It's Greek To Me!

Greek and Latin Prefixes, Roots and Suffixes used in English
This page © 1999 by Nicholas E. Miller


Basic term

Meaning

Greek
Latin
Prefix
Suffix

rhino, rhin

nose

Yes, originally
New
Yes
Yes, combining form

Examples

Definition

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black rhinoceros (3)

(noun) - black + nose + horn = a sub-Saharan African rhinoceros, Diceros bicornis, with a prehensile upper lip that sticks out in the middle; also called a black rhino.

otorhinolaryngology (5)

(noun) - ear + nose + throat + speak = the medical specialty concerned with the ear, nose, and throat; sometimes abbreviated otolaryngology. Otorhinolaryngological is the adjective form and otorhinolaryngologist is the noun for a person who practices this.

rhino (1)

(noun) - from the word = short form / nickname for rhinoceros. The plural can be rhino or rhinos.

rhinoceros (1)

(noun) - nose + horn = a large, heavy-bodied herbivorous mammal of the family Rhinocerotidae, found in Africa and Asia, it has one or two upright horns on its nose and thick gray or brown skin. The plural can be rhinoceroses, rhinoceros or rhinoceri.

rhinoceros beetle (3)

(noun) - nose + horn + beetle = a large, tropical scarab beetle of the subfamily Dynastinae, with projecting horns on its thorax and head.

rhinoplasty (3)

(noun) - nose + mold = plastic surgery of the nose, usually for cosmetic purposes. The plural is rhinoplasties.

rhinoscopy (5)

(noun) - nose + see = medical examination of the nasal passages.

rhinovirus (5)

(noun) - nose + poison = viruses related to enteroviruses which are associated with upper respiratory tract ailments, such as the common cold.