zoo

¹ American  

[zoo] / zu /

noun

plural

zoos

1. Also called zoological garden.  a parklike area in which live animals are kept in cages or large enclosures for public exhibition.

2. Informal. a place, activity, or group marked by chaos or unrestrained behavior.

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zoo- ² American  

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

   zoometry; zooplankton.

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zoo- ¹ British  

combining form

1. indicating animals

   zooplankton

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zoo ² British  

/ zuː /

noun

1. Formal term: zoological garden.  a place where live animals are kept, studied, bred, and exhibited to the public

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zoo Idioms  

1. see it's a zoo.

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Usage

What does zoo- mean? The combining form zoo- is used like a prefix meaning “living being” or "animal." It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology.The form zoo- comes from Greek zôion, meaning “animal.”What are variants of zoo-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, zoo- becomes zo-, as in zooid.When combined as a suffix, zoo- becomes -zoa or -zoon, as in protozoa or ectozoon. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles for zo-, -zoa, and -zoon.

Etymology

Origin of zoo¹

First recorded in 1840–50; first two syllables of zoological garden taken as one syllable

Origin of zoo-²

Combining form representing Greek zôion animal

Example Sentences

The zoo said recent sightings have been centred around the same area, with thermal drones, camera traps and traps baited with melon being used to lure her out.

From BBC

A zoo has marked the 19th birthday of a pair of armadillos this week.

From BBC

Now the only cheetah left at the zoo, she feels responsible for impressing the humans who come to see her run.

From The Wall Street Journal

A story for young readers about a rescue dog and a young cheetah is inspired by real-world zoo practices.

From The Wall Street Journal

A story for young readers about a rescue dog and a young cheetah is inspired by real-world zoo practices.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• circus