'prokaryote' originates from Greek, specifically the prefix 'pro-' and the word 'karyon', where 'pro-' meant 'before' and 'karyon' meant 'nut' or 'kernel' (used for 'nucleus').

'prokaryote' was coined in the early 20th century (notably used by Édouard Chatton in 1925) from Greek roots to contrast with 'eukaryote' and became established in scientific English usage.

Initially it meant 'an organism whose cell structure is "before" the nucleus' (i.e., lacking a true nucleus); this basic meaning has remained, though scientific classifications and nuances have evolved.