n. & v.
--n.
1. a person who has begotten or borne offspring; a father or mother.
2 a person who has adopted a child.
3 a forefather.
4 an animal or plant from which others are derived.
5 a source or origin.
6 an initiating organization or enterprise.
--v.tr. (also absol.) be a parent of.
Phrases and idioms:
parent company a company of which other companies are subsidiaries. parent-teacher association a local organization of parents and teachers for promoting closer relations and improving educational facilities at a school.
Derivatives:
parental adj. parentally adv. parenthood n.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L parens parentis f. parere bring forth