stauro-|ˈstɔːrəʊ, stɒˈrɒ|before a vowel staur-, combining form of Gr. σταυρός cross, employed in several terms, chiefly scientific. stauractin(e[Gr. ἀκτιν-, ἀκτίς ray], ‘hexactinellid spicules of the dermal sponge-layer in which two of the arms are atrophied, leaving the remaining four in the form of a cross’ (Cent.Dict.Suppl. 1909). stauro-baryteMin., an obsolete synonym of harmotome (Chester Dict.Min. 1896). staurologynonce-wd., a science or doctrine of the cross. stauro-microscope(seequots.). staurotypousa.Min.[Gr. τύπος type n.; cf. eccl. Gr. σταυρότυπος marked with the sign of the cross], ‘having mackles or spots in the form of a cross’ (Ogilvie 1850).1905Jrnl. R. Micros. Soc. Apr. 190 The earliest regular form of spicule was the *stauractine.1893C. T. Cruttwell Hist. Early Christianity I. 53 Justin, who presses nearly every allusion to a tree or a piece of wood into the service of a mechanical *Staurology.1879Rutley Stud. Rocks ix. 75 For the purpose of investigating the optical properties of minerals various instruments, such as..the stauroscope,..Rosenbusch's *stauro-microscope, &c., have from time to time been devised.1843Chapman Pract.Min. 190 *Staurotypous kouphone spar.
stauro-/ˈstɔ:rəʊ/combining form. Before a vowel also staur-. E20.
ORIGIN: from Greekstauros cross: see -o-.
Of or pertaining to a cross; cross-shaped.
stauro- combining form Etymology: Late Latin, from Late Greek, from Greek stauros pale, stake, cross : cross < stauromedusae > < stauroscope >