Definition of prokaryote

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Prokhorov, Aleksandr Mikhailovich >

pro·kar·y·ote also pro·car·y·ote    (pr-kr-t) KEY 

NOUN:

An organism of the kingdom Monera (or Prokaryotae), comprising the bacteria and cyanobacteria, characterized by the absence of a distinct, membrane-bound nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, and by DNA that is not organized into chromosomes. Also called moneran.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French procaryote : Greek pro-, before ; see pro-² + Greek karutos, having nuts (from karuon, nut; see karyo-)

OTHER FORMS:
pro·kary·otic  (-tk) KEY (Adjective)