gastro-

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

   gastrology.

gastro-

combining_form

1. stomach

   gastroenteritis

   gastritis

Word History and Origins

Origin of gastro-¹

< Greek, combining form of gastḗr

Word History and Origins

Origin of gastro-¹

from Greek gastēr

Example Sentences

The improper scheduling “led to inaccurate reporting of GI [gastro-intestinal] clinic wait times,” the report concluded.

From The Daily Beast

I think for variety, exuberance, and plenty (all important things for the gastro-traveler), it is hard to beat Manhattan.

From The Daily Beast

Hence, we must conclude that it is without effect on the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane.

From Project Gutenberg

Nascher, however, took 15 grains, and no symptoms of gastro-intestinal disturbance followed.

From Project Gutenberg

With one exception they were convinced that he was a sufferer from chronic gastro-enteritis.

From Project Gutenberg

In such circumstances the ovarian masses are secondary to the cancerous focus in the gastro-intestinal tract.

From Project Gutenberg

It is much easier to treat and cure a little trouble than to battle against an established gastro-enteric intoxication.

From Project Gutenberg

Words That Use gastro-

What does gastro- mean?

Gastro- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “stomach.” It is often used in medical terms, particularly in anatomy and pathology.

Gastro- comes from the Greek gastḗr, meaning “stomach” or “belly.”

What are variants of gastro-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, gastro- becomes gastr-, as in gastralgia.

Examples of gastro-

One word you may have encountered that uses the combining form gastro- is gastrology, “the study of the structure, functions, and diseases of the stomach.”

We know gastro- means “stomach,” so what does the -logy portion of the word mean? That’s right, -logy refers to “science,” ultimately from the Greek lógos, meaning “word, thought” among many other senses. Gastrology literally translates to “stomach science.”

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

• gastrocardiac
• gastrocolitis
• gastrodermis
• gastromalacia
• gastropathy
• gastropod

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

• astro-

The gastro- in the word gastropub, a bar that serves good food and high-quality drinks, is actually short from gastronomy, “the art or science of good eating.” Related is gastronome, “a connoisseur of good food.”

Break it down!

Gastropod is the name for a type of mollusks, including snails and slugs. The combining form -pod means “one having a foot.” What, then, is the literal translation of the name gastropod?