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Ligni– is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “wood.” It is occasionally used in scientific terms, especially in biology.

Ligni– comes from Latin lignum, meaning “wood.” A Greek translation is ���̄́��ŧ, meaning “wood” or “matter,” as in the substance of the universe, source of the combining form hylo–. Another Greek-based combining form meaning “wood” is xylo–. To learn more, check out our 51�Թ�s That Use article on the forms.

What are variants of ligni-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, ligni– becomes lign–, as in lignin. In some instances, ligni– becomes ligno–, as in lignocellulose. Want to know more? Read our 51�Թ�s That Use articles on lign– and ligno-.

An example of a scientific term that features the form ligni– is ligniform, “having the form of wood.”

We know ligni– means “wood,” and the –form portion of the word refers to “having the form of,” from Latin –��ō��������. Ligniform literally translates to “having the form of wood.”

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

• lignicolous
• lignify
• lignivorous

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

• glio-
• linguo-
• -ling

The combining form –vorous means “eating.” With this in mind, what does lignivorous literally mean?