procaryote

9.9

A living thing made of one cell that does not have a nucleus, like bacteria

noun
/proʊˈkɛr.i.oʊt/

Archaic

: procariota

Unlike a eukaryote, a procaryote does not have a true nucleus.

Examples

The scientist studied the genetic material of the procaryote under a microscope.
Many antibiotics are effective because they target the unique cellular structure of procaryotes.
A procaryote is a simple form of life.
Many procaryotes can survive in extreme environments.
Many antibiotics are effective because they target the unique cellular structure of procaryotes.
The scientist studied the genetic material of the procaryote under a microscope.
Unlike a eukaryote, a procaryote does not have a true nucleus.

Synonyms

prokaryote

vsprocaryote

Specialized

1 7.7

A single-celled organism with no nucleus, like bacteria

has identical meaning but is an older alternative spelling

How Complex

multicellular

Specialized

3 4.3

procaryote

Archaic

9.9

virus

Specialized

857 3.2

Surface Forms

procaryote singular

procaryotes plural

prokaryotes plural

prokaryote singular

Morphology

procaryote = pro + caryote

Although built from the combining form 'pro-' (before) + 'caryote' (relating to a nucleus), 'caryote' is a technical combining form not a standalone English word, so an average B1 learner cannot derive the meaning from the parts.

Etymology

Procaryote comes from the parts pro- meaning 'before' and caryon meaning 'nut' or 'kernel', a simple picture people used for the cell's center or nucleus. So a procaryote is a cell that is 'before' a true nucleus, which is why procaryotes do not have a nucleus surrounded by its own membrane.