Ile

¹ American  

abbreviation

Biochemistry.

1. isoleucine.

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ile- ² American  

1. variant of ileo- before a vowel.

   ileac.

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-ile ³ American  

1. a suffix of adjectives expressing capability, susceptibility, liability, aptitude, etc..

   agile; docile; ductile; fragile; prehensile; volatile.

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-ile British  

suffix

1. indicating capability, liability, or a relationship with something

   agile

   fragile

   juvenile

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Usage

What does ile- mean? Ile- is a combining form used like a prefix representing the word ileum, the third and lowest division of the small intestine. It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy and pathology. Ile- ultimately comes from the Latin īlia, meaning “side of the body between hips and groin, guts.”Ile- is a variant of ileo-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use ileo- article.

Etymology

Origin of -ile

From the Latin word -ilis, -īlis

Example Sentences

Cheltenham Festival winner Madara finished third, with Mullins' Ile Atlantique in second place.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

She said she was now a "happy woman", having found love again in a new relationship as she rebuilt her life on the blustery French Atlantic island of Ile de Re.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Ile d’Oleron is an island off the Atlantic coast of France.

From NewsForKids.net • Mar. 13, 2024

Ile de Beauté is a local chain Sephora bought in 2016, a few years after an initial investment.

From Reuters • Oct. 10, 2022

Bill asked in the taxi on our way down to the Ile Saint Louis.

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway