What is ancestor definition?

An ancestor is a person who is related to you by blood and comes before you in your family tree. Ancestors can be of any generation and may be a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, or even farther back in the family lineage. The term "ancestor" is typically used to refer to those who lived in the past, but are still part of an individual's family history and heritage. Discovering information about one’s ancestors can be an essential part of genealogical research, which involves tracing lineage back through generations to uncover family connections, migration patterns, and personal stories.