cysti-

The combining form cysti- is a combining form used like a suffix meaning “cyst,” which is a scientific term for a bladder, sac, or vesicle. It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology and pathology.

The form cysti- comes from Greek kýstis, meaning “bag,” “pouch,” or “bladder.”

What are variants of cysti-?

The form cysti- is a variant of cysto-, which changes its -o- for an -i- when combined with words or word elements beginning with some consonants.

A variant of cysto- when combined with words or word elements beginning with a vowel is cyst-, as in cystoma.

When used as a suffix, the combining form cysti- becomes -cyst, as in oocyst. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles for these forms.

A scientific term that features cysti- is cystiform, or cystoid, “resembling a cyst.”

The form cysti- means “cyst,” while the -form portion of the word means “having the form of,” from Latin -fōrmis. Cystiform literally translates to “having the form of a cyst.”

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

• cysticercoid
• cysticercosis
• cysticercus

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

• cis-
• crypto-
• cyclo-
• cyno-
• cyto-

The scientific term cysticercus describes the larva of certain tapeworms. Given the meaning of cysti-, what do these larvae look like?