proto
Earliest version marker
Proto as a prefix means first, earliest, or original—the primitive form from which later versions develop.
A prototype is the first model.
A protocol was originally a first draft.
Proto-Indo-European is the reconstructed ancestor of modern Indo-European languages.
Standing alone, proto is informal shorthand for prototype: We're still working on the proto.
Beginning to develop
- embryonicAt earliest developmental stage
- incipientStarting to develop
- germinalRelating to earliest development
- formativeInfluencing development or growth
budding · fledgling · emerging · dawning · infant · preliminary · initial · primordial
Original model for copies
- progenitorAncestor or originator
- precursorSomething that comes first
- ancestorPredecessor in lineage
- forerunnerOne that comes before
predecessor · template · blueprint · model · exemplar · paradigm · source · origin
Before documented civilization
- paleolithicEarliest tool-making period
- neolithicFinal Stone Age period
- stone-agePre-metalworking human era
- hunter-gathererPre-farming subsistence lifestyle
tribal · ancestral · aboriginal · ancient · archaic · primal · caveman · nomadic
Folded amino chain
- prokaryoteCell without nuclear membrane
- protistUnicellular eukaryotic organism
- protostarPre-fusion celestial body
- protoplanetaryPreceding planetary formation
nascent
Beginning to develop
- embryonicAt earliest developmental stage
- incipientStarting to develop
- germinalRelating to earliest development
formative · budding · fledgling · emerging · dawning · infant · preliminary · initial · primordial · rudimentary
archetype
Original model for copies
- progenitorAncestor or originator
- precursorSomething that comes first
- ancestorPredecessor in lineage
forerunner · predecessor · template · blueprint · model · exemplar · paradigm · source · origin · root
prehistoric
Before documented civilization
- paleolithicEarliest tool-making period
- neolithicFinal Stone Age period
- stone-agePre-metalworking human era
hunter-gatherer · tribal · ancestral · aboriginal · ancient · archaic · primal · caveman · nomadic · hominid
protein
Folded amino chain
- prokaryoteCell without nuclear membrane
- protistUnicellular eukaryotic organism
- protostarPre-fusion celestial body
- child protagonistYoung central figure
- safety protocolStandardized harm-prevention procedures
- emergency protocolPlanned crisis response procedure
- security protocolRules governing safe access
- Internet ProtocolNetwork communication standard
- military protocolOfficial armed forces procedures
protocol, prototype, protagonist, proton, prototypical, protozoa, protozoan, protoplasm, protoplanet