Pronunciation: [ɔːnˈɪθə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "ornitho" is spelled as o-r-n-i-t-h-o. In International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription, it would be /ɔːnɪθəʊ/. The "o" in "ornitho" is pronounced as "aw," the "r" is silent, the "n" is pronounced as "n," the "i" is pronounced as "ih," the "t" as "th," the "h" as "h," and the final "o" as "oh." "Ornitho" is often used as a prefix meaning "bird" or "avian."
Ornitho is a prefix that is derived from the Greek word "ornithos," meaning bird. As a prefix, it is commonly used to denote a connection or reference to birds or bird-related matters in various fields of study.
In the field of biology, ornitho- is often used to describe bird-related phenomena or objects. Ornithology, for instance, is the scientific study of birds, encompassing their behavior, natural history, anatomy, and other aspects of their biology. Similarly, ornithomancy refers to the ancient practice of divination through the observation and interpretation of bird behavior and flight patterns.
In the field of taxonomy, ornitho- is employed to designate the classification, names, and study of bird species. Ornithogenetics, for instance, focuses on the genetics of birds, studying their heredity, breeding patterns, and related genetic factors. Ornithomorpha refers to a group of dinosaurs that share bird-like characteristics, acting as a transitional evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds.
Additionally, ornitho- can also find its application outside of scientific contexts. In aviculture, the practice of keeping and breeding birds, ornithomaniacs are individuals who have a passionate interest in birds, often keeping various species as pets or displaying them in aviaries. Additionally, ornithophobia is the irrational fear or extreme anxiety experienced by individuals towards birds.
Overall, the prefix ornitho- serves as a versatile linguistic tool that encompasses various aspects related to birds, encompassing their study, taxonomy, behavior, and cultural significance.
The word "ornitho" comes from the Greek word "órnis" (ὄρνις), meaning "bird". The term "ornitho-" is a combining form derived from this Greek root, and it is commonly used in scientific and technical vocabulary related to birds. For example, words like "ornithology" (the study of birds) and "ornithologist" (a person who studies birds) use this combining form.
