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Word Root: Ergo

Ankit Saroya
Word Roots Explained 03
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Definition & Meaning: Ergo Word Root

The word “Ergo” originates from the Greek word ergon, meaning “work.” This root forms the basis of many English words related to work and effort. For instance, “ergonomics” refers to the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment, with a practitioner being an ergonomist. An “ergometer” is a device used to measure work or energy expended during physical exercise. Additionally, an “erg” is a unit of work or energy in the older centimetre-gram-second (CGS) system. It is worth noting that “ergosterol,” a compound present in many fungi, derives from “ergot,” a fungal disease of cereals.To better understand this root, consider the word “ergogamy,” which can be broken down into:
  • Ergo: Work
  • Gam: Marriage

Thus, “ergogamy” means a union or marriage concerning work or effort.

Words Based on the Ergo Word Root

Commonly Used Words Based on this Word Root

  • Ergonomics: Relating to or designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment.
  • Ergometer: An apparatus that measures work or energy expended during a period of physical exercise.
  • Erg: A unit of work or energy in the older CGS system.

Archaic Words Based on this Word Root

  • Ergotism: The effect of long-term ergot poisoning, traditionally due to the ingestion of the alkaloids produced by the Claviceps purpurea fungus that infects rye and other cereals.
  • Ergotized: Infected with ergot.

Technical Words/Jargon Based on this Word Root

  • Ergodic: Relating to or denoting systems or processes that, given sufficient time, include or impinge on all points in a given space and can be represented statistically by a reasonably large selection of points.
  • Ergograph: A graph that shows a relation between human activities or agricultural/climate factors and a seasonal year.
  • Ergometric: A type of exercise machine in which the action of rowing is simulated by the pulling of a strong flexible cord wound around a flywheel.
  • Ergonovine: A medication used to cause contractions of the uterus to treat heavy vaginal bleeding after childbirth.
  • Ergosterol: A sterol found in the cell membranes of fungi and protozoa, serving many of the same functions that cholesterol serves in animal cells.
  • Ergotamine: An ergopeptine and part of the ergot family of alkaloids.
  • Ergomorphic: That changes shape to conform with the body part that is using it.
  • Ergotropy: The maximum amount of work that can be obtained from a quantum system.
  • Ergotherapy: Work as a form of occupational therapy.
  • Ergoreflex: The response, characterised by an increase in ventilation, to increased exercise.
  • Ergology: The study of the psychological effects of work, or of work patterns.

Related Word Roots

Exploring related roots can provide further insight into the concept of work and effort:

  • Labour (Latin): Relating to work or toil.
    • Labour: Physical or mental effort.
    • Laborious: Requiring considerable effort and time.
    • Collaborate: Work jointly on an activity or project.
  • Oper (Latin): Work.
    • Operate: Control the functioning of a machine, process, or system.
    • Operator: A person who operates equipment or a machine.
    • Operation: The action of functioning or the fact of being active or in effect.
  • Pon (Latin): To place or put.
    • Position: A place where someone or something is located or has been put.
    • Opponent: Someone who competes against or fights another in a contest, game, or argument.
    • Component: A part or element of a larger whole.

We hope this article on the commonly used Ergo Root Word has been helpful in expanding your vocabulary. Understanding word roots can significantly enhance your ability to decode complex words and grasp their meanings more easily.

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