phreno-

Save This Word!

a combining form meaning “mind,” “diaphragm,” used in the formation of compound words: phrenology.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also especially before a vowel, phren-.

Origin of phreno-

<Greek phreno-, combining form representing phrḗn mind, diaphragm

Words nearby phreno-

phren-, phrenetic, -phrenia, phrenic, phrenitis, phreno-, phrenol., phrenology, phrensy, Phrixus, phronesis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use phreno- in a sentence

Phreno-mesmerism, or the connexion between phrenology and mesmerism.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 57, No. 352, February 1845|Various
But the earnest explorer will find the countenances of cabmen to be the most remunerative phreno-physiognomical studies.
Punch or the London Charivari, Vol. 109, September 28, 1895|Various

British Dictionary definitions for phreno-

phreno-

before a vowel phren-

combining form

mind or brainphrenology

of or relating to the diaphragmphrenic

Word Origin for phreno-

from Greek phrēn mind, diaphragm

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012