Progenitor - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A progenitor is an ancestor or originator of something, such as a person, idea, or species. It often refers to the earliest form or direct predecessor in a lineage or development.
Definition:
An ancestor or originator of something, especially a person, idea, or line of descent.
Synonyms:
ancestor, forebear, precursor, originator
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
descendant, offspring
Common Collocations:
progenitor cell, progenitor species, intellectual progenitor
Derivatives:
progenitive, progeniture
Usage Tips:
Use "progenitor" to refer to the earliest known or most influential source of something.
Common Phrases:
progenitor of modern art, progenitor of the dynasty, intellectual progenitor
Etymology:
From Latin "progenitor," meaning "ancestor," from "pro-" (forward) + "gignere" (to beget).
Examples:
- 1. The progenitor of this theory lived centuries ago.
- 2. She is considered the progenitor of modern dance techniques.
- 3. The ancient tree is a progenitor of many hybrid species today.
- 4. His ideas were the progenitor of the entire movement.