zo-
variant of zoo- before a vowel.
zo-
American
zo
1
British
/ zəʊ /
noun
zo-
2
British
combining form
Usage
What does zo- mean? The combining form zo- is used like a prefix meaning “living being” or "animal." It is very occasionally used in scientific terms, especially in biology. The form zo- comes from Greek zôion, meaning “animal.” The word zoo also ultimately comes from this Greek root. Zoo is shortened from zoological garden. What are variants of zo-?The form zo- is a variant of zoo-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. When combined as a suffix, zo- becomes -zoa or -zoon, as in protozoa or ectozoon. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles for zoo-, -zoa, and -zoon.
Etymology
Origin of zo
C20: from Tibetan
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Currently, black cod and black sea bass processed through Poseidon are sold under Shinkei’s brand Seremoni at retailers such as Happier Grocery and served at upscale restaurants including Atomix and Sushi Zo.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 29, 2025
He threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Lambert and a 26-yard touchdown pass to 6-6 sophomore tight end Zo Edwards.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2024
Zo finally boarded a ship to Liverpool where she was immediately picked up by MI6 and taken to its south London base, amid fears she was an enemy agent.
From BBC • Aug. 3, 2024
At one point, Mulley says, Zo leapt from the door of a moving train to evade an officer who had joined her in the carriage.
From BBC • Aug. 3, 2024
It was just like always; Aunt Zo should have been there to holler at Father Mike, because only an idiot would have headed toward the river instead of the highway.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
