branchio-

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

   branchiopod.

Word History and Origins

Origin of branchio-¹

Combining form representing Greek bránchia branchia

Words That Use Branchio-

What does branchio- mean?

Branchio- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “gills.” It is used in many scientific terms.

Branchio- comes from the Greek bránchia, meaning “gills,” plural of bránchion, “fin.” Bránchia is also the source of the English word branchia, meaning “gill.” Learn more at our entry for the word.

What are variants of branchio-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, branchio- becomes branchi-, as in branchial.

Examples of branchio-

An example of a term from biology that features the combining form branchio- is branchiopneustic, “breathing by means of gills.”

We know branchio- means “gills,” so what is the -pneustic portion of the word? That’s right, -pneustic refers to “breathing,” from the Greek pneustikós. Branchiopneustic literally translates to “gill-breathing.”

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

• branchiopod (using the equivalent form of branchio- in New Latin)
• branchiostegal
• branchiostegous
• branchiomotor nuclei

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

• brachi-
• brachio-
• brachy-
• broncho-

Break it down!

The combining form -pod means “foot.” Some crustaceans are known as branchiopods. What is unique about the foot-like appendages these creatures have?