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Gon- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “sexual,” “reproductive.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in pathology and biology, particularly to refer to the reproductive organs.

Gon- ultimately comes from Greek ���Dz�ḗ, meaning “seed” or “generation,” as in “formation” or “propagation.” Among the many Latin cognates of ���Dz�ḗ is germen, “sprout” or “embryo,” which is the source of germ, germane, and germinate.

What are variants of gon-?

Gon- is a variant of gono-, which loses its –o– when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. Want to know more? Read our 51�Թ�s That Use gono- article.

In some instances, such as gonalgia, meaning “knee pain,” gon- is used as a variation of gonio-, from Greek ��ō��í��, meaning “angle.”

A term you may be familiar with is gonad, meaning “a sex gland in which gametes are produced; an ovary or testis.”

The first part of the word, gon-, means “sexual” or “reproductive,” while -ad means “related to” or “concerned with.” With these forms combined, gonad means “related to reproduction.”

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

• gonaduct
• gonangium
• gonadal cord
• gonium

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

• geo-
• gyn-
• gyno-
• -gen

The combining form -cyst is used to mean “sac” or “vesicle.” With this in mind, where on the body is the gonecyst located?