strepto-

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

   streptococcus.

strepto-

combining_form

1. indicating a shape resembling a twisted chain

   streptococcus

2. indicating streptococcus

   streptolysin

Word History and Origins

Origin of strepto-¹

Combining form of Greek streptós pliant, twisted, twined, equivalent to strep- (variant stem of stréphein to twist) + -tos verbid suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of strepto-¹

from Greek streptos twisted, from strephein to twist

Example Sentences

A coccus forming such a chain of cells is called strepto-coccus (chain-coccus).

From Project Gutenberg