phyll-

Phyll– is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “leaf.” It is occasionally used in scientific terms, especially in biology.

Phyll– comes from Greek ���ý�����Dz�, meaning “leaf.” The Latin cognate of ���ý�����Dz� is folium, also meaning “leaf,” which is the source of words such as foil, foliage, and folio. To learn more, check out our entries for these three terms.

������ are variants of phyll-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a consonant, phyll– becomes phyllo–, as in phyllophore.

When combined as a suffix at the end of the word, this combining form becomes –phyll or –phyl, as in chlorophyll. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles on phyllo-, –phyll, and –phyl.

A scientific term that uses the form phyll– is phyllite, “a slaty rock, the cleavage planes of which have a luster imparted by minute scales of mica.”

Phyll– means “leaf,” and the –ite suffix has a variety of meanings, including in the naming of minerals. Phyllite literally means “leaf mineral.”

������ are some words that use the equivalent of the combining form phyll– in Greek?

• phyllary
• phyllode
• phyllody
• phyllome

������ are some other forms that phyll– may be commonly confused with?

• philo-
• phyl-
• phylo-

The suffix –oid means “resembling” or “like.” With this in mind, what does phylloid mean?