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The combining form -opsis is used like a suffix meaning “likeness” or “resemblance.” It is rarely used in scientific terms, especially in medicine.

The form -opsis comes from Greek ó�������, meaning “appearance” and “sight.” Related to ó������� are �DZ��ٳ󲹱���ó��, “eye,” which gives us the combining form ophthalmo-, as well as ����, “eye” or “face,” which is the root of combining forms such as , , and . The Latin cognate of ó�������, ophthalmo-, and ���� is oculus, “eye,” the source of the combining form and the noun monocle. Learn more at our entries for each word.

What are variants of -opsis?

While is not a variant of -opsis, the two combining forms have a common origin. Want to know more? Read our 51�Թ�s That Use article for -opsy.

One example of a scientific term that features the form -opsis is stereopsis, meaning “stereoscopic vision; the ability to perceive depth.”

The stere- part of the word means “solid,” particularly in reference to three-dimensionality, from Greek ���ٱ����ó��. The form -opsis means “likeness.” Stereopsis roughly translates to “solid likeness.”

What are some words that use the combining form -opsis?

• caryopsis
• coreopsis (using the equivalent form of -opsis in Latin)

Not every word that ends with the exact letters -opsis, such as synopsis, is necessarily using the combining form -opsis to denote “likeness.” Learn why synopsis means “summary” at our entry for the word.

The combining form kore- comes from Greek ��ó������, meaning “bedbug.” With this in mind, what does the seed of a plant of the genus Coreopsis look like?