somat

Somat is a combining form derived from the Greek soma, meaning "body." In scientific and medical vocabulary, somat- denotes bodily or body-related concepts. It is used in contrast to terms that refer to germ or reproductive aspects in certain contexts, such as the distinction between somatic and germline lines in biology.

In biology and medicine, somat- appears in a range of terms. Somatic refers to the body as a whole, or to cells and processes pertaining to the body rather than the germ line. Somatic cells are the non-reproductive cells of an organism. The prefix also appears in terms like somatotropin (growth hormone), somatotopy (the mapping of the body's units in the brain), and somatosensory (related to bodily sensation). Other related terms include somatology (the study of the body) and somatostatin (a hormone that modulates the endocrine system).

In commercial use, Somat is a dishwasher detergent brand produced by the German company Henkel. It is marketed primarily in European markets and offers tablet and powder formulations under various product lines, such as Somat Gold or Somat Perfect. This brand usage is unrelated to the linguistic root and is a distinct corporate name.

Overall, somat remains a widely used prefix in anatomy, physiology, and related fields, signifying body-related concepts, while also appearing as a proper noun in consumer branding in different contexts.