oTos

Otos is primarily encountered as the combining form oto- in medical terminology, derived from the Greek ōtos meaning ear. It is used to form terms that denote relations to the ear or auditory function. The prefix appears in a number of specialties and instruments dealing with the ear.

Common terms include otology, the branch of medicine dealing with the anatomy and diseases of the ear; otolaryngology, the broader field dealing with the ear, nose, and throat; otoscope, a device for examining the ear; otitis, an infection or inflammation of the ear; otoplasty, a surgical procedure to reshape the outer ear; and otic, an adjective describing things pertaining to the ear.

Usage notes: oto- is a combining form used in many languages of medicine. It is typically written with or without a hyphen before a base word, e.g., oto- or otoscope. It should not be confused with other terms that resemble 'otos' but have unrelated meanings.

See also: oto- prefix; otology; otolaryngology; otitis; otoscope.