-fer

a combining form meaning “that which carries” the thing specified by the initial element, used in the formation of compound words: aquifer; conifer; foraminifer.

Origin of -fer

< Latin, derivative of ferre to bear¹, in L generally forming adjectives; the corresponding E adjectives add -ous; see -ferous

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for -fer

-fer

n combining form

indicating a person or thing that bears something specifiedcrucifer; conifer

Word Origin for -fer

from Latin, from ferre to bear

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012