prokaryote

noun

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 prokaryote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

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

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

Word History

Etymology

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

1963, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prokaryote

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

Kids Definition

prokaryote

noun

pro·​kary·​ote prō-ˈkar-ē-ˌōt 

: an organism (as a bacterium) that is typically single-celled and does not have a nucleus or most of the cell structures (as mitochondria) characteristic of eukaryotes

Medical Definition

prokaryote

noun

pro·​kary·​ote

variants also procaryote

(ˈ)prō-ˈkar-ē-ˌōt 

: 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

prokaryotic adjective

also procaryotic

-ˌkar-ē-ˈät-ik