adipo-

1. a combining form with the meaning “fat, fatty tissue,” used in the formation of compound words:

   adipocere.

Word History and Origins

Origin of adipo-¹

< Latin adip- ( adipose ) + -o-

Words That Use adipo-

What does adipo- mean?

Adipo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “fat, fatty tissue.” It is often used in medical and scientific terms, including in biology and chemistry.

Adipo- ultimately comes from the Latin adeps, meaning “fat, lard, grease.”

What are variants of adipo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, adipo- becomes adip-, as in apidic in apidic acid.

Examples of adipo-

One example of a technical term that features adipo- is adipocyte, or “fat cell.”

Adipo– means “fat,” as we have seen. What about the –cyte portion of the word? It means “cell,” from the Greek kýtos. Adipocyte literally translates to “fat cell.”

What are some words that use the combining form adipo-?

• adipocele
• adipocere
• adipogenesis
• adipokinin
• adiponecrosis
• adipopexia

What are some other forms that adipo- may be commonly confused with?

• adeno-
• lipo-

Break it down!

The word genesis refers to an origin, creation, or beginning of something. With this and the meaning of adipo- in mind, what does adipogenesis involve the creation of?