Synonyms: proto
Definition: indicating the first or earliest or original
Usage: `proto' is a combining form in a word like `protolanguage' that refers to the hypothetical ancestor of another language or group of languages
Similar words: early
Definition: at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
Usage: early morning; an early warning; early diagnosis; an early death; took early retirement; an early spring; early varieties of peas and tomatoes mature before most standard varieties