n.
Variant: also pro · cary · ote
Pronunciation: ( ˌ )pr ō - ' ka-r ē - ˌ ō t
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin Prokaryotes, proposed subdivision of protists, from 1 pro- + kary- + -otes, plural noun suffix, from Greek - ō tos ― more at -OTIC
Date: 1963
: 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 \ - ˌ ka-r ē - ' ä-tik \ adjective