photo

¹

[foh-toh]

noun

plural

photos 

1. photograph.

2. Informal.,  photo finish.

photo-

²

1. a combining form meaning “light” (photobiology ); also used to represent “photographic” or “photograph” in the formation of compound words.

   photocopy.

photo

¹

/ ˈfəʊtəʊ /

noun

1. short for photograph

photo-

²

combining form

1. of, relating to, or produced by light

   photosynthesis

2. indicating a photographic process

   photolithography

photo–

1. A prefix that means “light,” as in photoreceptor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of photo–¹

First recorded in 1855–60; shortened form of photograph

Origin of photo–²

< Greek, combining form of phôs (genitive phōtós )

Word History and Origins

Origin of photo–¹

from Greek phōs, phōt- light

Example Sentences

The hubbub last year over the Russell Brand photo illustrates that, right?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He and Rodriguez stopped for photos in front of a sign with an arrow pointing “To Mexico.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After pausing briefly for photos, they disappeared behind closed doors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A photo she shared of herself enjoying a festive day out over Christmas left both reeling.

Read more on BBC

Announcements included the debut of Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses that have built-in screens that allow wearers to see messages, photos and more as though looking at a smartphone screen.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• account 
• art 
• cartoon 
• copy 
• depiction 
• description 
• drawing 
• figure 
• icon 
• image 
• impression 
• painting 
• photograph 
• piece 
• portrait 
• portrayal 
• print 
• report 
• sketch 
• statue