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

Ligno– 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 ligno-?

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

One term that features the form ligno– is lignocellulose, “any of various compounds of lignin and cellulose comprising the essential part of woody cell walls.”

The form ligno– means “wood,” as we know. The second portion of the word, –cellulose, is an inert carbohydrate, the chief constituent of the cell walls of plants and of wood. Lignocellulose literally means “wood cellulose.”

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

• lignocaine
• lignoceric
• lignosulphonate

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

• glio-
• linguo-
• -ling

The combining form –caine is used to designate anesthetics. With this in mind, what does the name of the medical compound lignocaine literally mean?