The roots, as always, are essential medical terminology knowledge because once you master these roots (those good old Greek and Latin ones, that is), you can break down any skeletal-related word and discover its meaning. DEFINITION OF OSTEO- (PREFIX): Combining form meaning bone. From the Greek "osteon", bone. Appears for instance in osteoarthritis, osteochondroma osteodystrophy, osteogenesis, osteomyelitis, osteopathy, osteopetrosis, osteoporosis, osteosarcoma, etc.

Source: Rx List