metallo-

The combining form metallo- is used like a prefix meaning “metal.” It is occasionally used in scientific terms, especially in chemistry and medicine.

The form metallo- comes from Greek métallon, meaning “metal, mine, quarry.” Yes, quarry! Discover why at our entry for metal.

What are variants of metallo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, metallo- becomes metall-, as in metallurgy, from Greek metallourgós. A rare variant of metallo- is metalli-, as in metalliferous. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles for both metalli- and metallo-.

One example of a scientific term that features the form metallo- is metallograph, “a microscope for observing the microstructure of metals.”

We know metallo- means “metal,” but what about the -graph portion of the word? The form -graph means “drawn” or “written,” often referring to an instrument that makes a recording, from Greek -graphos. Metallograph literally translates to “metal recorder.”

What are some words that use the combining form metallo-?

• metallocene
• metallography (using the equivalent form of metallo- in Latin)
• metallophone
• metalloporphyrin
• metallothionein

What are some other forms that metallo- may be commonly confused with?

• meta-
• myel-
• myelo-

The combining form -phone is used to name musical instruments. With this in mind, what is a metallophone?