progenitor

/proʊˈdʒɛnɪtər/
noun
  1. A person or thing that comes before and is the origin of something; an ancestor or precursor.
    • The ancient Greeks are often considered the progenitors of modern democracy.
    • She traced her family tree back to the progenitor who first arrived in America.
    • This early computer model was the progenitor of today's smartphones.
  2. A person who originates or creates something new, such as an idea, movement, or invention.
    • Marie Curie is a progenitor of modern nuclear physics.
    • The artist is regarded as a progenitor of the abstract expressionist movement.
    • He was the progenitor of a new style of jazz that influenced generations of musicians.
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