sarc-

¹ American  

1. variant of sarco-, especially before a vowel.

   sarcoma.

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-sarc ² American  

1. a combining form meaning “one having flesh or tissue” of the kind specified by the initial element.

   ectosarc.

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Usage

What does sarc- mean? Sarc- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “flesh.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in pathology.Sarc- comes from the Greek sárx, meaning “flesh.” Ever heard of a sarcophagus—you know, like the famous one that held the mummy of Tutankhamen? That word also comes from the Greek sárx. Discover the surprising (and grisly) origin of the word sarcophagus at our entry for the word.Sarc- is a variant of sarco-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels.Want to know more? Read our Words That Use sarco- article.

Etymology

Origin of -sarc

< Greek -sarcos, derivative of sárx flesh