noun

prokaryote

prokaryote

Bacteria are a common type of prokaryote.

Bacteria are a common type of prokaryote.

((a/the prokaryote)) a single-celled organism without a nucleus A prokaryote lacks a membrane-bound nucleus.

Synonyms: bacterium; Antonyms: eukaryote

From Greek 'pro-' (before) + 'karyon' (nut, kernel), referring to the nucleus. So, 'before a nucleus'.

Think 'pro' as in 'primitive' or 'before'. It's a cell that existed before developing a nucleus.

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