ventro-

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

   ventrodorsal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ventro-¹

Combining form of New Latin venter venter; -o-

Example Sentences

They are attached ventro-laterally on each side of the lips.

From Project Gutenberg

The absence of a division of the muscles into dorso-lateral and ventro-lateral divisions.

From Project Gutenberg

Laterally and somewhat ventrally it is prolonged into a horn (fig. 19D, E, b), which I propose calling the ventro-lateral horn.

From Project Gutenberg

Words That Use ventro-

What does ventro- mean?

Ventro- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “abdomen.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy.

Ventro- comes from the Latin venter, meaning “belly, womb.” Ever seen a ventriloquist make it seem like their dummy’s talking? Also rooted in the Latin venter, ventriloquist literally means “stomach talker.” Discover why at our entry for ventriloquist.

What are variants of ventro-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, ventro- becomes ventr-, as in ventrad. Ventri-, as in ventriduction, is also a variant of ventro-.

Examples of ventro-

An example of a word you may have encountered that features ventro- is ventrotomy, also known as a celiotomy or laparotomy, meaning “incision through the abdominal wall.”

The first part of the word, ventro-, means “abdomen.” The second part of the word, -tomy, might also look familiar. It means “cutting, incision.” Ventrotomy, putting it all back together, literally translates to “abdomen incision.”

What are some words that use the combining form ventro-?

• ventrodorsal
• ventrolateral
• ventroscopy

 

 

What are some other forms that ventro- may be commonly confused with?

• vene-
• veno-
• ventriculo-

Break it down!

The word dorsal can refer to the back or posterior. With this in mind, what parts of the body would a ventrodorsal X-ray show, generally speaking?