ancestor
UK: ˈænsestə | US: ˈænˌsɛstɚ
n. a person from whom one is descended, typically more remote than a grandparent
n. an early form of a species, concept, or object that precedes later versions
The word "ancestor" traces back to Latin antecessor (one who goes before), combining ante- (before) and cedere (to go). Over time, it evolved into Old French ancestre, then Middle English auncestre, before settling into its modern form. The morphemes reflect the idea of "one who came before," logically linking lineage and precedence.
My great-grandfather is my earliest known ancestor.
Scientists study the ancestor of modern birds to understand evolution.
This ancient tool is the ancestor of today’s kitchen gadgets.
She researched her ancestors to build a family tree.
The wolf is believed to be the ancestor of domestic dogs.