Oto

/ˈoʊtoʊ/ prefix

Definition

A prefix meaning 'ear' or 'relating to the ear,' used in medical and scientific terms like 'otolaryngology' (study of ear, nose, and throat).

Etymology

From Greek oto-, from ous (ear); used as a combining form in medicine since ancient Greek physicians named body parts and conditions.

Kelly Says

Medical prefixes like 'oto-' let doctors pack huge amounts of meaning into one word—otosclerosis literally means 'ear hardening,' which is way faster to say than explaining that the tiny bones in your ear are becoming stiff and immobile.

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