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Pleuro- is a combining form used like a prefix variously meaning “side,” “rib,” “lateral,” and “pleura.” Pleura is a term for the membrane around the lungs and makes a lining for the chest cavity; its adjective form is pleural.

Pleuro- is often used in medical and scientific terms, including in anatomy and zoology.

Pleur- comes from the Greek �����ܰ�á, meaning “side (of the body); rib.”

What are variants of pleuro-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, pleuro- becomes pleur-, as in pleuralgia.

An example of a medical term you may have encountered that features pleuro- is pleurocentesis. Also known as thoracentesis, pleurocentesis is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a hollow needle into the pleural cavity of the chest.

The first part of the word, pleuro-, refers to the pleura (of the lungs). The second portion of the word, -centesis, means “a puncture or perforation,” especially to remove fluid. While the word pleurocentesis may seem intimidating, now you know the word literally just means “side puncture.”

Another medical term that derives from the Greek �����ܰ�á is pleurisy, “inflammation of the pleura, with or without a liquid effusion in the pleural cavity, characterized by a dry cough and pain in the affected side.”

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

• pleurocele
• pleurocentrum
• pleurodesis
• pleurogenic
• pleurography
• pleurohepatitis
• pleurolith
• pleurotomy

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

• pluri-
• ptero-

While identical in pronunciation and close spelling, the adjectives pleural (which is related to pleuro-) and plural are not related. Discover the history of plural at our entry for the word.

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare form of cancer, most common in young children. Based on the name alone, where does the cancer originate?