prokaryote

One entry found for prokaryote.

Main Entry: pro·kary·ote
Variant(s): also pro·cary·ote /(")prO-'ka-rE-"Ot/
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin Prokaryotes, proposed subdivision of protists, from ¹pro- + kary- + -otes, plural noun suffix, from Greek -Otos -- more at -OTIC
: any of the typically unicellular microorganisms that lack a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles and that are classified as a kingdom (Prokaryotae syn. Monera) or into two domains (Bacteria and Archaea) -- compare ARCHAEA, BACTERIUM, EUKARYOTE
- pro·kary·ot·ic /-"ka-rE-'ä-tik/ adjective