penta-

1.
a combining form occurring in loanwords from Greek, meaning “five” (Pentateuch); on this model, used in the formation of compound words (pentavalent).
Also, especially before a vowel, pent-.
Origin
< Greek pent-, penta-, comb. forms representing pénte five
British Dictionary definitions for penta-

penta-

combining form
1.
five: pentagon, pentameter, pentaprism
Word Origin
from Greek pente five
Word Origin and History for penta-

word-forming element meaning "five, containing five," from Greek penta- (before a vowel pent-), comb. form of pente "five," related to Aeolian pempte (see five), with -a- by analogy of hepta-, ennea-, deka-.

penta- in Medicine

penta- or pent-
pref.

  1. Five: pentameter.

  2. Containing five atoms, molecules, or groups: pentose.