-tome

a combining form with the meanings “cutting instrument” (microtome; osteotome), “segment, somite” (sclerotome), used in the formation of compound words.
Compare tomo-, -tomous, -tomy.

Origin of -tome

combining form representing Greek tomḗ a cutting; tómos a cut, slice; -tomon (neuter), -tomos (masculine) -cutting (adj.)

Words nearby -tome

-thymia, -tic, -tion, -tious, -to-be, -tome, -tomous, -tomy, -ton, -tonia, -tonic

British Dictionary definitions for -tome

-tome

n combining form

indicating an instrument for cutting osteotome

Word Origin for -tome

from Greek tomē a cutting, tomos a slice, from temnein to cut

Medical definitions for -tome

-tome

suff.

Part; area; segment:dermatome.
Cutting instrument:microtome.