The root word “Photo” is very common in the English language, and there are plenty of words that are derived from it. This is a root word that we’re very accustomed to seeing regularly, and this article will give context as to what “Photo” means, plus showcase some words derived from it.
The root word “Photo” quite means “Light”. All the uses that “Photo” gets in the words that are derived from it involve, in one way or another, light. The word sees a lot of use in technical, science-oriented fields, but also in regular day to day life.
Because “Light” is such a big part of our world, it’s no wonder that “Photo” gets used quite a bit. Though it’s easy to assume that “Photo” means “Photography” or “Photograph”, it actually means “Light”.
What Is The Origin Of The Root Word “Photo”?
The English root word “Photo” comes from the Greek words “Phos” and “Photos”. Both of these Greek words refer to “Light”, which of course means that the English term also means “Light”. Any word that uses “Photo” as its root word, therefore, is referring to light, either directly or indirectly.
Words With “Photo” In The Beginning
The root word “Photo” sees a lot of use as a prefix (meaning that it gets put in front of the derived word) for a lot of words. This means that it’s very easy to identify when a word has that root word, and therefore, to infer what it means.
Here are some examples of words derived from “Photo”:
- Photobiotic
- Photochromy
- Photodromy
- Photograph
- Photogenic
- Photon
- Photology
- Photometer
- Photopathy
- Photogram
Words With “Photo” In The Middle
The word “Photo” gets a lot of use in casual, informal contexts. However, because it refers to “Light” as a concept, it also gets a lot of use in highly technical, scientific writing. A lot of these words have “Photo” not as a suffix or a prefix, but right in the middle.
Here are some examples of words with “Photo” in the middle:
- Typhotoxin
- Nymphotomy
- Amphotonia
- Lymphotome
- Biophoton
- Echophotony
- Graviphoton
- Trophotonus
- Biophotonics
- Nanophotonics
Words With “Photo” At The End
The root word “Photo” gets used a lot, not just as a prefix or in the middle of words, but as a suffix as well. This means that it gets added onto the end of a lot of words, to imply that the full term refers in some way to “Light”.
It’s worth remaking upon the fact that there are not a lot of words in the English language that use “Photo” as a suffix. The use of “Photo” as a root word seems to be mainly popular as a suffix.
These are some of the English words that have “Photo” as a suffix:
- Wirephoto
- Telephoto
- Radiophoto
- Aerophoto
- Motophoto
Complete List Of “Photo” Words
The following list encompasses all of the “Photo”-derived words used in this article:
- Photobiotic
- Photochromy
- Photodromy
- Photograph
- Photogenic
- Photon
- Photology
- Photometer
- Photopathy
- Photogram
- Typhotoxin
- Nymphotomy
- Amphotonia
- Lymphotome
- Biophoton
- Echophotony
- Graviphoton
- Trophotonus
- Biophotonics
- Nanophotonics
- Wirephoto
- Telephoto
- Radiophoto
- Aerophoto
- Motophoto
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Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
This ROOT-WORD is PHOTO which means LIGHT. It comes from the Greek, phos, photos. This Root is very much involved in PHOTOgraphy of all kinds; so much, in fact, that we think the word PHOTO means PICTURE. We have completely forgotten the LIGHT without which there can be no picture. We must get into the habit of remembering that PHOTO means LIGHT. The word PHOTON (No.9) will help us. A PHOTON is a unit of light intensity, and pictures are taken with that aid. 1. Photobiotic : PHOTO biotic (fote o bie ot’ ik) adj. Requiring light to live 2. Photochromy : PHOTO chromy (foe’ to kro mi) n. Color photography 3. Photodromy : PHOTO dromy (foe’ to kro mi) n. Movement in the direction of light 4. Photograph : PHOTO graph (fote’ o graf) n. A picture made by the action of light on a sensitized plate 5. Photography : PHOTO graphy (fo tog’ ra fee) n. The process of making photographs 6. Photographer : PHOTO grapher (fo tog’ ra fer) n. One who makes photographs 7. Photographee : PHOTO graphee (foe to graf ee’) n. One whose picture is taken 8. Photogenic : PHOTO genic (fote o jen’ ik) adj. Capable of being photographed well 9. Photon : PHOTO n (foe’ ton) n. A unit of light intensity 10. Photology : PHOTO logy (foe tol’ o ji) n. Science of light; optics
