cyto-

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

   cytoplasm.

cyto-

combining_form

1. indicating a cell

   cytolysis

   cytoplasm

cyto–

1. A prefix meaning “cell,” as in the word cytoplasm.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyto-¹

< Greek kyto-, combining form of kýtos container, receptacle, body

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyto-¹

from Greek kutos vessel, container; related to kuein to contain

Words That Use Cyto-

What does cyto- mean?

Cyto- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “cell.” It is used in many scientific terms, especially in medicine and biology.

Cyto- comes from the Greek kýtos, meaning “container,” “receptacle,” “body.”

What are variants of cyto-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, cyto- becomes cyt-, as in cytosis.

The corresponding form of cyto- combined to the end of words is -cyte, as in pneumonocyte.

Examples of cyto-

An example of a word you may have encountered that features cyto- is cytoplasm, “the cell substance between the cell membrane and the nucleus.”

We know cyto- means “cell,” so what about the -plasm portion of the word? The form -plasm, from the Greek plásma, has a variety of meanings, including “living substance,” “tissue,” “substance of a cell.” Cytoplasm literally translates to “cell substance.” It’s like “cell stuff”!

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

• cytochrome
• cytodiagnosis
• cytogenesis
• cytology
• cytomembrane
• cytometer
• cytopathy
• cytoskeleton
• cytosol

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

• cyano-
• cyno-
• cysto-

Break it down!

The combining form -pathy has a variety of meanings, including “disease” or “disorder.” With this in mind, what does cytopathy literally translate to?