endo-

endo- — combining form

1. used at the start of scientific words to show that something is located within a

1.構詞成分C1
釋義

used at the start of scientific words to show that something is located within a body, object, or layer rather than on the outside.

例句

In science class, Mei learned endoscopy literally means looking inside the body.

endo- in endoscopy = inside the body

The teacher said endoderm names the inner layer that forms inside an embryo.

endo- marks an inner layer

同義詞
  • intra-

    also means within, but is more common in clinical compounds such as intravenous or intrauterine

  • inner

    an ordinary adjective rather than a bound scientific word part

反義詞
  • exo-

    shows an outer position or outward direction

文法句型

endo- + root (endoscopy, endoskeleton)

endo- + root (endoderm, endocarp)

用法筆記

Mostly appears in scientific and medical terms. It often contrasts with exo-, which points outward rather than inward.

常見錯誤

❌Endo- means the outside part of the organ.
✅Endo- points to the inside part of the organ.
💡This sense marks an inner position, not an outer one.

2. used at the start of scientific words to show that something moves inward or tak

2.構詞成分C2
釋義

used at the start of scientific words to show that something moves inward or takes heat, liquid, or other material in from outside.

例句

In chemistry, Andrew learned endothermic describes a change that absorbs heat.

endo- shows taking heat in

The lab sheet said endosmosis means water moving inward through a thin membrane.

endo- marks inward movement

同義詞
  • absorb

    an ordinary verb describing the action rather than the word part itself

  • uptake

    technical noun for taking something in, especially in biology

反義詞
  • exo-

    often marks outward release or outward movement instead

文法句型

endo- + root (endothermic)

endo- + root (endosmosis, endocytosis)

用法筆記

Common in biology and chemistry terms about inward movement or absorption. Distinguish from sense 1, which simply marks location inside something.

常見錯誤

❌Endothermic means making heat inside itself.
✅Endothermic means taking heat in from outside.
💡In this sense, endo- highlights absorption or inward intake.