progenitor

/prəˈdʒɛnɪɾər/

/prəˈdʒɛnɪtə/

Other forms: progenitors

While any ancestor can be a progenitor, or previous member of a family line, the word is usually applied to someone who was an originator of or major contributor to the characteristics of that line.

The word progenitor can be traced to the Latin prōgignere, which means "to beget," and so is linked to the beginning of a genealogical line. The clue comes in the "gen" part, meaning "birth, procreation," and signifying the genetic contribution of an ancestor to a family line. Prō- means "forward," and the -tor suffix indicates someone doing an action — so a progenitor is someone who gives rise to a family line.

Definitions of progenitor

1. noun

   an ancestor in the direct line
   synonyms: primogenitor

   types:

   genitor

   a natural father or mother

   parent

   a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

   type of:

   ancestor, antecedent, ascendant, ascendent, root

   someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)