11. Photometer : PHOTO meter (foe tom’ et er) n. An instrument for measuring the intensity of light 12. Photopathy : PHOTO pathy (foe top’ a thi) n. Disease caused by light 13. Photoengraving : PHOTO engraving (fote o en grave’ ing) n. Engraving with the aid of photography 14. Photogram : PHOTO gram (fote’ o gram) n. A photograph of a shadowy 15. Photokinesis : PHOTO kinesis (fote o ki nee’ sis) n. Movement induced by light 16. Photomicroscope: PHOTO microscope(foe to mie’ kro skope) n. A combination of microscope and camera 17. Photocombustion: PHOTO combustion (foe to kom bus’ chun) n. Combustion induced by the action of light 18. Photodynamic : PHOTO dynamic (fote o die nam’ ik) adj. Intensifying a reaction to light that is stoxic 19. Photograstroscope: PHOTO gastroscope(foe to gas’ tro skope) n. Instrument for photographing the interior of the stomach 20. Photogrammetry : PHOTO grammetry (fote o gram’ e tree) n. Art of making maps from photographs taken from above Etymologyphoto to HOME PAGE |
Table of Contents
- What is the prefix of photo?
- What are words with the root word photo?
- Is photo a prefix or root?
- What words end with photo?
- Is photo a word?
- What word has photo in it?
- Is photo a root word?
- What is the Greek root word for photo?
- What does photos mean in Greek?
- What is the Latin word for photo?
- What does photos and graphos mean in Greek?
- Is Photo Latin or Greek?
- What is photo short for?
- What does Spir mean in Latin?
- What is the Greek name of light in photography?
- What are the 2 Greek words of photography?
- What’s another word for photography?
- What is the meaning of Greek word graphos in photography?
- What does photography mean in Latin?
- Is photography an art?
- Is photo A morpheme?
- What is the name of the first camera?
- Who discovered the first camera?
- Who invented DSLR?
- What does the first camera look like?
- When was the first color photo?
- What is the oldest photo ever taken?
- How old can a camera work?
word-forming element meaning “light” or “photographic” or “photoelectric,” from Greek photo-, combining form of phōs (genitive phōtos) “light” (from PIE root *bha- (1) “to shine”).
What are words with the root word photo?
14 letter words containing photo. photofinishing. photosynthesis. photogrammetry. photosensitive.
Is photo a prefix or root?
A prefix that means “light,” as in photoreceptor.
What words end with photo?
9-letter words that end in photo
- telephoto.
- wirephoto.
- aerophoto.
- motophoto.
- agfaphoto.
Is photo a word?
Definition for photo (2 of 2) a combining form meaning “light” (photobiology); also used to represent “photographic” or “photograph” in the formation of compound words: photocopy.
What word has photo in it?
List of Words Containing ‘photo’
- photo.
- photog. photon. photos.
- photoed. photogs. photons.
- photoing. photomap. photonic. photopia. photopic.
- photocell. photocopy. photogram. photolyze. photomaps.
- photocells. photodiode. photoflash. photoflood. photogenic.
- multiphoton. photocopied. photocopier. photocopies. photodiodes.
- photobiology. photocathode. photochemist. photochromic.
Is photo a root word?
This ROOT-WORD is PHOTO which means LIGHT.
What is the Greek root word for photo?
photo. The greek root which means “light”
What does photos mean in Greek?
The word ‘photo’ comes from the Greek word for light, and when talking about photography it is used to describe a single image.
What is the Latin word for photo?
imago photographica
What does photos and graphos mean in Greek?
The word ‘Photography’ comes from the Greek words PHOTOS and GRAPHOS which means Light drawing.
Is Photo Latin or Greek?
photo-, prefix. Photographyphoto- comes from Greek, where it has the meaning “light”:photo- + biology → photobiology;photo- + -on → photon (= elementary “particle” of light). This prefix also means “photographic” or “photograph”:photo- + copy → photocopy.
