What is the meaning of the prefix "neo-"?

The prefix "neo-" originates from the Greek word "neos," which means "new." This prefix is commonly used in various terms to indicate something that is recent, modern, or newly developed. For instance, "neonatal" refers to the period immediately after birth, emphasizing the first few days or weeks of life when a newborn is still new. Similarly, "neologism" describes a newly coined term or expression. Understanding the meaning of the prefix "neo-" is essential as it conveys the idea of freshness, innovation, or recentness in the context of words where it is applied.