-penia

1. a combining form used in the formation of compound words that have the general sense “lack, deficiency,” as specified by the initial element:

   leukopenia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of -penia¹

< New Latin, combining form representing Greek penía poverty, need

Example Sentences

When the feast was over, Penia or Poverty, as the manner is on such occasions, came about the doors to beg.

From Project Gutenberg

When the feast was over, Penia or Poverty, as the manner was, came about the doors to beg.

From Project Gutenberg

Words That Use -penia

What does -penia mean?

The combining form -penia is used like a suffix meaning “lack” or “deficiency.” It is often used in medical terms.

The combining form -penia is ultimately based on the Greek penía, meaning “poverty” or “need.” The word penury, meaning “extreme poverty,” is related. Discover how at our entry for penury.

Examples of -penia

The medical term leukopenia, meaning “the decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood,” is an example of a word that features the form –penia.

The first part of the word, leuko–, means “white” and is used to refer to white blood cells. The form –penia means “deficiency,” as we’ve seen. So, leukopenia literally translates to “lack of white blood cells.”

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

• glycopenia
• kaliopenia
• leucopenia (chiefly British English spelling of leukopenia)

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

• -opia
• pene-

Break it down!

The combining form osteo- means “bone.” With this in mind, what would you say the condition of osteopenia involves?