scoto-

¹

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

   scotoma.

Scoto-

²

1. a combining form representing Scots or Scottish in compound words:

   Scoto-Irish.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scoto-¹

< Latin < Greek skoto- combining form of skótos darkness

Origin of scoto-²

Combining form of Medieval Latin Scōtus Scot

Example Sentences

There are corresponding holes on the portion under the sod, which thus completes the rounded head of an ancient Scoto-Irish cross.

From Project Gutenberg

Scoto-Gallic words were quite differently situated from French words and phrases adopted in England.

From Project Gutenberg

The history of the Scoto-Roman invasion is altogether different from this.

From Project Gutenberg

The last were from Scoto, who sent at the same time your most scholarly comments on that difficult work of Ptolemy.

From Project Gutenberg

Diu multumque legit scripta Occami cujus acumen anteferebat Thom et Scoto.

From Project Gutenberg

Words That Use Scoto-

What does scoto- mean?

Scoto- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “darkness.” It is used in medical and scientific terms.

In some instances and when spelled with a capital letter, Scoto- stands for Scots or Scottish, as in Scoto-Irish.

Scoto- comes from the Greek skótos, meaning “darkness.” This Greek root is unrelated to Scots, Scottish, and Scotland. Learn more about the origin of Scot at our entry for the word.

Examples of scoto-

One example of a term that features the combining form scoto- is scotophobia, “an irrational or disproportionate fear of the dark.”

We know scoto- means “darkness.” The second part of the word, -phobia, means “fear.” Scotophobia literally translates to “fear of darkness.”

What are some words that use or are related to the combining form scoto-?

• scotia (from the Greek skotía, “darkness”)
• scotophobin
• scotophil
• scotopia
• scotopic
• scotopic adaptation
• scotoma (using the equivalent from of scoto- in Greek)
• scotometry
• scotophase
• scotophilia

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

• scato-
• sclero-

Break it down!

The combining form -philia means “love or liking.” With this in mind, what does scotophilia literally mean?