Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

prothetely

noun
pro·​the·​tely | \ ˈprōthəˌtelē\
plural -es

Definition of prothetely

: relatively precocious differentiation of a structure that is usually associated with a later stage of development — compare hysterotely, neoteny

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 prothetely

from (assumed) Greek prothetos (verbal of Greek protithenai to put before) + Greek telos end, completion, maturity + English -y

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about prothetely

Share prothetely

Statistics for prothetely

Look-up Popularity

Comments on prothetely

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

magniloquent

Listen to the pronounciation of magniloquent

grandiloquent, ostentatious, or bombastic

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Original Meanings Quiz

  • rembrandt-painting-a-young-scholar-and-his-tutor
  • Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

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