breeder

American  

[bree-der] / ˈbri dər /

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.

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breeder British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nonbreeder noun

Etymology

Origin of breeder

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

Example Sentences

A tenth of that sum was earmarked for farmers and livestock breeders.

From Barron's

The French cattle breeder added she fears "mass imports of meat that do not meet France's specifications."

From Barron's

The improved genome offers breeders across the industry a more precise way to select animals for desirable traits.

From Science Daily

He said the problem was irresponsible breeders were breeding high DNA content animals that were "perfectly legal on paper".

From BBC

"Diversity among dogs isn't just a product of Victorian breeders, but instead a legacy of thousands of years of coevolution with human societies."

From Science Daily

Related Words

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