xeno-

a combining form meaning “alien,” “strange,” “guest,” used in the formation of compound words:

xenogamy, xenolith.

Also, especially before a vowel, xen-.

Origin

combining form of Greek xénos stranger, guest (noun); alien, foreign, strange (adj.)

British Dictionary definitions for xeno-

xeno-

combining form

indicating something strange, different, or foreign: xenogamy

Word Origin

from Greek xenos strange

Word Origin and History for xeno-

before vowels, xen-, word-forming element meaning "strange, foreign; stranger, foreigner," from Greek xeno-, comb. form of xenos "a guest, stranger, foreigner" (see guest (n.)).

xeno- in Medicine

xeno- or xen-
pref.

Stranger; foreigner: xenophobia.
Strange; foreign; different: xenophthalmia.