An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A combining form (also -gene) used in the formation of compound words, meaning:

1. “one that generates:” → hydrogen,
   → halogen, andogen, and so on. 2) “one that is generated, produced:” exogen, cultigen, phosgene.

See also: From Fr. -gène “producing,” Gk. -genes “produced, born,” → generate;