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-philia

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  1. a combining form used in the formation of compound words that have the general sense “unnatural attraction” (necrophilia), “tendency” (hemophilia); also forming abstract nouns that correspond to adjectives ending in -philic or -philous or nouns ending in -phile.
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Also -phily.

Origin of -philia

< Greek philía friendship, affinity; see -phile, -ia
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for -philia

-philia

n combining form
  1. indicating a tendency towardshaemophilia
  2. indicating an abnormal liking fornecrophilia
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Derived Forms-philiac, n combining form

Word Origin

from Greek philos loving
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

Word Origin and History for -philia

word-forming element meaning "friendship, fondness, tendency toward," and in recent use "abnormal attraction to," from Greek philia "affection," from philos "loving," of uncertain origin. Related: -philic.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
-philia in Medicine

-philia

suff.
  1. Tendency toward:hemophilia.
  2. Abnormal attraction to:necrophilia.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.