Medical Root
erythr/o
erythr/o means red (from the Greek).
What does erythr/o mean?
Erythr/o is a word root that means red. It comes from the Greek word for red and is used in medical terms relating to redness, most often the red blood cells.
A common example is erythrocyte, which means red blood cell. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. Erythr/o can also appear in terms describing redness of the skin or other tissues. When you see erythr/o, it usually points to something red or to the red cells of the blood.
Erythr/o is worth learning alongside leuk/o (white), since the two are often contrasted when talking about blood cells.
Example words using erythr/o
Related word parts
Frequently asked questions
What does erythr/o mean?
Erythr/o is a root meaning red.
What does erythrocyte mean?
It means red blood cell.
What does erythema mean?
It means redness of the skin.
Where does erythr/o come from?
It comes from the Greek word for red.
Study reference only — not medical advice. Always consult qualified sources for clinical decisions.