algo

¹ American  

[al-goh] / ˈæl goʊ /

noun

Computers Informal.

1. algorithm.

---

algo- ² American  

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

   algophobia.

---

algo- British  

combining form

1. denoting pain

   algometer

   algophobia

---

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

Example Sentences

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

Al alinearlo como titular, también se eliminan las complicaciones que supondría buscarle tiempo para calentar si su turno al bate llegara en la entrada anterior, algo que podría haberle dificultado cerrar el partido.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2025

“Estamos empezando a ver algo realmente especial en él», dijo Roberts. «Lo que ha hecho ahora en los escenarios más importantes es solo el principio”.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2025

Y “una vez que se propone algo, le entra con mucha seriedad”.

From Science Magazine • May 8, 2024

"Pregúntale si quiere algo para tomar," Papá said, bowing his head and smiling.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez