progenitor

[proh-jen-i-ter]

progenitor Definition

  • 1a direct ancestor
  • 2a person or thing that first indicates a direction, originates something, or serves as a model
  • 3a source from which something develops

Using progenitor: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "progenitor" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Charles Darwin is considered the progenitor of evolutionary theory.

  • Example

    The Model T Ford was the progenitor of modern automobiles.

  • Example

    The ancient Greeks are the progenitors of Western civilization.

progenitor Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for progenitor

Phrases with progenitor

  • a biological cell that can differentiate into one or more types of specialized cells

    Example

    Progenitor cells are important in the development of new therapies for diseases.

  • a virus that is the ancestor of a group of related viruses

    Example

    The progenitor virus of HIV is believed to have originated in chimpanzees.

  • a star that is the precursor to a supernova

    Example

    A progenitor star is a massive star that has exhausted its fuel and is about to explode.

Origins of progenitor

from Latin 'progenitor', meaning 'ancestor'

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Summary: progenitor in Brief

The term 'progenitor' [proh-jen-i-ter] refers to a direct ancestor, a source from which something develops, or a person or thing that first indicates a direction or serves as a model. Examples include Charles Darwin as the progenitor of evolutionary theory and the Model T Ford as the progenitor of modern automobiles. The term extends into scientific contexts such as 'progenitor cell' and 'progenitor virus.'