sarc-

¹

1. variant of sarco-, especially before a vowel:

   sarcoma.

-sarc

²

1. a combining form meaning “one having flesh or tissue” of the kind specified by the initial element:

   ectosarc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sarc-¹

< Greek -sarcos, derivative of sárx flesh

Example Sentences

But because the plan appeared to run roughshod over Venezuelan and international law, it required the approval of what is known as the Sensitive Activity Review Committee, or SARC, a secretive panel of senior State and Justice Department officials that is reserved for the most sensitive DEA cases involving tricky ethical, legal or foreign policy considerations.

From Seattle Times

On Feb. 25, 2020, officials said, the embassy finally approved the SARC.

From New York Times

When agents want to launder money to gain criminals’ trust or investigate high-level foreign officials, they are generally required to submit their plans to a Sensitive Activity Review Committee, or SARC.

From New York Times

The Southlake Anti-Racism Coalition, or SARC, said in a statement that is not happy that the law mandates public schools put up these posters.

From Salon

"SARC is disturbed by the precedent displaying these posters in every school will set and the chilling effect this blatant intrusion of religion in what should be a secular public institution will have on the student body, especially those who do not practice the dominant Christian faith," the statement read.

From Salon

Words That Use sarc-

What does sarc- mean?

Sarc- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “flesh.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in pathology.

Sarc- comes from the Greek sárx, meaning “flesh.” Ever heard of a sarcophagus—you know, like the famous one that held the mummy of Tutankhamen? That word also comes from the Greek sárx. Discover the surprising (and grisly) origin of the word sarcophagus at our entry for the word.

Sarc– is a variant of sarco-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels.

Want to know more? Read our Words That Use sarco– article.

Examples of sarc-

One word you are likely familiar with that features the combining form sarc- is sarcoma, a type of malignant tumor of certain kinds of body tissue. Specifically, sarcoma refers to any various malignant tumors composed of neoplastic cells resembling embryonic connective tissue.

The first part of the word, sarc-, means “flesh.” The second part of the word, -oma, is used to name tumors. The word sarcoma literally translates to “fleshy tumor.”

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

• sarcoid
• sarcoidosis
• sarcous
• sarcosis
• sarcotic

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

• sacr-
• scler-

The word sarcasm also derives from the same Greek root, sárx and the sacr- combining form. No, we’re not joking around. But what could “bitter derision” or “harsh irony” possibly have to do with flesh? Find out at our entry for sarcasm.

Break it down!

The suffix –ous means “possessing, full of.” With this in mind, what could be a more everyday way of saying sarcous?