geo-

¹ American  

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

   geochemistry.

---

Geo. ² American  

abbreviation

1. George.

---

geo ¹ British  

/ ˈdʒiːəʊ /

noun

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

---

geo- ² British  

combining form

1. indicating earth

   geomorphology

---

geo– Scientific  

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

---

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

AOL Inc., for example, is working on improving its mobile offerings using geo- location, and through its Patch local-news sites to attract advertisers for specific markets, CEO Tim Armstrong said.

From BusinessWeek • Jun. 22, 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)