( combining form) indicating the first or earliest or original; "` proto' is a combining form in a word like ` protolanguage' that refers to the hypothetical ancestor of another language or group of languages"

indicating the first or earliest or original; "` proto' is a combining form in a word like ` protolanguage' that refers to the hypothetical ancestor of another language or group of languages"

A combining form prefix signifying first, primary, primordial; as, protomartyr, the first martyr; protomorphic, primitive in form; protoplast, a primordial organism; prototype, protozoan.

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.

In chem., a prefix in many scientific compounds, denoting the first or smallest degree of a substance which combines with a base, as protoxide, the first or smallest proportion of oxygen; the first or earliest, as protogine; the earliest or lowest, as protozoa.

See prot.

If, under some condition of pressure and temperature eventually reached, the components of this suddenly entered into one of those proto- chemical combinations forming a new element, there might result an explosion capable of shattering the entire planet, and propelling its fragments in all directions with high velocities. – Essays: Scientific, Political, & Speculative, Vol. I by Herbert Spencer

The oxygen of the atmosphere also unites with certain minerals, such as the proto- salts of iron, and converts them into peroxides. – Geology by James Geikie

It is important, then, that I should examine more closely the Proto- Egyptian body of doctrine to elucidate the mutual influence of it and the ideas suggested by the practice of mummification. – The Evolution of the Dragon by G. Elliot Smith

Originally a strong and able defender of the Romish doctrines, he was chosen to argue with Patrick Hamilton, the proto- martyr of the Reformation in Scotland, with the object of inducing him to recant. – A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature by John W. Cousin

It had meant something else then, but the proto- language of the Hirlaji had no precise meanings; given by itself, it seemed to mean precisely what it said. – Warlord of Kor by Terry Gene Carr

Some, from a feeling of deep pity for the poor young girl who was to be almost the proto- martyr of the new faith. – Mistress Margery by Emily Sarah Holt

The entry of the nurse a moment since, with a proto- stimulant on a tray, had let him out to tear down the stairs to the garden, rudely thrusting aside the noble owner of the house, out of bounds in a dressing- gown and able to defy Society. – When Ghost Meets Ghost by William Frend De Morgan

56. What is the signification of Proto? – 1001 Questions and Answers on Orthography and Reading by B. A. Hathaway

The conquering race is that which is supposed to have been of Semitic or proto- Semitic origin, and to have brought elements of Sumerian culture to savage Egypt. – History Of Egypt, Chaldæa, Syria, Babylonia, And Assyria In The Light Of Recent Discovery by L.W. King and H.R. Hall