parent

[ pair-uhnt, par- ]

noun

1. a father or a mother.
2. an ancestor, precursor, or progenitor.
3. a source, origin, or cause.
4. a protector or guardian.
5. Biology. any organism that produces or generates another.
6. Physics. the first nuclide in a radioactive series.

adjective

1. being the original source:

   a parent organization.

2. Biology. pertaining to an organism, cell, or complex molecular structure that generates or produces another:

   parent cell;

   parent DNA.

verb (used with object)

1. to be or act as parent of:

   to parent children with both love and discipline.

parent

/ ˈpɛərənt /

noun

1. a father or mother
2. a person acting as a father or mother; guardian
3. rare.
   an ancestor
4. a source or cause
5. 1. an organism or organization that has produced one or more organisms or organizations similar to itself
   2. ( as modifier )

      a parent organism

6. physics chem
   1. a precursor, such as a nucleus or compound, of a derived entity
   2. ( as modifier )

      a parent ion

      a parent nucleus

Derived Forms

• ˈparenthood, noun

Other Words From

• parent·less adjective
• parent·like adjective
• non·parent noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of parent¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin parent-, stem of parēns, noun use of present participle of parere “to bring forth, breed”

Word History and Origins

Origin of parent¹

C15: via Old French from Latin parens parent, from parere to bring forth

Example Sentences

Her parents did not attend the inquest hearing after expressing what Mr Henry said was a "wholly understandable" wish to be excused.

From BBC

When officers contacted the driver, they discovered it was a teenager who had taken his parent’s vehicle without permission.

From Los Angeles Times

Around him, tiny peach trees the size of pencils stand above the browning grass underneath their parent tree.

From Salon

Have you pulled from your experiences being a parent to play Ms. Howard?

From Salon

Mr Pownall told jurors Thomas had been through "a lot of stressful situations" including his parents' separation, and there was "alleged domestic violence".

From BBC

Related Words

• father
• mother