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• zo-
  zo-

  variant of zoo- before a vowel.
• zo
  zo

  noun

  a Tibetan breed of cattle, developed by crossing the yak with common cattle

zo-

American  

1. variant of zoo- before a vowel.

   zooid.

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zo ¹ British  

/ zəʊ /

noun

1. a Tibetan breed of cattle, developed by crossing the yak with common cattle

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zo- ² British  

combining form

1. a variant (before a vowel) of zoo-

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Usage

What does zo- mean? The combining form zo- is used like a prefix meaning “living being” or "animal." It is very occasionally used in scientific terms, especially in biology. The form zo- comes from Greek zôion, meaning “animal.” The word zoo also ultimately comes from this Greek root. Zoo is shortened from zoological garden. What are variants of zo-?The form zo- is a variant of zoo-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. When combined as a suffix, zo- becomes -zoa or -zoon, as in protozoa or ectozoon. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles for zoo-, -zoa, and -zoon.

Etymology

Origin of zo

C20: from Tibetan

Example Sentences

Currently, black cod and black sea bass processed through Poseidon are sold under Shinkei’s brand Seremoni at retailers such as Happier Grocery and served at upscale restaurants including Atomix and Sushi Zo.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 29, 2025

He threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Lambert and a 26-yard touchdown pass to 6-6 sophomore tight end Zo Edwards.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2024

Zo, though, managed to sneak away from her captors to continue her resistance work.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2024

So who was the woman who went by the name of Zo, and what inspired her to acts of such defiance and bravery?

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2024

Sophia's teacup pets parade up and down—Singe and Zo are leading her new giraffe and three teacup dragons.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton