pyelo-

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

   pyelogram.

pyelo-

combining_form

1. denoting the renal pelvis

   pyelonephritis

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyelo-¹

< New Latin, combining form representing Greek pýelos basin, on the model of the NL use of Latin pelvis

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyelo-¹

from Greek puelos trough, pan; in the sense: pelvis

Words That Use Pyelo-

What does pyelo- mean?

Pyelo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “pelvis.” It is used in medical terms, especially in anatomy.

Pyelo- ultimately comes from the Greek pýelos, meaning “basin.” Basin? Learn more at our entry for pelvis. A related combining form indicating pelvis is pelvio–.

What are variants of pyelo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, pyelo- becomes pyel-, as in pyelitis (using the equivalent form of pyel- in New Latin).

Examples of pyelo-

One medical term that features the combining form pyelo- is pyelotomy, “incision into the pelvis.”

The form pyelo- means “pelvis,” as we know. The second part of the word, -tomy, is a combining form meaning “cutting, incision.” Pyelotomy literally translates to “pelvis incision.”

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

• pyelocystitis
• pyelogram
• pyelography
• pyeloplasty
• pyeloscopy
• pyelostomy

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

• py-
• pyo-
• pyro-

Break it down!

The combining form -gram is used to mean “image,” often to describe the images from x-rays or other medical imaging techniques. With this in mind, what is a pyelogram?