Scientific Terms That Lost Their Hyphens

Writing Well
Written By Crystal Herron, PhD, ELS

The English language constantly evolves. The way we use words changes. New words are created. Old words disappear.

The same is true for science words. When first introduced, some scientific or medical terms contain hyphens that help the reader understand the new words. But over time, those hyphens disappear.

Here are 25 words that have evolved to lose their hyphens.

Antioxidant

Antiviral

Coauthor

Coexist

Cofactor

Coinvestigator

Downregulation

Dysregulation

Knockdown

Nonexposed

Noninfectious

Nonprofit

Overexpose

Overexpression

Postinfection

Postinfectious

Postnatal

Posttranscriptional

Posttranslational

Posttreatment

Preclinical

Preexisting

Preinfection

Reexpress

Upregulation

Crystal Herron, PhD, ELS

Crystal is an editor, educator, coach, and speaker who helps scientists and clinicians communicate with clear, concise, and compelling writing. You can follow her on LinkedIn.

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