What is the Greek meaning of prokaryote?

The term "prokaryote" doesn't have a direct Greek meaning in the sense of a single word translating to "prokaryote." It's a compound word formed from Greek roots:

* pro- (πρό): meaning "before" or "in front of"

* karyon (κάρυον): meaning "kernel" or "nut," referring to the nucleus.

Therefore, prokaryote literally means "before the nucleus" or "pre-nucleus," reflecting the absence of a membrane-bound nucleus in these cells.