Main Entry:

pro·kary·ote

Variant(s):

also pro·cary·ote \(ˌ)prō-ˈka-rē-ˌōt\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

1963

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

— pro·kary·ot·ic \-ˌka-rē-ˈä-tik\ adjective