provenance

American  

[prov-uh-nuhns, -nahns] / ˈprɒv ə nəns, -ˌnɑns /

noun

1. place or source of origin.

   The provenance of the ancient manuscript has never been determined.

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provenance British  

/ ˈprɒvɪnəns, prəʊˈviːnɪəns /

noun

1. a place of origin, esp that of a work of art or archaeological specimen

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Etymology

Origin of provenance

1860–65; < French, derivative of provenant, present participle of provenir < Latin prōvenīre to come forth; pro- ¹, convene, -ant

Example Sentences

In other words, a significant number of multiracial Americans will “airbrush” their polyglot lineage and instead focus on their European provenance.

From Salon

The cabins had documents that falsely identified their provenance.

From The Wall Street Journal

A Propstore spokesperson previously said: "With only a handful of costumes believed to have been made for the film, this remarkable provenance makes it an exceptionally desirable piece of Christmas movie history."

From BBC

It doesn’t need to be fresh or precious — some of the best versions come from tins with quietly excellent provenance.

From Salon

Its provenance was certified through methods including X-ray imaging and pigment analysis, he added.

From Barron's

Related Words

• origin