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Nycto- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “night.” It is used in some technical terms.

Nycto- comes from the Greek ��ý��, meaning “night.” English’s own word night, in fact, shares an ancient root with the Greek ��ý��. Also related to ��ý�� is the Latin word for nox, source of the combining forms nocti- and noct-.

What are variants of nycto-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, nycto- becomes nyct-, as in nyctalgia.

In some instances, particularly in terms from biology, nycto- becomes nycti-, as in nyctitropic.

One example of a scientific term that features the combining form nycto- is nyctophobia, “an irrational or disproportionate fear of night or nighttime darkness.”

As we have seen, the form nycto- means “night.” The -phobia part of the word may also look familiar. It means “fear,” from the Greek phobos. Nyctophobia literally translates to “fear of night.”

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

• nyctophilia
• nyctophonia
• nyctotyphlosis

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

• myco-
• myxo-

The combining form -philia means “love or liking.” With this in mind, what is nyctophilia?