hepta-

American  

especially before a vowel, hept-.

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

   heptahedron.

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hepta- British  

combining form

1. seven

   heptameter

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Usage

What does hepta- mean? Hepta- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “seven.” It is used in a number of scientific and other technical terms. In chemistry, hepta- is specifically used to indicate seven atoms or seven groups of atoms in compounds, e.g., heptachlor. Hepta- comes from the Greek heptá, meaning “seven.” The English word seven, as different as it may look, is actually related to the Greek heptá. What are variants of hepta-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, hepta- becomes hept-, as in heptane.

Etymology

Origin of hepta-

< Greek, combining form of heptá seven; cognate with Latin septem; akin to Old English seofon seven

Example Sentences

Above 39� C., however, the hexahydrate, with six molecules, is less soluble, and a rapid conversion of the hepta- into the hexahydrate occurs if the former is heated above the transition point.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" by Various