rheo-

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

   rheoscope.

rheo-

combining_form

1. indicating stream, flow, or current

   rheoscope

   rheometer

Word History and Origins

Origin of rheo-¹

Combining form representing Greek rhéos stream, something flowing

Word History and Origins

Origin of rheo-¹

from Greek rheos stream, anything flowing, from rhein to flow

Example Sentences

Before the match with Margaret Court, the 55-year-old Riggs enlisted the help of Hollywood nutrition guru Rheo Blair.

From Time

Besides her and his son Brandon, he is survived by two more sons, Herve Jr. and Andrew; three daughters, Tammy Filion, Barbara Rossini and Kimberly Filion; two sisters, Andrea Mongeon and Fleurette LaPointe; five brothers, Marcel, Denis, Rheo, Yves and Renald; and 10 grandchildren.

From New York Times

Unlike standard television, Rheo aims to tailor its channels to your preferences.

From Time

When using the app, you can “boost” videos that you like, signaling to Rheo you want to see similar content in the future.

From Time

Rheo better learns your taste the more you use it.

From Time

Words That Use rheo-

What does rheo- mean?

Rheo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “flow,” “current,” or “stream.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially those referring to electrical currents or the flow of fluids in the body.

Rheo- comes from the Greek rhéos, meaning “stream.”

Rheo- is closely related to another combining form, -rrhea, meaning “flow” or “discharge,” which is connected to—you guessed it—the word diarrhea.

Want to know more? Read our Words That Use -rrhea article.

Examples of rheo-

A scientific term that features the combining form rheo- is rheometer, an instrument used for measuring the flow of fluids, especially blood.

The meaning rheometer becomes clearer when you break it down: rheo- means “flow.” The combining form –meter means “measure.” So, a rheometer literally translates to “flow measurer.”

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

• rheobase
• rheology
• rheomorphism
• rheopexy
• rheoreceptor
• rheotaxis

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

• -rhea
• -rrhea
• rhod-
• rhodo-
• rhin-
• rhino-

Break it down!

Some fish and amphibians have special, sensory-related organs, rheoreceptors, that help them navigate their environments. Based on the meaning of rheo-, what do rheoreceptors pick up on (are stimulated by)?