Letters and spelling

Words starting with the prefix eu

Eu- is a Greek prefix meaning good or well, and it appears in words about praise, happiness, and science. This list is useful for vocabulary building, spelling practice with a tricky letter pattern, and exploring how a single root connects words like eulogy, euphoria, and eucalyptus.

20 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
eulogynounA speech or piece of writing that praises someone, especially one who has recently died.His daughter delivered a moving eulogy at the funeral.
eulogizeverbTo praise someone or something highly, especially in a formal speech or piece of writing.Friends took turns to eulogize the retiring teacher at the ceremony.
eulogisticadjectiveFull of praise, especially in a formal speech or piece of writing.The retirement dinner featured several eulogistic speeches from former colleagues.
euphemismnounA mild or indirect word or phrase used in place of one considered harsh, blunt, or unpleasant.'Passed away' is a common euphemism for died.
euphemisticadjectiveUsing mild or indirect language in place of words considered harsh or unpleasant.The report used euphemistic language to avoid admitting the project had failed.
euphoniumnounA brass musical instrument similar to a small tuba, pitched in the tenor range.The marching band's euphonium section carried the melody during the ballad.
euphonynounA pleasant, harmonious combination of sounds, especially in speech or music.The poet chose each word carefully to create a sense of euphony throughout the stanza.
euphonicadjectiveHaving a pleasant, smooth sound, especially in speech, poetry, or music.The poem's euphonic rhythm made it a pleasure to read aloud.
euphorianounAn intense feeling of happiness, excitement, or well-being.A wave of euphoria swept through the stadium as the winning goal went in.
euphoricadjectiveFeeling or characterized by intense happiness and excitement.The team was euphoric after clinching the championship in overtime.
eurekainterjectionAn exclamation of triumph or joy on discovering or solving something.Eureka! I finally found the bug that was crashing the program.
euthanasianounThe deliberate ending of a life, typically that of a terminally ill or suffering patient, to relieve pain.The country's parliament debated legalizing euthanasia for terminally ill patients.
eugenicsnounThe now-discredited practice or theory of improving a population's genetic quality through controlled breeding.Eugenics was used to justify forced sterilization programs in several countries.
eugenicadjectiveRelating to the discredited practice of trying to improve a population's genetic quality through selective breeding.The novel imagines a dystopia built on eugenic policies of forced sterilization.
eukaryotenounAn organism whose cells contain a nucleus enclosed within a membrane.Plants, animals, and fungi are all eukaryotes, unlike bacteria.
eukaryoticadjectiveRelating to or having cells that contain a nucleus enclosed within a membrane.Human cells are eukaryotic, with DNA held inside a membrane-bound nucleus.
eucalyptusnounA tall evergreen tree native to Australia, prized for its aromatic oil and leaves eaten by koalas.The scent of eucalyptus filled the air near the grove.
eunuchnounA castrated man, historically employed to guard women's quarters or serve in royal courts.Eunuchs held influential administrative positions in several ancient royal courts.
europiumnounA soft, silvery rare-earth chemical element, symbol Eu, used in television and LED phosphors.Europium compounds give some television screens their red glow.
eutecticadjectiveRelating to a mixture of substances that melts and solidifies at a single temperature lower than that of its components.Engineers chose a eutectic solder because it melts sharply at one precise temperature.

Frequently asked questions

What does the prefix eu mean in words that start with eu?

Eu- comes from Greek and means good or well, which is why a eulogy praises someone and euphoria describes a very good feeling.