photo

¹

[foh-toh]

noun

plural

photos 

1. photograph.

2. Informal.,  photo finish.

photo-

²

1. a combining form meaning “light” (photobiology ); also used to represent “photographic” or “photograph” in the formation of compound words.

   photocopy.

photo

¹

/ ˈfəʊtəʊ /

noun

1. short for photograph

photo-

²

combining form

1. of, relating to, or produced by light

   photosynthesis

2. indicating a photographic process

   photolithography

photo–

1. A prefix that means “light,” as in photoreceptor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of photo–¹

First recorded in 1855–60; shortened form of photograph

Origin of photo–²

< Greek, combining form of phôs (genitive phōtós )

Word History and Origins

Origin of photo–¹

from Greek phōs, phōt- light

Example Sentences

Non-EU nationals arriving for short stays in EU countries -- except Cyprus and Ireland -- will be asked for their passport number, to provide fingerprints and have their photo taken at automated kiosks.

Read more on Barron's

Marines post on X featured photos of an expeditionary unit training with machine guns on the island.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

My cousin took a photo from our group chat and uploaded it to Meta AI.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Image: This photo is an artist's impression of the cosmic joust, showing how the galaxy on the right hosts a quasar in the centre.

Read more on Space Scoop

If you do, feel free to sign up and send your photos to BBC Weather Watchers.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• account 
• art 
• cartoon 
• copy 
• depiction 
• description 
• drawing 
• figure 
• icon 
• image 
• impression 
• painting 
• photograph 
• piece 
• portrait 
• portrayal 
• print 
• report 
• sketch 
• statue