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Encephalo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “brain.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in anatomy.

Encephalo- comes from the Greek ��԰�é��󲹱��Dz�, meaning “brain.” Literally, ��԰�é��󲹱��Dz� means “in (en-) the head (����󲹱�ŧ).” That is where you can find the brain, after all.

What are variants of encephalo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, encephalo- becomes encephal-, as in encephaloma.

An example of a word you may have encountered that features encephalo- ������encephalogram, “an x-ray of the brain.”

Encephalo-, as we’ve seen, means “brain.” The combining form -gram might look familiar, too; it means “something written; drawing.” So, the word encephalogram is literally like a “brain image.”

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

• encephalocele
• encephalograph
• encephalolith
• encephalomere
• encephalotomy

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

• -cephalic
• -cephalous

Still curious? The technical name for the brain is encephalon.

The combining form -tomy means “cutting, incision,” as of an organ. If a surgeon performs an encephalotomy, what part of the body are they cutting into or dissecting?