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Pneumo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “lung” or “breath.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in pathology and anatomy.

Pneumo- comes from the Greek ��Ա�ú��ō��, meaning “lung.” �ʲԱ�ú��ō�� helps form the Greek word ��Ա�ܳ��Dz�í��, source of the English pneumonia, “inflammation of the lungs with congestion.”

Pneumo- is a variant of both the combining forms pneumato-, meaning “air, breath, spirit,” and pneumono-, meaning “lung.” Learn more in our �������t¶��s That Use articles for these forms.

What are variants of pneumo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, pneumo- becomes pneum-, as in pneumectomy.

The Greek ��Ա�ú��ō�� is also related to the combining form -pnea.

Want to know more? Read our �������t¶��s That Use -pnea article.

One example of a medical term that features pneumo- is pneumotomy, also known as pneumonotomy, meaning “incision of the lung,” a surgical procedure.

As we know, pneumo- can mean “lung.” The second part of the word, -tomy, means “cutting, incision.” Pneumotomy literally translates to “lung incision.”

What are some words that use the combining form pneumo-?

• pneumoangiography
• pneumobacillus (from New Latin)
• pneumocele
• pneumocystic
• pneumogram
• pneumopericardium
• pneumostome
• pneumothorax

What are some other forms that pneumo- may be commonly confused with?

• -pnea
• pleuro-
• pulmo-

A pneumolith is a type of calculus, or stone or concretion, that can form in the body. Based on the meaning of pneumo-, where in the body is a pneumolith found?