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• geo-
  geo-

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

  abbreviation

  George.
• geo
  geo

  noun

  (esp in Shetland) a small fjord or gully
• geo–
  geo–

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

geo-

¹ American  

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

   geochemistry.

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Geo. ² American  

abbreviation

1. George.

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geo ¹ British  

/ ˈdʒiːəʊ /

noun

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

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geo- ² British  

combining form

1. indicating earth

   geomorphology

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geo– Scientific  

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

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Usage

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-.

Etymology

Origin of geo-

< Greek geō-, combining form of gê the earth

Example Sentences

Projecting advanced consciousness would be unreasonable and perhaps geo- or anthropocentric.

From Scientific American • Dec. 15, 2019

When it comes to the geo-, each would be supported by a career diplomatic bureaucracy to develop policy options and talking points.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2016

Such technology, known as geo- fencing, relies on satellite navigation to pinpoint a drone’s location.

From Washington Post • Aug. 20, 2015

“Aquino realizes China remains a very important geo- economic, geo-political partner,” said Ralf Emmers, a professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

From BusinessWeek • Aug. 17, 2011

But enough of these follies: ‘Necro-, pyro-, geo-, hydro-, cheiro-, coscinomancy, With other vain and superstitious sciences.’

From Witch, Warlock, and Magician Historical Sketches of Magic and Witchcraft in England and Scotland by Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)