It's Greek To Me!

Greek and Latin Prefixes, Roots and Suffixes used in English
This page © 1999 by Nicholas E. Miller


Basic term

Meaning

Greek
Latin
Prefix
Suffix

homeo

similar, same, constant

Yes
Also
Yes
.

Examples

Definition

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homeobox (5)

(noun) - similar + puxos = a DNA sequence in various genes, such as homeotic genes, which codes a potential DNA-binding-protein peptide.

homeomorphism (5)

(noun) - similar + shape = a one-to-one mapping between sets where both the function and its inverse are continuous; in topology it is a method where geometric shapes can be transformed into other shapes. Homeomorphic is the adjective form.

homeopathy (3)

(noun) - through German, similar + suffering = a medical practice that treats a disease by giving small doses of a remedy that in a larger quantity would cause that disease in a healthy person. Homeopath is the noun form for a person who practices this.

homeopathic (3)

(adj.) - through German, similar + suffering = relating to homeopathy. Homeopathically is the adverb form.

homeostasis (3)

(noun) - similar + standstill = a fairly stable state of equilibrium between different but interdependent elements of a group, organism, population, etc. Homeostatic is the adjective form.

homeothermic (4)

(adj.) - similar + temperature = warm-blooded, having a high and even body temperature independent of the environment. Homeotherm and homeothermy are noun forms.

homeotic (5)

(adj.) - similar + condition, process or disease = relating to a gene producing a shift in structural development.