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definitions

spiro-

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

Origin of spiro-

1
combining form of Latin spīrāre to breathe

spiro-

2

a combining form meaning “coil,” “spiral,” used in the formation of compound words: spirochete.

Origin of spiro-

2
combining form of Latin spīra < Greek speîra coil

dum spiro, spero

[doo m spee-roh, spey-roh; English duhm spahy-roh, speer-oh]

Latin.

while I breathe, I hope: a motto of South Carolina.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for spiro

Contemporary Examples of spiro

Historical Examples of spiro

  • "The head of Spiro," thought Miles and Ward with sinking hearts.

    The Heads of Apex

    Francis Flagg

  • Spiro—for it was indeed he—regarded them with pitiless eyes.

    The Heads of Apex

    Francis Flagg

  • During the present life he was hoping for it, "Dum Spiro, Spero."

  • I will not kill myself because then I should go to hell-fire, but Spiro can do it very well.

    The Diva's Ruby

    F. Marion Crawford

  • Spiro knew, no doubt, but she could not demean herself to inquire of a servant.

    The Diva's Ruby

    F. Marion Crawford

British Dictionary definitions for spiro

spiro-

1

combining form

indicating breath or respirationspirograph

Word Origin for spiro-

from Latin spīrāre to breathe

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
spiro in Medicine

spiro-

pref.

Spiral; coil; coil-shaped:spirillar.
Breath; breathing;spirograph.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.