Poly
/ˈpɒli/noun
A combining form meaning “many,” used in words of Greek origin.
Did you know?The root behind *poly* comes from Greek *polys* (“many”), and it survives in terms like *polygon* and *polygamy*, where the word itself quietly counts what it names.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pele-
“to fill; many”
Ancient Greek
Greek
polys
“many, much”
Classical Greek
Greek
poly-
“combining form meaning many”
Late Latin
Latin
poly-
“borrowed combining form used in learned compounds”
Modern English
English
poly
“combining form meaning many”
Explore more surprising origins