-tomecomb. form

Etymology: In sense 1 < Hellenistic Greek -τόμον, forming nouns denoting instruments for cutting (e.g. ϕλεβοτόμον phlebotome n.), neuter of ancient Greek -τόμος that cuts (in e.g. ὀξυτόμος sharp-cutting; compare -τομος cut, in e.g. διχότομος cut in half); in sense 2 apparently < ancient Greek τομή section, action of cutting; both < an ablaut variant (o -grade) of the base of τέμνειν to cut, τμῆσις cutting (see tmesis n.). Compare -tomy comb. form. Compare also tome n.Compare French -tome (formations in which are found from at least the beginning of the 19th cent., e.g. harmotome n.). First attested in the Middle English period in the Latin loan phlebotome n. Formations within English are found from the early 19th cent. in both senses 1 and 2. Chiefly combining with first elements ultimately of Greek origin. With sense 2 compare also borrowings from Latin or Greek where the final syllable of ancient Greek τομή is preserved in pronunciation, as apotome n., epitome n.