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Adeno- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “gland.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy.

Adeno- comes from the Greek ����ḗn, meaning “gland.” This Greek root is ultimately the source of adenoids, the enlarged masses of lymphoid tissue in the upper pharynx, often obstructing breathing through the nasal passages.

What are variants of adeno-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, adeno- becomes aden–, as in adenalgia.

An example of a word you may have encountered that features adeno- is adenopathy, “enlargement or disease of the glands,” especially lymphatic glands.

The combining form -pathy is ultimately from the Greek pathos, meaning “suffering, sensation.” It can be used in compound words to indicate “disease.” We already know that adeno- means “gland.” So, adenopathy literally translates to “gland disease.”

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

• adenocarcinoma
• adenocellulitis
• adenocystoma
• adenochondroma
• adenology
• adenomere

What are some other forms that adeno- may be commonly confused with?

• adipo-
• adreno-

The combining form -tomy means “cutting” or “incision (into organ).” If a surgeon performs an adenotomy, what parts of the body are they cutting into?