parent

noun | par·ent
  1. a : a person who begets or brings forth offspring; especially : the natural parents of a child born of their marriage : the natural parents of a child born of their marriage

    b : a person who legally adopts a child

    c : a person or entity that owes to a child a legally imposed duty of support

    d : a stepparent where designated by statute

  1. : an entity or group that gives rise to or acquires another usually subsidiary entity or group a parent company; specifically : a corporation that owns a required minimum percentage of the stock of another corporation — compare affiliate : a corporation that owns a required minimum percentage of the stock of another corporation — compare affiliate