proto : Idioms & Phrases

Pro"to-

Etymology

Gr. prw^tos first, a superl. fr. before. See Pro-.

Definitions

1. A combining form prefix signifying first, primary, primordial; as, protomartyr, the first martyr; protomorphic, primitive in form; protoplast, a primordial organism; prototype, protozoan.
2. (Chem.) (a) Denoting the first or lowest of a series, or the one having the smallest amount of the element to the name of which it is prefixed; as protoxide, protochloride, etc. (b) Sometimes used as equivalent to mono-, as indicating that the compound has but one atom of the element to the name of which it is prefixed. Also used adjectively.

Webster 1913

Pro`to-Dor*ic adjective

Etymology

Proto- + Doric.

Definitions

1. (Arch.) Pertaining to, or designating, architecture, in which the beginnings of the Doric style are supposed to be found.

Webster 1913

• noun a prehistoric unrecorded language that was the ancestor of all Indo-European languages
  PIE.
  

WordNet

• noun the Germanic language of Scandinavia up until about 700
  

WordNet

• noun a normal gene that has the potential to become an oncogene
  

WordNet