ecto-

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a combining form meaning “outer,” “outside,” “external,” used in the formation of compound words: ectoderm.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Also especially before a vowel, ect-.

Origin of ecto-

Combining form of Greek ektós outside

Words nearby ecto-

ectad, ectal, ectasia, ecthlipsis, ecthyma, ecto-, ectoblast, ectocommensal, ectocornea, ectocrine, ectoderm

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ecto- in a sentence

But rendered freely, it reads: morishille's voozy, with lacto-ecto added for a new taste sensation.
One Man's Poison|Robert Sheckley
Metablastic: relating to the ecto- or meta-blast or ectoderm.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology|John. B. Smith
Ecto-parasite: one that is attached to the external surface of the host.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology|John. B. Smith

British Dictionary definitions for ecto-

ecto-

combining form

indicating outer, outside, externalectoplasm

Word Origin for ecto-

from Greek ektos outside, from ek, ex out

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012