ecto-

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

Also especially before a vowel, ect-.

Origin of ecto-

combining form of Greek ektós outside

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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

Word Origin and History for ecto-

word-forming element generally meaning "outside, external," before vowels ect-, comb. form of Greek ektos "outside" (adv.), used to form scientific compounds in Greek; related to Greek ek, ex "out," from PIE *eghs- (see ex-).

ecto- in Medicine

ecto-

pref.

Outer; external:ectoparasite.