arterio-

Arterio- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “artery,” a blood vessel that conveys blood from the heart to any part of the body.

Arterio- is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy and pathology.

Arterio- comes from the Greek artēría, meaning “artery” and “windpipe.” Windpipe? Yep, discover why at our entry for trachea. The word aorta is related to the Greek artēría.

What are variants of arterio-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, arterio- sometimes becomes arteri-, as in arteriectomy.

You may be familiar with the combining form arterio- from arteriosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries, which contribute to a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.

Arterio- means “artery.” The word sclerosis comes from the Greek sklḗrōsis, meaning “hardening.” Putting it back together, arteriosclerosis literally translates to “hardening of the arteries.”

Learn more about sclerosis in our Words That Use sclero- article.

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

• arterioatony
• arteriocapillary
• arteriogram
• arteriolith
• arteriotomy
• arteriotony

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

• archi-
• arthro-

The combining form -lith means “stone,” and can refer to harmful deposits or concretions in the body.

Based on the meaning of arterio-, where in the body would you find an arteriolith?