xylo-

American  

especially before a vowel, xyl-

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

   xylophilous.

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xylo- British  

combining form

1. indicating wood

   xylophone

2. indicating xylene

   xylidine

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Usage

What does xylo- mean? Xylo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “wood.” It is used in various scientific and other technical terms. Xylo- comes from the Greek xýlon, meaning “wood.” This Greek root is also the direct source of such chemistry words as xylan, xylene, xylose, xylyl, and other related words. What are variants of xylo-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, xylo- becomes xyl-, as in xyloid (using the equivalent form in Greek).

Etymology

Origin of xylo-

Combining form of Greek xýlon