herpet-

combining form

variants or herpeto-

1

: reptile or reptiles

herpetofauna

herpetology

2

: herpes

herpetiform

3

: creeping

herpetomonas

Word History

Etymology

partly from Greek herpeton animal that goes on all fours, snake, from neuter of herpetos creeping, from herpein to creep; partly from Latin herpet-, herpes herpes (also, a kind of animal, probably a snake), from Greek herpēt-, herpēs; partly from Greek herpetos creeping

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!