Meaning & Definition of word "Ancestor"

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.