nycti-comb. form

Etymology: < post-classical Latin nycti- < ancient Greek νυκτι- , combining form (in e.g. νυκτικόραξ Nycticorax n.; probably representing an original locative) of νυκτ- , νύξ night, cognate with night n. Compare nycto- comb. form.First attested in loans from post-classical Latin and scientific Latin; earliest in Nycticorax n. (second half of the 17th cent., ultimately of Greek origin). Attested in a small number of English formations from the late 19th cent (see nyctitropic adj., nyctitropism n.). Compare French nycti- (formations in which are found from the early 19th cent.) and German nykti- , †nycti- (formations in which are found from at least the beginning of the 20th cent.). Combined chiefly with second elements of Greek origin, except for Nyctiardea n., whose second element is ultimately of Latin origin. All formations are technical terms in biology.