Algy

The combining form –algy is used like a suffix meaning “pain.” It is used in a few, mostly historical forms of medical terms, especially in pathology.

The form -algy 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.”

The form -algy is a rare variant of the much more common -algia, as in sacralgia. A corresponding form of -algy combined to the beginning of words is algo-, as in algophobia. Learn more about these forms in our Words That Use articles for each.

One example of a term that features the combining form -algy is coxalgy, “pain in the hip.” Coxalgy is a variant of coxalgia.

The first part of the word, cox-, represents coxa, the hipbone or hip joint. The form -algy means “pain,” as we have seen. Coxalgy literally translates to “hip pain.”

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

• cardialgy
• cephalalgy
• oesophagalgy
• pedialgy

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

• -ally
• -alis
• -ably
• -logy
• agro-
• allo-
• angio-

The combining form cardi- means “heart.” What does the medical condition cardialgy literally mean?