hypo-

a prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “under” (hypostasis); on this model used, especially as opposed to hyper-, in the formation of compound words (hypothyroid).
Also especially before a vowel, hyp-.

Origin of hypo-

< Greek, combining form of hypó under (preposition), below (adv.); cognate with Latin sub (see sub-); cf. up

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH hypo-

hyper- hypo-

Words nearby hypo-

hypnotic, hypnotism, hypnotist, hypnotize, hypo, hypo-, hypoacidity, hypoacusis, hypoadenia, hypoadrenalism, hypoaeolian mode

British Dictionary definitions for hypo- (1 of 2)

hypo-

before a vowel hyp-

prefix

under, beneath, or below hypodermic
lower; at a lower point hypogastrium
less than hypoploid
(in medicine) denoting a deficiency or an abnormally low level hypothyroid; hypoglycaemia
incomplete or partial hypoplasia
indicating that a chemical compound contains an element in a lower oxidation state than usual hypochlorous acid

Word Origin for hypo-

from Greek, from hupo under

British Dictionary definitions for hypo- (2 of 2)

Hypo-

prefix

indicating a plagal mode in music Hypodorian

Word Origin for Hypo-

from Greek: beneath (it lies a fourth below the corresponding authentic mode)

Medical definitions for hypo-

hypo-

pref.

Below; beneath; under:hypochondriac.
Less than normal; deficient:hypofunction.
In the lowest state of oxidation:hypoxanthine.

Scientific definitions for hypo-

hypo-
hyp-

A prefix that means “beneath“ or “below,” as in hypodermic, below the skin. It also means “less than normal,” especially in medical terms like hypoglycemia. In the names of chemical compounds, it means “at the lowest state of oxidation,” as in sodium hypochlorite.