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haplo-

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a combining form meaning “single,” “simple,” used in the formation of compound words: haplology.
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Also especially before a vowel, hapl-.

Origin of haplo-

<Greek, combining form of haplóos single, simple; akin to Latin simplex
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

WORDS THAT USE HAPLO-

What does haplo- mean?

Haplo– is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “single” or “simple.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology.

Haplo– comes from Greek haplóos, meaning “single” or “simple.” The Latin cognate of haplóos is simplex, also meaning “single” or “simple.” Simplex is the source of English words such as simple and simplicity. To learn more, check out our entries for both words.

What are variants of haplo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, haplo– becomes hapl, as in haplosis. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article on hapl-.

Examples of haplo-

One example of a technical term that features the form haplo– is haplography, “the accidental omission of a letter or letter group that should be repeated in writing, as in Missippi for Mississippi.”

The haplo– part of the word means “simple,” while graphy refers to “writing,” from Greek –graphia. Haplography literally translates to “simple writing.”

What are some words that use the combining form haplo-?

What are some other forms that haplo– may be commonly confused with?

Break it down!

The combining form scope means “instrument for viewing.” With this in mind, what does haploscope literally mean?

How to use haplo- in a sentence

  • Haplo-, in Greek compounds, single; as Haplostemonous, having only one series of stamens.

British Dictionary definitions for haplo-

haplo-

before a vowel hapl-


combining form
single or simplehaplology; haplosis

Word Origin for haplo-

from Greek haplous simple
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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