procaryote

1 of 2

noun (1)

pro·​cary·​ote

less common spelling of prokaryote

: any of the typically unicellular microorganisms that lack a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles and that are classified as a kingdom (Prokaryotae synonym Monera) or into two domains (Bacteria and Archaea) compare archaea, bacterium, eukaryote

prokaryote

2 of 2

noun (2)

pro·​kary·​ote (ˌ)prō-ˈker-ē-ˌōt How to pronounce prokaryote (audio)
(ˌ)prō-ˈka-rē-ˌōt
variants or less commonly procaryote
: any of the typically unicellular microorganisms that lack a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles and that are classified as a kingdom (Prokaryotae synonym Monera) or into two domains (Bacteria and Archaea) compare archaea, bacterium, eukaryote

Examples of procaryote in a Sentence

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Noun
These viruses infect diverse deep-sea prokaryotes that drive vital cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and metals. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026 Unlike prokaryotes, eukaryotes do have cells with a nucleus and a membrane. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2026 Primary endosymbiosis gave rise to mitochondria and chloroplasts and involved primitive unicellular prokaryotes (or proto-eukaryotes) and archaea. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026 But 3 billion years ago, the nitrogen floodgates opened when nitrogenase evolved in early prokaryotes. — Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for procaryote

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

New Latin Prokaryotes, proposed subdivision of protists, from pro- entry 1 + kary- + -otes, plural noun suffix, from Greek -ōtos — more at -otic

First Known Use

Noun (2)

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of procaryote was in 1963

Rhymes for procaryote

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Browse Nearby Words

procarpium
procaryote
procatalectic
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Cite this Entry

“Procaryote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procaryote. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

procaryote, procaryotic

variant of prokaryote, prokaryotic

More from Merriam-Webster on procaryote

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about procaryote

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