proto- root words — words with the proto- root

The root proto- comes from Greek protos, meaning first. 15 words in Dendril are built from it, including protein, protocol, protocols, prototype, protagonist, protagonists, proteins, proton, protons, prototypes, protoplasm, protoplasmic. Dendril shows them on a free interactive word map — no signup, no ads.

Words that use the proto- root

Explore words with proto- — words containing the proto- root and sharing its sense of "first". Examples include protein, protocol, protocols, prototype, protagonist, protagonists, proteins, proton, protons, prototypes, protoplasm, protoplasmic. Click any word to see its own roots, definition, and related words.

The proto- root means first, from Greek protos. Recognizing it helps you decode and remember the many English words built on this root.