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spiro-

1
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a combining form meaning “respiration,” used in the formation of compound words: spirograph.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of spiro-

1
Combining form of Latin spīrāre “to breathe”

Other definitions for spiro- (2 of 2)

spiro-2

a combining form meaning “coil,” “spiral,” used in the formation of compound words: spirochete.
Also especially before a vowel, spir- .

Origin of spiro-

2
Combining form of Latin spīra, from Greek speîra “coil”
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use spiro- in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for spiro- (1 of 2)

spiro-1

combining form
indicating breath or respirationspirograph

Word Origin for spiro-

from Latin spīrāre to breathe

British Dictionary definitions for spiro- (2 of 2)

spiro-2

combining form
spiral; coilspirochaete

Word Origin for spiro-

from Latin spīra, from Greek speira a coil
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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