What is photo short for?
short for photograph (def.
What does Spir mean in Latin?
breathe
What is the Greek name of light in photography?
Etymology. The word “photography” was created from the Greek roots φωτός (phōto’s), genitive of φῶς (phōs), “light” and γραφή (graphé) “representation by means of lines” or “drawing”, together meaning “drawing with light”.
What are the 2 Greek words of photography?
2 Photography Defined The word photography, comes from two ancient Greek words: “Photo” which means light, and “Graph” which means draw.
What’s another word for photography?
In this page you can discover 59 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for photograph, like: snapshot, snap, Kodachrome (trademark), photomicrograph, photogram, blowup, tactical photograph, photomontage, portrait, photomicrogram and candid.
What is the meaning of Greek word graphos in photography?
Photography originates from the Greek words photos, which means light, and graphos, which means drawing. This is when light passes through a small hole in a darkened room or chamber and produces an image on an opposite wall.
What does photography mean in Latin?
Etymology. Surface etymology is photo- + -graphy, together meaning “drawing with light” or “representation by means of lines”, “drawing”. From φωτός (phōtós, “of light”, genitive), and γράφω (gráphō, “I write”).
Is photography an art?
Nowadays, photography is considered an art form as valid as any other, and there are multiple museums and galleries exhibiting photographic work. However, it wasn’t so easy at the beginning, when photography was first invented, and photographers had a hard time being considered artists.
Is photo A morpheme?
Most morphemes can be divided into: Anglo-Saxon Morphemes (like re-, un-, and -ness); Latin Morphemes (like non-, ex-, -ion, and -ify); and. Greek Morphemes (like micro, photo, graph).
What is the name of the first camera?
Kodak
Who discovered the first camera?
Johann Zahn designed the first camera in 1685. But the first photograph was clicked by Joseph Nicephore Niepce in the year 1814. It was thousands of years back that an Iraqi scientist Ibn- al- Haytham made a mention of this kind of a device in his book, Book of Optics in 1021.
Who invented DSLR?
Steven Sasson
What does the first camera look like?
The pinhole camera consisted of a dark room (which later became a box) with a small hole punctured into one of the walls. The light from outside the room entered the hole and projected a luminous beam onto the opposing wall. The illuminated projection showed a smaller inverted picture of the scene outside the room.
When was the first color photo?
1861
What is the oldest photo ever taken?
The world’s first photograph—or at least the oldest surviving photo—was taken by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826 or 1827. Captured using a technique known as heliography, the shot was taken from an upstairs window at Niépce’s estate in Burgundy.
How old can a camera work?
Before the advent, and then explosion, of the digital camera, old cameras had to use film to record an image. The camera manipulated the properties of light to create an image on a piece of film, called a negative. Then, the negative went through a chemical process to create the end picture.
Asked by: Sydni Hoppe
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A photograph is an image created by light falling on a photosensitive surface, usually photographic film or an electronic image sensor, such as a CCD or a CMOS chip.
What photo means?
photo- a combining form meaning “light” (photobiology); also used to represent “photographic” or “photograph” in the formation of compound words: photocopy.
What does photo mean as a root word?
word-forming element meaning «light» or «photographic» or «photoelectric,» from Greek photo-, combining form of phōs (genitive phōtos) «light» (from PIE root *bha- (1) «to shine»).
What does phōtos mean in Greek?
The word ‘photo’ comes from the Greek word for light, and when talking about photography it is used to describe a single image. … A photo may also be referred to as a ‘photograph’, this is a combination of the Greek words for light and drawing; A photograph is a drawing made of light.
What does photo mean in biology?
Plants absorb sunlight and turn that energy into food; the process is known as photosynthesis. This is a compound word made up of photo (which means «light») and synthesis (which means «to put together»).
25 related questions found
What is the difference between photo and picture?
Photo or photograph — Anything taken by a camera, digital camera, or photocopier. Picture — A drawing, painting, or artwork created on a computer. A picture is also used to describe anything created using a camera or scanner.
What is the original word of photo?
