phléps vein

Word History and Origins

Origin of phlebo-¹

from Greek phleps, phleb- vein

Words That Use Phlebo-

What does phlebo- mean?

Phlebo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “vein.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in pathology and anatomy.

Phlebo- comes from the Greek phléps, meaning “vein.” The Latin word for “vein” is vēna, source of the combining forms veno-, ven-, veni-, and vene-, which you can learn more about at our Words That Use articles for the forms.

What are variants of phlebo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, phlebo- becomes phleb-, as in phlebectomy.

Examples of phlebo-

An example of a word you may have encountered that features phlebo- is phlebotomy, “the act or practice of opening a vein for letting or drawing blood as a therapeutic or diagnostic measure; venesection; bleeding.” A specialist in this is known as a phlebotomist.

We know phlebo- means “vein,” so what about the -tomy portion of the word? That’s right, -tomy refers to “cutting, incision,” from the Greek -tomia. Phlebotomy literally translates to “vein incision.”

Phlebotomy ultimately comes from a Greek word that uses the equivalent form of phlebo- in the language.

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

• phleboclysis
• phlebogram
• phlebograph
• phlebolith
• phlebology
• phleboplasty

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

• -phobia
• phago-
• pheno-

Break it down!

The combining form -plasty has various meanings including “surgical repair.” What does the medical procedure of phleboplasty involve?