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

Howard Dill, a Canadian pumpkin breeder, crossed and then certified the Dill’s Atlantic Giant pumpkin variety about 40 years ago.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And Nigeria has “totally lacked any indication of political will” to go after Fulani militias, which are backed by the country’s powerful cattle breeders, says Nina Shea of the Hudson Institute.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

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