protomartyr

noun

pro·​to·​mar·​tyr ˈprō-tō-ˌmär-tər How to pronounce protomartyr (audio)
: the first martyr in a cause or region

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prothomartir, from Middle French, from Late Latin protomartyr, from Late Greek prōtomartyr-, prōtomartys, from Greek prōt- + martyr-, martys martyr

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protomartyr was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near protomartyr

protomammal

protomartyr

Protomastigida

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Cite this Entry

“Protomartyr.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protomartyr. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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