metalli-

American  

1. variant of metallo-.

   metalliferous.

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Usage

What does metalli- mean? The combining form metalli- is used like a prefix meaning “metal.” It is very rarely used in scientific terms, especially in chemistry. The form metalli- comes from Greek métallon, meaning “metal, mine, quarry.” Yes, quarry! Discover why at our entry for metal. What are variants of metalli-?Metalli- is a variant of metall-, which gains an -i- when combined with words or word elements beginning with -f-. When combined with words or word elements that begin with other consonants, metall- becomes metallo-, as in metallograph. Want to know more? Check out our Words That Use articles for both forms.

Etymology

Origin of metalli-

metallo-, -i-