Definitions

1. noun

A person from whom one is descended; a parent, grandparent, etc., or a more remote forebear.

“Her ancestor was a famous explorer.”

2. verb

To make (someone or something) an ancestor of someone or something else.

“The new discovery will ancestor a new branch of the family tree.”

3. noun

A person from whom a plant or animal is descended, especially one that is native to a particular region.

“The ancestors of the modern species have been identified.”