myxo-

1. a combining form meaning “mucus” or “slime,” used in the formation of compound words:

   myxoneurosis.

myxo-

¹

combining_form

1. mucus or slime

   myxomycete

myxo

²

/ ˈmɪksəʊ /

noun

1. slang.
   short for myxomatosis

Word History and Origins

Origin of myxo-¹

Combining form representing Greek mýxa

Word History and Origins

Origin of myxo-¹

from Greek muxa slime, mucus

Words That Use myxo-

What does myxo- mean?

Myxo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “mucus” or “slime.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in pathology.

Myxo- comes from the Greek mýxa, meaning “mucus” or “slime.” The word mucus, from Latin, is related to the Greek mýxa.

What are variants of myxo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, myxo- becomes myx–, as in myxadenoma.

Examples of myxo-

One example of a scientific term that features myxo- is myxocyte, a type of cell found in mucus tissue.

The word myxocyte is made of two combining forms. The first, as we’ve seen, is myxo-, meaning “mucus.” The second, -cyte, means “cell.” Myxocyte literally translates, then, to “mucus cell.”

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

• myxobacteria
• myxochondroma
• myxoedema
• myxofibroma
• myxolipoma
• myxopapilloma

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

• myo-

While myxo- sounds like the word mix, the two are unrelated—and you definitely wouldn’t want your mixologist adding in any mucus or slime into your drinks.

Break it down!

Myxovirus is a name for a group of viruses, some of which can cause the common cold.

Based on their name, these viruses react to proteins that can be found in what substance?