gastro

Gastro is a combining form derived from the Greek gastros meaning stomach. It is used to form terms related to the stomach or the digestive system and is common in medical and culinary contexts. In medicine, gastro- terms describe the stomach and the broader gastrointestinal tract, such as gastroenterology (the medical specialty focusing on the stomach and intestines), gastroesophageal, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), gastrectomy (surgical removal of part or all of the stomach), and gastroscopy (an endoscopic examination of the upper digestive tract). The adjective "gastric" is closely related and widely used to describe stomach-related conditions, anatomy, and procedures, while "gastrointestinal" refers to the combined stomach and intestines.

In culinary and hospitality language, gastro- has taken on branding and cultural meanings. Terms such as gastropub, gastronomy, and gastro cuisine point to a focus on food quality and culinary creativity. "Gastro" is also used in consumer settings in some markets to denote food-related venues or services, such as gastro bars or gastro restaurants, signaling a shift from purely traditional dining to more food-centric experiences.

The prefix appears in many other compounds (e.g., gastronomy, gastrology in some uses) and can be straddled with other roots to describe disorders, procedures, or classifications of the stomach and digestive tract. See also: Gastroenterology; Gastritis; Gastroscopy; Gastronomy; Gastropub.