hymeno-

1. a combining form appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “membrane” ( hymenopteron ); on this model, used in the formation of compound words ( hymenotomy ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of hymeno-¹

< Greek, combining form of hymḗn membrane, hymen

Words That Use Hymeno-

What does hymeno- mean?

Hymeno- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “membrane” or representing the hymen, “a fold of mucous membrane partly closing the external orifice of the vagina in a virgin.” It is used in some scientific and medical terms.

Hymeno- comes from the Greek hymḗn, meaning “skin, membrane, hymen.”

What are variants of hymeno-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, hymeno- becomes hymen-, as in hymenectomy.

Examples of hymeno-

One example of a medical term that features the combining form hymeno– is hymenotomy, “incision of the hymen.”

The combining form hymeno- here means “hymen.” The second part of the word, -tomy, means “incision.” Hymenotomy literally translates to “hymen incision.”

What are some words that use the combining form hymeno- or hymen-?

• hymenology
• hymenoplasty
• hymenopteron (using the equivalent form of hymeno- in Greek)
• hymenitis

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

• hystero-

Break it down!

The suffix -itis denotes inflammation. With this in mind, what does the medical condition of hymenitis involve?