prop-

prefix

Denoting the presence of 3 carbon atoms in the parent chain when forming names of organic compounds.

OriginFrench propionique ← Ancient Greek πρῶτος →
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Meanings

prefix
  1. chemistryDenoting the presence of 3 carbon atoms in the parent chain when forming names of organic compounds.

Origin

  1. Ancient Greekπρῶτος“first”
  2. Frenchpropionique
  3. Englishprop-

By false splitting from propionic or directly from French propionique. Ultimately from Ancient Greek πρῶτος (prôtos, “first”) and πίων (píōn, “fat”).

More words from French, Ancient Greek

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

prop-. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/prop-

MLA

“prop-.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/prop-. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “prop-,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/prop-.

Source: prop- on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.