Meaning of the word proto in English

What does proto mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

proto

US /proʊ.t̬oʊ-/
UK /prəʊ.təʊ-/

Prefix

first; earliest; original

Example:
The proto-language of Indo-European is a hypothetical construct.
This fossil represents a proto-bird species.
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