▪ I. cœlo-1
(ˈsiːləʊ)
before a vowel cœl-, combining form of Gr. κοῖλος hollow, in various scientific terms, as ˈcœlodont, a. [Gr. ὀδούς, ὀδοντ- tooth], hollow-toothed (epithet of certain lizard-like reptiles as distinguished from the pleodont or solid-toothed). cœloˈrrhizous, a. [Gr. ῥίζα root], having hollow roots. cœloˈrrhyncous, a. [Gr. ῥύγχος beak], hollow-beaked (Syd. Soc. Lex.). † cœˈlostomy [ad. Gr. κοιλοστοµία, f. στόµα mouth], hollowness of voice (cf. celostomy). Also cœlacanth, cœlosperm, etc.
| 1678 Phillips (App.), Coelostomie, a speaking with a hollow voice. 1727 Art of speaking in Publick 64 (Jod.) There is another vice of speaking..which the Græcians have called cœlostomy; it consists in mumbling, when a man does not open his mouth wide enough for his words. |
▪ II. cœlo-2
properly cælo-, combining form of L. cælum, long spelt cœlum sky, heavens, as in cœˈlometer [see -meter], see quot. cœlonaviˈgation, a term proposed for navigation by observation of the heavens (opp. to geo-navigation).
| 1883 Fisheries Exhib. Catal. 30 Cœlometer for illustrating nautical Astronomy. |