osteo-

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

   osteometry.

osteo-

combining form

1. indicating bone or bones

   osteopathy

Word History and Origins

Origin of osteo-¹

< Greek, combining form of ostéon

Word History and Origins

Origin of osteo-¹

from Greek osteon

When To Use

What does osteo- mean?

Osteo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “bone.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy.Osteo- comes from the Greek ostéon, meaning “bone.”What are variants of osteo-?When combined with words or word elements forms that begin with a vowel, osteo- becomes oste-, as in osteitis.