The word photograph was coined in 1839 by Sir John Herschel and is based on the Greek φῶς (phos), meaning «light,» and γραφή (graphê), meaning «drawing, writing,» together meaning «drawing with light.»
What is the most viewed photograph in history?
Not many know Charles O’Rear is the man behind Bliss, the photograph considered by many as the most-viewed picture in the history of the world. O’Rear clicked Bliss 21 years ago and it was used by Microsoft as the default background for its Windows XP operating system.
What does photo mean in Greek?
The word Photography literally means ‘drawing with light‘, which derives from the Greek photo, meaning light and graph, meaning to draw.
What is the Greek word for photography?
The word «photography» was created from the Greek roots φωτός (phōtós), genitive of φῶς (phōs), «light» and γραφή (graphé) «representation by means of lines» or «drawing», together meaning «drawing with light».
What are some root words for photo?
Terms in this set (9)
- photo. The greek root which means «light»
- photography. The process of using light to make a picture/image.
- photometer. An instrument used to measure the intensity of light.
- photojournalist. A reporter who uses photos (images of light!) to tell a story.
- photocopier. …
- photogenic. …
- photosynthesis. …
- telephoto.
What words have the root photo?
14 letter words containing photo
- photofinishing.
- photosynthesis.
- photogrammetry.
- photosensitive.
- photochemistry.
- photoengraving.
- photoperiodism.
- photoreception.
What is an example of photo?
The definition of a photo is an image that is taken by camera. An example of a photo is a picture from a baby’s baptism.
How is a photo taken?
A camera lens takes all the light rays bouncing around and uses glass to redirect them to a single point, creating a sharp image. When all of those light rays meet back together on a digital camera sensor or a piece of film, they create a sharp image.
What is the name of the most expensive photograph ever sold?
Andreas Gursky, Rhein II
German artist Andreas Gursky’s Rhein II sold at a Christie’s auction in New York City in 2011 for a whopping $4,338,500, which at the time of sale broke world records as the most expensive photograph ever sold.
What are the 7 principles of photography?
The seven principles of art and design in photography; balance, rhythm, pattern, emphasis, contrast, unity and movement, form the foundation of visual arts. Using the seven principles allows you to take greater control of your photographic practice. This will lead to better photos and more photographic opportunities.
What is world’s most famous photo?
20 of the Most Famous Photographs in History
- #1 Henri Cartier-Bresson’s famous photo Man Jumping the Puddle | 1930.
- #2 The famous photo The Steerage by Alfred Stieglitz | 1907.
- #3 Stanley Forman’s famous photo Woman Falling From Fire Escape |1975.
- #4 Kevin Carter’s controversial photo – Starving Child and Vulture | 1993.
Who is the No 1 photographer in the world?
1. Jimmy Nelson — Famous Photographer.
What is the best picture in the world?
Top 100 Most Influential Photos Ever Taken
- #1 The Terror Of War, Nick Ut, 1972. …
- #2 The Burning Monk, Malcolm Browne, 1963. …
- #3 Starving Child And Vulture, Kevin Carter, 1993. …
- #4 Lunch Atop A Skyscraper, 1932. …
- #5 Tank Man, Jeff Widener, 1989. …
- #6 Falling Man, Richard Drew, 2001. …
- #7 Alan Kurdi, Nilüfer Demir, 2015.
Is photo an English word?
Meaning of photo in English
a photograph: She took lots of photos of the kids.
Is photo A morpheme?
Most morphemes can be divided into: Anglo-Saxon Morphemes (like re-, un-, and -ness); Latin Morphemes (like non-, ex-, -ion, and -ify); and. Greek Morphemes (like micro, photo, graph).
Table of contents:
- What does the root photo mean?
- What’s the root word of photograph?
- Is photo a prefix or root?
- Is photograph Greek or Latin?
- What does the root Trop mean?
- What does the root micro mean?
- What word formation is photo?
- Which root means shape?
- What is photo short for?
- What is root Helio?
- Is micro a root or prefix?
- What does the root Nano mean?
- Who is the highest paid photographer?
- Is LOL a word formation?
- What root means time?
- Which root means go?
- Is photo short for photography?
