Fono

Fono is a term encountered in several languages and fields, often connected with sound or voice. It is not a single, universally defined concept in English, but instead appears as a combining form in various technical terms and as a proper noun in some contexts.

Etymology and usage pattern. Fono is derived from the same Greek root as the English prefix phon-, related to sound or voice. In Romance-language terminology, the form fono- is used in compounds to denote sound, voice, or hearing. In English-language technical vocabulary, the corresponding form is more commonly written as phon- (for example, phonetics, phonology, phono- in certain compound words). The distinction between phono- and fono- can vary by language and discipline.

Common meanings and contexts. In language sciences and medicine, fono- appears in terms describing speech, hearing, and voice. For example, in Spanish or Portuguese there are terms like fonoaudiología, referring to the field that studies and treats speech and hearing disorders; the English equivalent is phonoaudiology or speech-language pathology. In audio technology, the word phono is widely used to denote the phonographic signal or input on audio equipment (for instance, a “phono input” on a receiver). In everyday usage, fono may also appear as a proper noun, including as a surname or place name in some regions.

See also: phonetics, phonology, phonoaudiology, phono input. Notes: the exact meaning of fono can depend on language and discipline, so context is essential.