Definition of pedigree
1 : a register recording a line of ancestors The pedigree traces the family back to the 18th century.
2a : an ancestral line : lineage That horse has an impressive pedigree.b : the origin and the history of something Democracy's pedigree stretches back to ancient Greece.; broadly : background, history
3a : a distinguished ancestry actions spoke louder than pedigrees in the trenches — Dixon Wecterb : the recorded purity of breed of an individual or strain vouch for a horse's pedigree
From the M-W Editors
Examples of pedigree in a sentence
That horse has an impressive pedigree.
What is the dog's pedigree?
The puppy came with papers proving its pedigree.
Democracy is an idea with a pedigree stretching back to ancient Greece.
The company has an excellent pedigree with over a century in the business.
Origin and Etymology of pedigree
Middle English pedegru, from Anglo-French pé de grue, literally, crane's foot; from the shape made by the lines of a genealogical chart
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Genetics Terms
PEDIGREE Defined for English Language Learners
pedigree
playDefinition of pedigree for English Language Learners
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: the history of the family members in a person's or animal's past especially when it is good or impressive
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: the origin and history of something especially when it is good or impressive
PEDIGREE Defined for Kids
pedigree
playDefinition of pedigree for Students
1 : a table or list showing the line of ancestors of a person or animal
2 : a line of ancestors
Medical Dictionary
pedigree
playMedical Definition of pedigree
: a record of the ancestry of an individual the pedigree of a diabetic patient
Learn More about pedigree
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See words that rhyme with pedigree Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pedigree Spanish Central: Translation of pedigree Nglish: Translation of pedigree for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pedigree for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pedigree
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