Definitions

1. noun

A first or earliest form of something.

“The proto version of the software was released to test its functionality.”

2. noun

A primitive or early form of a living organism.

“The proto cells evolved into more complex organisms over time.”

3. adjective

Being the earliest known or most primitive form of something.

“The proto materials used in the ancient artifacts were found to be surprisingly durable.”

4. prefix

Indicating the first or earliest stage of something.

“The proto-indo-European language is the hypothetical ancestor of many modern languages.”