prokaryote

pro·kary·ote

noun \(ˌ)prō-ˈka-rē-ˌōt\

Definition 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 syn. Monera) or into two domains (Bacteria and Archaea) — compare archaea, bacterium, eukaryote

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

Variants of PROKARYOTE

pro·kary·ote also pro·cary·ote \(ˌ)prō-ˈka-rē-ˌōt\

Origin of PROKARYOTE

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

First Known Use: 1963

pro·kary·ote

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition 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 eukaryote

—pro·kary·ot·ic also pro·cary·ot·ic \-ˌkar-ē-ˈät-ik\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

Variants of PROKARYOTE

pro·kary·ote also pro·cary·ote \(ˈ)prō-ˈkar-ē-ˌōt\ (audio pronunciation)

prokaryote

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any cellular organism that lacks a distinct nucleus. Organisms classified in the domains Bacteria (including blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria) and Archaea are prokaryotes; all other organisms are eukaryotes and are placed in the domain Eukarya. Prokaryotic cells lack a nuclear membrane and most of the components of eukaryotic cells. The cytoplasm includes ribosomes that carry out protein synthesis and a double-stranded DNA chromosome, usually circular. Many prokaryotes also contain additional circular DNA molecules called plasmids. The flagella are distinct from those of eukaryotes in design and movement.