pneumato-

1. a combining form meaning “air,” “breath,” “spirit,” used in the formation of compound words:

   pneumatology; pneumatophore.

pneumato-

combining_form

1. air; breath or breathing; spirit

   pneumatology

   pneumatophore

Word History and Origins

Origin of pneumato-¹

< Greek, combining form of pneûma; pneuma

Word History and Origins

Origin of pneumato-¹

from Greek pneuma, pneumat-, breath; see pneuma

Example Sentences

A result obtained by physio-philosophy, whereof pneumato-philosophy as yet augurs nothing.

From Project Gutenberg

Words That Use pneumato-

What does pneumato- mean?

Pneumato- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “air,” “breath,” “spirit.” It is often used in medical and scientific terms, including in pathology.

Pneumato- comes from the Greek pneûma, meaning “wind,” “breath,” or “spirit.” Pneûma is also the origin of the adjective pneumatic, as in pneumatic tires.

What are variants of pneumato-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, pneumato- becomes pneumat-, as in pneumatosis. The combining form pneumo- is also used as a variant of pneumato-, as in pneumograph.

The Greek pneûma is also closely related to the combining form -pnea.

Want to know more? Read our Words That Use -pnea article.

Examples of pneumato-

One example of a medical term that features pneumato– is pneumatocele, an abnormal pocket of air or gas that forms in the body. A pneumatocele can also refer to a hernia of the lung.

The first part of the word, pneumato-, means “air.” The second part of the word, –cele, means “tumor.” Pneumatocele literally translates to “air tumor.”

What are some words that use the combining form pneumato-?

• pneumatology (which concerns beliefs about spiritual beings)
• pneumatograph
• pneumatolysis
• pneumatometer
• pneumatophore
• pneumatotherapy

What are some other forms that pneumato- may be commonly confused with?

• -pnea
• pleuro-
• pulmo-

Break it down!

Based on the meaning of pneumato-, what does the instrument known as a pneumatometer measure?