lepido-

American  

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

   lepidopteron.

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lepido- British  

combining form

1. scale or scaly

   lepidopterous

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Usage

What does lepido- mean? Lepido- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “scale." It is used in some scientific terms, especially in mineralogy and zoology. Lepido- comes from the Greek lepís, meaning “scale.” The disease leprosy, which can cause skin to appear scaly, ultimately comes from this same Greek word. Find out more in our About This Word article on leprosy.

Etymology

Origin of lepido-

< Greek, combining form representing lepís (stem lepid- ) scale. See leper