dendro-

Dendro- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “tree.” It is used in some medical and scientific terms, including in biology and botany.

Dendro- comes from the Greek déndron, meaning “tree.”

What are variants of dendro-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, dendro- becomes dendr-, as in dendrite (using the equivalent form of the combining form in Greek).

When combined with words or word elements of Latin origin, dendro- becomes dendri-, as in dendriform.

The corresponding form of dendro- combined to the end of words is -dendron, as in rhododendron.

One example of a scientific term that features the combining form dendro- is dendrology, “the branch of botany dealing with trees and shrubs.”

The dendro- part of the word means “tree,” as we know. The -logy part of the word might also look familiar. It is often used to name science, bodies of knowledge, and areas of study. Dendrology literally translates to “study of trees.”

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

• dendrobium (using the equivalent form in New Latin)
• dendrochronology
• dendrogram
• dendrophagous
• dendrophilous

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

• demo-
• demono-
• dento-
• deutero-
• odonto-

The combining form -phagous means “eating” or “feeding on.” With this in mind, what does a dendrophagous insect eat?