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• algo
  algo

  noun

  algorithm.
• algo-
  algo-

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

algo

¹ American  

[al-goh] / ˈæl goʊ /

noun

Computers Informal.

1. algorithm.

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algo- ² American  

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

   algophobia.

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algo- British  

combining form

1. denoting pain

   algometer

   algophobia

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Usage

What does algo- mean? Algo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “pain.” It is occasionally used in medical terms, especially in psychiatry and pathology. Algo- comes from the Greek álgos, meaning “pain.” Similar in meaning and use to algo- are odyno- and -odynia, which derive from odýnē, also meaning “pain.”Corresponding forms of algo- combined to the end of words are -algia, as in ovarialgia, or -algy, as in coxalgy. Learn more about these forms in our Words That Use articles for each.

Etymology

Origin of algo¹

First recorded in 1990–95; by shortening

Origin of algo-²

Combining form representing Greek álgos

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

algo

Historically, the market has awarded firms with a lower risk profile, or lower beta, a higher P/E for a given algo.

From Barron's ● Jan. 9, 2026

“What comes up a lot in the sessions is, ‘Prefiero irme con algo, que irme sin nada,’” Gallegos said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 18, 2025

I think there used to be a paradigm that familiarity was the most important thing when it came to prioritizing what shows up in a playlist or in an algo.

From Slate ● Mar. 8, 2023

By monitoring our listening, the algo tries to figure out what we like, then spoon-feeds us some more.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 9, 2022

Before the lighted altar of St. Joseph I noticed a magnificent looking hidalgo, muy hijo de algo y de limpia sangre, with three equally grandly built young sons beside him.

From Heroic Spain by Elizabeth Boyle O'Reilly

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