-tropic

a combining form with the meanings “turned toward, with an orientation toward” that specified by the initial element (geotropic), “having an affinity for, affecting” what is specified (lipotropic; neurotropic; psychotropic), “affecting the activity of, maintaining” a specified organ (gonadotropic).

Compare -trophic.

Origin of -tropic

see origin at tropic

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

British Dictionary definitions for -tropic

-tropic

adj combining form

turning or developing in response to a certain stimulusheliotropic

Word Origin for -tropic

from Greek tropos a turn; see trope

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

-tropic in Medicine

-tropic

suff.

Affecting or attracted to something specified:gonadotropic.