See Also: Herbal medicine (botanical medicine, herbology, phytomedicine)(health)
proto-(dictionary)
Proto-(medicine)
proto-(dictionary)
Proto-oncogenes(health)
Proto-oncogene(medicine)
proto-oncogenes(medicine)
proto-oncogene protein p21(ras)(medicine)
proto-oncogene proteins c-raf(medicine)
proto-oncogene proteins c-abl(medicine)

Proto- (medicine)


proto-


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

2. <chemistry> Denoting the first or lowest of a series, or the one having the smallest amount of the element to the name of which it is prefixed; as protoxide, protochloride, etc. 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.

Origin: Gr. Protos first, a superl. Fr. Before.