rhodo-

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

   rhodolite.

rhodo-

combining_form

1. rose or rose-coloured

   rhodolite

   rhododendron

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhodo-¹

< Greek, combining form of rhódon rose ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhodo-¹

from Greek rhodon rose

Example Sentences

We mustn't run any needless risks, Rhodo.

From Project Gutenberg

"Well, to begin with, Polly, there's going to be a rhodo--What's that you told us about in your story of the circus?"

From Project Gutenberg

"What is it you want to say to me?" she asked Rhodo again.

From Project Gutenberg

"Must a Romany bare his soul before a stranger?" replied Rhodo.

From Project Gutenberg

Rhodo was wifeless, childless, and had been so for forty years.

From Project Gutenberg

Words That Use rhodo-

What does rhodo- mean?

Rhodo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “rose” or “rose-colored,” i.e., “pink” or “red.” It is used in some medical and scientific terms, including in biology and geology.

Rhodo- comes from the Greek rhódon meaning “rose.” If this Greek root sounds familiar, it might be because it helps form the word rhododendron, a kind of shrub with pink and other colored flowers. Rhododendron literally translates to “rose tree” in Greek.

And while its ultimate origin is unclear, some scholars have connected the name of the Greek island of Rhodes, whose ancient harbor was home to the wondrous bronze statue known as the Colossus of Rhodes, to the Greek rhódon, “rose.”

What are variants of rhodo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, rhodo- becomes rhod–, as in rhodamine.

Examples of rhodo-

The combining form rhodo- is featured in the word rhodolite, meaning “a rose or reddish-violet garnet, similar to pyrope, used as a gem.”

Natural Oval Cut Loose Rhodolite Garnet https://t.co/D628XVxwOn#gems #gandharagems #garnet #rhodoliteGarnet

— Gandhara Gemstones (@gandaraheritage) August 25, 2020

The first part of the word, rhodo-, means “rose,” which here is referring to the color of this precious mineral. The second combining form, –lite, ultimately comes from the Greek líthos, meaning “stone,” and is used to name minerals and fossils. Putting it all back together, rhodolite literally translates to “rose stone.”

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

• rhodochrosite (using the equivalent form of rhodo- in Greek)
• rhodogenesis
• rhodonite (from German Rhodonit)
• rhodophylaxis

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

• rhizo-
• rhino-

Break it down!

Rhodopsin (which features the variant rhod-) is a light-sensitive pigment found in the eyes of humans and many other animals. It allows many organisms to see in dim lighting. Drawing on the meaning of rhodo-, what color is this pigment?