Progenitor

usgb/prəʊˈdʒenɪtər/
noun

A person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is developed.

He could be considered a progenitor of modern chemistry.
Visual representation of "progenitor" - A person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is developed.

Often appears as...

  • progenitor cell
  • progenitor species
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "progenitor"
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Historical Relevance

Use 'progenitor' to highlight a historical connection or influence on present entities.

Illustration for Historical Relevance
The Greek philosophers were the progenitors of Western philosophy.
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Biological Context

'Progenitor' is often used in biology to discuss origins of species or cells.

Illustration for Biological Context
These fossils represent the progenitors of modern birds.
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Not Contemporary

It usually refers to something that existed in the past, not current individuals or entities.

Illustration for Not Contemporary
The steam engine was a progenitor to modern locomotives.
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Compare with

ancestorforebearforefatherfounderoriginatorpatriarchprecursorpredecessor
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Visual representation of the word "Progenitor"

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