breeder

[bree-der]

noun

1. an animal, plant, or person that produces offspring or reproduces.

2. a person who raises animals or plants primarily for breeding purposes.

3. Also called breeder reactor. Energy.,  a nuclear reactor in which more fissile material is produced than is consumed.

4. Slang: Sometimes Offensive.,  a term used by gay people to refer to a heterosexual person.

5. Slang: Sometimes Offensive.,  a term used especially by child-free people to refer to a biological parent.

breeder

/ ˈbriːdə /

noun

1. a person who breeds plants or animals

2. something that reproduces, esp to excess

   rabbits are persistent breeders

3. an animal kept for breeding purposes

4. a source or cause

   a breeder of discontent

5. short for breeder reactor

Other Word Forms

• nonbreeder noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of breeder¹

First recorded in 1525–35; breed + -er ¹

Example Sentences

So how did a small plant breeder in Somerset end up selling tropical plants all over the world?

Read more on BBC

If plant breeders can learn to trigger or replicate this activation of WUS-D1, it may be possible to create new wheat varieties that produce more kernels per plant.

Read more on Science Daily

Fruit breeders across the country have been racing to create crispier, more flavorful apples that will capture consumer loyalty like the Honeycrisp—but are easier to grow.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Callison said lawmakers should next turn their focus to requiring California breeders to be licensed, similar to standards in Iowa, Missouri and other states.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Could the solution, then, be to licence breeders themselves?

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• adviser 
• coach 
• handler 
• mentor 
• professor 
• tutor