Progenitor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ
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progenitor

[prษ™หˆdส’ษ›nษชtษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

ancestor

A person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is descended or originates; an ancestor or parent.

Synonyms

ancestor, forebear, forefather, precursor, source.

Examples of usage

  • The wolf is considered the progenitor of the domestic dog.
  • She traced her ancestry back to an African tribal chief, her progenitor.
  • The company is often regarded as the progenitor of modern technology.
  • The progenitor of the modern computer can be traced back to the invention of the abacus.
  • The ancient Greeks are considered the progenitors of Western civilization.
Context #2 | Noun

originator

A person or thing that originates or creates something; an originator or founder.

Synonyms

creator, founder, innovator, originator, pioneer.

Examples of usage

  • Thomas Edison is considered the progenitor of the electric light bulb.
  • Leonardo da Vinci is often seen as the progenitor of modern painting techniques.
  • Shakespeare is regarded as the progenitor of modern literature.
  • The Beatles are considered the progenitors of modern rock music.
  • The Wright brothers are the progenitors of modern aviation.

Translations

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Origin of 'progenitor'

The word 'progenitor' comes from the Latin word 'progenitor', which is derived from 'pro-' (forth, before) and 'genitor' (begetter, generator). It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to ancestors or parents, and later expanded to include the idea of originators or creators. 'Progenitor' has been a key term in genealogy and biology, highlighting the importance of tracing lineage and understanding origins.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,560, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.