spiro-
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a combining form meaning “respiration,” used in the formation of compound words: spirograph.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of spiro-
1Combining form of Latin spīrāre “to breathe”
Words nearby spiro-
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-
2Combining 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
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