Meaning of the word ancestor in English

What does ancestor mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

ancestor

US /ˈæn.ses.tɚ/
UK /ˈæn.ses.tɚ/
"ancestor" picture

Noun

1.

a person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended

Example:
My ancestors came from Ireland.
We can trace our family back to a famous ancestor.
2.

a prototype or early version of something

Example:
The first steam engine was an ancestor of modern locomotives.
This early computer is the direct ancestor of today's powerful machines.
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