Pronunciation: [hˈa͡ɪpə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "hypo" is often misspelled as "hypo-". This mistake is due to the prefix "hypo-" which means "under" or "less than", and is often used in scientific terminology. However, the standalone word "hypo" does not have a hyphen. It is pronounced as [ˈhaɪpoʊ] in IPA or "high-poh" in plain English, and is used to refer to a hypothetical situation or a conjecture. So next time you use the word "hypo", remember to leave out the hyphen!
Hypo is a prefix commonly used in English vocabulary, derived from the Greek language. It is used to form words referring to being under, beneath, or less than something. The term can be combined with various words to create new meanings and concepts.
In medical terminology, hypo often expresses the idea of deficiency or a lower-than-normal level. For instance, hypoglycemia refers to a condition characterized by an abnormally low concentration of glucose in the blood. Similarly, hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid gland, causing a reduced production of hormones.
When hypo is used in general language, it can imply a sense of being below an average, or lacking in quantity, quality, or intensity. For example, someone could be described as having a hypo-thin figure if their body weight is notably lower than what is considered normal or healthy.
Additionally, hypo can indicate a form of suggestion or assumption that is based on a generalization, rather than concrete evidence. It can serve to express a tentative hypothesis or to introduce a hypothetical scenario. In this context, hypo is often seen in phrases like "let's hypothesize" or "suppose hypothetically."
Overall, hypo is a versatile prefix used to convey various meanings related to something being under, lacking, or less than a certain standard or level.
• 1. A hypochondriac. 2. An abbreviation of sodium hyposulphite, used as a fixative in photography.
• A prefix, equivalent to sub-, denoting (1) a location beneath something else; (2) a diminution or deficiency; (3) the lowest, or weakest in oxygen, of a series of chemical compounds.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A prefix signifying under; beneath; indicating a less quantity; implying diminution or inferiority.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "hypo" has Greek origins, derived from the Greek prefix "hypo-", meaning "under" or "beneath". It is commonly used as a prefix in English words to indicate a state or position that is lower, less than, or below something.
