tropho-

Tropho- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “nourishment.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology and zoology.

Tropho- comes from the Greek trophḗ, meaning “nourishment, food.”

What are variants of tropho-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, tropho- becomes troph–, as in trophallaxis.

Corresponding forms of tropho- combined to the end of words are -troph, -trophic, and -trophy. Learn more at our Words That Use articles for the terms.

One example of a term from biology that features tropho- is trophoblast, a layer of tissues in some animals that feeds the embryo and forms much of the placenta.

The first part of the word, tropho-, means “nourishment,” as we have seen. The second part of the word, –blast, means “embryo,” among other things. Trophoblast literally translates to “embryo nourishment.”

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

• trophoderm
• trophoneurosis
• trophoplasm
• trophosome
• trophotropism
• trophozoite

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

• topo-
• tropo-

A trophosome is an organ found in some marine worms. Based on the meaning of tropho-, what is the basic function of this organ?