progenitor (C1)

noun

Pronunciation: /prəʊˈdʒenɪtər/

Definition

An ancestor or parent, especially one from whom a lineage or line of descent has sprung.

Examples

• The company's founder is considered the progenitor of its innovative culture.

• This new species is believed to be a progenitor of modern dogs.

• He traced his family history back to a distant progenitor in the 17th century.

How to Use progenitor

progenitor of (prepositional phrase)

The original source or ancestor of something. — "The Roman Empire was the progenitor of many modern European legal systems."

Synonyms of progenitor

Words with a similar meaning to progenitor:

• ancestor
• forebear
• predecessor
• originator

Antonyms of progenitor

Words with the opposite meaning to progenitor:

• descendant
• successor

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