Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

protheca

noun
Save Word
pro·​theca | \ "+ \
plural prothecae

Definition of protheca

: the basal and first-formed part of the calyculus of a coral

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for protheca

New Latin, from pro- entry 1 + theca

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about protheca

Statistics for protheca

Cite this Entry

“Protheca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protheca. Accessed 22 Sep. 2020.

Comments on protheca

What made you want to look up protheca? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

operose

Listen to the pronunciation of operose

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Homophone Quiz

  • three bears two of them look like theyre whispering to a third bear who looks chuffed to be the center of attention
  • In order to judge how people felt, the senator's office hired a firm to take a ______.
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games