scion
UK: ˈsaɪən | US: ˈsaɪən
n. a descendant or heir, especially of a wealthy or prominent family
n. a shoot or twig of a plant, especially one cut for grafting
The word "scion" traces back to the Latin secare (to cut), reflecting its horticultural use for plant shoots cut for grafting. Over time, it metaphorically extended to human descendants, symbolizing continuity and inheritance—much like a grafted plant carries forward the traits of its parent. The dual connection to "cutting" and "knowledge" (via Latin scientia) adds depth, though the primary modern meaning focuses on lineage.
The young entrepreneur was regarded as a scion of the tech industry's founding family.
Gardeners carefully selected a healthy scion to graft onto the rootstock.
As the last scion of the dynasty, he bore immense pressure to uphold its legacy.
The apple tree thrived after the scion took root.
Medieval nobility often married scions of other powerful houses to strengthen alliances.