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• hypo
  hypo

  noun

  a hypodermic syringe or injection.
• hypo-
  hypo-

  a prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “under” (hypostasis ); on this model used, especially as opposed to hyper-, in the formation of compound words (hypothyroid ).
• Hypo-
  Hypo-

  prefix

  indicating a plagal mode in music
• hypo–
  hypo–

  A prefix that means “beneath“ or “below,” as in hypodermic, below the skin. It also means “less than normal,” especially in medical terms like hypoglycemia. In the names of chemical compounds, it means “at the lowest state of oxidation,” as in sodium hypochlorite.

hypo

¹ American  

[hahy-poh] / ˈhaɪ poʊ /

noun

plural

hypos

1. a hypodermic syringe or injection.

2. a stimulus or boost.

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verb (used with object)

1. to administer a hypodermic injection to.

2. to stimulate by or as if by administering a hypodermic injection.

3. to increase, boost, or augment.

   to hypo the car's power by installing a bigger engine.

hypo ² American  

[hahy-poh] / ˈhaɪ poʊ /

noun

1. sodium thiosulfate.

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hypo ³ American  

[hahy-poh] / ˈhaɪ poʊ /

noun

Archaic.

1. hypochondria.

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hypo- ⁴ American  

1. a prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “under” (hypostasis ); on this model used, especially as opposed to hyper-, in the formation of compound words (hypothyroid ).

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hypo ¹ British  

/ ˈhaɪpəʊ /

noun

1. short for hypodermic syringe

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Hypo- ² British  

prefix

1. indicating a plagal mode in music

   Hypodorian

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hypo ³ British  

/ ˈhaɪpəʊ /

noun

1. another name for sodium thiosulphate, esp when used as a fixer in photographic developing

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hypo- ⁴ British  

prefix

1. under, beneath, or below

   hypodermic

2. lower; at a lower point

   hypogastrium

3. less than

   hypoploid

4. (in medicine) denoting a deficiency or an abnormally low level

   hypothyroid

   hypoglycaemia

5. incomplete or partial

   hypoplasia

6. indicating that a chemical compound contains an element in a lower oxidation state than usual

   hypochlorous acid

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hypo– Scientific  

1. A prefix that means “beneath“ or “below,” as in hypodermic, below the skin. It also means “less than normal,” especially in medical terms like hypoglycemia. In the names of chemical compounds, it means “at the lowest state of oxidation,” as in sodium hypochlorite.

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Etymology

Origin of hypo¹

First recorded in 1900–05; by shortening of hypodermic; sense “stimulate” perhaps by association with hype ¹; see -o

Origin of hypo²

First recorded in 1855–60; shortening of hyposulfite

Origin of hypo³

First recorded in 1700–10; by shortening

Origin of hypo-⁴

< Greek, combining form of hypó under (preposition), below (adv.); cognate with Latin sub ( see sub-); cf. up

Example Sentences

If either the hypo- or hyper- condition goes to excess, the cell’s functions become compromised, and the cell may be destroyed.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo- or hypercalcemia.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

As an arched hypo- * 'Die undulirende Nutation der Internodien,' Akad. der Wissench.

From The Power of Movement in Plants by Darwin, Charles

If more than two be known, the one inferior in oxygen content has the prefix hypo- and the termination -ous, and the one superior in oxygen content has the prefix per- and the termination -ic.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various

Thus the prefix per- signifies an acid still richer in oxygen; the prefix hypo- signifies one with less oxygen.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William