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 Words From

• pro·gen·i·to·ri·al [proh-jen-i-, tawr, -ee-, uh, l, -, tohr, -], adjective
• pro·geni·tor·ship 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

Because these "progenitor" T cells retain tremendous anti-tumor potential, there is great interest in determining how to maintain them and the mechanisms that promote their transition into the non-functional exhausted T cell.

From Science Daily

With its truncheonlike guitar riff and haunting aura that called to mind a rock ’n’ roll “Dies Irae,” the song is considered a progenitor of heavy metal and encapsulated Mr. Ingle’s ambition at the time:

From New York Times

Herders sometimes favor hybridization because genes from wild progenitors are thought to enhance the hardiness of domestic stock.

From Science Daily

The study explored a rare form of mast cells called myeloid progenitors in blood, in patients with the condition.

From Science Daily

"From our expertise, we can ask the questions of how to target the hematopoietic stem cell and now the megakaryocyte progenitor, which has never really been highlighted before as a place to target," Poscablo said.

From Science Daily