Meaning & Definition of word "Ancestor"

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    Ancestor

    /ˈæn.ses.tər/

    noun:

    • 1. A person from whom one is descended; an forebear.
      • Example: My grandfather is an ancestor whom I never met, but I've heard many stories about him.
    • 2. An early type of plant or animal from which others have evolved.
      • Example: The ancestor of the modern horse was much smaller and lived in forests.
    • 3. A forerunner or predecessor of a particular person or thing.
      • Example: The ancient Greeks are considered the ancestors of Western civilization.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'antecessor', meaning 'one who goes before; predecessor'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    blood ancestor:

    A direct ancestor related by blood.

    common ancestor:

    An ancestor shared by two or more individuals.

    Related Words

    descendant:

    A person, animal, or plant that is descended from a particular ancestor.

    genealogy:

    The study of family ancestries and histories.

    heritage:

    Property that is or may be inherited; an inheritance.

    Slang Meanings of ancestor

    Meaning: Ancestorial

    Example Sentence: Dude, that's some real ancestorial wisdom you're tapping into.