xero-

American  

especially before a vowel, xer-.

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

   xerophyte.

---

xero- British  

combining form

1. indicating dryness

   xeroderma

---

Usage

What does xero- mean? Xero- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “dry.” It is often used in scientific terms, including in pathology and ecology.Xero- comes from the Greek xēros, meaning “dry.”What are variants of xero-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, xero- becomes xer-, as in xerarch.

Etymology

Origin of xero-

Combining form of Greek xērós dry