Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

progenitor

noun
ext{prə-ˈje-nə-tər}
Definition
A person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is descended or originates.
Examples
  • The scientist studied the DNA of the progenitor species to understand evolution.
  • Her great-grandfather is a proud progenitor of their family lineage.
  • In many cultures, they honor their progenitors through storytelling and tradition.
Meaning
A progenitor is an ancestor or a forebear, often referring to an early ancestor of a family or a species.
Synonyms
  • ancestor
  • forebear
  • forefather
  • precursor
  • predecessor