Understanding Anhydro-: The Prefix for Dryness and Waterlessness

Anhydro- comes from the Greek words "an" (without) and "hydor" (water). It is a prefix that means "without water" or "dry".

In biology, anhydro- is used to describe organisms or structures that are adapted to survive in dry environments or conditions. For example, anhydrobiosis is the ability of some organisms to survive for long periods of time without water. Anhydrophobic substances are those that repel or resist water.

In geology, anhydro- is used to describe rocks or minerals that have formed in the absence of water. For example, anhydrite is a mineral that forms when calcium sulfate is precipitated from seawater in the absence of water.

Overall, anhydro- is a useful prefix for describing conditions or substances that are related to the absence of water.