- What word is photo?
What does the root photo mean?
word-forming element meaning «light» or «photographic» or «photoelectric,» from Greek photo-, combining form of phōs (genitive phōtos) «light» (from PIE root *bha- (1) «to shine»).
What’s the root word of photograph?
Although photography as we know it did not emerge until the 19th century, the word photograph evolved from the ancient Greek words phot-, «light,» and graph-, «writing,» which were combined to create the word for taking pictures — «light writing.» Nowadays we take our photographs with electronic cameras, recording, …
Is photo a prefix or root?
photo-, prefix. Photographyphoto- comes from Greek, where it has the meaning «light»:photo- + biology → photobiology;photo- + -on → photon (= elementary «particle» of light). This prefix also means «photographic» or «photograph»:photo- + copy → photocopy.
Is photograph Greek or Latin?
The word «photography» was created from the Greek roots φωτός (phōtós), genitive of φῶς (phōs), «light» and γραφή (graphé) «representation by means of lines» or «drawing», together meaning «drawing with light». Several people may have coined the same new term from these roots independently.
What does the root Trop mean?
turn, reaction, change
, tropo- [Gr. tropos, turn, direction] Prefixes meaning turn, reaction, change.
What does the root micro mean?
small
The origin of the prefix micro- is an ancient Greek word which meant “small.” This prefix appears in no “small” number of English vocabulary words; microphone, microwave, and micromanager are a few noteworthy examples.
What word formation is photo?
photo- a combining form meaning “light” (photobiology); also used to represent “photographic” or “photograph” in the formation of compound words: photocopy. Also especially before a vowel, phot-.
Which root means shape?
root word morph
The root word morph comes from a Greek word meaning ‘shape.
What is photo short for?
PHOTO
Acronym | Definition |
---|---|
PHOTO | Photograph |
PHOTO | Photographic (technology) |
PHOTO | Photogravure |
PHOTO | Population Health Operational Tracking & Optimization |
1 more row
What is root Helio?
sun
helio- a combining form meaning “sun,” used in the formation of compound words: heliolatry.
Is micro a root or prefix?
#70 micro → small The origin of the prefix micro- is an ancient Greek word which meant “small.” This prefix appears in no “small” number of English vocabulary words; microphone, microwave, and micromanager are a few noteworthy examples.
What does the root Nano mean?
dwarf
The term “nano” comes from ancient Greek and means “dwarf” (nános = dwarf). … Used as a prefix, “nano” denotes 10-9, just as “kilo” denotes 103 and “milli” 10-3. A nanometer is therefore equal to a billionth of a meter i.e. 0.000000001 m.
Who is the highest paid photographer?
Highest Paid Photographers of All Time
- Nobody knows exactly how much Nick Veasey is worth, but he’s included in most lists of the highest paid photographers for the length of his career as well as the top-tier companies he works for.
- George Steinmetz is worth somewhere between $100,000 and $1 million.
More items…
Is LOL a word formation?
Coleman (2012) notes ‘LOL’, which is an initialism created from the phrase ‘laughing out loud’, as being a good example of a slang initialism. It can either be an abbreviation or an acronym, depending on whether you choose to spell the word out or pronouncing it like words typically are pronounced (Coleman, 2012: 39).
What root means time?
Latin root temp
The Latin root temp means “time.” This Latin root is the word origin of a fair number of English vocabulary words, including contemporary, temporary, and the Latin phrase tempus fugit.
Which root means go?
word ced
Quick Summary. The Latin root word ced means “go.” This root is the word origin of many English vocabulary words, including accede, secede, and recede. An easy way to remember this root word is by the word precede, for when one thing precedes another, it “goes” before it.
Is photo short for photography?
Other definitions for photo (2 of 2) a combining form meaning “light” (photobiology); also used to represent “photographic” or “photograph” in the formation of compound words: photocopy. Also especially before a vowel, phot-.
What word is photo?
The word ‘photo’ comes from the Greek word for light, and when talking about photography it is used to describe a single image. … A photo may also be referred to as a ‘photograph’, this is a combination of the Greek words for light and drawing; A photograph is a drawing made of light.