pterido-

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

   pteridology.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pterido-¹

< New Latin, combining form representing Greek pterís (stem pterid- ) fern, derivative of pterón feather

When To Use

What does pterido- mean?

Pterido- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “fern.” It is often in some scientific terms, especially in botany.Pterido- comes from the Greek pterís, meaning “fern.” This Greek word is derived from the word ptéron, meaning "feather." (Ferns do look a bit like feathers, after all.) Ptéron is related to the combining forms ptero- and pterygo-.