terato-

American  

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

   teratology.

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Usage

What does terato- mean? Terato- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “monster.” It is used in some scientific and medical terms, including in pathology and to indicate something especially unusual or abnormal in size, composition, or appearance. Terato- comes from the Greek téras, meaning “monster, marvel.” The combining form tera-, as in terabyte, shares the same Greek root. Learn more in our Words That Use article for the form. What are variants of terato-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, terato- becomes terat-, as in teratoma.

Etymology

Origin of terato-

< Greek terat- (stem of téras ) monster, marvel + -o-