proto-
Before the original
Proto- means earliest or original, often implying a primitive version of something that came later.
A prototype is the first model of a design.
Proto-Indo-European is the reconstructed ancestor of most European languages.
In science, a proton is a fundamental particle, and protoplasm is the basic material of living cells.
The prefix suggests something foundational that others develop from: a proto-fascist movement, proto-punk bands of the early seventies.
Ancestor or originator
- ancestorPredecessor in lineage
- primordialExisting from the start
- archetypeOriginal model for copies
- sourcePoint of origin
precursor · original · primitive · genesis · forerunner · root · seed · parent
Before the main part
- draftPreliminary version of text
- betaGreek alphabet's second letter
- mock-upPreliminary representational model
- modelRepresentation or paradigm
early-stage · experimental · pilot · trial · test · pre-production · proof-of-concept · iteration
Embodying the original pattern
- exemplarTypical perfect instance
- paradigmGoverning framework of thought
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
- standardLevel of quality accepted
canonical · classic · quintessential · defining · representative · ideal · model · benchmark
Folded amino chain
- prokaryoteCell without nuclear membrane
- protistUnicellular eukaryotic organism
- protostarPre-fusion celestial body
- protoplanetEarly-stage forming planet
Rebuilding after destruction
progenitor
Ancestor or originator
- ancestorPredecessor in lineage
- primordialExisting from the start
- archetypeOriginal model for copies
source · precursor · original · primitive · genesis · forerunner · root · seed · parent · founder
preliminary
Before the main part
- draftPreliminary version of text
- betaGreek alphabet's second letter
- mock-upPreliminary representational model
model · early-stage · experimental · pilot · trial · test · pre-production · proof-of-concept · iteration · alpha
archetypal
Embodying the original pattern
- exemplarTypical perfect instance
- paradigmGoverning framework of thought
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
standard · canonical · classic · quintessential · defining · representative · ideal · model · benchmark · reference
protein
Folded amino chain
- prokaryoteCell without nuclear membrane
- protistUnicellular eukaryotic organism
- protostarPre-fusion celestial body
reconstruction
Rebuilding after destruction
proto-neo-
Prefix for recent
derived · descendant · epi- · secondary · derivative
- child protagonistYoung central figure
- internet protocolsRules for digital communication
- testing protocolsFormal procedures for examination
- military protocolsOfficial armed forces procedures
- emergency protocolsPredetermined crisis response procedures
- safety protocolsRules ensuring harm prevention
proto, protocol, protocols, protoplasm, prototype, prototypes, prototyped, prototyping, prototypical