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 

(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

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But 3 billion years ago, the nitrogen floodgates opened when nitrogenase evolved in early prokaryotes. —Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2026

Warmer Waters Favor Cyanobacteria Blue-green algae isn’t algae but in fact cyanobacteria, which are prokaryotes that photosynthesize. —Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

In addition, prokaryotes can also help clays form faster. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Feb. 2025

The most obvious one is that only around 40 percent of prokaryotes on Earth can move. —Ars Technica, 12 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for procaryote

• anecdote
• antidote
• asymptote
• creosote
• dimethoate
• epidote
• ferryboat
• motorboat
• overcoat
• petticoat
• riverboat
• undercoat

Medical Definition

procaryote, procaryotic

variant of prokaryote, prokaryotic