-tomous

American  

1. a combining form meaning “cut, divided,” used in the formation of compound words.

   dichotomous.

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Usage

What does -tomous mean? The combining form -tomous is used like a suffix meaning “cut, divided.” It is used in some scientific and technical terms.The form -tomous ultimately comes from the Greek tómos, meaning “cut, slice, piece, roll of paper, book.” This root is also the source of the word tome. Crack open the history of tome at our entry for the word.Related to -tomous are the combining forms -ectomy, -tome, -tomy, and tomo-. Slice into their specific meanings at our Words That Use articles for the forms.Also related to tómos is atom. What’s the big idea behind atoms and cutting? Find out in our Origin section for this term.

Etymology

Origin of -tomous

< Greek -tomos. See -tome, -ous

Example Sentences

Sēmos′tomous, having long oral processes.

From Project Gutenberg

Odon′tomous, pertaining to odontoma; Odontoph′oral, Odontoph′oran.—n.

From Project Gutenberg