geo-
Origin of geo-
Other definitions for geo- (2 of 2)
WORDS THAT USE GEO-
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-.
Examples of geo-
An example of a word you have likely encountered that features geo- is geology, “the science that deals with the dynamics and physical history of the earth.”
We know geo- means “earth,” so the -logy portion of the word? That’s right, -logy refers to “study,” from the Greek logía. Geology literally translates to “study of the earth.”
What are some words that use the combining form geo-?
- geobotany
- geocarpy
- geocline
- geocentric
- geochemistry
- geochronology
- geochronometry
- geodesic dome
- geodesic line
- geodesy (using the equivalent form of geo- in Greek)
- geodynamics
- geognosy (using the equivalent form of geo- in French)
- geographical (using the equivalent form of geo- in Greek)
- geography (using the equivalent form of geo- in Greek)
- geohydrology
- geological timescale
- geologist
- geomagnetic
- geometry (using the equivalent form of geo- in Greek)
- geomorphic
- geonavigation
- geophone
- geophysics
- geophyte
- geopolitical
- georama
- geoscience
- geoscientist
- geosphere
- geosyncline
- geotag
- geotaxis
- geotectonic
- geotherm
- geothermal
- geothermal energy
- geotropism
What are some other forms that geo- may be commonly confused with?
Not every word that begins with the exact letters ge-, such as gearbox or geoduck, is necessarily using the combining form ge- to denote “earth.” Learn why geoduck is the name of a kind of saltwater clam at our entry for the word.
Break it down!
Given the meaning of geo-, what is another name for the discipline known as geoscience?