progenitor

[proh-jen-i-ter]

noun

1. a biologically related ancestor.

   a progenitor of the species.

2. a person or thing that first indicates a direction, originates something, or serves as a model; predecessor; precursor.

   the progenitor of modern painting.

progenitor

/ prəʊˈdʒɛnɪtə /

noun

1. a direct ancestor

2. an originator or founder of a future development; precursor

Other Word Forms

• progenitorial adjective
• progenitorship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of progenitor¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin prōgenitor the founder of a family. See pro- ¹, genitor

Word History and Origins

Origin of progenitor¹

C14: from Latin: ancestor, from _pro- ¹ + genitor parent, from gignere to beget

Example Sentences

There are nods to traditional Korean folk painting, a Korean guide to the afterlife, the progenitors of K-pop and everyday mannerisms.

From Los Angeles Times

After living in the shadow of its wildly popular U.K. progenitor, “Love Island USA” became a hit last year with a genuinely love-filled Season 6.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Jurassic” films have been fighting this war between characters and carnage since their 1993 progenitor.

From Salon

As the progenitor of the concept, Harvard Professor Joseph Nye, put it: “Seduction is always more effective than coercion. And many of our values, such as democracy, human rights, and individual opportunity, are deeply seductive.”

From Salon

Only much later do we, and he, come to understand that the absent Soprano progenitor is more to blame for influencing his son’s behavioral shortcomings than Tony first imagines.

From Salon