-phily

noun combining form

-phi·​ly

f(ə)lē,

-li

plural -es

1

: fondness for

toxophily

2

: affinity for

hydrophily

photophily

zoophily

—chiefly in biological and chemical terms

Word History

Etymology

New Latin -philia

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!