-poiesis

American  

1. a combining form meaning “making, formation,” used in the formation of compound words.

   hematopoiesis.

---

-poiesis British  

combining form

1. indicating the act of making or producing something specified

   haematopoiesis

---

Usage

What does -poiesis mean? The combining form -poiesis is used like a suffix meaning “making, formation.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology. The form -poiesis comes from Greek -poiēsis, meaning “a making” or "creation," from the verb poieîn, “to make.” Another descendant of poieîn is the English word poet. To learn more, check out our entry about poet. What are variants of -poiesis?The form -poiesis doesn't have any variants. However, it is related to the form -poietic, which is used to form adjectives that correspond to nouns ending in -poiesis. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article about -poietic.

Other Word Forms

• -poietic combining form

Etymology

Origin of -poiesis

< Greek -poiēsis; poesy, -sis