leuk/o
white
From Greek leukos, white
Meaning
What does leuk/o mean?
leuk/o is a root meaning white. It comes from Greek leukos, white.
Inside words it is spelled leuk.
Often stands for the white blood cell itself, as in leukopenia; British texts may write leuc-, as in leucocyte.
In real words
Medical words with leuk/o
leukocyte
a white blood cell, one of the immune system's cells carried in the blood · UK spelling: leucocyte · In the dictionary
a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, usually with large numbers of abnormal white blood cells · UK spelling: leukaemia · In the dictionary
an abnormally low number of white blood cells in the blood · UK spelling: leucopenia
formation and development of white blood cells · UK spelling: leucopoiesis
adrenoleukodystrophy
an inherited disease, mostly of males, that damages the myelin around brain nerves and also the adrenal glands
Don't mix it up
Parts easily confused with leuk/o
Sources
Checked against
Written for biofideX in plain words, after checking these references:
- LEUK- Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
- Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean
- 10.2 Word Components Related to Blood – Medical Terminology – 2e
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Colors and qualities
leuk/o is one of 11 parts in this lesson. Learn them together, then take real words apart.
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