Definition

1. Noun:

   • A record of ancestry or lineage: A pedigree is a documented chart or list showing the line of descent of a person, animal, or plant, especially to demonstrate pure breeding.
   • The origin or history of something: It can refer to the background or history that establishes the quality or authenticity of something.
   • Ancestry or lineage itself: The word can also mean the line of ancestors from which a person, animal, or plant is descended.

2. Adjective:

   • Having a known and pure lineage: Used to describe an animal, especially a domesticated one like a dog or horse, whose ancestry is recorded and certifies it as purebred.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The kennel club requires a detailed pedigree for each registered dog.
  • This invention has an impressive pedigree, tracing back to several key patents in the 1980s.
  • She is proud of her aristocratic pedigree.

• Adjective:

  • They bought a pedigree Labrador Retriever from a reputable breeder.

Advanced Usage

• "of impeccable pedigree": Used to describe something or someone with an outstanding and flawless background or lineage.

  • The violinist, of impeccable musical pedigree, studied under the greatest masters.

• "pedigree analysis": A term used in genetics and breeding for the study of an organism's ancestry to track the inheritance of traits.

  • Pedigree analysis is crucial for identifying hereditary diseases in the family.

Variants and Related Words

• Pedigreed (Adjective): An alternative form of the adjective 'pedigree'.
  • A pedigreed cat often commands a higher price.

Synonyms

• Lineage: Line of descent from an ancestor.
• Ancestry: One's family or ethnic descent.
• Genealogy: A study and charting of family lineages.
• Bloodline: A sequence of direct ancestors, especially in animals.

Related Phrases

• "Pedigree chart": A diagram showing the relationships between individuals across generations.
  • The geneticist drew a pedigree chart to visualize the inheritance pattern.

Idioms

• "To have a good pedigree": To come from a respected or successful background. This can apply to people, ideas, or objects.
  • The new CEO has a good pedigree, having worked for the top firms in the industry.

Adjective

1. having a list of ancestors as proof of being a purebred animal

Noun

1. ancestry of a purebred animal
2. line of descent of a purebred animal
3. the descendants of one individual
   • his entire lineage has been warriors