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

Phyll– comes from Greek ���ý�����Dz�, meaning “leaf.” The Latin cognate of ���ý�����Dz� is folium, also meaning “leaf,” which is the source of words such as foil, foliage, and folio. To learn more, check out our entries for these three terms.

What are variants of phyll-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a consonant, phyll– becomes phyllo–, as in phyllophore.

When combined as a suffix at the end of the word, this combining form becomes –phyll or –phyl, as in chlorophyll. Want to know more? Read our 51�Թ�s That Use articles on phyllo-, –phyll, and –phyl.

A scientific term that uses the form phyll– is phyllite, “a slaty rock, the cleavage planes of which have a luster imparted by minute scales of mica.”

Phyll– means “leaf,” and the –ite suffix has a variety of meanings, including in the naming of minerals. Phyllite literally means “leaf mineral.”

What are some words that use the equivalent of the combining form phyll– in Greek?

• phyllary
• phyllode
• phyllody
• phyllome

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

• philo-
• phyl-
• phylo-

The suffix –oid means “resembling” or “like.” With this in mind, what does phylloid mean?