pseudo-

a combining form meaning “false,” “pretended,” “unreal,” used in the formation of compound words (pseudoclassic; pseudointellectual): in scientific use, denoting close or deceptive resemblance to the following element (pseudobulb; pseudocarp), and used sometimes in chemical names of isomers (pseudoephedrine).

Also, especially before a vowel, pseud-.

Origin

< Greek, combining form of pseudḗs false, pseûdos falsehood

Can be confused

pseudo-, quasi-.

British Dictionary definitions for pseudo-

pseudo-

combining form

false, pretending, or unauthentic: pseudo-intellectual

having a close resemblance to: pseudopodium

Word Origin

from Greek pseudēs false, from pseudein to lie

Word Origin and History for pseudo-

often before vowels pseud-, word-forming element meaning "false; feigned; erroneous; in appearance only; resembling," from Greek pseudo-, comb. form of pseudes "false, lying; falsely; deceived," or pseudos "falsehood, untruth, a lie," both from pseudein "to deceive, cheat by lies."

Productive in compound formation in ancient Greek (e.g. pseudodidaskalos "false teacher," pseudokyon "a sham cynic," pseudologia "a false speech," pseudoparthenos "pretended virgin"), it began to be used with native words in Middle English.

pseudo- in Medicine

pseudo- or pseud-
pref.

False; deceptive; sham: pseudohematuria.
Apparently similar: pseudomyxoma.