51�Թ�

Thoraco– is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “thorax.” The thorax is the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen—in other words, the chest. In insects, the thorax is the area between the head and the abdomen. It is occasionally used in medical terms.

Thoraco– ultimately comes from Greek �ٳ�ṓr���, meaning “breastplate.” One Latin word with a similar meaning was pectus, meaning “chest” or “breast,” which is the source of expectorate, parapet, and pectoral. Learn what these words have to do with the chest by checking out each of the three entries.

What are variants of thoraco-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, thoraco- becomes thorac–, as in thoracectomy. Want to know more? Read our 51�Թ�s That Use article on thorac-.

One example of a medical term that uses the form thoraco– is thoracotomy, “incision into the chest cavity.”

We know thoraco– means “thorax,” and the –tomy portion of the word means “incision,” from Greek –tomia. Thoracotomy literally translates to “thorax incision.”

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

• thoracolumbar
• thoracolysis
• thoracometer
• thoracopathy
• thoracoscope
• thoracostomy

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

• flor-
• thermo-
• thymo-
• thyro-

The combining form –pathy is used to mean “disease.” With this in mind, what is the medical condition thoracopathy?