cysto-

American  

1. a combining form representing cyst in the formation of compound words.

   cystolith.

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cysto- British  

combining form

1. indicating a cyst or bladder

   cystocarp

   cystoscope

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Usage

What does cysto- mean? The combining form cysto- is used like a suffix meaning “cyst,” which is a scientific term for a bladder, sac, or vesicle. It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology and pathology. The form cysto- comes from Greek kýstis, meaning “bag,” “pouch,” or “bladder.”What are variants of cysto-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, cysto- becomes cyst-, as in cystoma. A rare variant of cysto- is cysti-, as in cysticercus. When used as a suffix, the combining form cyst- becomes -cyst, as in oocyst. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles for these forms.