ptero-

Ptero- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “wing” or “feather.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in zoology.

Ptero- comes from the Greek pterón, meaning “wing” or “feather.” Here’s a word connection that may surprise you: the word helicopter also has a root in the Greek pterón. Discover why at our entry for the word.

And, as it’s always worth noting, the p in ptero- is silent.

What are variants of ptero-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, ptero- becomes pter-, as in pteranodon (formed in New Latin).

Corresponding forms of ptero- combined to the end of words are -pter and -pterous, which you can learn more about in our Words That Use articles for each form.

Closely related to ptero- is pterygo-, connected to pterygoid, and pterido-, which is used for ferns.

You may be familiar with pterodactyl, a term for ancient flying reptiles, whose name features the combining form ptero-. Fun fact: pterodactyls were not technically dinosaurs!

We know ptero- means “wing,” so what is the -dactyl portion of the word? It comes from the Greek dáktylos, meaning “finger.” So, pterodactyl literally means “winged finger.”

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

• pterocarpous (formed in New Latin)
• pteropod (formed in New Latin)
• pteropodium (formed in New Latin)

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

• –ptosis
• ptyalo-

The combining form -saur is used to name extinct reptiles. Keeping this and the meaning of ptero- in mind, what was a distinctive feature of a pterosaur?