ptero-

American  

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

   pterodactyl.

---

ptero- British  

combining form

1. wing, feather, or a part resembling a wing

   pterodactyl

---

Usage

What does ptero- mean? Ptero- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “wing” or “feather.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in zoology. Ptero- comes from the Greek pterón, meaning “wing” or “feather.” Here’s a word connection that may surprise you: the word helicopter also has a root in the Greek pterón. Discover why at our entry for the word. And, as it’s always worth noting, the p in ptero- is silent. What are variants of ptero-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, ptero- becomes pter-, as in pteranodon (formed in New Latin). Corresponding forms of ptero- combined to the end of words are -pter and -pterous, which you can learn more about in our Words That Use articles for each form. Closely related to ptero- is pterygo-, connected to pterygoid, and pterido-, which is used for ferns.

Etymology

Origin of ptero-

< New Latin, combining form representing Greek pterón