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Nyct- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “night.” It is used in some scientific and medical terms.

Nyct- comes from the Greek ��ý��, meaning “night.” English’s own word night, in fact, shares an ancient root with the Greek ��ý��. Also related to ��ý�� is the Latin word for nox, source of the combining forms nocti- and noct-.

Nyct- is a variant of nycto-, 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 nycto- �����پ�������.��

In some instances, particularly in terms from biological science, nyct- becomes nycti-, as in nyctitropic.

One example of a medical term that features the combining form nyct- is nyctalgia, “night pain that occurs in the sleep.”

The first part of the word, nyct-, means “night.” The combining form -algia means “pain.” So, nyctalgia literally translates to “night pain.”

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

• nyctaginaceous (using the equivalent form of nyct- in New Latin)
• nyctalopia (using the equivalent form of nyct- in New Latin)
• nyctanthous
• nycturia

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

• myco-
• myxo-

The combining form -uria has various meanings, including “tendency to urinate.” With this in mind, what does the condition of nycturia involve?