Greek · prefix
hypo-
under, below; deficient
Forms
- hypo-
- hyp- — Used before a vowel without an initial h sound in Greek.
- hyph- — Used before a vowel that began with an h sound in Greek.
Origin
Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *upo, ‘under.’
Note
Being below can describe location, rank, or an amount below the usual level.
Words sharing this root
hypochondriaExcessive anxiety about having a serious illness.hypochondriacExcessively worried about having an illness, or a person with this worry.hypoglycemiaAn abnormally low level of sugar in the blood.hypotenuseThe side opposite the right angle in a right triangle.hypothalamusa region of the brain that regulates basic bodily functions and hormone releasehypothermiaDangerously low body temperature.hypothesisAn idea or assumption proposed for testing or reasoning.