sclero-

1. a combining form meaning “hard,” used with this meaning, and as a combining form of sclera, in the formation of compound words:

   sclerometer.

sclero-

combining_form

1. indicating hardness

   sclerosis

2. of or relating to the sclera

   sclerotomy

Word History and Origins

Origin of sclero-¹

Combining form of Greek sklērós hard

Word History and Origins

Origin of sclero-¹

from Greek sklēros hard

Words That Use sclero-

What does sclero- mean?

Sclero- is a combining form used like a prefix to mean “hard” or as a form of sclera, the white outer layer of the eyeball. Sclero- is often used in medical and scientific terms.

Sclero- comes from the Greek sklērós, meaning “hard.” The Greek sklērós also helps form the Greek word sklḗrōsis, literally meaning “hardening” and source of the English word sclerosis. You may have encountered sclerosis in the word atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries.

What are variants of sclero-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, sclero- becomes scler-, as in sclerema.

Examples of sclero-

An example of a word you may have encountered that features sclero- is scleroderma, a disease in which connective tissue in the body becomes hardened and rigid.

We know that sclero- means “hard.” The second part of the word, -derma, means “skin,” used especially for skin disorders. Scleroderma, then, literally translates to “hard skin.”

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

• scleroblastema
• sclerocornea
• sclerodactyly
• sclerogenous
• scleromalacia
• scleroprotein
• scleronychia
• sclerotomy

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

• sacro-
• sarco-
• sphero-

Break it down!

What does a sclerometer, a tool used in mineralogy, measure?