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Chole- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “bile” or “gall.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in physiology.

Chole- comes from the Greek ����DZ�ḗ, meaning “bile.” Bile is a yellowish-green liquid secreted by the liver.

What are variants of chole-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, chole- becomes chol–, as in choline. Another variant of chole- is cholo-, as in chololith.

An example of a word you may have encountered that features chole- ������cholecyst, the term for the gallbladder in anatomy.

The form chole- can mean either “bile” or “gall,” as we now know. In the case of cholecyst, chole- means “gall.” But what about –cyst? Cyst means “bladder, sac.” So, the word cholecyst literally translates to “gallbladder.”

Another word you may be familiar with that uses chole- is cholesterol, a chemical found in animal tissue—and too much of which can increase the risk of heart disease. It was so named because it was first observed in gallstones. Learn more about cholesterol at our entry for the word.

What are some other words that use the combining form chole-?

• cholelith
• cholemesis
• cholepoiesis
• choleperitoneum
• cholecystitis

What are some other forms that chole– may be commonly confused with?

• chlor-
• col-
• colo-

The Greek root of chole-, ����DZ�ḗ, is related to another Greek word ����DZ�é����, which is the source of the English words cholera and choleric. Do you know how choleric came to describe personality traits? Discover why at our Vocab Builder on choleric.

The combining form -lith means “stone.” With this and your knowledge of chole- in mind, what is the pathological term for gallstone?