-phagy

1. a combining form meaning “eating,” “devouring” that specified by the initial element, especially as a practice or habit.

   allotriophagy; anthropophagy.

-phagy

combining form

1. indicating an eating or devouring

   anthropophagy

Word History and Origins

Origin of -phagy¹

< Greek -phagia; -phage, -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of -phagy¹

from Greek -phagia; see _phago-

When To Use

What does -phagy mean?

The combining form -phagy is used like a suffix meaning “eating” or “devouring” the thing specified by the first part of the word. It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology.The form -phagy ultimately comes from the Greek phageîn, meaning “to eat, devour.” This Greek root also helps form the word esophagus. Discover the connection at our entry for the word.What are variants of -phagy?The combining form -phagia, as in polyphagia, is an occasional variant of -phagy.Closely related to -phagy are -phage and -phagous. A corresponding form of -phagy combined to the beginning of words is phago-. Learn more about their specific applications at our Words That Use articles for the forms.