comb. form of Gr. ατελης imperfect, f. α priv.* + telos end, completion; used in many mod. L. terms of physiology, indicating some structural imperfection, as ateloglossia, imperfect development or malformation of the tongue; -gnathia, of the jaws; -myelia, of the spinal marrow; -stomia, of the mouth.

* <shaking head> privative - Having the quality of depriving; tending to take away.