homo-

a combining form appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “same” (homology); on this model, used in the formation of compound words (homomorphic).

Also especially before a vowel, hom-.

Origin of homo-

< Greek, combining form of homós one and the same; akin to Sanskrit sama-; see same

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British Dictionary definitions for homo-

homo-

combining form

being the same or likehomologous; homosexual Compare hetero-

Word Origin for homo-

via Latin from Greek, from homos same

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

Word Origin and History for homo-

word-forming element meaning "same, the same, equal, like," before vowels hom-, from Greek homos "one and the same," also "belonging to two or more jointly," from PIE *somos (cf. Sanskrit samah "even, the same," Lithuanian similis "like," Gothic sama "the same," samana "together;" see same).

word-forming element meaning "homosexual," abstracted since early 20c. from homosexual, and ultimately identical to homo- (1).

homo- in Medicine

homo-

pref.

Same; like:homotype.

homo- in Science

homo-

A prefix meaning same, as in homogamous, having the same kind of flower.