Medical Root
myel/o
myel/o means bone marrow or spinal cord (from the Greek).
What does myel/o mean?
Myel/o is a word root that means bone marrow or spinal cord. It comes from Greek, and its exact sense depends on the rest of the word, because it can point to either the bone marrow or the spinal cord.
For example, myelopathy means disease of the spinal cord, while a myelogram is an imaging study of the spinal cord. In blood-related terms, myel/o often points to the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. Reading the whole word and its context tells you which meaning applies.
Because myel/o has two related meanings, it is a good example of why context matters in medical terminology. It is worth learning alongside roots for the nervous system and the blood.
Example words using myel/o
Related word parts
Frequently asked questions
What does myel/o mean?
Myel/o is a root meaning bone marrow or spinal cord.
Why does myel/o have two meanings?
Depending on context it can point to the bone marrow or the spinal cord.
What does myelopathy mean?
It means disease of the spinal cord.
What does myeloid mean?
It means relating to bone marrow.
Study reference only — not medical advice. Always consult qualified sources for clinical decisions.