progenitor

pro·gen·i·tor  (pr-jn-tr)

n.

1. A direct ancestor. See Synonyms at ancestor.

2. An originator of a line of descent; a precursor.

3. An originator; a founder: progenitors of the new music.

---

[Middle English progenitour, from Old French progeniteur, from Latin prgenitor, from prgenitus, past participle of prgignere, to beget : pr-, forward; see pro-¹ + gignere, gen-, to beget; see gen- in Indo-European roots.]

---

progenitor [pro-jen-it-er]

Noun

1. a direct ancestor

2. an originator or founder [Latin: ancestor]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

progenitor - an ancestor in the direct line primogenitor ancestor, antecedent, ascendant, ascendent, root - someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent) genitor - a natural father or mother

---

progenitor

noun 1. ancestor, parent, forebear, forefather, begetter, procreator, primogenitor

noun 2. originator, source, predecessor, precursor, forerunner, antecedent, instigator