ptero-

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

   pterodactyl.

ptero-

combining_form

1. wing, feather, or a part resembling a wing

   pterodactyl

Word History and Origins

Origin of ptero-¹

< New Latin, combining form representing Greek pterón

Word History and Origins

Origin of ptero-¹

from Greek pteron wing, feather

Example Sentences

Magdalys scrambled up toward Stella, grabbing the ptero’s neck just as the ground fell away beneath them, and with a tremendous flap of those forty-foot wings they lifted off.

From Literature

“I mean, technically it’s a ptero not a dino,” Magdalys said with a wink.

From Literature

Maybe the huge ptero would listen.

From Literature

He stopped screaming long enough to see her, then veered his ptero toward the rooftop where she stood waving.

From Literature

Together, they heaved the dust and blood-covered ptero off to the side and then hoisted Mapper up and brought him to where their dactyl waited anxiously.

From Literature

Words That Use ptero-

What does ptero- mean?

Ptero- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “wing” or “feather.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in zoology.

Ptero- comes from the Greek pterón, meaning “wing” or “feather.” Here’s a word connection that may surprise you: the word helicopter also has a root in the Greek pterón. Discover why at our entry for the word.

And, as it’s always worth noting, the p in ptero- is silent.

What are variants of ptero-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, ptero- becomes pter-, as in pteranodon (formed in New Latin).

Corresponding forms of ptero- combined to the end of words are -pter and -pterous, which you can learn more about in our Words That Use articles for each form.

Closely related to ptero- is pterygo-, connected to pterygoid, and pterido-, which is used for ferns.

Examples of ptero-

You may be familiar with pterodactyl, a term for ancient flying reptiles, whose name features the combining form ptero-. Fun fact: pterodactyls were not technically dinosaurs!

We know ptero- means “wing,” so what is the -dactyl portion of the word? It comes from the Greek dáktylos, meaning “finger.” So, pterodactyl literally means “winged finger.”

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

• pterocarpous (formed in New Latin)
• pteropod (formed in New Latin)
• pteropodium (formed in New Latin)

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

• –ptosis
• ptyalo-

Break it down!

The combining form -saur is used to name extinct reptiles. Keeping this and the meaning of ptero- in mind, what was a distinctive feature of a pterosaur?