rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -io
Latin

-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

  • -io
  • -ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
  • -ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

222 / 423
A simple medical-style pen illustration of a fingertip with a mildly reddened swollen small spot, accompanied by an enlarged circular inset of multiplying microbe shapes, no gore, no text.
noun

infection

in-FEK-shuhn/ɪnˈfekʃn/

The establishment and spread of harmful microorganisms within a host.

Etymology
inLatinin, into, on, upon
+fectLatindo, make
+ionLatinan action, process, or result

Together, the roots formed a verb meaning “put into” or “dip into,” then “stain” or “spoil.” Infection carries this image of contamination into the bodily process of disease.

Full entry

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