Leuko
/ˈluːkoʊ/noun
A combining form relating to white color or white blood cells, from Greek leukos.
Did you know?A leukocyte is literally a “white cell,” named because early anatomists observed that white blood cells appeared pale or colorless compared with red blood cells.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leuk-
“To shine or be bright”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λευκός (leukos)
“Bright, white, or shining”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λευκός (leukos)
“White; used in compounds describing pale or white things”
17th Century
New Latin
leuco-
“A combining form meaning white, especially in anatomical and biological terminology”
19th Century
English
leuko-
“A scientific combining form relating to white blood cells or whiteness”
Modern English
English
leuko
“A shortened form or combining element referring to white blood cells or white coloration”