gymno-

1. a combining form meaning “naked,” “bare,” “exposed,” used in the formation of compound words.

   gymnoplast.

gymno-

combining form

1. naked, bare, or exposed

   gymnosperm

Word History and Origins

Origin of gymno-¹

< Greek, combining form of gymnós

Word History and Origins

Origin of gymno-¹

from Greek gumnos naked

When To Use

What does gymno- mean?

Gymno- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “naked,” “bare,” “exposed.” It is used in some scientific terms, especially in botany and zoology.Gymno- comes from the Greek gymnós, meaning “naked” and “bare.” This root is related to the word gymnasium, which is ultimately from the Greek gymnázein, meaning "to train in the nude." Let’s hear it for workout clothes, huh?What are variants of gymno-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, gymno- becomes gymn-, as in gymnanthous.