actino-


  1. a combining form with the meaning “ray, beam,” used in the formation of compound words, with the particular senses “radiation” in the physical sciences (actinometer) and “having raylike structures,” “radiate in form” in biology (actinomyces; actinopod).

Origin of actino-

1
<Greek, combining form representing aktī́s (genitive aktînos) ray, beam; see -o-
  • Also especially before a vowel, actin-.

Words Nearby actino-

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for actino-

actino-

combining form
  1. indicating a radial structure: actinomorphic

  2. indicating radioactivity or radiation: actinometer

Origin of actino-

1
from Greek aktino-, from aktis beam, ray

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012