cephalo-

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

   cephalometry.

cephalo-

combining_form

1. indicating the head

   cephalopod

Word History and Origins

Origin of cephalo-¹

< Greek kephalo-, combining form of kephalḗ head; akin to gable

Word History and Origins

Origin of cephalo-¹

via Latin from Greek kephalo-, from kephale head

Example Sentences

The cephalo-thoracic shield has greatly grown, and eventually acquires the usual dorsal spine.

From Project Gutenberg

There (fig. 229 D) is a well-developed cephalo-thorax, and four free segments behind it.

From Project Gutenberg

The escape of the cephalo-thoracic portion was effected from behind forwards.

From Project Gutenberg

Two of them are close together, on opposite sides of a slightly elevated ridge at the front of the cephalo-thorax.

From Project Gutenberg

In the cephalo-rachidic liquid so limpid in appearance, it is possible with great attention to detect similar little grains.

From Project Gutenberg

Words That Use cephalo-

What does cephalo- mean?

Cephalo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “head.” It is often used in medical and scientific terms.

Cephalo- comes from the Greek kephalḗ, meaning “head.”

What are variants of cephalo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, cephalo- becomes cephal-, as in cephalalgia.

Corresponding forms of cephalo- combined to the end of words are –cephaly, –cephalic, and –cephalous, which you can learn more about in our Words That Use articles for each form.

Also deriving from kephalḗ are the combining forms encephalo- and encephal-, meaning “brain.”

Want to know more? Read our Words That Use encephalo- and encephal- articles.

Examples of cephalo-

A scientific term you may have heard of that features cephalo- is cephalopod, a name for a class of mollusks that include the cuttlefish, squid, and octopus.

Cephalopod is based on the New Latin Cephalopoda, which is ultimately based on the Greek kephalḗ and poús, meaning “foot.” The latter root, poús, is the source of -pod, a combining form meaning “one having a foot.” A cephalopod literally translates to “head-foot,” a reference to the appearance of the animals. Ever see an octopus? It definitely looks like their legs (tentacles) are attached to a big head.

What are some words that use the combining form cephalo-?

• cephalocele
• cephalogyric
• cephalohematoma
• cephalometer
• cephalometry
• cephalopathy

Break it down!

The combining form –odynia means “pain.” With this and the meaning of cephalo- in mind, what is an everyday word for cephalodynia?