rhizo-

Rhizo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “root.” It is often used in scientific terms, including in botany, zoology, and medicine.

Rhizo- comes from the Greek rhíza, meaning “root.”

What are variants of rhizo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, rhizo- becomes rhiz-, as in rhizoid, which means “rootlike.”

Rhizosphere, or the area of soil that surrounds the roots of a plant, is an example of a scientific term that features rhizo-.

As we know, rhizo- means “root.” The second part of the word, -sphere, refers to “ball” or “globe,” from the Greek sphaîra (cf. atmosphere). So, rhizosphere literally translates to “root ball.”

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

• rhizocarpous
• rhizogenic
• rhizomorph
• rhizophagous
• rhizopus
• rhizotomy

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

• rheo-
• rhino-
• ribo-

The combining form -genic means “causing or producing.” Certain cells in plants can be referred to as rhizogenic. What do they produce?