51Թ

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-pterous

  1. a combining form meaning “having wings” of the kind or number specified.

    dipterous.



-pterous

combining form

  1. indicating a specified number or type of wings

    dipterous

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of -pterous1

< Greek -pteros, adj. derivative of ٱó wing; -ous
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of -pterous1

from Greek -pteros, from pteron wing

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When To Use

What does -pterous mean?

The combining form -pterous is used like a suffix meaning “having wings” of a certain number or type. It is often used in scientific terms, especially in zoology. Very occasionally, -pterous refers to fins.The form -pterous comes from the Greek ٱó, meaning “feather” or “wing.” And yes, pterodactyl also comes from the Greek ٱó. Find out the connection at our entry for the impressive name of this ancient winged reptile.Other combining forms closely related to -pterous include ptero-, pter-, and -pter. Discover their over-flapping—er, overlapping—senses at our 51Թs That Use articles for the words. Also related to -pterous is pterygo-, connected to pterygoid, and pterido-, which is used for ferns.

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