algo

¹

[ al-goh ]

noun

, Computers Informal.

1. algorithm ( def 2 ).

algo-

²

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

   algophobia.

algo-

combining_form

1. denoting pain

   algophobia

   algometer

Word History and Origins

Origin of algo¹

First recorded in 1990–95; by shortening

Origin of algo²

Combining form representing Greek álgos

Word History and Origins

Origin of algo¹

from Greek algos pain

Example Sentences

M. como muy hombres de bien, suele ser que los que tratan mucho con personages de categoria, tomen un algo del grande y liberal.

From Project Gutenberg

(p48) Imaginaos un hombre de ms de setenta aos, enjuto de carnes, de elevada talla y algo encorvado por la edad.

From Project Gutenberg

Por lo que a m toca, slo siento25 si habr algo que sea pecado en esto que hablamos en voz baja.

From Project Gutenberg

Pero quien dice que en lo que refiere ese simple no existir algo de verdad?

From Project Gutenberg

De todas maneras, si llueve, que no ser dificil segn se agrupan las nubes, estaremos cubierto y algo es algo.

From Project Gutenberg

Words That Use Algo-

What does algo- mean?

Algo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “pain.” It is occasionally used in medical terms, especially in psychiatry and pathology.

Algo- comes from the Greek álgos, meaning “pain.” Similar in meaning and use to algo- are odyno- and -odynia, which derive from odýnē, also meaning “pain.”

Corresponding forms of algo- combined to the end of words are -algia, as in ovarialgia, or -algy, as in coxalgy. Learn more about these forms in our Words That Use articles for each.

Examples of algo-

One example of a term that features the combining form algo- is algophobia, “an irrational or disproportionate fear of pain.”

Algo- means “pain,” as we have seen. The -phobia part of the word may also look familiar. It means “fear.” Algophobia literally translates to “fear of pain.”

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

• algesia
• algodystrophy
• algogenic
• algolagnia (using the equivalent form of algo- in German)
• algometer
• algophilia

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

• agro-
• allo-
• angio-

Many words that begin with the exact letters algo- or alg- are not using the combining form algo- to denote “pain.” Algorithm, algology, and algae are three examples. Learn more about the history and meaning of these words at our entries for them.

Break it down!

The combining form -meter means “measure.” It is used to name instruments that measure various quantities or qualities. What does an algometer measure?