homo-

a combining form appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “same” (homology); on this model, used in the formation of compound words (homomorphic).

Also, especially before a vowel, hom-.

Origin

< Greek, combining form of homós one and the same; akin to Sanskrit sama-; see same

British Dictionary definitions for homo-

homo-

combining form

being the same or like: homologous, homosexual Compare hetero-

Word Origin

via Latin from Greek, from homos same

Word Origin and History for homo-

word-forming element meaning "same, the same, equal, like," before vowels hom-, from Greek homos "one and the same," also "belonging to two or more jointly," from PIE *somos (cf. Sanskrit samah "even, the same," Lithuanian similis "like," Gothic sama "the same," samana "together;" see same).

word-forming element meaning "homosexual," abstracted since early 20c. from homosexual, and ultimately identical to homo- (1).

homo- in Medicine

homo- or hom-
pref.
Same; like: homotype.

homo- in Science

homo-
A prefix meaning "same," as in homogamous, having the same kind of flower.