Phyco-
/ˈfaɪkoʊ/noun
A combining form relating to algae, especially seaweeds.
Did you know?Ancient Greek phŷkos could mean both “seaweed” and a red cosmetic pigment, likely reflecting seaweed-derived coloring materials used in antiquity.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
φῦκος (phŷkos)
“Seaweed; also a red pigment or cosmetic coloring substance”
Hellenistic Greek
Greek
φυκός (phykós)
“Of or relating to seaweed; associated with the seaweed pigment”
Ancient Latin
Latin
fūcus
“Seaweed; rouge or cosmetic coloring”
19th Century
Scientific English
phyco-
“Combining form meaning algae or seaweed”
Modern English
English
phyco-
“Used in scientific terms concerning algae, such as phycology and phycocyanin”