Proto-


() A combining form prefix signifying first, primary, primordial; as, protomartyr, the first martyr; protomorphic, primitive in form; protoplast, a primordial organism; prototype, protozoan.


() Denoting the first or lowest of a series, or the one having the smallest amount of the element to the name of which it is prefixed; as protoxide, protochloride, etc.


() Sometimes used as equivalent to mono-, as indicating that the compound has but one atom of the element to the name of which it is prefixed. Also used adjectively.



Similar Words:

Diprotodon   Polyprotodonta   Proto-   Proto-Doric   Protocanonical   Protocatechuic   Protocercal   Protococcus   Protocol   Protocolist