gyneco-

Gyneco- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “woman,” “female.” It is used in academic or scientific terms, including in anatomy.

Gyneco- ultimately comes from the Greek gynḗ, meaning “woman,” among other related senses.

What are variants of gyneco-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, gyneco- becomes gynec-, as in gynecic.

In British English, gyneco- is chiefly spelled gynaeco-, as in gynaecology.

The combining forms gyno-, gyne-, gyn- are also variants of gyneco-. Some corresponding forms of gyneco- combined to the end of words include -gyne, -gynous, and -gyny. Learn about their overlap and distinctions in the Words That Use articles for each form.

As you can see, the Greek gynḗ has proven to be very productive in English.

The combining form gyneco- may be most familiar to you from the word gynecology, “the branch of medical science that deals with the health maintenance and diseases of women, especially of the reproductive organs.” Gynecology is commonly abbreviated as GYN, as in OB/GYN.

The first part of the word, gyneco- means “woman.” The second part, -logy, from the Greek logos meaning “word,” is used to name sciences or bodies of knowledge. Gynecology is literally, “the science of women,” specifically their reproductive organs.

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

• gynecocracy (using the equivalent form of gyneco- in Greek)
• gynecography
• gynecological
• gynecomastia (using the equivalent form of gyneco- in New Latin)
• gynecopathy
• gynecomorphous (using the equivalent form of gyneco- in Greek)

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

• glyco-
• gono-
• gymno-
• gyro-

The combining form -pathy is often used in medical terms to denote diseases. Who does gynecopathy affect?