-penia

American  

1. a combining form used in the formation of compound words that have the general sense “lack, deficiency,” as specified by the initial element.

   leukopenia.

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Usage

What does -penia mean? The combining form -penia is used like a suffix meaning “lack” or "deficiency." It is often used in medical terms.The combining form -penia is ultimately based on the Greek penía, meaning “poverty” or "need." The word penury, meaning “extreme poverty,” is related. Discover how at our entry for penury.

Etymology

Origin of -penia

< New Latin, combining form representing Greek penía poverty, need