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

GEO Group sued to challenge the law, arguing it was unconstitutional because it stepped on the federal government’s authority to manage detention centers.

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By extension, GEO claimed intergovernmental immunity as a contractor.

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“This case involves the latest in a string of attempts by the State of California to ban federal immigration enforcement in the state, or so significantly burden such efforts as to drive federal agencies and contractors involved in that constitutionally-mandated national security function from California,” GEO attorneys argued in the suit, which was filed in the U.S District Court for the Eastern District of California.

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A GEO Group spokesperson said the company provides around-the-clock access to medical care.

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“Geo strongly rejects these baseless allegations,” spokesman Christopher Ferreira said in an email to CalMatters.

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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-.