geo-

¹

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

   geochemistry.

Geo.

²

abbreviation

1. George.

geo

¹

/ ˈdʒiːəʊ /

noun

1. (esp in Shetland) a small fjord or gully

geo-

²

combining form

1. indicating earth

   geomorphology

geo–

1. A prefix that means “earth,” as in geochemistry, the study of the Earth's chemistry.

Word History and Origins

Origin of geo-¹

< Greek geō-, combining form of gê the earth

Word History and Origins

Origin of geo-¹

C18: from Old Norse gjā ravine; related to Old English gionian to _yawn

Origin of geo-²

from Greek, from gē earth

Example Sentences

The California and Louisiana facilities are both operated by the Florida-based private prison giant, the GEO Group.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The GEO Group did not respond to requests for comment.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The post pictures him standing in front of a GEO Group flag and states: “Permit me to reintroduce myself … You will respect my authority. They tried to hinder me, but God intervened.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That complaint alleges that other GEO Group staff targeted him with sexually harassing and degrading comments.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While playing Nintendo, before TurboGrafx-16 dropped — I was the only brat with a Neo Geo, and then later, a Sony PlayStation — I’d be summoned for a plate.

Read more on Salon

When To Use

What does geo- mean?

Geo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “earth.” It is often used in scientific terms in a variety of fields. In some rare instances, such as the term geocode, geo- is used as an abbreviation of geographical.Geo- comes from Greek gê, meaning “earth.” A synonym of gê is khthṓn, which is the source of several words related to the underworld, such as chthonic.What are variants of geo-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, geo- becomes ge-, as in geanticline. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article for ge-.