omni-

Omni– is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “all.” It is often used in scientific and technical terms.

Omni– comes from Latin omnis, meaning “all.” The Greek translation of omnis is pâs “all, each, every,” which is the source of the combining forms pan– and panto–, as in panorama and pantomime. To learn more, check out our Words That Use articles for the combining forms pan-, pant–, and panto-.

An example of a technical term that features the form omni– is omnigraph, “a device for converting Morse Code signals that are punched on a tape into audio signals, used in the training of telegraph operators.”

We know the form omni– means “all,” but what about the –graph part of omnigraph? The form –graph means “drawn” or “written,” and is specifically used “to indicate the instrument rather than the written product of the instrument.” Omnigraph literally translates to “draw-all” or “write-all.”

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

• omnibus (using the equivalent form of omni– in Latin)
• omnipotent (using the equivalent form of omni– in Latin)
• omniscient (using the equivalent form of omni– in Latin)
• omnisexual
• omnirange
• omnivore (using the equivalent form of omni– in French)

What are some other forms that omni– may be commonly confused with?

• omo-
• ombro-

Given the meaning of omni-, what does omnisexual mean?